Trees are one of the most beautiful landscape elements out there. They look beautiful, create shade, and bring a sense of calm and relaxation to any outdoor area.
The only downside is that the area around the base of a tree is often tricky to accommodate. If you leave your tree to its own devices, it’s likely to suck up all the water in the soil around its roots. Plus, the shade from its branches makes it hard for plants underneath to get enough sunlight to grow.
This is no problem for the health of your tree, but a ring of bare dirt might not fit your landscaping vision! So how do you beautify the area around a tree without compromising its health?
Here’s what we recommend:
Don’t add or remove too much dirt
It’s important to maintain the level of soil around your tree’s trunk. Adding too much soil starves the roots of oxygen and can make the bark rot. In extreme cases, it can even slowly kill the tree.
If you need to add some soil, leave a ring of empty space (about 3-6 inches) between the trunk and the new soil. Then try to limit the amount of new soil you add to about 3 inches deep.
Choose the right plants near your tree
If you want to fill that empty-looking ring of dirt with plants, make sure you choose ones that can handle the conditions under your tree.
Evergreens are everywhere here in the Pacific Northwest, and many of them are thick enough to create a densely shaded area near the trunk where almost no sunlight gets through. To make things even more difficult, they also act like umbrellas, blocking rainwater from falling on plants near the trunk. Other trees, like maples, often do allow dappled sunlight through their branches, creating an area of filtered shade below.
Before choosing plants for under your tree, go outside on a sunny day and see how much sunlight comes through the branches. If it’s very shaded, look for plants that thrive in low-light conditions, like ferns and hostas.
When it comes to deciduous trees (which lose their leaves in autumn) consider flowers that bloom in the spring. These work well because deciduous trees let more sunlight through in the spring before they’ve fully leafed out for the summer.
Be careful with your tree’s roots and bark
Your tree’s bark is its protective barrier against disease and the elements. When you’re landscaping or gardening near trees, try not to nick or chip away at the bark (especially while weed whacking).
Look out for tree roots, too. Some trees have shallow roots hidden just beneath the earth so are extra easy to damage accidentally. Trees that are likely to have lots of shallow roots include:
Willows
Birches
Beeches
Maples
Ashes
Elms
Is it possible to plant near trees with shallow roots?
It’s OK to place other plants around these types of trees, as long as you choose shallow-rooted plants that will compete well with the tree. Do a little research about what plants coexist well with your specific tree, or ask us. We’re always available to answer your tree care questions! In the meantime, these are a few plants that often do well near shallow-rooted trees, like maples:
Ferns
Hostas
Low-growing perennial plants that like shade
Spring-blooming bulbs
During the process of planting, be on the lookout for shallow large or medium-sized roots. If you encounter one while digging a hole, simply refill the hole and move to a nearby spot.
A few more simple landscaping ideas
Try a raised flower bed
One tried and true way to create a beautiful display around your tree without damaging it is with a raised bed. Build your raised bed like a donut around your tree’s trunk, but leave a gap of at least 1-3 feet between the trunk and the bed’s inside wall. This is to avoid smothering the tree and damaging the roots.
Rocks don’t need sunlight!
There are many other ways to landscape around your trees without planting anything. Decorative garden accents require almost no upkeep and don’t need sunlight or water. Here are a few options:
Landscape lights (which also help you navigate your yard safely at night)
Consider replacing grass with native plants
If you love a more natural-looking yard and like the idea of a low-maintenance landscape, consider getting rid of your lawn and sticking to native plants. A more rustic landscape aesthetic works well with the earthy, uneven area around trees. Here are a few of the many benefits of a grass-free landscape:
Helps you conserve water (especially in the summer)
Requires less upkeep
Supports your local ecosystem
Makes it easy to preserve your trees’ health
Be extra careful with young trees
Does your landscape have trees that were planted less than 5 years ago? Keep in mind that young trees don’t yet have the defenses that older trees have, and even small plants will compete with them for water and nutrients.
Be extra careful when landscaping around these little trees. In fact, it’s best to avoid planting anything around them until they’re bigger and stronger. Instead, make sure you mulch them regularly and manually remove weeds that grow near the base.
Prune your tree regularly
Keeping your landscape beautiful and healthy involves a little maintenance, not just to the area around your tree, but also to the tree itself. Here are some benefits of proper tree pruning:
Prevents branches from getting weighed down and falling on your lovely landscape — or even worse, your house!
Encourages some sunlight and water to come through and nourish anything growing under the tree’s canopy
Keeps your tree strong and healthy
Improves the overall look of your landscape
Keep in mind that improper pruning can actually do more harm than good. A poor pruning job puts your tree at risk for diseases. In the worst cases, it can even destabilize the tree, putting your property at risk.
That’s why we always recommend hiring a professional arborist who has the tools and experience to prune safely. This also ensures you get an even, symmetrical result that improves the appearance of your landscape.
Need help with landscaping, pruning, or other tree care?
We’re here to help. Northwest Arbor-Culture offers complete tree care and landscape services in Portland, Vancouver, and surrounding areas.
Contact us to learn more or call us at (503) 538-8733 for a free estimate.
Issues with your neighbors involving trees on your property? You’d be surprised just how often this happens here in the Pacific Northwest. While every home has property lines, trees are wild organisms bound by no property line. This results in trees that bend and wind their way through 2 (or in some cases more) properties.
Read on if you’re enduring a squabble with a neighbor or are just curious about your rights as a landowner.
First, what you need to know about tree law
Whoever owns the trunk owns the tree
In all 50 states, the owner of a tree is always the property owner with the tree trunk on their property. Even if a tree mostly resides on another property, wherever the trunk comes out of the ground is the person who gets to make decisions, and has responsibility for, the tree.
This property owner gets to decide if it’s cut down, maintained, and otherwise altered. They’re also responsible for maintaining the tree in a proper and safe condition.
If branches encroach on your property, you can cut them down
While you cannot alter a tree in any way that can compromise the health of the tree if it’s not yours, you can trim a tree down to your property line. This lets you keep the tree out of the way of your yard and prevents it from taking up too much space on your property.
