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 […]
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 […]
Homeowners who arrange for Portland tree services are often shocked by standard instructions to keep kids and pets inside, to prevent potentially hazardous chemical exposure. Why spray something on a beloved tree that could harm your family? Our Portland ISA-certified arborists wondered the same thing. After years of experience identifying tree pests and using a […]
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 […]
Everyone at Urban Forest Pro appreciates the beauty and generosity of the Portland landscape. Here, the trees are huge and the people are friendly. To give back to our community and the ecosystem that allows Portland’s urban forest to grow, we volunteer our time at Hoyt Arboretum. What is the Hoyt Arboretum? The Hoyt Arboretum […]
A tree risk assessment (TRA) is a formal evaluation that helps determine whether a tree poses a potential hazard to your property. Homeowners often confuse this with general tree evaluations, but a TRA follows strict criteria to ensure safety and health. This guide explains what a tree risk What Happens During a Tree Risk Assessment? […]
Fertilizing trees is an essential part of their long-term health, but knowing when and how to do it is key. Many homeowners wonder whether they should fertilize their trees in every season or if there’s a specific time that yields the best results. This guide breaks down the best times to fertilize, the types of […]
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 […]
In roof damage, water is the ultimate culprit. Stagnant water can seep under shingles and flashing, leading to rot and costly damage. All roof maintenance tasks maximize roof life by minimizing water ingress. Proper tree care plays its own role in your roof’s lifespan. Today we’re taking a look at the tree side of roof […]
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 […]
Healthy trees receive regular attention from knowledgeable arborists. But how can you tell when you hire a certified arborist if they’re truly an expert? Pick an inexperienced arborist, and your trees could suffer. Fortunately, there are ways to distinguish the true tree gurus from mere amateurs. In the following paragraphs we discuss how homeowners can […]
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 […]
Do you consider yourself self-reliant, or at least try to be in as many situations as possible? It’s great to have an independent, do-it-yourself, spirit. However, sometimes the best option is to enlist the help of others. Such is the case with tree removal. Most of us have seen viral videos of hapless homeowners cutting […]
Spring has bounded into the Portland area! As blossoms emerge, it’s time to conduct the following basic tasks for the health of your trees. So as to give your trees a long, productive growing season, it’s best to complete these tasks early in the season, in March and early April. Let’s take a look at […]
