In a city known for its creative spirit and lush greenery, a former Harlem Globetrotter is taking Portland’s graffiti problem into his own hands—with a solution that’s as bold as it is beautiful.
Pee Wee Harrison, founder of Turf and Ivy Solutions, is transforming the way we think about urban cleanup. Instead of relying on constant repainting to cover up graffiti on Portland’s highways, Harrison and his team are going green—literally. Their innovative approach? Installing synthetic ivy on graffiti-prone retaining walls across the city.
A Costly Canvas for Taggers
Graffiti has long plagued Portland’s freeway corridors. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) reports spending an average of $70,000 a month on graffiti removal in the metro area, with that number expected to rise during the drier months. Last year alone, the state legislature approved $4 million for graffiti abatement in Portland.
And yet, the problem persists.
“Every time you paint over it, it’s a new canvas,” Pee Wee explains. “Within 48 hours, something else is back up again.”
A Greener Way Forward
Harrison pitched the idea of using artificial greenery to ODOT as a more sustainable, long-term solution. The agency agreed to a multi-year pilot program to test the concept, starting with a 350-foot stretch along I-5 North. The early results have been promising.
“It’s a different method than just painting over graffiti,” said an ODOT representative. “We’re hoping it’s a stronger deterrent.”
The synthetic ivy isn’t just a visual improvement—it’s also practical. If tagged, the ivy can be pressure washed or wiped clean using simple, environmentally-safe solutions. No repainting required.
“It saves the community and the municipalities millions of dollars,” Harrison emphasizes.
A Team Effort Rooted in Local Empowerment
Turf and Ivy Solutions brought together a dedicated crew of contractors, installers, and graffiti removal specialists to bring this vision to life. From freeway overpasses to retaining walls, the team is working quickly and efficiently to cover more ground.
“We’re honored to be selected as the contractor for this initiative,” said one installer. “We’re here to make Portland beautiful again.”
The project is more than just aesthetics—it’s a catalyst for economic opportunity, with potential to create jobs and engage local trades. Community leaders, including representatives from Oregon Minority Entrepreneurs, are voicing their support for the initiative.
“When someone presents a smart, scalable solution like this, we should uplift them and help make it bigger and better.”
What’s Next
With additional work now underway on I-5 South, I-405, and I-84, Turf and Ivy is eager to expand citywide. However, collaboration is key—since different stretches of infrastructure are owned by different municipalities and agencies.
Still, the team is optimistic.
“We want to see this grow across Portland,” says Harrison. “We want to bring back the charm and cleanliness the Pacific Northwest was once known for.”
A City That Reflects Its Roots
Beyond beautification, this project represents something deeper: the power of innovation, collaboration, and community-led problem solving. In a city surrounded by nature, it only makes sense to let the greenery lead the way—even on the walls we pass every day.
Learn more about Turf and Ivy’s graffiti abatement solutions and how they’re helping Oregon save time, money, and pride—one wall at a time.
