Since you live in the Pacific Northwest, there’s a good chance you have many trees around your home. While these trees may not require as much care and attention as your flower beds or garden, you don’t want to just ignore them!
Taking some time twice a year to give your trees a little TLC will ensure they continue to increase your curb appeal, provide a pleasant landscape for you to enjoy, and not endanger your home.
Keep reading to learn the most important tree maintenance tips from our arbor experts.
First Things First: Know Your Trees
Here in Oregon and Washington, there are a wide variety of beautiful tree species. As you can probably guess, these different types of trees require different care.
Do you know what kind of trees you have on your property? Here at Northwest Arbor Culture, we are happy to help you identify the type of trees living around your home. The Arbor Day Foundation also has an easy-to-use tool for identifying trees.
Once you’ve honed in on the type of trees you’re living with, you should aim to learn the unique needs of each species. A few things to make a note of include:
How much water the tree needs and its preferred soil type
Whether or not the tree is drought tolerant
Any unique stressors, such as a low tolerance to high winds or overwatering
Make Sure Your Trees Get Enough Water
Here in the rainy Pacific Northwest, most trees get plenty of natural water. However, during the summer you may need to give your trees some extra help as an extended drought combined with sunny days is an easy way to kill off your trees.
Make sure you’re giving your trees a good soak a few times throughout the summer. This will ensure your tree and its soil remains healthy. During the winter, on the other hand, you can let your trees sit dormant.
The only exception would be if your tree has been recently planted within the last year. In this case, you’ll want to encourage its growth by making sure it has enough water. A good rule of thumb is that your new tree needs 5 gallons (1.5 inches of rainfall) every week.
Mulch A Few Times a Year
If you’re not familiar, mulch is made of decaying leaves or bark and is used to enrich and/or insulate the soil of your tree. Mulch will not only help protect your tree and its roots from distress, it also looks great.
A new layer of mulch placed around your tree a few times a year will keep soil moist and control weeds. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to use the correct amount. Too much mulch piled up around your tree can cause trunk rot and disease. Too little will defeat the purpose of the mulch in the first place.
How to Apply Mulch Around Your Tree
When applying mulch, the most important thing is to avoid choking your tree. Leave some space around the tree trunk, starting the mulch about 3-6 inches away from the base. Make about a 3-foot circle of mulch around your tree, about 3 inches deep
What Kind of Mulch is Best?
Only use mulch from a reputable source. Avoid just taking some from your neighbor’s leftover mulch pile. These leftover piles may contain materials from diseased trees and will cause more harm than good.
You can make your own mulch by combining materials from your own yard, such as healthy lawn clippings, shredded leaves, branches, and bark. Otherwise, if you have questions about what type of mulch to buy, give us a call. We’d be happy to help.
Your Tree Bark Matters
The bark on your tree is its natural armor against infection, disease, and rot. As you’re mowing your lawn or weed whacking around your property, take care not to knick your trees. Similarly, keep an eye out for anything else that might be causing regular damage to the bark of your trees.
Keep Pests Out of Your Tree Branches
Here in Oregon and Washington, we’re lucky to be surrounded by lots of beautiful wildlife. While animals like deer, squirrels, and raccoons can be fun to observe, they can also damage your trees if you’re not careful.
If you’re in an area that sees a lot of deer or has a rodent issue, there are a few steps you can take to not only protect your trees, but your entire yard and home. Keep in mind that a rat in your tree can usually scurry along branches and find a way onto your roof.
Here are some ways to keep pests out of and away from your trees.
Install deer fencing around your tree or the perimeter of your home
Add trunk guards to your trees to keep rodents away
Use a pest control spray along the perimeter of your property, if necessary
Don’t Forget to Prune Your Trees Regularly
Pruning is perhaps the most involved tree maintenance task you’ll need to perform. It’s also one that needs to be performed carefully. Improper pruning can prompt disease to spread, destabilize your tree, and in extreme cases, make it fall over.
We recommend hiring a professional arborist to handle the task– especially if you’ve never pruned a tree before. Pruning your trees, especially if they are large trees, can be dangerous and cumbersome. Working with a licensed, certified arborist will ensure your trees remain a safe, healthy, and beautiful part of your property.