Under no circumstances can you completely cut down a tree that does not reside on your property. This can lead to monetary damages totaling over $50k in extreme cases!
The fruit of a tree belongs to the owner of the tree
If your neighbor’s fruit tree hangs over onto your property, the fruit belongs squarely to them. While legally fruit that drops onto your property is a legal gray area, fruit cannot be picked off of the tree and harvested for yourself.
Hopefully, any situation where your neighbor’s tree is hanging onto your property will allow for an arrangement to be made where you can be allowed some fruit.
Damage payments can only be from negligence
Damage from a tree on someone else’s property can only be recuperated if appropriate actions were not taken to maintain the tree. If a tree branch simply just falls down during a particularly brutal storm, this will likely not be covered.
If the tree’s roots or branches spread onto a property and cause damage, this can potentially be covered. This is especially true if it’s argued the tree is not wild, but a planted tree.
Additionally, if the tree has not been taken care of and is a hazard in and of itself, any damage caused by falling branches or a falling tree can hold the property owner liable.
What to do if a neighbor complains about a tree on your property
You never like to see 2 neighbors fighting, but relationships with trees can cause big issues. This makes sense given the importance of trees on the value of a property. Just think — a tree can create shade for your home while simultaneously blocking natural light in another, affecting 2 home values at once.
Some common disputes over trees in residential situations include:
Branches are encroaching onto a property
Shade from the tree is blocking sunlight on q property
Tree in danger of falling onto a home
So what’s the best way to handle a situation where your neighbor is giving you a hard time about your tree?
Talk to your neighbor
The first thing you should always do is speak with your neighbor to see if there is a reasonable solution to the situation.
For instance, maybe the request is simply to trim the tree in a way that will be inconsequential to you. If this is the case, then you can avoid a large headache and solve the issue with a simple solution.
Another option is if you don’t mind if your tree is altered, you just don’t want to pay for it. There are likely solutions that can be worked out where your neighbor can pay for the work that needs to be done and the issue settled.
In more extreme cases, private financial agreements can be negotiated so that both parties feel made whole.
Hold your ground if you like your tree
One thing that should absolutely never happen is for you to feel pressured to alter your tree or cut it down for an unreasonable request.
Besides adding a beautiful landscape element to your home and being good for the environment, trees add value to your property. Simply cutting it down to appease a neighbor is not a good solution.
If the tree comes out of the ground on your property, what happens to it is your decision.
Talk to an expert and know the law
If your neighbor wants the tree cut down or maintained in a certain way that seems off to you, talk to an expert. While in all likelihood you are the one in control of the situation, speaking to an expert will provide you with knowledge and knowhow on how to responsibly handle disputes that develop with your neighbor.
This will allow you to defend your rights and your property’s value in the best and most effective way possible. They can also potentially provide you with options and solutions for de-escalating the situation and finding a way for everybody to win.
If they illegally hurt your tree, consider legal action
If things progress to a point where your neighbor has damaged your tree more than is their right, consider legal action to make things right.
As already discussed, trees add monetary value to not only your property, but your life as well. Anyone who damages that value should have to pay to make up for your loss. While most trees have a replacement value around $2,500, trees that are historically significant, landmark trees, or ornamental trees can carry replacement values over $50K
Maintain it to a reasonable condition
No matter what, maintaining any trees on your property will ultimately cause fewer issues with your neighbors and potentially even stop these issues from happening at all. It also protects you in the event your tree causes harm to a home in the future and is good for the long-term health and value of your tree.
At NW Arbor Culture, we help Portland-area homeowners keep their trees in tip-top shape and healthy for life. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
Need help maintaining your tree? NW Arbor Culture can help!
Whether you need to cut down your tree, maintain it, or just need a consultant on what the best course of action to take with your dispute, our arborists can help you through your conflict.
What is better than a life filled with trees! Nothing, that’s it!
While most trees belong outside — particularly here in the Pacific Northwest — adding greenery with indoor trees is a fashionable way to breathe fresh air into your home.
While it may be easy to decide to get an indoor tree, it can be hard to determine which one’s right for you. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite trees, along with how hard that species is to maintain.
Our favorite indoor trees
Dragon tree
Maintenance level: Easy
Max height: 8 feet
Light: Bright, shaded rooms. No direct sunlight needed.
These spindly plants are easy to care for and give off a wonderful mid-century modern look. Originally grown in Madagascar, this slim leafed, tall plant is a great focal point for any room. They also are on NASA’s list for improved air quality, making them a delightfully fresh way to decorate your home.
Fiddle leaf fig
Maintenance level: Difficult
Max height: 10 feet
Light: Brightly lit room necessary. Small amount of direct sunlight beneficial. South facing windows work great!
One of the most popular types of houseplants available, the fiddle leaf fig is synonymous with hip and stylish. Featuring semi-lobed and oval leaves of varying sizes, this is one of the most attractive plants out there for interior design. The downside? They are quite difficult to take care of and require a precise amount of soil moisture to keep strong.
Weeping fig
Maintenance level: Moderate
Max height: 10 feet, though popular miniature variety only 3 feet
Light: Perfect for a spot that receives some sun and some shade
This tree is a good option if you love a fiddle leaf fig, but don’t want to deal with the more aggressive care regimen. The attractive, shiny leaves are a great focal point, with the miniature, bonsai-like version also being a great, more subtle option. Though these trees are easy to take care of, moving the plant even a little can do serious damage. Find a spot and leave it there for the longest life.
Parlour palm
Maintenance level: Easy
Max height: 4 feet
Light: Shaded rooms with indirect sunlight are perfect.
One of the most common house trees available, the parlour palm is a great option for beginner indoor tree owners. While very easy to care for and maintain, these doopy, arch-like leaved trees do take some time to grow into mature adult plants. Be patient with this plant however, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, manageable tree that could give you a whole new hobby!
Rubber tree
Maintenance level: Easy
Max height: 10 feet
Light: Bright without direct sunlight.
