Tree City USA

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Annual Tree City USA Designation

The City of Hillsboro has been recognized as a Tree City since 2018. The community has also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and an outstanding level of tree care. Learn more!

Hillsboro’s 2020 Vision and Action Plan and 2035 Community Plan identify Tree City USA as an important sustainability action item.

The City earned the designation by meeting four fundamental standards of sound urban forestry management:

Maintaining a tree board or department
Having a community tree ordinance
Spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry
Celebrating Arbor Day

The City will reapply annually for the Tree City USA designation.

About Tree City USA Recognition

Tree City USA recognition celebrates the City’s dedication to public tree care and promoting the positive effects trees have on our neighborhoods, businesses, environment, and wildlife.

The Arbor Day Foundation sponsors Tree City USA in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

Benefits

Reduced costs for energy, stormwater management, and erosion control: Trees yield three to five times their cost in overall benefits to the city.

Increased property values: Properly placed trees can increase property values from seven to 20 percent. Buildings in wooded areas rent more quickly, and tenants stay longer.

Stronger neighborhood and community ties: Trees and green spaces facilitate greater connections to neighbors.

Expanded community understanding of the value of trees.

Tree-City-USA-Flag

You are responsible for trees on your property including trees that grow in the right-of-way.

Visit our Tree and Roadside Vegetation Care Responsibilities page to learn more about:

Tree care responsibilities for property owners
Permit requirements
Planting standards
Tree trimming responsibilities

Sustainable Urban Forestry - Annual Timeline

Annual Timeline for Sustainable Urban Forestry

January–February: City tree maintenance in parks and open spaces
February: Notification of Tree City USA recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation
March: City tree planting in parks and open space. Plans may vary by year
April: Arbor Day community event celebration
October: City tree planting in parks and open space. Plans may vary by year
November: City submits annual Tree City USA application
November/December: Leaf Pick-Up Program

Check back for additional details on how community members can support these efforts.

Tree Care Standards

The Hillsboro Municipal Code and practices already met the Tree City USA criteria before the City applied for designation.

The Municipal Code language updates, approved by City Council in fall 2018, did not introduce new responsibilities for Hillsboro community members and contractors, but instead:

Outlined existing responsibilities
Adjusted the minimum clearance height over roadways from 13 feet to 15 feet (effective January 1, 2020)

Visit our Roadside Tree and Vegetation Care Responsibilities webpage to learn more about property owner and contractor responsibilities for care of trees and vegetation in the public right-of-way.

Tree Care Resources

Celebrate Arbor Day!

Hidden-Creek Arbor Day is celebrated every April. Each year, we celebrate all month long with learning opportunities and activities throughout the City! Below are a few activities from Arbor Day 2024 that you can do year round.

Arbor Day 2024 Pop-Up Arboretums

Hillsboro parks are home to hundreds of trees. How many of them can you identify? Whether the answer is none or every single one, you can discover our trees in a whole new way by visiting a Hillsboro Pop-Up Arboretum.

During the month of April, temporary arboretums will be "popping up" in Century Oaks and Jackson Bottom Uplands:

Use these maps to explore the trees from previous pop-up arboretums:

Arbor Day Activity Packet

Library Resources and Reading Lists

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, is a beetle that was first discovered in the U.S. in 2002 in southeastern Michigan. It has since been detected in more than 30 states, including Oregon. The adult beetles nibble on the foliage of ash trees but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. The invasive beetles have largely been spread through the movement of infested firewood.

Learn more on the Emerald Ash Borer webpage.