What is Urban Forestry?

One of our priorities is to improve the livability of our community by making our urban forest, which consists of the trees along our streets, in our parks and on private property, more resilient and sustainable. Our initial focus is to address community concerns over the loss of trees with new development projects, finding a balance between preservation and achieving higher housing density.

What will this program oversee?

As the program builds out, the aim is to improve maintenance and continue to address tree hazards that pose a concern for life and safety. Our goal is to work toward a more comprehensive and sustainable urban forest management program so that all residents can benefit from having trees in their neighborhoods. The Urban Forestry Division collaborates on issues involving zoning, design, infrastructure conflicts, tree risk, tree maintenance, pest and disease management, fire code, and Tree Code violations to name a few.

Does the Urban Forester enforce the Tree Code?

The Urban Forester does not enforce the Tree Code, but collaborates with city planners, code enforcement staff, as well as the City’s maintenance crews, to try to help ensure the new standards are followed and trees are preserved where safe and feasible to do so. This can include tree preservation on new development sites, trees in the right-of-way and, in some circumstances, trees on private property.

For more information, visit Tree Code.

For more information about tree removal regulation, visit Permitting Considerations for Tree Removal. 

Have a question about trees? Ask our Forester

Tree issues relevant to the Community Development Department are handled directly by the team of city planners in consultation with the Urban Forester. Inquiries regarding trees may not necessarily fall within the City's authority, given the differences between issues that arise from trees on private property and trees on public property. If you would like to contact the Urban Forester, please use the following information:

Ian Gray, Urban Forester
Phone: 541-388-5577
Email: igray@bendoregon.gov

Ian reviews inquiries within two business days.

Dead Trees and Flammable Vegetation

For inquiries regarding dead trees or flammable vegetation and weeds on private property, please contact the Code Enforcement Team.

General Service Requests

For trees in the public Right-of-Way, please file a service request or contact the Transportation & Mobility Department.
 

File a Service Request

Transportation and Mobility Department
Phone: 541-317-3000 ext. 3
Email: streetspublic@bendoregon.gov

Pests and Diseases

For more resources, visit the Oregon Department of Forestry's Publications page.