Portland residents are encouraged to prepare for planting. To address the declining tree canopy in the city, Portland Parks & Recreation's (PP&R) Urban Forestry division is distributing free trees for residents to plant in their backyards. This year, with additional funding from the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF), they are offering 3,000 trees, an increase from 2,000 in previous years. According to a City of Portland announcement, City Forester Jenn Cairo said, "We know that the tree cover in Portland has been in decline in recent years, and these tree giveaway events are a key part in reversing that trend and making our city more green."
The giveaway is part of Portland's broader initiative to expand its urban forest, particularly in areas known as "heat islands," which are often located east of the Willamette River, according to the city's announcement. To address these high-temperature zones, which generally have fewer trees, Urban Forestry is focusing on tree pickup events in the impacted neighborhoods. For residents unable to visit a pickup location, PP&R is also providing delivery of trees directly to homes in areas such as Parkrose, Parkrose Heights, Argay, Montavilla, Hazelwood, and Mill Park.
Residents interested in receiving a tree must register in advance and are limited to two trees per address. These trees are intended for planting on private property, not in public streets or container gardens. According to PP&R's guidelines, the trees must be planted within the City of Portland, whether in a single-family garden, an apartment complex, or a common area of a neighborhood, provided that property owner approval is obtained. Eligibility also extends to businesses, schools, and places of worship, contributing to a greener future for various Portland landscapes.
The benefits of having an extra tree or two are well-documented. In addition to enhancing visual appeal, trees provide shade, help cool homes and neighborhoods, improve air quality, and offer habitats for wildlife. "Trees help keep Portland green and healthy," Jenn Cairo told Portland Parks & Recreation. They also play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change, which is significant for a city recognized for its environmental awareness.
Within PP&R's Urban Forestry division lies an extensive forest infrastructure that includes more than 236,000 street trees and 1.2 million park trees, along with approximately 2.9 million trees on private property. This green resource is valued at over $6 billion, according to department estimates. Urban Forestry not only distributes free trees but also responds to emergencies 24/7, issues planting permits, promotes community awareness, and leads the city's Urban Forest Plan.
