Tree care · West Coast
Oregon is mild and wet west of the Cascades, with dry summers, and much drier and colder to the east. Tall conifers such as Douglas fir and western red cedar line neighborhoods in the Willamette Valley and along the coast, while ponderosa pines grow east of the mountains. Winter wind and summer wildfire are the main tree concerns.
Trees that commonly grow or are often planted here. The storm risk is our plain rating for the species as a whole, not an inspection of your tree.
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesThuja plicata
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesAcer macrophyllum
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesTsuga heterophylla
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPicea sitchensis
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPinus ponderosa
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPinus contorta
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesCalocedrus decurrens
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesAbies concolor
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesAcer palmatum
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesAcer platanoides
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesSee every species in the tree library.
Widely known concerns in this part of the country. If you see signs, ask a certified arborist or your state extension office. Ranges change, so check your state's official maps.
More in tree pests and diseases.
Windstorms and heavy rain are most common from October to March, especially on the coast and in the Willamette Valley. Wildfire season runs through the dry months, roughly July to October.
Main storm months: October to March for wind and rain; July to October for wildfire season
After a storm, stay away from downed lines and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Read what to do after a storm and our storm guides.
Many trees can be pruned in the dry months or in winter while dormant, and heavy rain can make the ground soft for crews. In fire country, clearing and limbing up trees is often done in late spring before the dry season.
Each species page lists its own best and worst times. See the month-by-month tree care calendar and when to prune.
Many Oregon cities and counties have rules for removing certain or large trees, and some need a permit. Check with your city or county before work starts. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Read our plain guide to tree permits.
City rules we checked in Oregon, with links to the official sources. Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; short explanation, not legal advice.
See tree removal permits by city for every city we checked.
For homeowners
State license required
Oregon requires a state license for at least some tree work. Ask the company to show it. See the Oregon state rules page for details and official links.
Get two or three written quotes. To find local pros, search Google Maps and read their reviews. Full steps in how to hire a tree service and the hiring checklist.
Own a tree service in Oregon?
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for tree companies.
For tree service owners
Oregon requires a state license for tree work done for pay. A Landscape Contractors Board or Construction Contractors Board license can cover tree removal, and planting trees needs a Landscape Contractors Board license. Ask for the license number and check it with the state. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Tall conifers can be healthy for a long time, but wind, root problems and decay can make them risky near a home. Have a certified arborist look at any tree that leans, has dead top branches or has changed after a storm.
Many trees can be pruned in winter while dormant or in the dry months. Dead or hazardous limbs can come out any time. Ask an arborist about your species and local rules.
Stay clear of downed lines and call the utility. For fallen or hanging limbs, call an insured pro rather than using a chainsaw on wood under tension. Call 911 if anyone is in danger.
Thinning, limbing up and clearing dead material near the home can slow fire. Ask your local fire district or extension office about defensible space guidance for your area, and have an insured pro do the tall work.
Many cities and counties regulate some removals, such as large or protected trees. Call your city or county before booking and ask the tree company if they handle permits.
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies. We do not do tree work and we do not list or rank tree companies. To find a local insured pro, search Google Maps, read their reviews and get two or three written quotes.