The Pacific Northwest, including the Portland area, is home to some of the biggest and most beautiful trees around! But unfortunately, the area is also prone to severe weather, including heavy winds, ice storms, and months and months of drizzly rain. The combination of extreme weather and large trees can lead to big problems.
In today’s post, we’ll explain what you should do if a tree falls on your Portland home.
Let’s get started.
1. Be Safe & Contact Emergency Services
If a tree falls on your home, your first priority is to protect yourself and your family. Remember that your house can be repaired and your property can be replaced. But the safety and health of your loved ones is priceless.
So if a tree falls on your house, make sure everyone is safe. If anyone needs medical attention, don’t hesitate to call 911. If the tree brought down power lines as it fell, if you see fire or smell smoke, call the fire department right away! You’ll be glad you did.
2. Turn Off The Power & Gas In Your Home
If there’s no immediate danger and you know how to; turn off the power and gas in your home. It’s a precautionary measure that could stop a fire from starting if the tree damaged a gas line as it fell.
3. Call The Electric Company
Many times, when a large tree falls, it damages power lines which can cause an outage in your area. You should call the power company to alert them of any damage to power lines or power outages caused by the downed tree.
For reference here are contact numbers for Portland area utility companies:
You can call and report downed power lines, power outages, and unsafe conditions.
4. Contact Your Home Insurance Agent
Once everyone is safe and the authorities have been notified, call your home insurance agent. They can help you decide what steps to take next and can help you understand what might or might not be covered by your homeowner’s policy.
An insurance assessor will likely come out to your home to inspect the damage before processing your claim. In some cases, you may be able to email pictures of the damage to your insurance agent to speed up the process.
5. Get The Tree Removed & Other Trees Inspected
Next, you’ll need to have the tree removed by a trusted and experienced large tree removal company, like the team here at Northwest Arbor Culture. We’re happy to come out to your home and offer you a free, no-obligation estimate. We can remove large trees and can even grind up and haul away the stump that’s still in the ground.
In most cases, you’ll also want to have other trees on your property inspected as well. The saying “lightning doesn’t strike twice” doesn’t apply to falling trees! Changing soil conditions, tree diseases, and other factors can cause multiple trees to be more likely to fall in your yard. You’ll also want to pay close attention to any trees that might be near your property line and that might fall on your neighbor’s home or yard.
Do not try to remove the tree yourself. Fallen trees are dangerous– especially if they are leaning on your house. Trees can weigh THOUSANDS of pounds and the root ball can act as a counterweight, causing the trunk of the tree to spring back if it is cut free.
For your safety, leave this job to an experienced, certified, licensed, and insured professional.
6. Roof Inspection & Repair
After the tree has been removed, you’ll need to find a trusted local roofing contractor to inspect and repair your roof. Depending on the extent of the damage, a partial roof replacement might be required– and might even be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Even if there isn’t visible roof damage, your roof should still be inspected. There may be damage under the shingles that could lead to roof leaks later on down the road.
7. Home & Foundation Inspection
Finally, you’ll want to have your home and foundation inspected– especially if you see cracks or splits in the foundation. When a tree falls, the extremely large root ball moves as well. This movement can cause damage to the foundation that you might not notice right away. But over time, this can damage the structure of your house or allow moisture and leaks.
A thorough home inspection can identify problems like these and can help you rest a little easier.
Answers To Your Questions
“What If My Neighbor’s Tree Falls On My House?”
Generally speaking, when it comes to insurance, your policy pays for damage to your property, no matter whose tree it was. In other words, if a tree falls on your house, contact your insurance company.
“What If My Tree Falls On My Neighbor’s House?”
It’s likely that you will only be liable if you were negligent about the condition of the tree. You can protect yourself by having the trees on your property inspected, trimmed, and if necessary, removed.
“What If a Tree Falls On A Shared Fence or Property Line?”
The best case scenario is that you get along well with your neighbors and can split the cost of removing the tree and repairing the fence! Both parties involved can contact their insurance companies and let them decide how to handle things.
“How Can I Tell If A Tree Might Fall?”
Dead trees are most at risk for falling. Disease, severe weather, and other factors can also increase the likelihood that a tree will fall. But only the assistance and trained eye of an experienced tree care professional can help you understand whether a tree is likely to come crashing down.