If you want to go at the pruning process alone, here are some best practices to follow:
Remove dead or broken branches.
Get rid of crossing branches which are rubbing against each other and damaging the bark. Typically, you should remove the smaller branch, encouraging the stronger branch to continue growing.
Remove low branches, branches prone to damage, or branches encroaching on your house or roof
When cutting back to a main stem or branch, avoid making a flush cut. Leave a small collar of the branch, which will help protect your tree against pathogens
Even with all this in mind, be aware pruning techniques can be specific to each type of tree. It’s always best to consult a professional arborist before undertaking a large pruning job.
Count On Northwest Arbor Culture to Care for Your Trees
Need some extra help maintaining the trees on your property? Whether you need tree pruning or removal, are concerned about the health of your trees, or want to improve the overall landscape of your property, we can help.
Northwest Arbor-Culture Inc. is a full-service tree care, landscape, property maintenance and forest management provider. For over 30 years, we’ve been providing services to homeowners and businesses in Portland, Vancouver, and the surrounding areas of Oregon and Washington.
We are proud of our reputation for being the most dependable, professional, and educated team in the Northwest. We offer quality services at a fair price and unmatched customer attention.
Contact us to learn more or call us at (503) 538-8733 to schedule a free estimate.
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.
Last month, I showed you the best trees to plant if you live in the Portland area. Today, I’ll tell you why planting trees is so important and how you and your community can benefit! For example, did you know that planting trees can actually make you healthier? Believe it or not, it’s true!
But that’s not the only benefit of planting trees in your yard. Keep reading to find out 6 more great reasons to plant trees in Portland.
Because Trees Are Beautiful!
Trees are like one-of-a-kind works of art that you can help create.
No two trees are alike. Some are tall and thin, others short and full of leafy branches. Some turn gorgeous vibrant colors in the fall, others are a beautiful green all year round, and some even bloom beautiful flowers in the spring!
Trees are full of interesting shapes, textures, and even sounds! There’s really nothing else like them.
If you plant a tree in your yard, you’ll get to pick exactly what you’d like to see, and you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come.
People who live in areas with more trees tend to have lower blood-pressure and have improved overall psychological and emotional health. Kathleen Wolf, a researcher at the University of Washington in Seattle, even says that people with ADHD are calmer and more relaxed when they live near trees!
Helping the Environment
Remove Pollution
Unfortunately even green, eco-conscious areas like the Pacific Northwest suffer from air pollution. Sulfur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and other chemicals are all released from cars, trucks, and other sources of pollution.
Believe it or not, trees can actually catch and prevent these pollutants from making their way into your lungs! This can help reduce the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
If you’re an allergy sufferer, there’s good news for you, too! The Portland area and surrounding Willamette Valley frequently have the highest pollen counts in the country. Luckily, in addition to absorbing man-made pollutants, large, leafy trees can keep pollen, dust, and other natural allergens out of your home and out of your nose and lungs! You’ll breathe easier with trees in your yard!
Provide Home to Local Wildlife
In addition to helping you feel better, there are other environmental reasons to plant trees in Portland. Trees make great homes for birds, squirrels, and other animals. Trees also provide a food source for these animals in the forms of nuts, fruits, and insects that call the trees home, too.
Birds and insects that nest in trees can also help pollinate nearby flowers and plants. This helps to build a natural, healthy ecosystem for all plants and animals in the area! By planting a tree, you’re doing your part to preserve our natural plants and wildlife.
Conserve Water & Minimize Erosion
Did you know that 100 trees can catch 250,000 gallons of water every year?
Without trees and their complex system of sponge-like roots, rainwater soaks directly into the ground, causing erosion, and potentially dangerous landslides. Trees and their roots soak up rain, and release it slowly, minimizing the risk of damaging erosion.
Provide Privacy
When you live in a city like Portland, or even in a densely populated suburb, it can be hard to find a quiet, private place to call your own– even in your own yard! That’s where trees can help. Their branches, leaves, and trunks can make your yard and home feel more private. They block out city noise and traffic sounds, and keep nosy neighbors at bay, too!
