TL;DR: The cheapest time of year to have a tree cut down is late winter to early spring (February–March). Tree services often offer lower rates during this dormant season because demand is lower and scheduling is more flexible. Winter is also often the best time to cut down trees because bare branches make removal easier […]
TL;DR Who’s liable for tree damage? Generally, homeowners are responsible for damage caused by their trees. Healthy tree falls on your house: Your homeowner’s insurance likely covers it. Healthy tree falls on neighbor’s house: Their homeowner’s insurance likely covers it. Unhealthy tree falls: You could be liable if the damage was preventable with proper maintenance. […]
TL;DR Tree roots are shallow and fragile: Most critical roots sit in the top 2–3 inches of soil, and patios installed over them can block water, air, and nutrients. Poor planning causes permanent damage: Cutting roots, compacting soil, or installing patios without early planning can severely stress or kill mature trees. Root Protection Zones are […]
TL;DR: Mower blight occurs when lawnmowers or trimmers repeatedly strike a tree’s trunk, damaging bark and restricting water and nutrient flow. Trees are especially vulnerable in spring and fall, but careless lawn care can cause injury year-round. Mulching around the base of a tree helps prevent damage, reduces weeds, and creates a clear buffer zone […]
TL;DR: DIY tree pruning is dangerous—tree trimming is one of the highest-risk jobs, especially without proper training and equipment. Poor pruning can weaken a tree, increase hazards, and lead to disease, rot, or structural failure. Common DIY mistakes include dull or unsanitized tools, topping/lopping, over-pruning, lion tailing, and incorrect flush cuts. Certified arborists have the […]
TL;DR A tree protection plan helps preserve trees and beautify the environment, often required during construction. In Portland, such plans are crucial for maintaining the urban tree canopy, preventing damage to trees and property. Effective plans, created by certified arborists, account for factors like season, construction, and tree proximity to structures. Portland’s tree protection includes […]
TL;DR Certified arborists are tree care experts with formal training, certification, and experience in arboriculture, distinct from landscapers. Arborists specialize in tree health, pruning, removal, and safety, while landscapers focus on broader horticulture tasks like lawn care and garden design. Certification ensures arborists have proven expertise and follow best practices, whereas landscapers lack the specialized […]
TL;DR Landscapers focus on lawn care, garden beds, and hardscaping, while arborists specialize in tree health, pruning, and safety. Arborists are trained to handle complex tree tasks like disease assessment, cabling, and safe tree removal using specialized tools. Arborists are required to carry liability insurance and certifications, unlike landscapers, who typically lack arboricultural insurance. Portland’s […]
How Turf Impacts Tree Health The vision of a perfect backyard often includes a sprawling, emerald-green lawn punctuated by a majestic shade tree. While this aesthetic is deeply ingrained in landscaping culture, the biological reality is that turfgrass and trees are often natural enemies. In forest environments, trees thrive with a forest floor covered in […]
Portland’s weather is uniquely challenging for trees. While many homeowners worry about high winds, the real danger often lurks underground. In the Pacific Northwest, the combination of heavy winter rains and sudden wind gusts creates a “perfect storm” for tree failure. When the soil becomes fully saturated, it loses the friction necessary to hold tree […]
TL;DR: Trees near electrical power lines pose serious safety risks, and responsibility for trimming them falls on utility companies. Homeowners should never attempt to trim trees near power lines themselves, contact the electric company or a certified ISA arborist instead. Follow electrical safety precautions, such as the 10-foot rule, avoiding ladders near power lines, and […]
If you’re researching the average cost of tree removal in Portland, Oregon, you’ll quickly realize that prices can vary significantly. Unfortunately, there is no universal “one-size-fits-all” price for tree removal, as the overall cost depends on a variety of factors. While we’d all love a reliable formula or app to answer the question, “How much […]
Jump to: How to Prepare Your Trees For Winter, How to Protect Trees From Winter, Should You Trim Trees in the Winter?, Preventing Property Damage in the Winter, Contact Winter tree care goes hand in hand with fall tree care in Portland, Oregon. As Portland certified arborists, we start looking for signs of spring after […]
How to get rid of tree stumps or how to remove a tree stump are frequently asked questions in the industry. Once you’ve had a tree removed, you’re left with a typically unsightly reminder, the stump. Tree stumps are an eyesore, a tripping hazard, and they can attract unwanted pests like termites or even fungi […]
Trimming Maple Trees Maple trees are one of the most beautiful trees in autumn, known for their vibrant colors and distinctive palmate leaves. There are many types of maples in Pacific Northwest Oregon, ranging from the small Tatarian maple (Acer tataricum) to the towering red maple (Acer rubrum), which can reach heights of 60 feet […]
Vancouver, Washington has changed significantly in recent years. Trees are everywhere, with numerous waterfront parks galore. With the new downtown Vancouver waterfront, people of all kinds are flocking to Vancouver to get outside, breathe, and take in the beauty and fresh air that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. The variety of native and ornamental […]
The Portland City Council has updated its tree code. This presents some challenges for developers and homebuilders who need commercial tree removal services but worry about running afoul of new regulations in a city that conservation and advocacy group American Forests calls one of the 10 best U.S. cities for urban forests. As we alluded […]
Merriam-Webster defines horticulture as “the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants” and arboriculture as “the cultivation of trees and shrubs, especially for ornamental purposes. Although the two specialties share some common ground, ornamentation (or, more specifically, the care, beautification, and preservation of natural surroundings), horticulture and arboriculture are not interchangeable. […]
One of the best parts of being a homeowner with a green thumb is the ability to plan and implement landscape installation and design. There’s so much that can be done to beautify our Pacific Northwest lawns and outdoor living spaces. The great Pacific Northwest offers much inspiration. Step outside and hike up to one […]
Clackamas has a long growing season. For homeowners, that means tree pruning, shaping, trimming, and even tree removal are part of life in Clackamas, Oregon. Given the difficulty of these tasks, we often recommend using certified arborists to do the job. Urban Forest Pro has 15 years experience of tree removal and tree pruning in […]
