TL;DR: Winter is the best time to prune fruit trees in Oregon. Trees are dormant, making it easier to shape them and reduce the risk of disease. Basic pruning involves: removing dead/diseased branches, crossed limbs, water sprouts, and suckers. Safety first! Use professional-grade tools (shears, loppers, saw) and a sturdy ladder. Avoid pruning too high. […]
A certified arborist is a professional tree expert in arboriculture (the care of trees), or an arborist who has obtained their Certified Arborist designation from the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA. To gain this certification, there are the following experience requirements: 3 years of full time experience working in the arboriculture industry OR 2 […]
Are you concerned that a certain tree in your yard may be a rotting hazard? This is a valid preoccupation, as infected, unhealthy trees are more likely to fall during inclement weather. To tell if a tree is dead or dying, look for signs of disease, such as discolored leaves, brittle branches, and fungal growth. […]
When severe storms hit, trees often bear the brunt of the damage. From fallen branches to uprooted trees, it’s important to have an experienced team on call to handle the aftermath. At Urban Forest Pro, we specialize in storm damage tree removal, and we are ready to act quickly to prevent further damage to your […]
As colder, harsher weather approaches, are your trees ready for the coming storms? Even a seemingly harmless windy day can make a weak tree a hazard to your home and family. When it comes to protecting your trees from severe weather, preparation is key. While we can’t predict when a storm will strike, we can […]
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 […]
TL;DR Oregon is home to some of the world’s tallest pine trees, including the record-breaking Phalanx ponderosa pine. Different pine species grow throughout Oregon, mostly at higher elevations. Key pines include ponderosa, sugar, western white, lodgepole, Jeffrey, limber, and whitebark. Pines are identified by their needle groupings, cone shapes, and bark characteristics. Certified arborists can […]
TL;DR Tree cabling provides extra support to weak or damaged limbs to prevent breakage. Two main systems: static (steel) for maximum strength and dynamic (rope) for flexibility. Proper installation involves selecting strong anchor points, securing cables, and adjusting tension. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to keep the system effective. Certified arborists can ensure safe, […]
TL;DR Summer pruning removes dead, damaged, and diseased limbs to protect tree health. Helps fruit trees grow stronger and produce higher-quality fruit. Encourages healthy, vigorous growth and supports sturdy branch development. Reduces pest infestations by removing affected limbs and fruit. Best done early in summer and ideally by certified arborists for safety and effectiveness. Though […]
TL;DR Call a professional tree service immediately. Fallen trees are dangerous. Safety first. Block traffic, avoid downed power lines, and warn household members. Contact your homeowners insurance to open a claim. Coverage usually applies. Permits may be required for removal and replanting. Many services handle this for you. Work with experienced local arborists for quick, […]
While you are looking to improve the curb appeal of your home, you may be inadvertently doing harm to your trees. Here are some otherwise normal home care activities that you need to be cautious about. 1. Mowing your lawn. Most homeowners think nothing of bumping against their trees when mowing their lawns. But it […]
A tree protection plan isn’t just beneficial to the trees that are being protected. It’s also a way to beautify our surroundings while providing quantifiable benefits to the environment. What’s more, a tree protection plan is in many locales an absolute requirement, especially in situations involving ongoing construction and other potentially disruptive events. A tree […]
TL;DR: Spring is the perfect time to care for your trees in Portland. Key tasks include cleaning up debris around the tree base, inspecting for damage or disease, planting new trees, mulching and watering properly, and fertilizing as needed. Fertilization is crucial in urban areas due to nutrient depletion, with options ranging from chemical fertilizers […]
Any homeowner who has gotten a notice from the City of Portland to repair their sidewalks, or else, knows how contentious of a battle it can be for trees and sidewalks to co-exist in the city. Tree roots lifting the concrete slabs can be a major headache. Not only are the quotes from concrete contractors […]
Now that you have a beautiful newly planted tree it is time to master the steps of keeping it that way. The bad news is that for the first 2 years this will take some time and attention on your part, but the good news is that after those 2 years of work your tree […]
Building a New Patio and Protecting Trees When building a new patio and protecting trees, it’s crucial to consider the impact on the tree’s root system. Proper planning helps in protecting trees from patio damage, since tree roots, especially the critical roots within the top 2–3 inches of soil, need access to space for water, […]
Trees vs. Turf: What You Need to Know Trees and turf can coexist, but there are important considerations to keep in mind. Grass tends to compete with trees for nutrients and water, especially in shared landscapes. Turf requires regular irrigation, and this can be a problem, particularly for water-sensitive trees like evergreens. Turfgrass can deplete […]
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. […]
Siding protects and waterproofs your home. Any structure lacking strong, snug siding is vulnerable to weather and pest damage. As Portland tree care specialists, we are passionate about adding trees to the urban canopy—but not at the expense of structures. If trees and shrubs are too close to siding, damage is likely. Portland Certified Arborists […]
Holes in trees can be disconcerting. Many homeowners are unsure about what holes indicate for tree health, or what they should do when a hole appears. In this post, our leading tree experts address tree holes and talk about how a hole could be a sign of compromised structural integrity. We discuss different kinds of […]
