Taking Care of Trees

Image: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve

Hillsboro's commitment to urban forestry continues to meet and exceed the standards set by the Arbor Day Foundation. For the sixth year in a row, the City of Hillsboro has been recognized as a Tree City USA for planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees. And for a third year, the City received a Tree City USA Growth Award for sustainable forestry practices.

"Trees are such important parts of our community," said Lori Prince, Outdoor Recreation Manager for the City of Hillsboro. "They promote ecological benefits like cleaner air and water, but they also have economic and social benefits like raising property values and inspiring joy."

In 2023, the City planted 142 large trees in parks and public spaces. Another 10,344 saplings and bare root trees were planted in riparian corridors, wetlands, and upland natural areas.

The City spent more than $622,317 caring for public trees last year. That's approximately $5.87 per capita. Cities need to spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry to qualify as a Tree City USA.

Grants helped fund tree efforts in natural areas at the City, including awards from the US Department of Agriculture ($340,835), Tualatin Soil & Water Conservation District ($100,000), and Portland General Electric ($35,000).

"We continue to focus on monitoring and diversifying our natural urban forests as we see more harmful invasive pests and changing climate patterns," said Laura Trunk, Restoration Biologist for the City of Hillsboro. "A significant portion of our restoration work in the last year was around preparing for the destructive impacts of the Emerald Ash Borer." The City further deepened its commitment to trees in 2023 by completing Phase I of an Urban Forestry Plan. This effort included a Tree Canopy Assessment which shows that Hillsboro has an 18% tree canopy cover over 3,040 acres. To grow that work, the City is gearing up to hire an urban forester who will guide development of Phase II.

The City also hosted a number of tree-themed events in 2023 including an Arbor Day Celebration and tree planting event with students from Eastwood Elementary School, a Tree Scavenger Hunt, Pop-Up Arboretums, Treemendous Trees, community plantings, guided nature walks, and other outreach and education activities.

There are 3,600 Tree City USA communities nationwide. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

2023 Hillsboro Tree Facts

• Trees planted: 11,181
• Trees pruned: 703
• Trees removed: 216
• Volunteer Hours: 1,600
• Hillsboro Forestry Program Budget: $622,317
• Hillsboro Forestry Program Budget Per Capita: $5.87
• Tree City USA Per Capita Budget Minimum Requirement: $2
• Number of grants: 3

Hillsboro Tree Quick Links

Tree City USA
Emerald Ash Borer
Roadside Tree & Vegetation Care
Tree Planting and Care
The Power of Trees
Choosing the Right Tree

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