In the Portland area, trees like holly, bamboo, and cedars are great trees to plant for privacy. They grow quickly and densely and don’t require much maintenance. They also have a small footprint, meaning they grow straight up, don’t spread out too much, and stay right where you want them to grow!
Conserve Energy & Save Money
Many Portland-area homes don’t have air-conditioning. We’ve had some real hot days these past few summers and it can be hard to keep cool!
Once again, trees to the rescue! Shade trees like maples and dogwoods have large leafy branches that absorb sunlight and heat, reducing heat gains by up to 80%! This keeps your house cooler and can reduce your cooling bill, if you do have air conditioning!
Increase Your Property Value
According to a recent study, homes with well-maintained yards and trees tend to sell faster and fetch a higher price! One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the study focused on yards with mature trees. That means you should start landscaping and planting trees now, because it might take several years for a young tree to mature.
Why do trees improve property value? It’s not entirely clear, but experts think it’s a combination of all the benefits trees provide, from privacy to beauty and everything else in between. Even if home buyers don’t realize it, subconsciously they’re attracted to homes with beautiful trees and they’re willing to pay for it!
Build Community
An ancient proverb says, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
That’s really something when you think about it. In my opinion it’s the best reason to plant a tree. Even though you may benefit from the tree in your lifetime, your children and their children will get to enjoy that same tree’s shade, fruit, and beauty for generations to come.
Plus, if you live in Portland and plant a fruit tree, like an apple or fig tree, you can even contact the Portland Fruit Tree Project. They’ll come out and pick the fruit from your tree and provide it to people in need! What a great mission and one that’s easy to support. All you have to do is plant a tree!
When’s the Best Time to Plant a Tree?
People often ask me about the best time to plant a tree. My answer?
The best time to plant a tree is 5 years ago. The second-best time is today. By planting a tree today, you’re taking the first step towards reaping all the benefits of planting a tree that I talked about today. Planting a tree is an investment, and the sooner you invest, the sooner you’ll start seeing returns!
If you’re interested in planting a tree, contact me. I’m a certified arborist and can help you plant the perfect tree in your yard. Call (503) 538-8733 today and ask for a free consultation.
If you’re a homeowner in Portland, planting a tree can be a great investment. Not only are trees beautiful, but some studies show they can actually increase the value of your home. Plus, trees are functional, too. Their root systems help hold soil in place, their branches can be home to birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, trees provide shade and privacy, and some even grow fruit you can enjoy!
But what are the best trees to plant in Portland? How do you care for the trees you plant? And what do you need to know before planting your first tree?
Keep reading to find out.
Where to Plant
Deciding where to plant a tree is just as important as the tree you decide to plant. A tree planted in the wrong place may end up dying or not growing to its full potential or it may even do damage to your home.
Safety first!
Don’t plant trees where they may interfere with overhead power lines.
Remember that trees will grow for years and years, so it might take some time until they cause a problem. There’s nothing more frustrating than investing time and money nurturing a tree and then discovering that it needs to be cut down.
Don’t forget about underground utility lines. Before planting any tree, contact the Oregon Utility Notification Center at (503) 246-6699 to find out if there are any buried lines you need to be aware of.
Protect Your Home
Improperly planted trees can be dangerous to your home. We recommend you plant any tree at least 10 feet from your home and 5 feet away from your fence or property line.
By doing so, you’ll protect your roof from falling branches, keep your gutter from filling with rotting leaves, avoid cracks in your foundation from your trees’ roots, and reduce the chance of your trees creeping over into your neighbor’s property.
Choose a Location Carefully
As a tree grows it may block natural light. Depending on your point of view, this may be a benefit or a drawback. Sometimes you want a tree that will provide more privacy, but you may not want to block out our precious Oregon sunshine.
When choosing a location, also consider the plants and trees you already have in your yard. Some trees and plants are “thirsty” and require more water than others. Too many thirsty plants and trees in your yard may require you to use more water than you’d like.
If you have questions about which trees and plants work well together, get in touch with me. I’d love to help you out.
