Every tree planted in Portland contributes to clean rivers and healthy watersheds. So, if you plant an eligible tree on a residential property between September 1 and April 30, Environmental Services will credit your city sewer/stormwater/water utility bill for half the purchase price per tree up to $15 (small), $25 (medium) or $50 (large) depending on mature tree size and stormwater management potential.

How to Get Your Treebate

1. Purchase a tree between September 1 and April 30*
2. Plant it in your Portland residential yard. Complete and submit a Treebate form by April 30 (include the tree purchase receipt with the purchase price circled)
3. Receive a credit on your city water/sewer utility bill

*Generally, most tree species are eligible for a Treebate; see the eligible list for conditions and ineligible list for exclusions. 

Treebate Credit Amount

• 50% of purchase price up to $15, $25 or $50 depending upon mature size and stormwater management potential
• City staff determine the credit amount for you based on mature tree size and growth rate as shown in the following table:

Treebate Eligible Trees (meet ALL these requirements):

• Must be trees*
• Must be planted in Portland residential yards
• Must be planted with enough space to reach full canopy spread
• At time of planting, must have trunks measuring at least 1 inch in diameter 6 inches above the soil line
• At time of planting, must be at least 6 feet tall if broadleaf or 4 feet tall if coniferous (has needles)
• Must be purchased, planted, and a complete application submitted during a period that begins on September 1 and ends the following April 30

*For Treebate, trees are defined as woody plants with a single main stem (trunk) and secondary branching

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Treebate Ineligible Trees (are ANY of these): 

• Trees planted in the street right of way or any other non-residential location
• Trees less than 15 feet tall at maturity
• Trees that do not meet the size requirements detailed in the eligible list
• Trees purchased, planted, or applications submitted during the months of May, June, July and August
• Trees otherwise subsidized by the city (e.g., planted with Friends of Trees)
• Trees planted to satisfy a condition of development or mitigation
• Arborescent shrubs and hedges (e.g. small ornamental conifers, arborvitae)
• Trees on the City Nuisance Plant List below:

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Protect Your Investment

Late fall through early spring is prime tree planting season. Be sure to plant your tree correctly and give it proper care and maintenance. Newly planted trees require deep weekly watering (~10 gal.) during the dry summer season from June through September.

See the diagram below for tree planting tips. 

Submit a treebate request form with your proof of purchase to:

Environmental Services Treebate Program
1120 SW 5th Avenue, Room 1000
Portland, OR 97204 

Program and Planting Information
Contact Jennifer Karps at 503-823-2263.

The city will post Treebates as a credit to your water/sewer utility bill.

The Administrative Rule for Treebate can be found here.

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