Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry Crews Respond to Nearly 50 Tree Emergencies

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) Urban Forestry staff are working to clear downed trees and branches at 45 sites across the Rose City. There are 12 PP&R arborists able to address emergencies affecting the more than 1.2 million trees in Portland’s parks and natural areas, and nearly 220,000 street trees.

Aborist Dan Birkholz with chainsaw on NE 43rd Ave. (photo Portland Parks & Rec)“Everyone at Portland Parks & Recreation’s Urban Forestry team is committed to keeping our community and our trees healthy and safe,” says Portland City Forester Jenn Cairo. “Our skilled and knowledgeable team members were on the streets all night and will continue addressing tree emergencies all day.”

Reports of tree-related emergencies began to come in at 6 p.m. on Monday, September 7. Urban Forestry crews are addressing the most critical issues first, working to mitigate safety issues and to clear paths for first responders and other vehicles. Non-emergency tree work is being delayed until critical City services are completed.

Staff are currently addressing trees blocking the roads at SW Terwilliger Boulevard and Capitol Highway, and at NE 28th Avenue and Couch Street. While storm impacts are city-wide, areas along the Columbia River and near the airport are particularly affected as well.

For help, questions:

To report a tree-related emergency (downed tree or large limb, NOT small branches), call 503-823-TREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For non-emergency questions about trees located anywhere in the City of Portland, visit Urban Forestry online.

When they are not working to assist in emergency response, the four Urban Forestry Tree Technicians and temporary support staff are reachable via email at [email protected] or phone. They can help with information and permits around trees on private properties, tree regulations, planting information, and more. Urban Forestry outreach staff focus on science and education efforts such as free tree stewardship trainings for Portlanders, their annual Yard Tree Giveaways in autumn, and equitable tree planting efforts.