Portland-area residents looking to make some changes to their neighborhood greenery might need to exercise a bit more patience these days. According to a recent update from Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry, there's a bit of a logjam when it comes to tree permit requests and inquiries, a situation triggered by the removal of application fees last month and concerns over the spread of the emerald ash borer beetle — a pesky invader putting the region's ash trees at risk.
As the city tightens its fiscal belt, the Urban Forestry Department is currently understaffed, and combined with the surge in the volume of permit applications made since fees got axed, response times are stretching further than ever before. Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and promised to communicate any updates regarding changes to the estimated turnaround times.
In the interim, for those facing more pressing arbor-related hazards, such as a tree obstructing a public street or sidewalk, immediate action is advised. The department operates a 24-hour dispatch line at 503-823-TREE (8733) and advises calling instead of emailing for emergencies to avoid delays.
