Free Trees To Grow Portland's Urban Forest

Photo: Ford, Brad

Photo: Portland Parks and Recreation

Portland Parks & Recreation’s Urban Forestry division will give away 1,800 free yard trees at five autumn events. The Yard Tree Giveaway series helps to increase tree cover across the city and makes trees accessible to everyone. Anyone living in Portland is eligible for up to two free trees to plant on private property. Advance registration is required at portland.gov/free-yard-trees.

"All Portlanders have felt the effects of another record-breaking year for extreme heat," notes Portland Parks Commissioner Carmen Rubio. "And science shows that trees play a substantial role in the fight against climate change. One way to cool our City and mitigate these impacts is to plant large-growing trees. I appreciate Portland Parks & Recreation's efforts to mitigate climate change by promoting tree planting in parks, on public roads, and on private property to increase trees' positive impact on all Portlanders, wildlife, and our environment."

Portland Parks & Recreation is explicitly working on planting more trees in the hottest areas of our city – nearly all those locations are east of the Willamette River. The Yard Tree Giveaway events are geared towards neighborhoods with the highest temperatures and fewest trees.

“By planting trees, we can provide shade and cooling for Portlanders, their homes, and our City for generations to come,” says Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long. “The Yard Tree Giveaway events are an excellent way to help grow the urban canopy, beautify neighborhoods and properties, and to help wildlife, people, and the environment.”

PP&R offers 16 types of free trees to choose from - large-growing, native, and evergreen trees, all of which provide the most benefits to the environment. 

After registering, neighbors pick up trees, mulch, and a watering bucket at one of our five Saturday drive-thru events*:

Saturday, September 25, 2021

8:30am – 1pm

Southeast Portland – PP&R Maintenance Yard next to Mt Tabor Park

6437 SE Division Street, Portland, OR 97215

Saturday, October 9, 2021

8:30am – 1pm

North Portland – St. John’s Community Center

8427 N. Central Street, Portland, OR 97203

Saturday, October 23, 2021

8:30am – 1pm

Southeast Portland – Ron Russell Middle School

3955 SE 112th Avenue, Portland, OR 97266

Saturday, November 6, 2021

8:30am – 1pm

Northeast Portland – Trinity Lutheran Christian School

5520 N. Killingsworth Street, Portland, OR 97218

Saturday, November 20, 2021

Southeast Portland – PP&R Maintenance Yard next to Mt Tabor Park

6437 SE Division Street, Portland, OR 97215

*Free delivery is available to homes in the Centennial, Glenfair, and Sumner neighborhoods. Staff will also deliver and plant trees for people who need accommodation.

Advance registration is required for free trees at portland.gov/free-yard-trees or call 503-823-4963. Para obtener información en español, llame al 503-823-4025.

Since the first Yard Tree Giveaway event in 2017, Urban Forestry has given away more than 3,000 trees. Science shows that trees play a substantial role in the fight against climate change by removing carbon dioxide and other particulate matter from the air. They help consumers conserve energy by significantly cooling neighborhoods during the summer months. Trees also reduce stress levels and buffer noise. Trees improve our health and provide essential services for all Portlanders. They clean the air, and provide shade for people, animals, plants, and homes. 

GUIDELINES FOR RECEIVING A TREE:

·Advanced registration is required

·Trees are not to be planted in containers or for use as street trees

·Trees must be planted within the City of Portland in private yards, on property around apartment buildings or in neighborhood common spaces, if there is property owner approval

·Limit two trees per address

·Trees are not to be used to fulfill planting permit requirements

For any questions, contact Molly Wilson in Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry division at freetrees@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-4963.


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