Tree Preservation and Planter Strip Landscaping

Continue reading to learn about the benefits of these codes, and to find resources for development applicants and design professionals.

In 2024, the City approved regulating the preservation of trees, to guide when they can and can’t be removed during development. The code changes balance the need for housing production, housing affordability, and natural resource preservation.

The regulations provide clear and objective tree protection standards for larger new developments. For sites within the City, the following requirements regulate tree preservation:

• Bend Municipal Code (BMC) 16.40, Tree Preservation and Removal
• Bend Development Code (BDC) 3.2.200, Tree Preservation

For sites inside the Urban Growth Boundary but outside the City limits, see here are development code details: 2.8.400 (D) Significant Tree Removal.

If you are submitting a land use application:

Refer to this guide to answer some commonly asked questions: 

• Tree Preservation Guide

Please use this tree inventory table and calculation:

• Tree Inventory Table and Calculations (application submittal item)

Want to learn more about how to use these tools? Watch this webinar or read this FAQ.

Prior to construction, the Root Protection Zone (RPZ) of any on-site tree that is identified to be preserved and any RPZ that extends into the site from an offsite tree must be protected with fencing and signage designating the zone. For more information, please see the following requirements:

• BDC 3.2.200 (F), Root Protection Zone Requirements
• Root Protection Zone Fencing Sign (must be attached to fencing)

The Right of Way (ROW) planter strip is the area between the street and the sidewalk that includes landscaping and street trees.

All new street trees must be from the City of Bend Approved Street Tree List. Trees allowed will be based on the width of the planter strip. Trees with a mature height of 50 feet or taller must be used along collector and arterial streets, except when they are located beneath a powerline. Multi-trunk and weeping tree varieties are not appropriate as street trees.

Code Requirements

• Bend Development Code 3.2.400, Street Trees and Planter Strip Landscaping
• City of Bend Standards and Specifications, Chapter 12, Landscape and Irrigation Systems

A permit is required to remove a street tree from the planter street. For more information, please contact the Private Development Engineering Division: engineering@bendoregon.gov or (541) 388-5580 Ext. 4.

Through the 2021 Water Master Planning effort, the City of Bend has identified the need to reduce water demands on its water sources. The City developed codes and standards requiring low water use landscaping designs and high efficiency irrigation systems for all public rights of way (street strip) installations because landscape water use has the largest influence on water demands within the City of Bend. Here are the highlights:

1. Planter strips must be landscaped with only ornamental grasses, shrubs, and plants from the City of Bend Approved Plant List. Turf (all cool season lawn species) and artificial turf are prohibited in the planter strips.
2. Planter strips must be landscaped with a minimum of 10 plants per 100 square feet of planter area and result in an expected coverage of 50 percent within five years of the time of planting. Ornamental grasses must not make up more than 25% of the plants in the planter strip.
3. Shrubs and ornamental grasses at the time of planting must be a minimum of one gallon, and perennials and groundcover plants must be a minimum of four-inch pots.
4. Overhead spray irrigation systems are not permitted in planter strips that are less than 8 feet in width (excluding curb dimensions). For widths eight feet and above, see City of Bend Standards and Specifications 12.3.1, Irrigation Design for requirements.

Pre-approved Right of Way landscape and irrigation plans are also available and provided for use.  Access the design sets through the link below.  For projects not utilizing the pre-approved plans, BDC 3.2 and Chp.12 Standards and Specifications apply. 

• ROW Development Guide & Checklist
• City of Bend ROW pre-approved landscape plans
• Chapter 12 City of Bend Standards and Specifications
• City of Bend Pre-approved plant list
• City of Bend Pre-approved tree list

For questions about Right of Way landscaping requirements, please contact the Water Conservation Program at 541-317-3000 opt.2 or email at conservation@bendoregon.gov.