Eugene, Oregon
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Eugene
Whether a Eugene tree removal needs a permit depends on lot size, the number of trees and their size. A home on a lot under 20,000 square feet can remove trees without a city permit. On larger private parcels, felling more than five significant trees, 8 inches and up, in 12 months needs one.
- County
- Lane
- Tree rules
- Eugene Administrative Rule R-6.305 and the city's tree removal permit guide
- Key local rule
- Permit to fell more than five significant trees (8 inches and up) in 12 months on parcels of 20,000 square feet or more
- Electric utility
- Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB)
- Main hazards
- Ice storms, winter windstorms, wildfire smoke and heat stress, Oregon white oak decline
Permit rules by lot size
Significant trees are live trees at least 8 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet.
| Property | Permit needed? |
|---|---|
| Occupied home on a lot under 20,000 square feet | No city permit, any number of trees |
| Private parcel of 20,000 square feet or more | Permit to fell more than five significant trees in 12 months |
| Street trees | Separate city permit |
| Dead, dying or hazardous trees | Arborist report submitted so the city can decide |
The city updated its private tree permit guide in May 2026. Check it before work.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Eugene?
On a typical house lot under 20,000 square feet, no. On larger private parcels, felling up to five significant trees in a year is allowed without a permit, and more than that requires one. Street trees always need a city permit.
- Small home lot
- No city permit.
- Large parcel
- Five significant trees a year before a permit is required.
- Hazards
- Submit an arborist report for the city's decision.
The January 2024 ice storm
In mid-January 2024, freezing rain coated the southern Willamette Valley. Ice loaded every branch and wire, and Eugene saw some of the worst tree damage in decades, with tens of thousands of EWEB customers losing power. Bigleaf maples, Douglas firs and ornamental cherries broke in large numbers.
Earlier ice storms, including a severe one in December 2016, left similar damage. Ice is the hazard that most shapes tree work in Eugene, more than wind.
After an ice storm, wait for melt before assessing trees, and see ice storm tree damage for what usually recovers.
Where the rules are written
Administrative Rule R-6.305 states that, unless exempt, no person may fell more than five trees within 12 consecutive months from a private parcel of 20,000 square feet or more without first getting a permit. The city's tree removal permit guide sets out which lots and trees are covered, using the 8-inch significant tree definition.
Street trees are managed separately by the City Manager's urban forestry staff and require their own permit.
Willamette Valley warning signs
Cracked limbs left from the 2024 ice
Splits can open further in later storms.
Oregon white oaks shaded by firs
Native oaks decline when conifers overtop them.
Dead tops on western red cedar
Heat and drought stress after recent summers.
Bigleaf maple limbs over roofs
Heavy and quick to break under ice.
Planning tree work on a large Eugene lot
Measure the lot
Confirm whether it is 20,000 square feet or more.
Count significant trees
Eight inches and up, planned for removal in 12 months.
Separate hazards
Arborist reports for dead or hazardous trees.
Apply if over five
Before any felling begins.
Eugene tree questions
Does the five-tree limit apply to my small house lot?
No. Occupied home lots under 20,000 square feet do not need a city tree permit.
Who handles fallen street trees after an ice storm?
The city's urban forestry and public works crews.
Does Springfield follow Eugene's rules?
No. Springfield is a separate city with its own code.
Can EWEB trim my trees?
EWEB manages vegetation near its power lines. Contact them about trees touching lines.
What should I plant after losing a tree to ice?
Oregon white oak, Pacific madrone where conditions suit it, and strong-wooded street trees such as hornbeam or ginkgo handle ice better than bigleaf maple and ornamental cherry.
Reach a tree service in Eugene
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Eugene area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
Call now
Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
(844) 955-1716Call nowCall availability varies by area and time of day