The City of Lake Oswego’s Heritage Tree Program was established in 1997 to foster appreciation and increase awareness about the contribution of trees to the City’s history and heritage. The goals of Lake Oswego’s Heritage Tree Program are to recognize and designate individual trees or groves of significance, to educate the public about the value and history of these trees, to promote appreciation of the trees, and to retain and protect these trees as part of the City’s heritage.

Heritage Trees have been designated as a landmark on the basis of their importance in the historical, cultural, environmental, and physical landscape. Anyone can nominate a tree on either public or private property for Heritage Tree status. If a tree is located on private property, the permission of the property owner is necessary.

For a tree to be considered for Heritage Tree status, it must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

• The tree, or group of trees, is of historic importance and is associated with the life of a person or group or has made a significant contribution to the broad pattern of the City’s history.

• The tree, or group of trees, is of historic importance and is associated with the life of a person or group, or has made a significant contribution to the broad pattern of the City’s history

• The tree, of group of trees, has age, size, or species significance that contributes to its heritage status.

• The tree, or group of trees, represents a significant and distinguishable entity within the community or a specific location.

How to Nominate a Heritage Tree

To nominate a tree or a grove of trees, complete a Heritage Tree application form available from the Lake Oswego Planning Department, or print the online form.  Once submitted, a certified arborist will examine the health and condition of the tree(s). Applications are then reviewed by the Natural Resources Advisory Board (NRAB) for approval. Property owners and nominators will then be notified and a plaque will be installed near the tree.

For additional information or a Heritage Tree Application:

Urban and Community Forestry Program

Attention: Heritage Trees

380 A Avenue

PO Box 369

Lake Oswego, OR  97034

Phone:  503-675-2543

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