Trees are a living part of Portland’s urban infrastructure. Healthy, mature trees provide numerous services that improve our health, environment, economy, and social fabric in a  variety of ways. The urban forest contributes to climate resilience by cooling the air, managing water, storing carbon, and supporting healthy ecosystems. Access to trees also improves mental health, strengthens immune systems, reduces crime, and improves student academic performance, among many other benefits.

The annual number of trees planted is an important intervention towards reducing inequities in the distribution of tree canopy and achieving citywide canopy goals. This metric tracks the total number of trees planted by Urban Forestry’s’ tree planting program.

Tree planting has been increasing in recent years with support from the Parks Levy, the City’s Tree Planting & Preservation Fund, and the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund. Each year, PP&R Urban Forestry partners with community groups, neighbors, and other City bureaus to plant thousands of trees and host tree giveaways in neighborhoods where trees are needed most. Guided by the City’s Tree Planting Strategy, PP&R Urban Forestry uses data to determine where canopy levels are lowest and where tree planting resources can have the biggest impact. Urban Forestry anticipates increasing the number of trees planted annually to 10,000 by 2029.

Trees planted are tracked in detail by PP&R's Urban Forestry division. Data is available showing species and GIS coordinates for every planting.

For more detailed background and maps, please see the PP&R annual tree planting reports at: Tree Canopy and Forest Management | Portland.gov