This big-leaved tree works great next to a permanent object in your home, such as a television, fire place, or entryway. Maintenance is also quite easy for a plant of its stature, though you will likely have to dust off the leaves and add a support beam to the stalk once it grows larger.
Umbrella tree
Maintenance level: Easy
Max height: 10 feet+
Light: Indirect sunlight, though more shaded areas will only affect growth, not degrade its health.
This easy-to-grow tree is related to the umbrella plant. This tree grows quickly and can actually grow multiple trunks. While inside growth will be limited, left to its own devices outside, it could grow up to 50 ft tall! Just be careful — don’t grow this tree outside, as it’s often considered an invasive species in some areas.
Birds of paradise
Maintenance level: Easy-moderate
Max height: 6 feet
Light: Bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight will harm flowers.
This wonderful and stunning tree is known for its exquisite flowers. There may not be a more beautiful tree that’s this easy to care for. The tree actually evolved to support the weight of birds who stopped to eat the nectar. While this plant is easy to care for, it does need a warm climate to properly grow year round.
Money tree
Maintenance level: Easy-moderate
Max height: 10 feet tall, but can grow much larger outside
Light: As much light as possible without direct sunlight
This often braided trunked tree is a favorite among enthusiasts and is a popular option for those growing bonsais! While in the wild the tree produces edible nuts, when braided the tree will not produce them. We love this tree’s green branches and long, whorled leaves!
Kentia Palm Plant
Maintenance level: Easy
Max height: 10 feet
Light: General indirect light, though still does well when placed in a low-light area
Though technically not a tree, this large plant can grow to tree size and holds the same place in our hearts. The form of this tree is beautiful, with slender arching fronds creating a wonderful silhouette that fits with the popular interior design trends of today. Though it grows slowly, this one is worth your investment in time!
Trees inside are great, but make sure to take care of the majestic tree friends outside your door!
We love all things trees. Indoors, outdoors, and maybe even some inbetween!
So while you are making a positive step towards a more tree-filled life with some indoor plants, we encourage you to make sure you also take care of the trees you already have — the ones outside your home!
Is there anything more fashionable than a healthy tree? We don’t think so! Proper tree maintenance will ensure your tree stays healthy, shading your property, keeping you and your home safe, and retaining your property value.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you better take care of your trees.
Do you have a hazardous tree on your property? Thinking of tearing it out? Not so fast.
In Portland (and in many cities throughout Oregon), there are statutes requiring approval and special permits to remove trees. Beyond city approvals, removing a mature tree is a technical task best done by a professional.
The story of Jerry and the Ponderosa Pine removal disaster
We recently received a frantic call from a man named Jerry. He lives here in Portland in the Rocky Butte area and had grown frustrated by a Ponderosa Pine in his yard. It attracted too many pests, dripped sap on his car, and was brushing up against his roof, he explained.
Jerry considers himself a handyman. He often completed tasks around the house instead of calling a professional. So when the Ponderosa became too much to handle, he set out to tear the tree out himself.
Now, Ponderosa Pines are large trees. Thankfully, this one was fairly young, but it still towered about 20 feet high. As you can imagine, his removal efforts of this tree were doomed from the start. Thankfully, he didn’t get too far into the project (or hurt himself) before a neighbor let him know that his actions might be illegal.
So there, standing in the midst of cut down branches, pine needles and sap everywhere, Jerry called us for help. Here’s what we told him.
You (probably) need a permit to remove trees — even on private property
With some exceptions, you almost always need a permit to remove a tree on your own property.
Portland Trees has a very useful chart to help you understand whether or not you need a permit. But we always recommend calling Urban Forestry at 503-823-TREE (8733) to know for sure what your requirements are.
Some of the questions you need to consider to determine if you need a permit include:
When is a tree considered an immediate hazard? If the tree is suddenly uprooting or experienced sudden splitting, it may be unstable and pose a threat to your home and the neighborhood.
Fallen branches and dead trees are not generally considered a tree removal emergency.
The dangers of removing a tree on your own
Though the thought of channeling your inner lumberjack may sound exciting, the risks to yourself and your property are not worth it. This sort of thinking can get you injured or even killed.
There are many hazards to consider:
Power line problems — Even touching a tree that’s touching a power line can be dangerous
Risk of falling — Your safety precautions are not enough. Take the man who accidentally cut through his safety line and fell 50 feet to his death
Chainsaw injuries — Chainsaw kickback is a big threat and 36,000 people are injured from chainsaws every year.
Falling trees — Cutting down trees causes unpredictability. Plus there’s the “barber chair” phenomenon, when a tree splits and violently kicks back before it’s completely cut.
Foundation instability — Do you know how deep the roots of the tree dive? They might be snuggled up under the foundation of your driveway or even your house!
Disposing of a tree after removal
Once you’ve chopped the tree down, you still have to deal with its removal and the clearing of your property. This can be a lot of work, take a lot of time, and require a lot of heavy lifting and careful planning. Your options are a combination of:
Taking the tree to a green landfill
Mulching the tree
Using it as firewood
Why work with a Certified Arborist to remove a tree
A Certified Arborist is a Tree Care Professional certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (The ISA). These professionals have to pass a comprehensive examination and be constantly participating in continuing education.
Staying up-to-date with the most recent tree care methods is a huge part of being a Certified Arborist — not to mention this person has to renew their certification every 3 years.
Having this type of professional orchestrate a tree removal on your property is a huge benefit to you, your home, and your property. It limits the chances of a worker being injured on your property and keeps you and your home safe, too.
A Certified Arborist will also understand whether or not a tree can legally be removed and will ensure you don’t get yourself into a tricky situation with the city.
What to expect when hiring a Certified Arborist for a tree removal
A trustworthy Certified Arborist will value your home, property, and personal safety above all else. Here’s what you can expect from the process:
Prior to tree removal, the arborist will thoroughly inspect your tree to identify damage, rot, and decay and ensure the landscape is safe for removal.
After evaluation, a safe removal process of your tree will begin.
In most cases, to eliminate the possibility of property damage, the arborist will use the method known as “hoist and pulley” system. This process works by lowering each section of the tree down to a safe point where the ground crew can dispose of the tree.
