There’s a lot that goes into Portland tree care – just as there’s a lot that goes into Vancouver tree care and tree care in the Pacific Northwest in general! At Urban Forest Pro, our ISA-certified arborists make up the best collection of tree care specialists in the Portland area. With this blog, the tree care experts at UFP hope to provide a substantial amount of content that is both entertaining and informative. We want to provide some background on a variety of tree care services, and as a full-service tree company, Urban Forest Pro is the go-to source for tree care in Portland. With this blog, we’ll cover everything from how to winterize your trees to how best to fertilize the soil. We’ll also cover many other tree service topics, including tree removal, tree planting, tree pruning, view enhancements, and more. In addition to these topics, UFP will present in-depth blog posts on tree rot, tree fertilization, organic pest control, and a whole lot more. Our goal is to be the only resource that Portlanders and our neighbors to the north in Vancouver, Washington, need to determine how best to care for their trees and the landscaping that makes up the bulk of our extraordinary urban tree canopy.
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 […]
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 […]
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: Mulch supports tree health by improving water retention, moderating soil temperature, reducing stress, and preventing weeds and compaction. Apply 2–4 inches of natural mulch in a wide ring around the tree—never touching the trunk—to avoid oxygen loss and fungal issues. Avoid common mistakes like over-mulching, using poor-quality materials, or creating “volcano” mulch piles around […]
TL;DR: Trees clean the air we breathe and can directly reduce illness and mortality rates. They filter and store a major portion of our nation’s water supply, helping keep waterways clean. Trees boost property value significantly—sometimes by 10% or more. Exposure to trees improves mental and physical health, even speeding hospital recovery times. Trees also […]
TL;DR: Newly planted trees need close attention for the first 2 years, especially with consistent watering. Use a watering bag or ring and plan to water frequently in the first seasons, especially during hot 90°+ days. Keep a turf- and weed-free ring around the trunk and add 3–4 inches of mulch (kept away from the […]
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: Tree topping is harmful and increases hazard risk rather than reducing it. Pruning doesn’t automatically boost tree health—over-trimming can weaken a tree’s ability to produce energy. Concrete-filled cavities damage trees by causing internal abrasion and decay. Branches don’t regrow in the same place, making improper cuts permanently damaging. Staking and ignoring dead branches are […]
TL;DR Watering needs vary by season, with deep watering required during hot summer months and less frequent watering in cooler weather. Water at the tree’s drip line, focusing on deep, slow watering to 12-inch depths for best absorption. In summer, check soil moisture weekly and water more often during extreme heat or dry spells. Winter […]
TL;DR Spring is the ideal time to plant fruit trees, allowing them to establish before winter. Water fruit trees deeply, aiming for 18 inches of soil penetration, especially during dry summer months. Prune fruit trees in winter while dormant, focusing on structural development and fruit production. Fertilize fruit trees before buds break, adjusting based on […]
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. […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
