Tree Trimming Guidelines

Trees and shrubs must be at least 8 feet above the sidewalk, and 12 feet above the street.

Measure the height of the lower branches on your trees or other vegetation in the public right-of-way, and those on your property's edge.

An inexpensive piece of PVS pipe, cut or marked at 8 feet and 12 feet, can help you determine if trees need to be trimmed.

Vegetation must not block views for a minimum of 150 feet from stop signs and other signage.

If a stop sign next to your property is partially blocked, it violates the City's ordinance for visibility and must be trimmed.

Vegetation cannot grow into the sidewalk or street.

If vegetation is blocking the sidewalk, it must be trimmed back flush with the edge of the sidewalk and curb.

• Yes, you can trim your own trees.
• Learn more about how to prune a tree
• If you choose to hire a professional arborist, please share the City's guidelines with them so they understand the City's codes about trees.

• Use your weekly yard debris collection service.
  • Trimmings must fit in cart.
  • Trimmings cannot exceed 120 pounds.
  • Trimmings must be cut to 4 feet or shorter.
• Find a yard debris disposal site on Metro's website or at 503-234-3000.

• You must get a tree removal permit to remove a street tree. 
• There is no charge for the permit, but you must replace the tree with one from the City’s approved street tree list. 
• If you have questions about tree removal, contact the Planner on Duty at 503-618-2780 or POD@GreshamOregon.gov.

• If a tree violation is identified, the City will send a letter to the property owner requesting action.
• It is up to the property owner to correct the problem within the time indicated in the letter.
• If the violation is not corrected, the property owner may be charged a fee, per City code. See GRC 7.15.700 for more information.