Branches are mulched and reduced to a chip debris.
Larger chunks of wood are cut into standard fireplace logs and piled for you to use. They can also be removed and disposed of or donated.
A stump grinding is performed, allowing the area to be used for other landscaping needs.
Want to cut down a tree in Portland? Give us a call
Tree removal is a big project, but we’ll make it easy, safe, and legal to accomplish. As an accredited Portland tree removal service, we can help with the labor-intensive work of safely removing your tree and performing stump removal.
They say money doesn’t grow on trees. While you won’t be plucking Benjamins from your branches anytime soon, planting trees on your property does add tremendous value to your home.
The financial benefit of trees goes beyond visual value (though that’s certainly part of it). There are other intrinsic and tangible benefits to Oregon homeowners of having healthy, beautiful trees on their property. Learn all about it!
1. Increased home resale value
Let’s start by breaking down the monetary impact healthy trees have on the resale value of your property.
According to the Council of Tree and Landscapers Approval, a healthy and mature tree often has an appraised value between $1,000 and $10,000.
The Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests reports that for homes listed for over $250,000, a healthy and mature tree can positively impact buyer interest by up to 98%.
Specifically here in the PNW, a tree in front of the house can increase a home’s sales price by an average of $7,130.
A Management Information Services study revealed that landscaping with healthy trees can increase property value by 20%.
Spending just 5% of your home’s value on improving your landscaping—including adding trees—can have an ROI of as much as 150%.
2. Added beauty
Well-kept trees make a home look more attractive. It’s what’s known as curb appeal and it can make or break the overall look and style of your property.
The term curb appeal specifically refers to the way your home looks to someone standing on the street curb. While this is important for your own enjoyment and likability of your home, it’s even more important to a potential buyer.
3. Reduced noise & greater safety
Beyond just looking nice, trees offer some practical benefits. Trees offer protection from wind, rain, and most importantly, neighborhood noise. One study by North Carolina State University found that a strategically placed tree can block noise by as much as 40%!
Trees can also provide privacy for your family activities, either in place of or as a pleasant addition to a fence.
Surprisingly, houses with trees on the property also act a natural deterrent for crime and violence. Studies show that…
Property crimes are less frequent when there are trees and more abundant vegetation around a house.
Nearby trees and natural landscapes lead to 25% fewer acts of domestic aggression and violence.
Trees in a public right-of-way are generally associated with a reduction in crime.
4. Greater foundational stability
A tree-lined property or even just one or two mature trees can work to strengthen the foundation of your property. Tree roots add stability to the soil around your house, keeping erosion in check.
They also help soak up excess moisture and stop run off and act as a pollutant filtration, which is particularly helpful for homes situated near slopes or riverbeds.
5. Amazing green energy benefits
Trees around your property help conserve resources and benefit the environment.
First of all, trees absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into fresh oxygen. In fact, just 2 trees put out more oxygen than you’ll ever consume! And as we mentioned above, trees contribute to a healthy ecosystem by managing stormwater, pollutants, and conserving soil and water.
Trees can also help cut energy use in your home. According to the USDA Forest Service, trees can reduce the need for air conditioning by 30%. It can also save you 20-30% in heating costs!
The US Department of Energy suggests that just 3 properly placed trees can end up saving you a total of $100 to $250 every year in energy costs.
6. Increased wellbeing
Trees improve overall home life and enjoyability of your property. They provide shade and privacy for your outdoor parties or summer BBQs. They also provide a great playground for kids as a place to hang a tire swing, build a treehouse, or climb.
If you have fruit trees, they also provide a fresh snack to enjoy with your family or community. And overall, studies show that residents of homes surrounded by trees have a stronger sense of community and better relationships with their neighbors.
Does it matter what species of tree you plant?
Now that you’ve learned how beneficial trees are to the value of your home, you may be wondering if certain trees are better than others.
The answer is…not really! Other than fruit trees, which provide additional value if you harvest and eat the fruit or donate it through the Portland Fruit Tree Project, there aren’t any specific tree species proven to increase property value.
The key is to ensure the trees on your property are healthy and well cared for. And the older a tree, the better!
When trees can hurt the value of your property
There is one caveat to all the above…and that’s if you have unhealthy and damaged trees on your property.
You need to take care of your trees, and that means…
Calling an arborist if you notice anything out of the ordinary
There may come a time when it makes more financial sense to remove a tree than keep it. Some signs that you need to talk to an arborist about tree removal are…
The tree is hanging over your roof and causing damage (hopefully it just needs to be pruned)
The tree is closer than 15 feet from your home (this may be a liability)
The tree roots have gone wild and are now disrupting your foundation
Have questions about the trees on your property? Ask an arborist!
When you have questions about the trees around your Oregon home, we want to be your first call. Our master gardeners and ISA-Certified Arborists are always ready to help.
Interested in making a fruitful investment into your home and life? Plant a fruit tree on your property! Planting fruit trees has many benefits:
Adds natural beauty
Increases the value of your home
Provides privacy
Offers a strong root system around your house to help hold soil in place
Contributes to lower blood-pressure and improved overall psychological and emotional health
Provides delicious fruit for you and your family to enjoy!
As the Portland area’s full-service tree care provider, we often get asked about planting fruit trees and what varieties grow best in this area. The good news is, when it comes to the type of fruit you can grow, Portland is ripe with opportunity.
Keep reading for a complete guide to the best type of fruit trees to grow in Portland.
Apples
Apple trees thrive in wet, mild climates, so it’s no surprise that our state produces roughly 125 million pounds of this crunchy and delicious fruit every year!
There are thousands of apple varieties that are grown in Oregon, so you have a lot of options to choose from, including…
Fuji
Gala
Honeycrisp
Braeburn
Just think of all the wonderful fall-themed dishes, desserts, and drinks you can make fresh from your yard!
Cherries
Is there anything more iconic than a bowl full of cherries from the PNW? This candy-like fruit is an Oregon favorite. And there’s nothing quite as stunning as a cherry tree in the spring. Many people plant cherry trees on their property just to witness their blossoms!
