The goal of Urban Forest Pro blog posts about tree planting is to provide a wealth of information about tree planting in Portland, Oregon, tree planting in Vancouver, Washington, and the surrounding areas. Many homeowners and property owners are interested in the subject of tree planting, and it’s important to provide information regarding the various methods of tree planting, as well as the rules and regulations put in place by local governments. Tree planting seems like a fairly straightforward subject, but when it comes to tree planting in Portland, Oregon, and tree planting in Vancouver, Washington, it helps to have the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborists at Urban Forest Pro on your side. The most common mistakes with tree planting include planting the wrong tree in the wrong location. This can lead to expensive tree maintenance or even tree removal that reveals itself only after the tree has reached maturity. At Urban Forest Pro, we’ve been in the tree planting business for a long time, so we can provide expert recommendations. Our hope is that this blog serves as a starting point for residents of Multnomah County, Oregon, and Clark County, Washington, to learn about tree planting. All posts are written and/or edited and/or reviewed by the ISA-certified arborists on our staff.
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 […]
Top Shade Tree Picks to Plant in Your Yard Planting a shade tree is one of the best long-term investments you can make for your Oregon property. The right tree doesn’t just cool your yard during hot summer months; it can also improve curb appeal, increase property value, and create a comfortable outdoor space for […]
Fast-Growing Trees in the Pacific Northwest The old saying goes, the best time to plant a tree is ten years ago, as trees do take time to mature and give the look and shade homeowners want. But if you want to add shade, privacy, or curb appeal quickly, there are fast-growing tree options that can […]
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: Planting a live Christmas tree outdoors after the holidays often fails because the tree wakes up indoors and then goes into shock in winter temperatures. Most Christmas tree varieties grow too large, too wide, or too short-lived to make good long-term yard trees. The decorative shearing used to create the “perfect” Christmas tree shape […]
TL;DR: Fall is the best season to plant a new tree thanks to cool temperatures, steady rain, and ideal soil conditions. Pick tree species suited to the Pacific Northwest, especially evergreens like Douglas Fir or Western Hemlock. Choose a healthy tree with a single strong trunk, no pest damage, and roots that aren’t circling the […]
TL;DR Planting trees in Portland can attract essential pollinators like bees, birds, and butterflies, enhancing your yard’s ecosystem. Cherry trees provide pollen for bees and shelter for birds, while crabapple trees offer edible fruit and flowers for pollinators. Maple trees attract bees and butterflies with their sugary sap, and oak trees provide safe nesting sites […]
TL;DR Trees and shrubs too close to siding can cause damage, including scraping, mold, and pest infiltration. Regular inspections and pruning every 3-7 years are essential for preventing siding damage. Plant trees and bushes at least ten feet away from structures to avoid future issues. Dead branches or overgrowth can lead to serious damage, requiring […]
TL;DR Tree relocation is a solution for preserving trees or improving landscaping, requiring careful planning and expertise. Permits are often necessary in Portland, especially for street trees or those with a diameter over 12 inches. The cost of tree relocation depends on factors like tree size, location, and difficulty of removal, with prices often exceeding […]
Rachel Carson’s 1962 landmark work Silent Spring spurred a whole generation to take action against DDT pesticides. In that book, Carson showed how careless, widespread pesticide use killed insects and the species that ate them, including many songbirds. Carson also connected pesticides to many cancers. Today, millions of bees die each year. While their demise […]
TL;DR: Climate: Portland’s climate is great for growing fruit trees. Popular choices: Apples, peaches, cherries, pears, plums, and crabapples. Benefits: Beautiful landscaping, delicious fruit, increased property value, and wildlife attraction. Planting: It is best to plant in early spring while trees are dormant. Key takeaway: Planting fruit trees in Portland offers numerous benefits, from enhancing […]
Winter is here and the days are short and gray. Even though the weather is blustery, there is still plenty to appreciate in our urban forest. There may not be many flowers, and most of the colorful leaves of autumn have fallen. However, wintertime also brings unique opportunities for color. Winter interest plants can create […]
Below are step by step instructions on how to plant a tree like a pro and ensure that your tree gets off to a good start. 1. Choosing the Right Timing: The best time to plant a tree in Portland is from when the rain starts to a month before it stops and not during any […]
Spring is here, and many people are thinking about tree planting, whether to add more shade or to replace trees that have been removed. As Portland certified arborists, we consistently field homeowners’ questions about replanting options. After arranging our Portland tree removal services for a tree lost to winter storm damage or disease, our customers […]
Fall is an excellent time to plant trees, but which ones? Some tree species should be generally avoided. Other trees are problematic when planted in Oregon. In this post, we list trees to steer clear of, while also giving some tips about tree care in Portland. Tree planting can be an enjoyable fall activity but […]
Last month, two bald eagles found themselves stuck together in a Portland tree for several hours. Officials from the Audubon Society and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife arrived to help free them. While seeing one, let alone two, bald eagles in your tree may be a rare occurrence, the environmental problems associated with urban […]
Many of us are familiar with the energy-saving properties of trees in summer. By providing shade, trees can reduce cooling energy costs by 15% to 20%. But trees can also bring significant energy savings in winter, particularly in cold, windy areas, where they can act as a wind blocker. In this post we’re taking a […]
There are many reasons to move a tree. Perhaps you need to transplant because a tree is causing property devaluation in its current location. It might be interrupting the sewer line, scratching your home’s siding, or continually blocking drains with leaves. Or you might want to move a plant simply because the tree will work […]
The Oregon flag shows the state seal, with four Douglas-fir trees; the flag’s flip side features the only tree-chomping engineer in nature, the beaver. This symbolism says volumes about how important trees are to our state, from both aesthetic and economic perspectives. As Paul Ries, manager of the state’s Urban and Community Forestry Program puts […]
Who says learning only happens indoors? Beaverton students recently took the classroom outside–and left a positive, lasting impression on their local ecosystem. About 100 eighth-graders from Beaverton Health and Science School went to the Willow Creek Greenway to learn about Oregon’s native species and plant trees along the creek bank. They got their hands dirty […]
