Tree pruning and related blog posts about tree pruning written and reviewed by experienced Urban Forest Pro arborists – all of whom are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Urban Forest Pro will regularly post articles aimed at helping homeowners in the Portland area navigate the sometimes confusing thicket of rules and regulations regarding the process of tree pruning in the city. In our experience, many homeowners are unfamiliar with laws regarding tree pruning, so we will attempt to anticipate property owners’ questions regarding tree pruning. We’ll also focus on helping Portlanders get the biggest “bang for their buck” when it comes to tree pruning. If property owners can visualize the value Urban Forest Pro brings to the tree pruning industry, then we will consider that a victory – not just for ourselves but for property owners and the city of Portland itself. Protecting and cherishing the city of Portland’s urban forest canopy is important to us, which is why we think it’s important to have an ISA-certified arborist on every job we do. Articles about tree pruning posted on the Urban Forest Pro blog will cover the subject from multiple angles – keeping in mind that we are writing for an audience made up not of experts but of property owners who are seeking entertaining, informative articles about tree pruning in Portland, Oregon, Multnomah County, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington, and Clark County, Washington.
TL;DR: This guide helps Portland homeowners understand the basics of DIY tree pruning for local hardwoods and conifers. It explains structural, ornamental, and fruit tree pruning—and what each type aims to achieve. You’ll learn to separate common pruning myths from facts so you can avoid harmful mistakes. While the infographic offers helpful insights, hiring a […]
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: 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: 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 […]
Jump to:Why Sudden Limb Drop Occurs, Tips to Prevent Sudden Limb Drop, Contact Us, Reviews Picture this: You’re walking through the forest on a hot, still day. Suddenly, you hear a popping sound, and then a huge branch drops just beyond your reach. After thanking your lucky stars that you weren’t crushed, you wonder why […]
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. […]
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 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 […]
Pruning, when done correctly, should result in safe, healthy and beautiful trees. DIY tree pruning seems like a simple enough idea, however, there is more to it than simply dusting off your old garden tools and hatcheting away. A certified arborist is trained to understand when a tree needs to be pruned and why, but […]
The wintry wet weather has arrived in the Portland metro area, and the leaves are falling. However, that doesn’t mean tree care is not crucial during this time. Today we’re discussing what homeowners can do to prepare their trees for winter. We will also cover winter care for fruit trees, which are a bit more […]
Join us this Saturday for a winter fruit tree pruning workshop with Urban Forest Pro’s certified Jeff M. Hosted by Portland Fruit Tree Project (PFTP), this workshop is complimentary for homeowners who have fruit trees registered with PFTP, and just $25 for all others. It will be held in the Collins View neighborhood of Portland. […]
There are so many reasons to prioritize consistent Portland tree care: it increases your property value, benefits the environment, and makes your yard more enjoyable. During the dry summer months, fire prevention is yet another reason to take care of your trees. Without regular pruning, trees sport more dead material, which can serve as fire […]
It’s fall, and seasonal delights abound. Here at Urban Forest Pro, we’re making autumn stellar with wood chip donations. If you’ve ever wondered what happens to all the wood chips from our pruning and Portland tree removal services, now you know. We donate them to farms and events. For instance, Urban Forest Pro was able […]
Mature trees are some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural features on a piece of property. Their sheer height and multitude of gnarled, curling branches never fail to capture the attention of passersby. These trees can be fairly sensitive to changes in the environment surrounding them, so they require a high level of care. […]
Trees in the city face a host of unique challenges that they would not face in their natural environment. Horticulturalists have been able to create some new tree varieties that have been able to overcome some of those challenges , but for the most part trees need our help to live healthy fruitful long lived […]