The most popular types of cherries to grow here in Portland are…
Bing
Sweetheart
Royal Ann
Rainier
Pears
Did you know that pears are Oregon’s official state fruit? In fact, 84% of pears grown in the US come from the area. Warm days, cool nights, and easy access to plenty of water and rich, volcanic soil provide an environment that’s perfect for pears to grow and thrive on your Portland property.
The most popular pear varieties grown here in this are include…
Anjou
Bartlett
Bosc
Concorde
Plums
Plum trees typically produce fruit for several weeks during the summer and are a unique fruit to grow on your property — particularly if you enjoy making jams and jellies!
Favorite types of plums grown here in Oregon are…
Italian prunes
Empress
Santa Rosa
Shiro
Figs
Their tropical look might fool you into believing they belong in jungle, but the truth is that figs grow wonderfully here in the Pacific Northwest! In fact, they’re a backyard favorite for many.
Like all types of fruit trees, pruning fig trees takes some special care, but other than that, this type of tree is fairly hardy and very easy to care for. Depending on the variety you choose, you may even get two crops in one year!
Peaches
A sweet and juicy peach is a wonderful late summer treat. And though Oregon isn’t known for peaches in the way other states like Georgia are, peach trees do thrive here.
There are a few different types of peaches to look into, though for amateur gardeners, we recommend a variety that’s resistant to peach leaf curl, such as…
Avalon Pride
Frost
Salish Summer
You may even want to try planting a donut peach tree which are an extra fun variety of this fruit.
Where to plant a fruit tree
As you consider the type of fruit you want around your home, equally important is that you evaluate your property and understand where the best place to plant will be. Just as the type of tree affects where you choose to plant, the landscape of your property can affect the type of tree you choose.
Remember: A tree planted in the wrong place won’t grow properly and could potentially cause problems for your home.
We always recommend getting an arborist’s opinion on your property before making your final decisions, but here are a few things to consider:
It’s typically recommended to plant at least 10 feet from your home and 5 feet away from your fence or property line
What areas do you want more privacy?
Will planting in a certain spot block sunlight to your home?
What other plants and trees are already in your yard?
How is the soil on your property?
Does your property get direct sun? A lot of shade?
Fruit tree planting tips
Once you’ve chosen the type of tree and the location in your yard, it’s time to plant it! There are some important tips to make sure you give your tree a good start.
You typically want to plant in winter or early spring.
Dig a hole approximately 2 feet wide by 1.5 feet deep.
The top roots of the tree should not be buried more than 2 inches under the soil, as it can suffocate.
You generally want to prune the top of your tree as soon as its planted — usually a 1/4 or 1/2 of the top to balance the root to top ratio. Keep in mind though, if done incorrectly pruning can hurt your tree. Always consult an expert.
Once your tree is planted, make sure it gets plenty of water — around 3-5 gallons each week is needed for most young trees. Just be careful not to overwater!
Questions about planting fruit trees in PDX? Ask an arborist!
When it comes to tree care questions, we want to be your first call. Whether you have questions about what type of fruit tree will grow best in your yard, how to plant your tree, or need help with pruning, our master gardeners and ISA-Certified Arborists are always ready to help.
Portland-area homeowners need to be aware of the common diseases and fungi that affect our local trees. Left alone, an infected tree can spread the disease to other trees on your property and invite bugs and pests. Plus, they just look bad.
Whether you’ve just noticed the trees around your property are unhealthy or you want to learn how to prevent disease and issues before they start, this blog post will help.
Keep reading to learn the most common and virulent tree diseases that affect trees in the Pacific Northwest (and what you can do to protect against them).
1. Phytophthora root rot
Phytophthora root rot is caused by poor drainage or overwatering in the soil around the tree. The tree becomes unable to absorb the moisture and nourishment it needs from the soil, causing the oxygen-starved roots to slowly die and decay.
In some trees, it can take years of suffering from this disease before it dies. In others, the tree may be killed within a single season.
Types of trees affected by root rot include:
Cherry
Dogwood
Holly
Madrone
Oak
Arborvitae
Cypress
Juniper
Port-Orford cedars
Pines
Firs
Apple
Peach
Signs and symptoms of root rot
A tree suffering from root rot will have an overall unhealthy appearance and reduced vigor. A good way to identify root rot include:
Poor growth
Small, pale leaves
Wilted or yellow leaves
A thinning canopy
Branch dieback
To identify root rot is truly the cause of your tree’s issue, an arborist will need to examine the root tissue a few inches below the soil line. Here’s how they’ll do that:
Carefully remove a small amount of outer bark tissue
Examine the inner wood, looking for discoloration
In advanced tree rot, the tree may have black, dead tissue and a foul smell
How to prevent root rot
Preventing root rot starts with good soil drainage. Avoid overwatering and creating irrigation moats to keep water from pooling against the trunk. Proper care and drainage is particularly important for young trees, as they are especially vulnerable due to underdeveloped root systems and crowns.
How to treat root rot
Since it can take years to notice root rot in a tree, by the time you notice an issue, it may be too late. However, moderately affected trees can sometimes be saved by a professional arborist, who will carefully prune out the infected roots.
If a tree is significantly infected, the best way to control the rot from spreading to other trees on your property is to remove the tree entirely.
2. Verticillium wilt
Verticillium wilt is a serious fungal disease affecting many important trees in the Pacific Northwest. This disease lives in the soil and invades trees through their roots. As it spreads through the branches, it causes the cells of the tree to “plug” themselves. The tree will eventually become so infected that water can no longer reach the leaves.
The most common tree species affected by Verticillium wilt include:
One common sign of Verticillium (especially in maple trees) is yellow-green streaks. This doesn’t automatically guarantee that the tree has Verticillium. A few other signs may include:
One or more branches on one side of the tree suddenly wilt
The leaves may appear yellow before the wilt
A decline in new twig growth
Increase in dead twigs and branches
Internally, the tree may have discolored sapwood in the recent annual rings
While these are a few signs to look out for, only a professional examination can positively diagnose the disease in your tree.
