Heritage Trees — a Special Designation

Have you noticed the Heritage Tree signs in Fernhill Park, or wondered about what it meant, to have a designated Heritage Tree?

To earn this designation, Heritage Trees have special significance — unique natural features, are very old, or represent a historical or cultural attribute of the community. Each year, Heritage Tree applications are solicited by the Urban Forestry department before a May 1 deadline. Then these applications are reviewed and selected by the Urban Forestry Commission. Once designated, the Trees have additional protections to ensure their care and longevity.

Facts about Heritage Trees:

• The first Heritage Tree is an American Elm, designated in 1973.

• In 2022, nine additional trees were added to the register, now numbering at 386.

• The most commonly designated species is the Oregon white oak (quercus garryana) at 24 trees in the Heritage Tree register. The next most common is the European beech (fagus sylvatica) (17).

• Trees can be in private property, rights-of-way, or public property.

For more about Heritage Trees, visit the City of Portland Heritage Trees website>>

The City created an interactive map that helps you navigate Heritage Trees across the City. In Concordia area, there are only a few with this special designation.