When a storm strikes, the safety of your home often depends on the stability of the trees surrounding it. While many homeowners only think about their trees once the wind starts howling, the most effective protection happens months in advance. Proper preparation can mean the difference between a tree that weathers the storm and one […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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: 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: 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: Portland has strict rules on tree removal, and many trees—street trees, trees on dividable lots, commercial lots, or heritage trees—require permits. Determining whether you need a permit is complicated; homeowners should rely on a tree service or call Urban Forestry for clear guidance. Permit approvals are slow, often taking 4–8 weeks, and incomplete submissions […]
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: 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: 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: 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 Tree roots lifting sidewalks can be a costly and recurring issue for homeowners, especially in Portland. Avoid cutting roots or using tree growth inhibitors, as they can harm the tree and lead to further sidewalk damage. Preventing root damage starts with proper tree planting and the installation of root barriers or protection zones. When […]
