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: 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: 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: 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 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Most people are able to recognize the signs of heat stress in people and animals, but heat stress in trees is less recognizable and just as dangerous. Homeowners who live in hot, dry climates should pay special attention to their trees during the summer, especially during the months of July and August. But it can […]
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 […]
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 […]
