Albany’s trees help keep our air and water clean, provide shade, and make our city a more enjoyable place to live. They add beauty to our neighborhoods, parks, and business areas. The City’s urban forestry program takes care of trees on public land and reviews permits for planting, trimming, or removing trees. We also help residents with tree questions and offer ways for people to learn about and care for our urban forest.
Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer, the most destructive tree pest in the U.S., has been discovered in Oregon. Learn more from the Oregon Department of Agriculture about this destructive, invasive pest.
Planting Street Trees
Planting Street Trees
Trees in Albany shade our homes and beautify our yards. They also help reduce soil erosion and flooding, and improve local air and water quality.
Picking the right street trees
A healthy urban forest begins with careful planning. A few factors to consider before planting a tree are:
- The function of the tree. Do you want the tree to provide shade, fruit, or seasonal color? Or do you want it to act as a windbreak or screen?
- Choose the right tree for the right space. It is important to pick your site first, then your tree second. Does the space lend itself to a small, medium, or large tree? Try to imagine the size of the tree at maturity, not at the time of planting.
- The soil conditions. Do you have fertile, well-drained soil or shallow, compacted soil?
- How much time will you have to properly care for your tree? The first 3-5 years are the most important years for the survival of a new tree. Do you have time to water, fertilize, and prune the tree until it is established? Or will you rely on your garden or tree care service for assistance?
Approved street trees
The City of Albany’s Urban Forestry Program has compiled a list of approved street trees for planting within the street right-of-way planting strip, along with planting tips for trees in the Pacific Northwest:
When to plant
The ideal time to plant a tree in the Willamette Valley is late fall through early winter, after leaf drop and well before bud break. Always select healthy trees from a nursery. Choose a tree with a straight, strong single stem and good form. Make sure the tree does not have signs of insect damage, dead bark, or cankers.
Before digging, always call 1-800-332-2344
More information:
Pruning Tips
Pruning Tips
Trees need to be pruned throughout their life to stay healthy and safe. Pruning is a regular part of plant maintenance involving the selective removal of specific plant parts. Although shoots and branches are the main targets for removal, roots, flower buds, fruits, and seed pods may also be pruned.
More information:
Removing Street Trees
Removing Trees
Less than five trees?
- Albany Municipal Code Chapter 7.98 Tree Regulations requires a permit for the removal of a street tree(s).
- A permit is also required under this chapter to remove any tree(s) within the City limits that have a circumference of five and one-quarter feet (approximately 20" in diameter).
- To begin the permit process, contact Jay Sharpe,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or call 541-791-0157.
Five or more trees?
The Albany Development Code 9.205 - 208 Tree Felling requires a site plan review by Community Development staff when proposing to cut 5 trees or more that are each eight inches (8") in diameter or greater, measured four and one-half feet (4'5") from the ground. Albany Parks & Recreation also reviews these requests.
