Heritage Tree Program

2024 Heritage Tree Designations
The Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Advisory Board recently designated four new Heritage Trees including a 30-inch diameter scarlet oak at 1001 Hoodview Lane, a 72-inch diameter giant sequoia at 715 4th Street and two coast redwoods at 1805 Glenmorrie Terrace measuring 77- and 93-inches each in diameter. Join us to celebrate Heritage Trees on April 9, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. outside the entrance to the public library.

Heritage Tree Preservation Grants
To support the long‐term preservation of designated Heritage Trees, the City is offering grants to assist property owners with costs of Heritage Tree care and maintenance services performed by qualified tree care specialists. Heritage Tree Preservation Grant funding may be used to diagnose, treat, manage and care for designated Heritage Trees. Download the application form for more information.

Heritage Tree Story Map
Explore Heritage Trees of Lake Oswego: A Story Map! Scroll through the pages to learn about the City's Heritage Tree Program, use the custom web map to search for Heritage Trees by common name or street address, click on trees in the map; for photographs and additional information, or download a nomination form and learn about the designation criteria and process.  The Story map also includes recommended routes to visit the City’s Heritage trees on foot or bicycle.

Heritage Tree Program
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 designation with the property owner's signature. Nominations for trees on City-owned property require the City Manager's review and signature.

For a tree to be considered for Heritage Tree designation, it must satisfy the following criteria:

  • The tree or stand of trees is of landmark importance due to age, size, species, horticultural quality or historic importance; and
  • The tree is not irreparably damaged, diseased, hazardous or unsafe, or the applicant is willing to have the tree treated by an arborist and the treatment will alleviate the damage, disease or hazard.

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 Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Advisory Board (PRNAB) for designation annually, usually in February. Property owners and nominators will then be notified and a plaque will be installed near the tree. New Heritage Trees are announced during Arbor Month.

For additional information or a Heritage Tree Application:
Department of Planning and Building Services
Attention: Heritage Trees
380 A Avenue
PO Box 369
Lake Oswego, OR  97034
Phone:  503-635-0290
Email: planning@lakeoswego.city