How to prevent Verticillium wilt
Verticillium typically only appears in trees that are already damaged or otherwise stressed. So regular care and pruning of dead branches is recommended to maintain the tree’s overall vigor and health.
Since this and other diseases can be transmitted on pruning tools, we always recommend hiring a professional arborist that knows how to properly sterilizes tools before use.
How to treat Verticillium wilt
Unfortunately, this type of disease is incurable. Once present, it will live in the tree forever, eventually killing the tree. The good news is, with proper care from a professional arborist, you can preserve the tree and continue to enjoy it for several more years.
However, depending on the location of your tree and what types of trees and plants are nearby, it may be recommended to remove the tree and replace it with something that is not susceptible to Verticillium.
3. Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that infects shade trees, causing leaf spots, cupping or curling of leaves, and early leaf drop. Mild winter weather combined with wind and rain in the spring increases the presence of this disease, making Anthrancnose a very common problem here in the Portland area.
While this disease typically won’t kill a tree, it can reduce growth and it hurt the overall appearance of the tree.
The most common types of shade trees affected by Anthracnose include:
Dogwood
London planetree
American sycamore
Ash
Oak
Maple
Walnut
Signs and symptoms of Anthracnose
Signs of this disease are fairly simple to catch, however the exact symptoms may manifest differently depending on the species of your tree.
The best way to notice problems is to examine the leaves of the tree. Look for…
Brown and irregular shaped spots
Distorted, cupped, or curled leaves
Minor insect feeding wounds
Leaves that are most affected on the lower and inner branches of the tree
How to prevent Anthracnose
The best way to prevent Anthracnose is to keep your tree healthy, as this will help it defend against the disease. Proper care includes providing appropriate levels of water and fertilizer, having your trees inspected every few years, and hiring a professional pruner.
How to treat
Immediately removing fallen leaves and twigs from around the tree and your yard is a great way to reduce the next year’s outbreak. You should also have a professional prune away dead twigs and branches from the crown of the tree, which will facilitate better air flow in the canopy.
In serious and repeat cases, your arborist may recommend a fungicide treatment. This treatment is typically best administered in the spring.
4. Bronze Birch Borer & Emerald Ash Borer
These two types of Beetles are very common in the PNW and can wreak havoc on your beloved birch and ash trees. The damage done by these beetles can be severe and deadly. These beetles bore into the wood of the tree and feed on its interior tissue. They will create intricate tunnels inside the tree. They also feed on the tree’s leaves and foliage.
Signs and symptoms of a beetle infestation
The first sign of infestation is typically sparse, stunted, and yellowing leaves at the tree canopy. Eventually, the branches will lose their leaves. Take a close examination of the tree’s bark and leaves and you may also find…
Holes and splits in the bark
New branches and leaves sprouting from the trunk of the tree or at the base
Larvae feeding beneath the bark of the tree
Increased woodpecker feeding
You can often spot beetles moving around the sunny side of a tree. Bronze Birch Beetles are olive brown in color while the Emerald Ash borer is a metalix color.
How to prevent tree borers
There’s no easy way to protect your trees against these pests. Start by properly caring for your tree, including watering when it’s dry, fertilizing correctly, and booking regular tree inspections.If you have birch or ash trees on your property, you should also talk to your arborist about possible preventive chemical treatments.
How to treat a borer infestation
Once you spot symptoms of beetles, it’s usually too late to save the tree. Likely, the tree will need to be removed. Left for too long, the tree can weaken and may fall on its own, damaging your property, so don’t wait. Always seek immediate help from a professional arborist.
Does your tree look unhealthy? Schedule an inspection today
If you’re worried about the health of your trees, or it’s been a few years since you’ve schedule tree maintenance, give us a call at (503) 348-7642, Our ISA Certified Arborists® would be happy to take a look at your trees and also offer:
Oregon has long been known for its towering forests with beautiful evergreen and deciduous trees. Here in Portland, we respect these tree so much that in 1993, the City Council passed the Heritage Tree code to promote and protect the finest trees in the region.
But what exactly is the big deal with Portland trees? Why are they such an important part of the city? Keep reading to learn some of the most interesting tree facts in Oregon and why, as a Portlander, it’s important to properly care for and maintain your trees.
1. The tallest tree in Portland is (probably) 242 feet high
Situated in Forest Park is a magnificent Douglas fir tree. The tree sits near Balch Creek and the park’s famous Stone House and has caught the wonder of many residents and visitors alike.
At 242 feet high and with a trunk circumference of 18.6 feet, this tree is a pretty cool sight to see.
Officially, the “tallest tree” title has not been given in Portland. However, this fabulous Douglas fir is thought by many local tree experts to be the largest tree in the city.
2. In the early 1850s, there were “more stumps than trees” in Portland
In 1847, Portland experienced phenomenal growth. Throughout the city, countless trees were being cut down to make way for roads. This was all happening so fast that most tree stumps were left behind until enough manpower could be spared to remove them.
In some areas, these stumps sat around for so long that locals painted them white to make them more visible. During rainy parts of the year, locals used the stumps as a sort of crosswalk, hopping from stump to stump to make it across the street without sinking into the mud,
It was during that time when one man mentioned that there were “more stumps than trees” in the city. Soon, people started referring to the city as “Stumptown.” The name stuck, and even today, Stumptown is a well-known Portland nickname.
3. Oregon still has 91% of the forests that covered the state in 1630
While Portland lost many of its original trees during the 1850s and again in 70s and 80s, Oregon at large has done a great job of maintaining the state’s forest land. In fact, approximately 91% of the forest land base that existed in Oregon in 1630 still exists today!
There have been changes — for instance, the location of forests — but about 28 million of the state’s original 30 million acre forest remains today. Pretty impressive!
4. Portland’s Lone Fir Cemetery was inspired after a true lone fir
Located in Southeast Portland, Lone Fir Cemetery is one of Oregon’s most treasured historic places and Portland’s second-largest arboretum.
In 1866, the cemetery was named after a single fir tree that grew at the norwest end of the lot.
Today, more than 700 trees representing 67 species live in the cemetery, but the original lone fir still stands. At 85 feet high, the tree is immediately noticeable and very beautiful.