What to Plant
Once you’ve decided where to plant a tree, you’ve got to choose what type of tree you’d like to plant. Luckily, living in Oregon there are plenty of great choices!
I recommend choosing trees to plant based not on their appearance, but their purpose. A leafy deciduous tree may look beautiful from the street, but if you hate seeing leaves on the ground, you’re going to regret planting one in your yard.
Let’s look at a few reasons why you might want to plant a tree, as well as a few of the best trees for each purpose.
Street Trees
Street trees are trees planted between your yard and your sidewalk. They provide a bit of privacy and can look great too.
In Portland, the city has strict requirements about the types of street trees you can plant. Depending on where you live in the city, you might be able to plant one of the following trees:
Alders are beautiful trees that flower each March. They grow quickly and look great!
ElmsThere are many varieties of elm trees that can be planted as street trees. They grow quickly and have really great fall colors!
Trees for Privacy
If you’re planting trees near your fence or property line for extra privacy, you’ve got a few good options. Look for trees with thick dense branches and leaves, like:
HollyHolly is a fast-growing, dense evergreen. It’s one of the most popular trees to plant when you’re looking for privacy or security.
Cedar trees grow quickly, are tolerant to drought conditions, and also resistant to most insects and other pests.
Fruit-bearing Trees
Trees that bear fruit can be fun to have in your yard! They can provide tasty and nutritious fruit for you and your family to enjoy. But harvesting the fruit can be a bit of a chore.Luckily, in Portland there’s the Portland Fruit Tree Project, a group who will take fruit from your trees and give it to people in need. What a cool idea!Some of my favorite fruit trees to plant include:
Apple TreesApples are a classic Pacific Northwest tree that can produce delicious fruit for years and years. Just look at the color on those blossoms!Cherry TreesCherry trees grow quickly and their fruit is really easy to pick!
Fig trees grow quickly and produce a lot of fruit that can be made into jams and jellies, or eaten right off the tree! Most fig trees will produce fruit twice a year, once in the summer and once again in early fall.
Shade Trees
A nice shade tree or two can protect your lawn, keep hot sun off your windows, and give a bit of privacy too.
Dogwoods provide great shade and are some of the most beautiful flowering trees, too.
Caring for Trees
Caring for trees isn’t as hard as you might think. When they’re young, they don’t need much more than mulch and water. Depending on the type of tree, your tree may need to be staked to keep it grow straight.
As trees grow, however, they are likely to need a bit more maintenance. You may need to rake their leaves or prune their branches to keep them from getting out of control. Some trees may also need to be checked for insects, fungus or disease to keep them healthy.
If you need help caring for the trees you plant in your yard, get in touch with us. At Northwest Arbor Culture we have over 30 years experience caring for trees in the Portland area.
Call us at (503) 538-8733 for a free estimate and to learn more about how we can help you and your trees!
Having a big tree in your front yard is great… most of the time. Trees look nice, increase your home’s value, and provide shade, keeping your yard cooler in the summer. When fall comes around, it’s a different story.
Raking leaves is tiring, and keeping your property leaf-free can be a process lasting several months, depending on the tree. Most people don’t look forward to it. Maybe that’s why not raking the lawn is a growing trend.
Many people say it’s actually better for your lawn to not rake leaves. Are they right?
Pros and Cons of Raking Leaves
There’s good and bad on both sides.
For most people, the biggest benefit of raking leaves is the overall improvement to the appearance of their yard. Not to mention the fun of being able to jump into a freshly raked pile.
The biggest drawback for most homeowners is that it’s a lot of work. If you have a big yard and big trees, you may have to invest a couple of hours every weekend for a few months just to stay on top of it.
Other people say leaving a layer of fallen leaves suffocates the lawn and kills the grass. There’s quite a bit of evidence to the contrary, but if you really want to do what’s best for your lawn, you probably have better options than simply leaving your leaves untouched.
What Should You Do With Your Leaves?
Whether or not you rake your leaves really depends on a variety of factors, like where you live, how much work you want to put into leaf-control, and what you want your yard to look like.
