The Environmental Services Tree Program just wrapped up its first planting project in the Central City west of the Willamette River.

In Downtown, Old Town-Chinatown and the Pearl, you’ll see 27 new street trees working for clean rivers, healthy watersheds, and livable, sustainable communities.

Right Tree

Urban trees have to deal with reflected heat, pollution, car doors and compacted soils. All of these things can really stress a tree out, especially in the densely developed Central City. We selected the new trees from a list of species approved by Portland Parks Urban Forestry for their “urban hardiness” so they stand a better chance of survival in these conditions. The new trees planted include Emerald Sunshine elms, Japanese snowbells, Persian ironwoods and American hophornbeams.

Right Place

Partnerships with property owners and the tenant businesses are how we plant trees in the Central City. Unfortunately, we couldn’t plant a tree for every property that wanted one. We need to consider things like vaulted basements, narrow sidewalks, loading zones and safety signs when finding a home for a new urban tree.

You also might notice some of the new trees have large stakes around them. They help protect these valuable new trees from car doors, foot traffic and accidental collisions. You can help by avoiding walking in tree wells, and giving us a call if you notice damage to a tree (503-823-2255).

Thank you to the property owners and their tenants who volunteered to be our partners in planting. With your help, these trees will mature to manage stormwater, reduce the urban heat island, and make downtown Portland a greener, more inviting place for those who work, live and play here.