In Salem, the regulations for privately-owned trees and City-owned trees are different. The first step in understanding which tree regulations apply is to identify your property boundaries. You need to determine if the tree or planting location is on your property. 

The area between your property line and the street is owned by the City. Trees located in this strip are considered City-owned trees. Similarly, trees in Salem parks and other City-owned properties are also classified as City-owned trees. 

You can use your property's tax lot number to look up the tax assessor’s map that includes your lot. Assessor’s maps are regularly updated and drawn to scale based on the latest recorded surveys and plats of the area. These maps usually show the dimensions of all sides of your property, but they do not display the location of buildings, driveways, or other improvements. Assessor's maps can help you locate property corner pins on your property. County tax assessor maps for Marion and Polk counties are available at www.ormap.net.

The City can provide information based on available records, satellite images, and aerial imagery from our mapping programs. This information is often the quickest way to determine whether a tree is on private property or City property. You can contact Development Services at 503-584-4646 for assistance. 

If there is an existing structure on the property that required building permits, the City may have an archived copy of the original building plans on file. These plans may include a site plan showing the property boundaries and lot dimensions. To obtain old site plans, you must make a public records request through the City's Legal Department. 

A licensed surveyor can help you locate your property lines. They can determine if the trees in question or potential planting location is within your property. This professional assistance can provide clarity and ensure compliance with local regulations. 

Some trees are protected by specific laws. These laws can be found in the Salem Revised Code Chapters 86, 807, and 808. You must apply for a permit from the City of Salem to remove a protected tree, even if it is on private property. Certain requirements must be met for the tree removal permit to be granted. Understanding these rules is important because it helps protect valuable trees in our community and ensures that tree removal is done safely and responsibly. 

Protected Trees

Protected trees include:

Significant Trees

• Oregon white oaks that are 20 inches or more in diameter at breast height (4.5 feet above ground level).
• Trees of any species that are 30 inches or more in diameter at breast height, except for tree of heaven, empress tree, black cottonwood, and black locust.

Heritage Trees

• Trees designated by the City Council because of their location, size, age, botanical interest, or historic or cultural significance.

Riparian Trees

• Trees and native plants located in Riparian Corridors, which are within about 50 feet of a waterway. 

City-owned Trees

• Trees owned by the City of Salem that are located in the street right-of-way, City parks, and other City-owned properties. 

Other Protected Trees

• Certain trees on lots over 20,000 square feet.
• Trees preserved in Tree Conservation Plans.
• Trees that are part of required landscaping for businesses, schools, and apartment complexes.

The City of Salem Urban Forestry Division is responsible for City-owned trees located in the street right-of-way, City parks, and City facilities. The Urban Forester conducts health inspections of these trees. They will prune or remove street trees and park trees that are found to be hazardous, dead, or dying. 

To request that a tree be inspected for safety or to be pruned or removed, call Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311. If you want to remove a City-owned tree for other reasons, you will need to apply for a tree removal permit. Following these guidelines helps keep our community safe and ensures that we care for our trees properly. 

Private Property

On private property, you do not need a permit for normal trimming or pruning that helps keep your trees healthy. However, excessive pruning of a protected tree that causes damage or decline is treated as removal. For protected trees, the following pruning activities are considered the same as removal: 

• Removing 30 percent or more of a protected tree’s crown, trunk, or root system.
• Damaging a protected tree in a way that causes it to decline or die. 
• Topping the tree. 

City Property

The City of Salem Urban Forestry Division takes care of structural pruning, clearance pruning, and deadwood removal for all street trees. If you want to prune these trees, you generally need a permit from Public Works Development Services. However, if the street tree is over 4 inches in diameter at breast height (12.5 inches in circumference), you can prune it without a permit as long as: 

• You prune no more than three tree branches and three tree roots per year. 
• None of the branches or roots you remove are larger than 2 inches in diameter. 
• You follow accepted arboricultural practices. 

To request that a City-owned tree be placed on the Urban Forester’s inspection and life/safety pruning list, please call Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6311. Following these guidelines ensures the health and safety of our trees in the community. 

Private Property

You do not need a permit to plant trees on private property. 

If you want to get low-cost or free trees and help with planting them, the City of Salem offers three programs for private property owners. Two of these programs are specifically for streamside residences, while the third is available in different neighborhoods each year. For more information, visit our Tree Planting page. 

City Property 

To plant trees on City property, you must obtain a permit from Public Works Development Services. 

Street Trees

The Urban Forestry Division maintains a list of trees that can be planted in the planter strips along streets. You can use this list to help choose the right tree for your planting location. After you submit your permit application, the Urban Forestry Division will conduct a site evaluation, speak with you, and give final approval for your street tree choices. 

Volunteer Tree Planting Events

Visit our Tree Planting page to learn more about volunteer opportunities for planting trees in City parks. Participating in these events is a great way to contribute to the community and enhance our green spaces. 

When you develop your property, you may need to remove trees. This process is part of your site plan review approval or through a Tree Conservation Plan that you must get approved with your residential development proposal. 

Importance of Tree Removal Guidelines

Understanding the rules for tree removal is important for anyone planning to develop land. These guidelines help protect the environment and ensure that development is done responsibly. By following these rules, you can create a safe and attractive space for your community. 

Site Plan Review

Tree removal related to development is assessed during the site plan review process. This review applies to projects that need a building permit. It includes expansions, alterations, paving or modifying parking areas, paving unpaved areas, changing a use without needing a building permit, and making changes to a building's exterior in certain zones. 

Tree Conservation Plans

If you are creating lots for single-family or middle-family housing, such as townhouses, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and cottage clusters, you must submit a Tree Conservation Plan. This plan specifies which trees can be removed and which must stay during development. 

Tree Variances

Sometimes, you may need to request a Tree Variance. This allows you to make changes to the required tree protections if it is necessary for the lawful development of your property. 

Required Landscaping for Businesses, Schools, and Apartment Complexes

All commercial developments, including public and private entities and apartment complexes, must set aside some of their property for trees and landscaping. The required trees and landscaping must be kept in good condition to ensure a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance. You can learn more on the Landscaping for Businesses page.

Contact Information

For more information about tree protection requirements and the application process, please contact Development Services at developmentservices@cityofsalem.net or call 503-584-4646.

Learn more:

Site Plan Review

Land Use Applications

Land Use Application Procedure Types

Landscaping for Businesses, Schools, and Apartment Complexes