“I’m About To Buy A House. Are The Current Owners Liable For The Trees?”
If you’re thinking about buying a home in the Portland area, please take the time to have the trees inspected before you make the biggest purchase of your life! A pre-purchase tree inspection can save you thousands down the road– not to mention a lot of headaches.
Do You Need Help With A Tree On Your Property?
If you’re worried that a tree on your property might fall and damage your home, contact Northwest Arbor Culture today. We can inspect your trees and offer our expert advice based on decades of experience as Certified Arborists.
Did you know that there are some trees that can live to be over 5,000 years old? While the trees in your yard won’t live that long, if they’re well maintained, they can live for 50 years or even longer! Unfortunately, many trees become diseased, rotted, or damaged before they can reach their full potential.
Today we’ll talk about some of the most common causes of tree problems and diseases as well as signs that your tree might be unhealthy and in need of help.
Weather & Storms
Our Portland climate is generally pretty mild, but our weather can still cause serious damage to trees. During the rainy months, too much precipitation can cause the ground to become waterlogged, loosening a tree’s roots. This can cause trees to lean or even topple over! During the winter, ice and snow accumulation can put stress on branches and cause them to break off
Root Damage & Loss
Tree roots are like an anchor, holding the tree steady and straight. They also absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Without a healthy root system a tree simply can’t be healthy. Since they’re underground root problems are often difficult to spot until damage has already been done. Roots can be:
Cut or crushed by heavy construction equipment
Infected by invasive fungus
Damaged by lack of available nutrients or changes in the environment
Disease & Infection
Diseases and infections from fungi, bacteria and other sources can be deadly. In the Portland area, for example, elm trees are especially susceptible to Dutch Elm disease. Dutch Elm disease is caused by a fungus that’s carried by certain types of beetles. The disease can spread quickly and kill many trees if it’s not caught early. Other common tree diseases include:
Anthracnose – A fungal infection that attacks leaves, flowers, and fruits. You’ll often see this on dogwood trees.
Dothistroma – Another fungal infection that can kill younger pine trees. This infection causes a pine tree’s needles to fall off, preventing the tree from creating the energy it needs to grow.
Leaf Blight – Actually a variety of related ailments, leaf blight can damage a tree’s canopy, over time weakening and killing the entire tree.
Age
In a way, trees are just like people. As they age, they become more susceptible to some diseases and ailments. The branches of older trees may weaken due to an accumulation of small cracks and breaks. Depending on the weather, older trees may dry out and become brittle and unhealthy.
Construction
Heavy construction machinery can compress soil and damage a tree’s root system. It’s important to remember that a tree’s roots extend far from its base (in some cases 30 feet or more), making it important to stay well away from trees during construction. In addition, careless use of construction equipment can rip off a tree’s leaves and branches or cause damage to the trunk itself.
So be careful when you’re doing any work in your yard!
Poor Maintenance
Trees need our help to stay healthy! If you don’t take good care of your trees, they’re more likely to suffer from disease, damage, and other common tree problems. Luckily, most trees don’t require much maintenance. They only require regular trimmings and inspections to make sure the bark, roots, branches, and trunk are healthy and stable.
What To Look Out For
While some tree problems are tough to spot, there are some telltale signs you can be on the lookout for.
Sudden Changes to Leaf Color & Density
If a tree’s leaves suddenly change from green to yellow, or if leaves become splotchy or have a “banded” appearance, that could be a sign of fungal infection or disease. Or if a tree’s leaves or needles begin to fall off out of season, that’s another warning sign.
Unusual Growths & Knots
Bulbous growths or swollen areas in a tree’s trunk can be caused by bacteria growth. Fungus growing from a tree’s trunk or branches can also be signs of an unhealthy tree. These growths are often signs that your tree isn’t getting the nutrients it needs to grow normally.
Insect Damage
Insects can do real damage to the trees growing in your yard. Most of the time, it’s easy to spot insect damage because you can see insects crawling, flying, and buzzing around your tree, and most of the damage done will be to the tree’s exterior. Here’s what you should be on the lookout for:
Leaves that look “chewed” or bitten – Beetles and some caterpillars feed on tree leaves. Too much damage to too many leaves can prevent your trees from getting the sunlight and nutrients they need.