Here are a few options to consider:
Leave Them Alone
Leaving fallen leaves usually won’t damage your lawn — unless you have a LOT of leaves or you get heavy snow in the winter where you live. That might stop your lawn from getting the natural light and fresh air it needs to survive.
For most people, leaving leaves alone is a viable option.
Some neighborhood associations may want you to remove all your leaves to keep your lawn looking pristine. If that’s your situation, keep reading.
Compost Them
Did you know that even fallen leaves contain important minerals that are great for your soil and other plants? When you compost your leaves, you can get a healthier yard and find a use for all those leaves that would otherwise go to waste!
Want to try it?
Use a lawn sweeper or rake leaves into a pile somewhere out of the way, like the backyard. If you’re fine having the pile their for a while, you’re done! But if you want to encourage leaves to break down a little faster, try one of these tips:
Grind or shred your leaves.
Mix leaves with manure or another nitrogen rich material.
Turn the heap regularly — anywhere from every 3 weeks to every 3 days.
Turning leaves more often encourages them to break down faster.
Once the leaves are broken down you can use them as mulch for your lawn. It’s great for grass and other plants!
Leaf Pick Up
Many cities have programs for collecting leaves. The city will compost them for you! In Portland, where we’re located, leaf day pickups happen from early November to mid-December.
If you’re in Portland, you can participate in a leaf day pickup by checking what day the leaf truck will come through your neighborhood. You can find that out on their website when it gets closer to leaf pickup time, or call (503-865-5323) or email the city.
Before your pickup day, rake or sweep your leaves into the street 12 inches from the curb and make sure you move your car. Here are some other recommendations from the City of Portland.
Don’t live in Portland? Check your city’s official website to find out if your area has a yearly leaf pickup.
What if it’s Rainy?
Here in Portland, rain in the fall is pretty common. Unfortunately. that makes it much harder to do anything useful with your leaves. The good news is heavy rain might make your leaves naturally biodegrade faster.
Even if you do plan to eventually rake or compost them, it’s fine to leave them until they dry out a bit.
Soggy leaves can be slippery, though. So try to at least get them off paths, sidewalks, and driveways. You can try using a rake or even a shovel with a flat head like a scoop shovel or a scraper.
What About Leaf Blowing?
Leaf blowing is great for moving dry leaves off paths, driveways, and sidewalk quickly and easily. It that’s all you want to do, it might be worth investing in a leaf blower.
The thing about leaf blowers is they just move leaves around rather than getting rid of them. They’re less precise than a rake or lawn sweeper, so they’re not great for getting leaves exactly where you want them, like in a pile.
If you want to actually get rid of leaves or compost them, you’re better off with a good rake or lawn sweeper and maybe a shovel to get leaves off concrete and asphalt.
Conclusion
I hope this post helped you find the best method for dealing with your fallen leaves this year. Regular tree pruning can reduce the number of leaves you have to deal with. If you want some free pruning advice give us a call at (503) 538-8733.
Do you have other solutions for dealing with leaves in the fall? Share them in the comments!
Oregon is known for its abundance of trees, but do you know Oregon’s state tree? Who owns our forests? Which trees are native to Oregon?
Get ready for some tree trivia as well as some important tree safety advice for winter! I’ll even give you some tips for planting trees that grow well in Oregon.
A History of Oregon’s Forest
Ever since Lewis and Clark reached the mouth of the Columbia River in 1805, people have poured into Oregon, drawn by its forests and natural beauty. And it’s still happening today. Believe it or not, Oregon is the most popular moving destination in the country.
The influx of people over time meant more cities, highways, and infrastructure. Oregon also developed a huge timber industry, which is still going strong today. Despite all that, Oregon still has almost 92% of the forests that covered the state in 1850. Not bad!
That’s not a coincidence though. Private landowners cooperate with both federal and state governments to preserve Oregon forests. Among other strategies, that includes replanting, restrictions on clearcutting, and avoiding and managing occasional forest fires.
Oregon’s Famous Trees
Oregon has a few famous trees to its name. How much do you know about the state’s most quintessentially Oregonian celebrities?
