Frequently Asked Questions
Are You Licensed and Insured?
Yes. NW Premier Tree Services is licensed, bonded, insured, and provides workers compensation insurance for our employees. Safety and compliance are extremely important to us. We follow all state and local regulations to ensure your project is handled properly and legally.
––––––––––––––––––––––
Do I Need a Tree Removal Permit?
City of Portland:
In Portland, a tree permit is required for most tree removals and some tree work under Title 11 of the city code. A permit is required for:
- Street trees of any size before removal.
• City trees (trees on city property) 3″ diameter and larger.
• Private property trees 12″ diameter or larger.
Tree diameter is measured at 4.5 ft above ground (DBH).
Some exemptions exist (e.g., trees under 12″ on private property, certain nuisance species), but you must still verify with the city.
Portland also regulates tree work based on zoning, overlays, and plan districts, meaning certain protected areas (like environmental “c” or “p” overlay zones) can trigger permit requirements even for smaller trees or pruning.
Other Cities & Counties:
Permit rules are not the same everywhere. Cities like Salem, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, and county jurisdictions (like Clackamas or Washington County) all have their own thresholds and processes. Even in county or unincorporated areas, overlay zones, riparian buffers, and habitat protections may require permits.
Rather than guess, it’s best to contact the city arborist or planning department, or let us check for you.
At NW Premier Tree Services, we typically handle the entire permitting process for you, including:
- Determining if a permit is required
• Measuring DBH correctly
• Checking overlay and zoning requirements
• Submitting permit applications and documentation
• Coordinating with city or county officials
–––––––––––––––––––––
What Happens If I Remove a Tree Without a Permit?
In Portland, removing a regulated tree without a required permit can trigger penalties, which may include:
- Fines (even starting at roughly $1,000 per tree and potentially much higher depending on the violation)
• Required replacement trees and replanting obligations
• City enforcement actions and notices
• Delays or issues with future permits or property transactions
Other cities and counties also enforce fines and mitigation requirements for unpermitted removals, and these penalties can exceed $100,000 in some protected or environmentally sensitive areas.
Hiring unlicensed or uninsured contractors who skip permits can put the homeowner fully responsible for violations, replacements, and costs. That’s why we recommend confirming requirements before any work begins.
––––––––––––––––––––––
What If the Tree Is Dangerous?
Portland’s Title 11 allows emergency pruning or removal without a prior permit if there’s a clear imminent danger to people or structures, but you must apply for a permit within 7 days afterward with documentation of the hazard.
We can document:
- Structural defects
• Significant decay or fungus
• Root failure
• Storm or impact damage
• Proximity risk to homes or utilities
If needed, we can prepare and submit the emergency documentation on your behalf.
––––––––––––––––––––––
How Long Does the Permit Process Take?
Permit review timelines vary:
- Simple removal or pruning permits may be processed in a couple of weeks
• More complex or Type B permits (with public notice or appeal opportunities) can take longer
• Development-related tree plans submitted with building permits require additional coordination
Planning ahead is always recommended if your project depends on tree removal.
––––––––––––––––––––––
How Is Tree Size Measured?
Tree size is typically measured using DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) taken 4.5 feet above the ground.
For multi-stem trees or special situations, some cities have specific measurement rules, and we handle proper measurements during your estimate.
––––––––––––––––––––––
Do You Handle Emergency Tree Removal?
Yes! We provide 24/7 emergency response for:
- Storm damage
• Fallen trees on structures
• Roads or driveway blockage
• Hazardous hanging limbs
Safety is our priority, and we work quickly with permitting when needed.
––––––––––––––––––––––
Will My Lawn Be Damaged?
Tree removal equipment and debris movement can disturb lawns, especially in wet Oregon conditions. We take precautions to minimize impact, but some ground disturbance is normal on larger removals.
––––––––––––––––––––––
Do You Haul Everything Away?
Typically, we chip up all branches and smaller debris and haul those chips away to leave the area clean and manageable.
The remaining trunk wood is cut into approximately 16–18 inch rounds and stacked near the base of the tree. We do not split firewood.
If you would prefer the wood removed from the property entirely, we can include full wood hauling for an additional fee.
Stump grinding is also available as an optional add-on if you would like the stump ground below grade.
All cleanup, wood handling, and additional service options are clearly detailed in your written estimate so you know exactly what is included.
––––––––––––––––––––––
How Soon Do I Have to Replant a Street Tree After Removal in Portland?
In the City of Portland, most tree removal permits require mitigation, which usually means planting one or more replacement trees. The exact number, size, and species requirements depend on the type, size (DBH), and location of the tree removed.
Portland’s recommended planting season typically runs from October 1 through April 30. This fall-to-spring window allows trees to establish roots during cooler, wetter months, which improves survival rates.
If a tree is removed outside of planting season, the City may allow delayed planting until the next approved planting window. In some cases, alternative mitigation or fee-in-lieu options may apply depending on the permit type.
Failure to complete required mitigation within the specified timeframe can result in enforcement action or additional penalties.
NW Premier Tree Services can:
• Determine your mitigation requirements
• Select approved replacement species
• Obtain the proper permits
-------------------------------------
Is it legal to trim branches from your neighbor’s tree in Oregon?
Yes. In Oregon, you are generally allowed to trim branches or roots from a neighbor’s tree if they extend over your property line. However, you may only trim up to the property boundary and must avoid damaging or killing the tree. You also cannot enter your neighbor’s property without permission. If excessive trimming harms the tree, you could be held responsible for the damage.
––––––––––––––––––––––
When is the best time to prune trees?
The best time to prune most trees in the Pacific Northwest is during the dormant season, typically late fall through early spring. Pruning during this time helps reduce stress on the tree, minimizes the risk of disease, and encourages healthy growth in the spring. However, some light pruning or the removal of dead, damaged, or hazardous branches can be done year-round if necessary.
-----------------------------------
When is the best time to remove trees?
Trees can be safely removed at any time of the year, but late fall through early spring is often the most efficient time. During the dormant season there is typically less foliage, making it easier and safer to access and remove the tree. In cases where a tree is dead, diseased, damaged, or poses a safety risk, removal should be done as soon as possible regardless of the season.
-----------------------------------
Do you work with insurance companies?
Yes. We regularly work with insurance companies and can assist with storm damage and emergency tree situations. In many cases, we are able to provide emergency services with zero money down and collect payment after the insurance claim has been processed. We can also provide documentation, photos, and estimates to help support your insurance claim.
-----------------------------------
Do you grind the stump after removing a tree?
Stump grinding is an optional service and is typically listed separately from the tree removal. If requested, we can grind the stump below ground level so the area can be replanted, landscaped, or covered with grass.
Before any stump grinding is performed, we will contact Oregon 811 to have any underground utilities located and marked. Oregon law requires anyone performing excavation or ground-disturbing work to notify 811 at least two business days before digging, or ground-disturbing work to help prevent damage to underground utilities such as gas, water, electrical, and communication lines. Once utilities have been properly marked, we can safely proceed with the stump grinding service.
-----------------------------------
Do you accept credit card payments or financing?
Yes. We accept a wide range of payment methods including cash, check, debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, Zelle, and other common payment options.
We also offer financing through Wisetack. Clients can apply directly through Wisetack to see if they qualify for financing options. Approval and terms are determined by Wisetack, and the application must be completed in advance before financing can be used for the project.
-----------------------------------
If you have questions about a specific tree, zoning overlay, or permit situation, we’ll walk you through it and help you remain compliant and protected.