Leaves with unusual colors – Aphids, leaf hoppers, and other insects can damage leaves, causing them to turn yellow or develop a “speckled” appearance.
Moldy bark – Aphids, lacebugs, and other insects excrete substances that can cause mold to grow on your trees, potentially causing long term damage.
You should think of your trees as an investment that needs your attention to keep paying off. With just a bit of care and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy your trees for decades to come!
Ask a Professional
If you’re seeing evidence of these common tree problems and diseases, don’t worry. And if you’re at all worried about the health of your trees, don’t worry.
Contact NW Arbor Culture online or call us at (503) 538-8733 for a free consultation and estimation. We’re happy to come out, take a look at your trees, and let you know our expert opinion. We have over 30 years of experience caring for trees in the Portland area and know how to make sure your tree lives a long, healthy life.
Trees provide shade, help freshen the air, and even add value to your property. We all want our trees to stay strong and healthy, but what should you do if you think one of your trees might be dead?
Dead trees don’t just look unattractive, they can actually pose a safety risk. Dead trees are more fragile. They drop branches easily and may even fall completely if not taken care of properly.
Today, I’ll show you how to tell if your tree is dead, and what you can do to keep your home, property, and family safe.
What Causes Trees to Die?
Trees live hundreds of years, right?
Many of them can, but damage and diseases can unfortunately kill a tree prematurely. In an ideal world, you’d notice the warning signs early on.
When a tree is dying, the cause of the problem usually starts underground with the roots and soil. Luckily, you can often see signs of tree death and disease above ground.
Here are some of the most common reasons why trees die:
Too Much or Too Little Water
Making sure your tree gets enough water is especially important when it’s young. Too little water can dry a tree out, while too much can drown it.
How much water your tree needs depends on the type of tree you have and where you live. The Arbor Day Foundation has some helpful tips for how much to water your tree at each stage of its growth.
Contact your local certified arborist if you have more questions about how to water your tree.
Changes in the Soil Grade
Changes in the soil level around your tree can affect how much water and nutrients the tree can absorb. That’s because trees’ primary feeding roots are usually located in the top six inches of soil. Changing the soil grade by even just a few inches can create a problem.
If you’re thinking of adding soil to your yard, be careful. Avoid adding too much near your tree if you can.
Root Damage
Trees need their roots to absorb nutrients and even remain standing. Big trees have strong, sturdy roots, but even those roots can be damaged.
If you have frequently driven over or parked on a tree’s roots, there’s a chance they were damaged.
Not only can the weight of a car damage roots, but all that weight also compacts the soil beneath it, making it harder for the tree to get the water, oxygen, and other nutrients it needs from the soil.
Pouring concrete, laying asphalt, or paving over tree roots can cause similar problems. If tree roots don’t have room to grow, or something is preventing them from feed from the soil, you may have a problem.
Improper Planting or Transplanting
Young trees are especially sensitive, so planting and transplanting them can be risky. A couple common mistakes are:
Digging a too shallow or too deep hole
Packing the soil down too hard after planting
Both can smother the tree and prevent proper root growth.
Tip: Any time you plant or transplant a tree, be careful of the root ball (the tangle of roots at the bottom of a young tree). If there is burlap or twine tied around the roots, remove it carefully. Then, gently loosen and separate the root ball just enough to help the roots spread out before you place the tree in the ground.
The warning signs will be slightly different depending on what type of tree you’re dealing with. Usually, though, you’ll be able to tell if there’s something wrong.
What should you look for?
Falling Leaves or Needles
A tree that is dying or dead often loses its leaves or needles very quickly and suddenly. Or it has no foliage whatsoever, even during a time of year when it should.
Changing Colors
Unexplained discoloration of the foliage is another common sign of stress or disease — usually one of the first ones you’ll notice.
Brown, multi-colored needles are a common sign of sickness in conifer trees.
Cracks and Splits
Big cracks or splits in the structure of the tree can be a sign that the tree is dead, especially if other warning signs are also present or if the crack is in the trunk.
Changing Bark
A strange or different bark texture can also spell trouble. Tree bark is often a good indicator of the tree’s overall health. If bark is missing, loose, dry, or brittle, be concerned. When branches lose their bark, it means those branches are most likely dead.
