Frequently Asked Questions

Planting and Caring for Street Trees

How do I sign up to get a tree for my parking strip?

Friends of Trees organizes street tree-planting projects by neighborhood throughout the Portland and Vancouver area. Check our planting schedule to see if we are planting in your neighborhood. If so, and if the deadline for letting us know you'd like to order a tree hasn't passed, you can create an account by clicking on the "order street trees" button on our home page.

How do you know street trees won't cause problems such as buckling the sidewalk or interfering with power lines?

Friends of Trees posts lists of available trees on our "order street and yard trees" form and in our online 'search for trees' section. These species are appropriate to the width of the area between your sidewalk and the street and the presence of overhead lines. We help you plant "the right tree in the right place" so your tree won't cause problems in the future.

How much water do young trees need?

Young trees need to be watered deeply during the dry summer months twice a week with about five to ten gallons of water.

Should I fertilize my new tree?

Friends of Trees does not recommend applying fertilizers during the first year after planting. Mulching or applying compost around (but not touching) the base of the tree will provide all needed nutrients.

Volunteering

What kind of volunteer opportunities are there?

There are many ways to volunteer with Friends of Trees, and everyone is invited to participate. Check out our volunteer opportunities.

How do I volunteer to plant and care for trees?

Come to one of our plantings or training events.

Do I need to register in advance to volunteer at a tree-planting project?

No, just show up. Friends and family are welcome and encouraged to attend. Projects are open to the entire community. Volunteers under 18 years old should bring an adult to sign a waiver. If you plan to come with a group of ten or more, please pre-register by e-mailing our Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator with the group's contact information, event name, and date, and the number of youth and/or adults registering. Please have one adult volunteer for every three to four youth volunteers.

What should I bring to a tree planting?

A friend! Tools and supplies are provided. Wear work clothes, sturdy shoes, and gloves if you have them. Rain gear is recommended during the rainy season.

Can a group of people volunteer together?

Yes! Groups of all sizes are always welcome; however, large groups will most likely be on different planting crews. Groups are asked to pre-register by e-mailing our Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator with the group's contact information, event name and date, and the number of youth and/or adults registering. Groups are required to have one adult volunteer for every three to four youth volunteers.

General Questions

Where does Friends of Trees' funding come from?

Our supporters include individual members, corporations and businesses, foundations, and public agencies.

Where do the trees you plant come from?

We purchase the majority of our trees from a variety of local nurseries. We purchase the best possible tree stock to ensure survival.

My neighbor (or a developer) is cutting down a tree in my neighborhood. What can I do about this? Can you stop them?

If you live in Portland, call the Urban Forestry Division at (503) 823-4489 for information on city ordinances and to check if a permit has been issued for tree pruning or removal. If you live elsewhere, check our advocacy page for the office that oversees urban forestry issues. Friends of Trees provides public policy advocacy but does not advocate for single trees or single sites unless a site has region-wide significance. We strongly encourage residents to let their feelings be known about single trees or properties.