5. Oregon is the #1 producer of Christmas trees in the nation
Christmas trees are commercially grown in 44 states. However, with over 700 Christmas tree growers and about 42,000 acres dedicated to Christmas tree farming, Oregon tops the chart as the #1 producer of this holiday tradition.
In 2015, Christmas tee farming was a 84.5 million dollar industry in Oregon, with almost five million Christmas trees sold. In 2016, that number jumped to 5.2 million trees — well above the 3.5 million trees that came from North Carolina, the next largest producer of the crop.
As you might guess, the top-selling species of Christmas trees in Oregon is the Douglas fir — our state tree. But Noble fir, Grand fir, and Nordmann fir are also popular.
6. The world’s smallest park is in Portland (and it’s home to one little tree)
Did you know Portland has the smallest park in the world?
Folklore says the park’s origin came when a man named Dick Fagan looked out his window and saw a leprechaun digging a hole in a street median where a light pole was to be place.
According to Fagan, he caught the leprechaun and wished for a park. However, he failed to specify the size of the park in his wish, so the leprechaun gave him the hole.
On St. Patrick’s Day in 1976, the hole became a city park, named Mills End. Located in the median strip of SW Naito Parkway with a total area of 452 square inches, the park is home to one single tree — a Douglas fir sapling.
In 2013, someone stole the park’s one and only tree. Thankfully, their conscience got the better of them, and they returned the little tree a week later.
7. Oregon’s weirdest-looking tree is a giant Sitka spruce
In Cape Meares, Oregon, there sits a massive Sitka spruce tree. This tree, lovingly named the Octopus Tree, features a handful of large branches that reach out about 16 feet from it’s 50-foot base. The result is a tree that strangely resembles giant tentacles.
As a bonus, Cape Meares is also home to the largest Sitka Spruce in the state, called the Big Spruce. This giant tree is 144 feet tall, 48 feet in circumference, and 15 ½ feet in diameter. The craziest part — the tree is estimated to be around 800 years old!
8. Ginkgo trees are popular in Portland — even though they smell like vomit!
Gingko trees line the streets of Portland areas like Northeast Irvington. In the fall, the fan-shaped leaves of these trees shine a brilliant shade of gold, making the entire neighborhood something to behold.
And yet, this color show comes at a cost — a horrible stench that fills the air.
After this hardy urban tree sheds its berries and leaves on the ground, they start to rot, emitting a smell that’s often likened to dirty gym socks or even vomit.
Still, for many, the colorful leaves are worth it.
9. Portland is trying to map all the trees in the city
Portland loves its trees so much, that the Urban Forestry Tree Inventory Project is attempting to map every single tree in Portland.
The map is an almost creepily specific guide to Portland’s trees. Type in any address (maybe even your own!) and the map will show you all the trees located in that area. If you’re not sure what type of trees are around your neighborhood, the map can be really helpful.
Give your Portland trees some love
Trees are closely integrated in Portland’s history and are a beautiful part of our day-to-day life here in Oregon.
If you have trees in your yard or around your property, make sure you give them special care and help preserve their fascinating (and sometimes a little strange) spot in our city’s society.
Don’t get us wrong— trees are amazing! They provide shade, prevent erosion, look beautiful, and grow for generations, just to name just a few of their incredible benefits. But homeowners in the Pacific Northwest should be aware of the risks trees pose to their kids — both human and furry.
In today’s blog post, our certified tree experts will show you how your trees can hurt your kids and your pets. You’ll also learn how to avoid these dangers and much more.
Climbing and falling
When George Mallory was asked why he climbed Mt. Everest, he famously replied, “because it’s there.” Many kids have the same philosophy when it comes to climbing trees. But parents should be watchful and mindful of the danger posed by falls from even small trees.
Over 100 people are killed every year by falls from trees. While most of these deaths are the result of on-the-job accidents, many kids fall victim as well. Thousands more suffer bumps, bruises, and more serious injuries like broken bones and concussions.
The best thing to do is discourage your child from climbing any tree. Not only is it dangerous to kids but it can damage the trees’ bark and branches, too.
Broken branches and other debris
Here in the Portland area, severe weather can damage a tree, leading to falling branches and even complete collapse of the tree itself. Both are incredibly dangerous situations that can affect both kids and pets. Don’t let your kids, cats, or dogs play outside under trees after:
Snowstorms – Ice and snow can weigh down and weaken branches.
High winds – Wind storms can snap off tree branches and leave them dangling precariously and ready to fall at any time.
Rainy weather – Oversaturated ground can cause even healthy trees to topple over by destabilizing the root system.
Heat waves – Hot weather can make branches brittle and more likely to snap off. Long periods of hot dry weather can also affect a tree’s stability and overall health.
The best thing you can to do to protect your family and your trees is to have them regularly inspected and pruned by certified tree experts like those at Northwest Arbor Culture.
Think you know the answer? You might be surprised.
Our experts share what they’ve learned from years of responding to emergency tree service calls.
Living trees and old tree stumps can be host to swarms of bees, ants, spiders, and other critters. Cats, dogs, and kids can all be hurt by insect stings and bites. In some cases, a sting or bite can lead to life-threatening allergic reactions. At the very least, ant bites and wasp stings can be very painful!
Remember that insect infestations can affect the health of the tree, too.
Toxic trees
Most species of trees in Oregon don’t pose a direct threat to kids or most pets. However, horses can be poisoned by:
Black walnut trees
Maple trees
Yew trees (also toxic to humans)
However, just to be safe, keep your kids from eating any leaves or bark from trees. Bark and leaves may contain bacteria, fungus, or other potential hazards.
GETTING READY TO BUY A NEW HOME?
We specialize in pre-purchase tree inspections. By assessing the health of your trees you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price by identifying potentially costly problems like:
Invasive root systems
Decayed and rotting trees
Diseased trees
Call us today to learn more: (503) 538-8733
Mushrooms
The most serious risk comes not from the trees themselves, but from toxic mushrooms that grow nearby. The shaded and moist ground near the base of a tree makes an ideal habitat for many extremely dangerous mushrooms.