Infections and Infestations
Animals and fungi often start taking over dead trees too. Fungus usually only grows on decaying wood, so keep an eye out for mushrooms!
Insects like carpenter ants and beetles often set up camp in dead wood too. Look for rows of small holes in the wood or places where wood has clearly been eaten away:
A weak or spongy trunk can be a sign that a tree is rotting from the inside. If you notice this, call your local certified arborist right away. Rotting in the trunk is a sign that your tree may no longer be stable. You’ll want to get it taken care of before branches start falling, or worse, the whole tree comes down.
What Can I Do if My Tree Is Dead?
If your tree is dead, your best option is to have a professional come and remove it safely. If it’s a large or precariously positioned tree, you’ll want to do this as soon as possible.
If your tree is simply old, sick, or just unstable, you may have other options besides tree removal, such as cabling and bracing. Depending on the cause and extent of the damage, you might be able to salvage your tree or at least increase its life.
No matter what state your tree is in, an arborist, like us at Northwest Arbor Culture, can help you determine the best course of action for keeping your home safe and beautiful.
If it turns out your tree needs to be removed, we can help. We’ll even get rid of the stump for you! With over 30 years of landscaping experience, we can also help you decide what to do with the empty space or help you reconfigure your entire yard if you like!
If you’re worried about one of your trees, don’t wait until it’s too late.
Tree topping is sometimes done to mature trees. It’s when people cut branches down to stubs or to lateral branches not big enough to sustain the remaining branch. “Rounding over,” “hat-racking,” “tipping,” “heading,” “stubbing” or “dehorning,” are all other names for topping.
Why Do People Top Trees?
Some homeowners top a tree when it grows too tall for their liking. They are under the false impression that topping reduces the hazard of falling branches during a storm. It actually has the opposite effect. People also top trees when they interfere with sunny garden areas, solar collectors, buildings, or power lines.
1. Topping stresses trees. Remember learning about photosynthesis in biology? Basically, leaves are the food source of trees. Topping depletes the tree’s stored reserves and removes a major portion of the tree’s food-making ability.
2. Topping activates undesirable growth. Topping a tree removes most of the buds that would form a normal branch system, often stimulating “water sprout” regrowth just below the pruning cut. Water sprouts are dense, ugly, upright branches, and they grow fast. Topped trees quickly grow back to their original height, but lack the beauty of their natural form.
3. Topping leaves behind gaping wounds. The wounds left behind from tree topping are slow to close. This makes the tree more susceptible to fungal decay or insect attacks. If it is invaded by either fungus or insects, it can spread into the trunk, killing the tree.
4. Topping can lead to sunburn. That’s right, trees can get sunburned, too. The leaves on the branches within a tree’s crown absorb sunlight. When the leaves are removed, the trunk and the branches that remain are abruptly exposed to high levels of heat and light. Increased sun exposure on the branches and trunk can cause severe bark damage.
5. Topping deforms trees. When a tree is topped, its natural beauty is replaced by ugly branch stubs, distinct pruning cuts, and branches that grow in a broom-like shape. Tree topping can lower the resale value of your property.
Source: Kelly’s Cutting Edge
Alternatives to Tree Topping
Sometimes you want to reduce the height or spread of a tree, to provide room for a power line, for example. There are recommended techniques for this.
Remove small branches to their point of origin. If you want to shorten a larger tree limb, prune it back to a lateral branch that is large enough to support it. How do you know if it’s large enough? It must be at least one-third the diameter of the limb being removed. This practice of branch reduction helps preserve the tree’s natural form. Sometimes the best thing to do is remove the entire tree and replace it with a smaller species.
In summary, the answer is no, you should not top trees. Tree topping stresses trees, stimulates undesirable growth, leaves gaping wounds, damages the bark, and makes trees ugly! Our certified arborists at Northwest Arbor-Culture, Inc. discourage the practice.
Do you have any trees on your property that you would like reduced in size? Contact the certified arborists at Northwest Arbor-Culture today. We can prune your tree safely.
The taste of a fresh apple picked right off the branch in your back yard. The fragrance of cherry blossoms in full bloom. Relaxing with a loved one in the shade of your weeping willow.
