Albert Camus famously wrote, “Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower.” There’s no denying that Portland is a great place to enjoy the “second spring,” as many local trees put on spectacular shows of changing color. However, trees that change colors too early may be stressed. While providing Portland tree care, […]
Why mulch? Because mulching improves water retention, optimizes soil temperature, and reduces general stress on plants and plant roots. Mulch also keeps weeds out and prevents soil compaction. Finally, mulch adds to the quality of the soil as it decomposes. In this article, we’re exploring all things mulch, from proper mulching technique to types of […]
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 […]
Green spaces are aesthetically pleasing. Whether you’re looking to boost your home’s curb appeal, or hoping to bring in new customers, attractive landscaping is a must. Moreover, trees and bushes benefit the environment while also reducing heating/cooling costs. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of luscious greenery around your home or office. Portland […]
In early 2015, Governor Kate Brown declared a state of drought emergency in counties throughout Oregon. This is the first drought in the state since 2004. Drought can devastate agriculture, threaten livestock, and deplete natural resources. Another potentially major consequence of drought is compromised tree health. As we head into what wildfire experts are saying […]
Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is a serious disease that often necessitates tree removal. It is caused by the plant pathogen Phtophthora Ramorum. SOD spreads by air and water; its most common transmission method is to splash onto other plants via rainwater. Since the mid 1990s, SOD has killed millions of trees in Oregon and California. […]
Happy New Year and best of luck to you in 2015 from Urban Forest Pros! Each ISA-certified arborist within our ranks is thrilled to help create a greener urban environment. To show our gratitude to the Portland community, we wrapped up 2014 with a donation of 100 native trees to Friends of Trees. This is […]
Do trees fascinate you? Do you jump at the chance to help others? If so, we recommend applying for the Portland Fruit Tree Project’s Harvest and Stewardship Internship. As certified arborists, Portland opportunities for learning about and protecting trees excite us. This internship is an incredible opportunity for budding arborists who want more hands-on experience […]
Unfortunately, certain tree myths lurk in the minds of many homeowners. Today we’re taking a look at some of the most pervasive (but completely untrue) myths about tree care. Myth #1: Tree Topping Reduces Fall Hazard, while Improving the Health of Struggling Trees. The Truth: Tree topping is deadly for all trees. Period. In reality, […]
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 […]
Recent storms have left many Portland trees in a sad state. High winds and ice storms often break branches, opening the tree to disease. Moreover, maelstroms may knock down entire trees—as one unfortunate cyclist recently learned in downtown Portland, when a tree fell on her. In this post, we take a look at what to […]
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. […]
Is it possible that the future of illuminating urban areas at night may come, not from traditional electricity, but organic material attached to trees that line the streets? The answer may be bioluminescent jellies and bacteria. Dutch designer Daan Roosegaarde and his team at Studio Roosegaarde are interested in applying organic materials to the built […]
As nearly every Portland certified arborist is well aware, a new Portland tree code named “Title 11 Trees” is rolling out on 1/2/15. Title 11 Trees is part of the Urban Forest Plan, which aims to “protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Portland” by “enhancing the quality of the urban […]
When people think of how trees and other plant life are beneficial, it’s usually in the context of the environment and large remote forests. But trees play a vital role in urban settings as well, and in more ways than you may realize. Trees Clean the Air Planting trees is a very affordable means of […]
It’s fall in Portland—apples are blushing, pumpkins are ripening, and the last round of roses bloom. As kids go back to school and the weather turns crisp, your trees are in need of attention. Just as you prepare your home for cold, wet winter temperatures with winterization, your trees will do best with winter preparation, […]
When most of us think about environmental hazards, our minds are drawn to the weather (floods, storms, etc). But often, that weather is part of what causes a less-thought-of danger: falling trees. Trees do way much more good than bad, but if not looked after, they can also cause serious damage when branches or whole […]
Are you partial to fir trees? Whether you grew up in the Great Northwest and being surrounded by firs just feels natural to you, you adore the piney scent, or have a penchant for an evergreen (which a lot of firs are) to enjoy greenery year-round, there’s a lot to love about firs. It’s also […]
Urban Forest Pro’s arborist’s are excited for the opportunity to prune trees surrounding our local schools. We would like to reach out and provide a learning experience for the students by showing different tree care methods. We will also be providing a tree ID scavenger hunt with the Portland Timber’s Timber Joey. Above is a tree […]