NEVER eat a mushroom you find in your yard unless you are an experienced mushroom forager and know exactly what it is. Many toxic mushrooms are easily confused with mushrooms that are perfectly safe. In Oregon, the most dangerous forms of mushrooms include:
Death Cap Mushroom – Can cause liver and kidney failure and death
Deadly Galerina – Affects the nervous system and kidneys
False Morel – So-named because of its similarity to the delicious Morel, this mushroom can cause diarrhea, dizziness, and even death
Destroying Angel – This deadly mushroom contains amatoxins which lead to a slow and painful death
We can’t say this enough: Wild mushrooms can be very dangerous. Keep an eye on your kids and pets to make sure they’re not ingesting them.
How to care for your trees
You can minimize the danger presented to kids and pets by caring for your trees. Here’s a few of our top tree care tips:
Have your trees inspected – Your trees need a check-up to make sure they’re healthy and strong.
Trim and prune large trees – Proper trimming and pruning actually helps improve the tree’s health and longevity.
Remove dead or dying trees – Dead and dying trees are likely to fall or drop branches leading to injuries and possibly even damage to your home.
Water and mulch regularly – Mulch insulates your tree and provides valuable nutrients. Younger trees especially need extra water to take hold and stay healthy. This is very important during the dry summer months here in the Portland area.
We’ll take a look at your trees and help you create a tree care and pruning plan that works for you and your family. We’ve been working in the Portland area for decades and there’s no tree service in Portland more committed to customer service than Northwest Arbor Culture.
Are you considering trimming or pruning your trees yourself? Maybe you’re thinking “how can I save money on landscaping expenses?” Perhaps you’re even considering investing in tree trimming equipment and turning it into part of your home landscaping routine.
While it can be tempting to think tree maintenance can be a DIY project, the risks don’t outweigh the benefits. In this post, we’ll outline the reasons why it’s a good idea to hire a professional tree pruner.
Improper pruning can harm or even kill your tree
Improper pruning can actually damage your tree more than doing nothing at all. Since every tree and environment is different, it’s not as simple as researching and doing it yourself. Here in the Pacific Northwest, trees grow particularly fast. This underscores the importance of proper pruning, since things can spiral out of control quickly.
Common tree pruning mistakes include:
Taking too much off the top: When you take too much off the top of a tree (known as “topping”), it no longer grows as it should. Not only will it lead to an ugly tree, but it will likely die due to a weakened branch structure.
Not knowing where to cut: Many people approach pruning as simply cutting what looks like a weak branch. While removing dead branches is necessary, doing it improperly can severely damage the health of the tree. For instance, if bark is inadvertently removed the tree will be susceptible to disease. Also, if branches close to the trunk are removed it can hurt the tree’s ability to heal properly.
Over pruning: Excessive pruning will kill your tree. At no point should more than 20% of a tree’s foliage be removed, as it will do irreversible harm.
Each tree (and tree species) is different
The primary reason it’s so hard to prune trees if you’re not an expert is the wide variance of needed maintenance from tree to tree. Two trees of the same species, even if they are right next to each other, can need completely different care.
The issue is compounded if they are different species. One species may need to be pruned in spring, while a different tree (even located in the same yard) may need to be pruned in the fall. Trees require unique care due to their genetic makeup and their reactions to a specific environment. For instance, two different species of trees react to rainstorms differently, meaning that the way severe weather impacts each tree could be very different.
Without knowledge, training, and experience it can be hard to know what to do.
Professionals will always have the training, experience, and equipment to get the job done
When you hire a professional tree pruner, you can rest easy knowing the job is done right. Local tree pruning services have worked with thousands of trees in the area and have a deep familiarity with local tree species.
They’ll also have experience with the type of tree growth and specific situations presented in your community. Plus, since they’ve seen so much tree growth in your community and know how to take care of Oregon trees, they won’t be phased by any challenges.
Arborists will always have the extensive amount of equipment needed to do the job right. They also will be trained to use the equipment properly and safely.
When you work with experienced and trusted Portland arborists you know the work is done by Accredited Certified Arborists who know how to do the job right the first time.
Work with Northwest Arbor-Culture
At Northwest Arbor-Culture, we’ve been helping homeowners here in the Pacific Northwest for 17 years. We know how trees in our community grow and are committed to ensuring the health and proper growth of your property’s trees.
There are a lot of reasons for this danger, including:
It’s hard to tell a stable branch from an unstable one. Standing on or even knocking into one could make the branch collapse, either underneath or on top of you.
When you’re up high anything can happen. With trees in the Portland area reaching heights over 100 feet, falls can be fatal.
Wildlife often lives high up in trees and can become erratic when disturbed, either injuring you or forcing you to fall.
For trees that are over or next to power lines, branches can fall onto the lines, knocking them down and creating an extremely dangerous situation.
While not as dire, trimming trees yourself can also cause severe property damage to you or your neighbor’s homes. Even if a branch is not over anything, when the branch falls it could be redirected by another branch, causing it to fall on your home or something else.
Trusted professionals will always have insurance
While not all property risks are alleviated by hiring professionals, a professional and experienced arborist will have insurance to cover any injury or damage. This will include any property damage caused by their work. It will also cover any injuries, serious or minor, inflicted on any workers while they are working on your home.
It will look better when you hire a professional
Tree arborists are professionals for a reason. They are there to make sure your trees are healthy and look great. When you trim trees yourself, the tree can grow at an angle that is both unhealthy and unattractive.
Landscaping is an investment in your home
If you’re like most people, your home is your largest asset and a large part of your financial future. Treat it as such and make sure to nurture it in a way that accentuates the things making it valuable.
Maintaining your home’s landscaping, and particularly trees, will ensure you protect the value of your home.
Money invested in landscaping generally has an ROI of over 150%!
Northwest Arbor-Culture can help protect your investment
Give us a call today to help ensure your home stays beautiful for the long haul. We have years of experience helping Portland homeowners keep their trees healthy and attractive. Call (503) 538-8733 or contact us online.
