TL;DR (generated, confidence: high)

Portland requires a Tree Preservation Inspection before ground-disturbing activities to verify root protection zone setup. The page provides instructions for requesting inspections, post-construction tree care requirements, and lifelong tree protection practices.

Key points:

Call Request for Inspection phone number and use IRV code 507 to schedule a Tree Preservation Inspection before ground-disturbing activity (Tree Preservation Inspections ↗)
Urban Forestry Tree Inspector verifies root protection fencing installation as marked on site plans; inspections available for day or evening (Tree Preservation Inspections ↗)
Root Protection Zone must be established for both Prescriptive Path and Performance Path tree protection methods (Tree Preservation Inspections ↗)
Post-construction: remove barriers, inspect trees, mulch/prune/irrigate, maintain inspection schedule for 3-5 years (Tree Preservation Inspections ↗)
Apply for Removal Permit for trees in irreversible decline after construction completion (Tree Preservation Inspections ↗)
Long-term protection: maintain grass-free mulched area (mulch not touching trunk), keep machinery away, prevent soil contamination and compaction (Tree Preservation Inspections ↗)
Request Field Issuance Remodel permits by calling Urban Forestry at (503) 823-8733 (Tree Preservation Inspections ↗)

Tree Preservation Inspections

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Source: Tree Preservation Inspections ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:11:35 GMT

Main Points

Before any ground-disturbing activity starts, get a Tree Preservation Inspection done**.**
Whether you choose the Prescriptive Path ↗ or Performance Path ↗ to protect your trees during construction, a Root Protection Zone must be set up.

Request a Tree Preservation Inspection

Call the Request for Inspection and Inspection Results phone number (right side of this page under Contacts) to set up an inspection.
Use the IRV code 507.
An Urban Forestry Tree Inspector will come out to the site.
- They'll make sure root protection fencing is properly installed as marked on the site plans that are on-site.
- Inspections can be scheduled for either day or evening.

Visit the related Request an Inspection webpage ↗ to learn how to set up an inspection.

Note: Request Field Issuance Remodel (FIR) permits by calling the Urban Forestry phone number at (503) 823 - 8733.

Post-Construction Tree Maintenance and Protection

Remove the root protection zone barriers.
Inspect the trees after you complete construction.
Mulch, prune, irrigate, and fertilize as necessary.
- Mulch should not touch trunk.
Keep a regular inspection schedule for three to five years after construction.
- This helps you to determine ongoing maintenance needs and possible changes in condition.

Apply for a Removal Permit ↗ for trees that are in irreversible decline.

Protecting a Tree Throughout Its Lifetime

Weed and mulch around trees to establish a grass-free area. Mulch should not touch the trunk.
Keep mowers and weed trimmers away from tree trunks to avoid damage to the bark.
Protect tree limbs and trunks from damage during home maintenance and repair projects.
Avoid contaminating the soil with gasoline, paint, oil or paint thinner.
Avoid soil compaction: do not drive, park, or pave over the root protection zone. Remember to expand the root protection zone as the tree grows.

Read the Tree Code, Title 11 ↗

Additional Resources

Oregon State University Extension’s manual about tree protection ↗

A helpful guidebook Oregon State University put together on protecting trees during construction.