Trees are a big part of our lives, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. We have a special place in our hearts for forests and the beauty that trees bring to our cityscapes.
But there can be a costly side to all of that greenery. If not planned and planted properly, tree roots can cause extensive damage to sewers, sidewalks, foundations, and landscapes in general.
Read this post to learn why trees cause so much damage to our homes and what you can do to prevent costly repairs and removals on your property.
Beneath the Surface
Roots are the foundation of a tree. Providing crucial support, water, and nutrients that a tree needs to survive. But because they are underground, many people don’t consider how widespread and deep roots travel when planting near their homes.
Picture the tallest tree in your yard.
Now imagine that the roots spreading from it are twice as long as the height of the tree.
Roots grow in search of water and nutrients and seek out the nearest source. Which can often be your drainage or septic system.
The effect roots have on your landscape and soil are great. Some tree roots can suck upwards of 200 gallons of water a day from the surrounding soil. Causing the soil to dry and contract if not properly watered.
But how can a plant affect something as strong as metal pipes or a concrete foundation?
Slow and Steady
Root growth can cause lots of damage to your home in many different ways. Here are some of the most common problems and what causes them.
Clogged Sewers and Drainage Pipes
Standard drainage pipes have holes in them to allow waste water from your home to seep into the ground. Roots in search for water can easily grow into these holes. Clogging and even completely blocking pipes.
Sidewalks and Cement Slabs
Roots can easily grow in the space under sidewalks and cement patio slabs. When the root matures and thickens, it lifts the cement causing it to strain and crack under the pressure.
Building Foundations
There’s common misconception that roots can penetrate poured concrete foundations and cause damage. In reality, it is the amount of water that roots suck from the soil around a foundation that will cause the soil to dry and contract. This movement of soil causes instability around the foundation and leads to possible damage.
Landscaping
Trees planted in landscape arrangements can quickly grow and force out other smaller bushes and plants. Ruining a carefully planned landscape arrangement and replacing ornamental plants with exposed and gnarled tree roots.
But if roots are so invasive and persistent, how can I ever stop them from damaging my property?
Dealing With The Damage
There are many different products and methods out there to help you unclog drains and destroy root systems.
Plumbers often recommend pouring toxic chemicals down your drain to kill tree roots. Or in some cases, use a long tool called an ‘auger’ that travels down your drain and actually saws away the roots in your sewage system.
These methods are generally only quick fixes and can lead to contaminated soil and sick trees.
Some landscapers will physically cut invasive tree roots and install a metal barrier. Stopping the roots from growing in that direction. This practice can severely damage or kill trees. Possibly causing the tree to be unstable and susceptible to blowing over in heavy winds.
But how can you avoid all of these expensive and time consuming procedures?
“An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure”
The wisdom of Benjamin Franklin can be applied to many situations including this one. Preventing root damage before it begins is the best alternative to ever dealing with clogged drains and cracking concrete.
Taking the time to plan the location and type of tree you plant on your property can save you a lot of time, money, and heartache.
Avoiding species like willows, maples, and aspens can help limit invasive root growth. Also, planting trees at least 10 feet from your foundation, sidewalks, and concrete slabs will help prevent structural damage and concrete cracking in the future.
Hire A Professional
When you hire a skilled, Certified Arborist you will benefit from their training and wisdom.
The experts at Northwest Arbor Culture Inc. have over 30 years of landscaping and tree care experience. We will help you plan and plant your trees so that you get the most out of your landscape while keeping you and your home safe.
Give us a call today at (503) 538-8733 to learn how we can help you with all of your landscaping and tree care needs across the Pacific Northwest.
Are tree roots damaging your home or landscape? Tell us your tree root stories in the ‘comments section’ below.
“What If My Tree Falls On My Neighbor’s House?”
“What If My Tree Falls On My Neighbor’s House?”
Making sure your tree gets enough water is especially important when it’s young. Too little water can dry a tree out, while too much can drown it.
Trees need their roots to absorb nutrients and even remain standing. Big trees have strong, sturdy roots, but even those roots can be damaged. 
Changing Colors
with a loved one in the shade of your weeping willow.
The wisdom of Benjamin Franklin can be applied to many situations including this one. Preventing root damage before it begins is the best alternative to ever dealing with clogged drains and cracking concrete.
