Trees provide ample shade, enhance the skyline, and create habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Trees also distinguish Lake Oswego from the urban metropolis of Portland. Without the trees, Lake Oswego's landscape would be dramatically different. There would be more air pollution, more erosion, hotter temperatures in the summer, and less wildlife. For these reasons, the City of Lake Oswego uses a permit system to track the number of trees removed each year. Both residents and businesses are required to obtain a permit to cut a tree.