FAQs
1. Who owns this tree?
Whoever owns the land which holds greater than 50% of the base of the tree owns the tree. We can help you figure out who owns this tree.
Contact us at 541-682-4800 or submit your request
2. Where is my property line?
Our current tool that we utilize is the Geographic Information System (GIS) Collector application to pull up the property lines. This allows us to measure the distance from the curb to the property line.
If you need further information you can submit a request for a property line verification
3. Can I remove this tree?
The city will remove right-of-way (ROW) trees which are dead, dying or hazardous. A homeowner may remove a tree from ROW adjacent to property they own after receiving permission from the city. Reasons for tree removal include the necessity to remove the tree to build allowable improvements, the condition of the tree (diseased, hazardous), or the impact the tree may be having on the surrounding environment (roots blocking sewage or lifting curbs to impede storm water drainage).
The City removes public trees for habitat or ecosystem restoration, or for other reasons, such as maintenance of a view shed mandated by a park master plan. We will inspect this tree and see if it would qualify for a Maintenance Removal Permit
4. Do I need a permit to remove the tree in my yard?
Answer - First we need to verify the tree’s location. If the tree is clearly on private property, permits are required only on lots larger than 20,000 square feet or if they are in a conservation area. To be 100% certain if a permit is required for a private tree contact the Building and Permit Services Division of Planning and Development who administers rules for private trees.
Call the Permit Information Center at 541-682-8336 to leave a message with any questions.
5. Why won’t the city remove this tree?
The city will remove ROW trees which are dead, dying or hazardous. Reasons for tree removal include the necessity to remove the tree to build allowable improvements, the condition of the tree (diseased, hazardous), or the impact the tree may be having on the surrounding environment (roots blocking sewage or lifting curbs to impede storm water drainage). The City removes public trees for habitat or ecosystem restoration, or for other reasons, such as maintenance of a view shed mandated by a park master plan. The city will remove this tree if/ when its condition justifies its removal, please let us know if its condition changes.
If there are concerns you can submit your request to have the ROW inspected or call 541-682-4800 and a certified arborist will inspect and respond to your concerns.
6. When will the stump be ground?
We cannot give you a definite answer. The stump has been marked and a work order created to start the process. If you would like you can pay the cost and have the stump ground yourself and work with Friends of Trees to plant a replacement tree. Remember to always call before you dig. Call 811 or Call 1-800-332-2344
7. What’s the process for planting a new tree in the right-of-way? Volunteers? Can I plant it myself? FOT criteria?
The City of Eugene partners with Friends of Trees for most of the planting within the ROW. Please contact Friends of Trees for assistance in species selection and planting.
8. What’s the process for getting my right-of-way tree pruned?
You can notify the city through the city website about your request or call 541-682-4800, a City of Eugene Certified Arborist will inspect the tree and based on the needs and criteria a work order will be sent to the appropriate crew for pruning.
The time line varies depending on work load and prioritization of maintenance.
9. Can I have a private arborist work on the City of Eugene tree in the right-of-way adjacent to my property? If so, what are the requirements (i.e. ISA cert, insurance, ANSI A300 pruning standards, etc.)?
Yes, however, you need to notify the Urban Forest Staff so we can update our inventory and also provide you with the tax deduction form to be completed and returned with receipts for completed work.
10. What are the clearance requirements for City of Eugene trees and other vegetation adjacent to the right-of-way?
Eugene City Code 7.280 and 9.678 requires all vegetation including city trees to overhang no lower than 15’ above street surface and 9’ above sidewalk surfaces.
11. Why is the wait so long for City crews to complete my request?
The staff workload varies depending on the season, staffing levels and prioritization of workloads.
12. Am I responsible for the damage to my sidewalk caused by the street tree?
Yes, you are responsible for the sidewalk adjacent to your property.
Here is the contact information for our sidewalk inspector if you would like to hear your options on needed repairs.
Email: pwmaintenance@ci.eugene.or.us
Call: 541-682-4800 or visit our website page
13. Why do I have to pay for the sidewalk when it was the city tree that caused all this damage?
City of Eugene is responsible for ROW trees, the curb and gutter, however, the adjacent property owner is responsible for the sidewalk and the repairs associated, city code 7.375. The city may remove and if appropriate replace the right-of-way tree as part of the sidewalk (or infrastructure) repairs if root impacts warrant that action.
14. Can I get wood chips delivered?
We don’t dump chips on private property for liability reasons. We have chip piles located at City-managed community gardens that are accessible to the public.
15. Do trees need irrigation?
This varies considerably depending on the species, soil type, sun exposure, and many other factors. For the first couple years after planting, trees should be watered at least once a week. As the tree matures and develops a more robust root system they require less water. Some species, particularly natives, are well-adapted to the climate in Eugene and require no supplemental irrigation. While turf grass requires nearly daily water, this can actually be harmful to trees; irrigation can cause trunk rot and shallow rooting.
16. Is topping good?
Topping is a bad practice. Bad pruning and indiscriminate cutting to keep the tree at a desired height are bad for your trees! It might seem like a good idea, but it creates weak joints and can make the tree more likely to fail in the future. Additionally, it is ugly and prevents the tree from properly sealing its wounds, increasing the likelihood of diseased trees.
17. What does mulching do?
Mulching helps retain moisture, build soil structure, and prevent lawnmower damage to the trunk of the tree. Instead, use a thick layer of wood chips to create a caldera shape around the base of the tree. Be careful to leave space around the trunk of the tree, piling a thick layer of mulch or wood chips around the tree trunk can lead to decay