Oregon’s State Tree
Our state tree is the Douglas fir, an evergreen tree with pine needles and cones. The tree is named after botanist-explorer, David Douglas, who described it as “one of the most striking and truly graceful objects in nature.” Now that’s a glowing review!
Oregon’s Largest Tree
There is some debate about which tree is truly Oregon’s largest. It used to be a 206-foot-tall Sitka Spruce along the coast near Seaside, Oregon. In December 2007, a wind storm snapped the 700-year-old tree in half. You can still visit the 17-foot diameter trunk, though.
Here’s where the controversy starts. Officially, the largest tree is now a 329-foot-tall Douglas fir in Coos County (pictured below), but non-profit tree workers say they’ve found an even bigger Arcadia Cedar just outside of Cannon Beach.
The Octopus Tree
Without a doubt, one of Oregon’s weirdest-looking trees is a different giant Sitka spruce in Cape Meares, Oregon. Its nickname, the Octopus Tree, isn’t hard to figure out. The tree’s multiple trunks grow out of its base like giant tentacles.
The tree has historical significance too. Experts believe it was once a gathering site for Native American tribes in Tillamook, and place of reverence where elders made decisions and shamans performed ceremonies.
Who Owns Oregon’s Forests?
The majority of Oregon’s forested land belongs to the federal government, but not all of it. Here’s the breakdown:
60% – federal government
35% – private ownership
3% – the State of Oregon
1% – tribe lands
1% – other public ownerships
Oregon Tree Safety
In general, trees make Oregon healthier and safer by purifying the air and casting shade from the sun. Trees don’t come without risks though. Western Oregon in particular often has heavy rains and strong winds (like the ones that ultimately knocked down the Sitka Spruce near Seaside). In years like this one, we also get extremely dry summers, which puts us at risk for forest fires.
Preventing Forest Fires
Fires are a natural part of a forest’s cycle, but most of Oregon’s fires are human-caused, and therefore preventable. Some of the biggest culprits are cigarettes, gas leaking from cars, and fireworks too close to forested areas. Campfires are a big one too. According to OregonForests.org, there are several steps you can take to make sure your campfire is safe:
Keep your fire at a manageable size.
Never leave a campfire unattended.
Always have a large bucket of water nearby.
Let the wood burn completely to ash.
Dowse your campfire with water until the steaming and hissing stops.
Cover all embers, not just the red ones.
Stir to make sure everything is wet and cold to the touch. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
Check again for any remaining hot spots. Dowse with more water if needed.
Use dirt when there is no water available. Mix enough dirt into the embers until everything is cool but do not bury the fire.
Try this next time you go camping to be extra safe.
Protect Yourself From Falling Trees
When wind, rain, and heavy snow hits, weaker trees are at risk of falling. Look for tree branches near your house or power lines, and get them pruned or trimmed.
The number one thing you can do to make sure none of your trees fall on people or property is to get them inspected before harsh winter weather arrives. We’re always happy to swing by and give you some free expert advice about your trees.
What Trees Grow Best in Oregon?
Did you know fall is one of the best times to plant new trees? If you’re looking for a tree that will flourish in Oregon and won’t require an unnecessary amount of maintenance, planting a tree that’s native to Oregon is a good bet.
Many dogwoods, maples, and evergreens are perfectly suited to the Pacific Northwestern climate.
For more detailed information on what to plant and how, check out these tips from the Portland Nursery. Or see this longer list of native Oregon plants
Questions?
Still have questions about Oregon’s forests, which trees to plant, or how to keep your property safe this winter?
Call us anytime at 503-538-8733 for free, no-pressure advice.
Are branches blocking your windows or walkways? Are you tired of that overgrown tree dropping twigs all over the yard? Or is an old tree simply growing out of control?
Residents of the Pacific Northwest are no strangers to tree woes.
With the right tools, you can solve many small tree problems with a little DIY pruning. (Save major tree issues for us professionals.) Trimming can keep trees healthy, add value to your property, and make you the envy of your neighbors.
But which tree pruning tools should you use? The best tree pruning tool for any job depends on how thick and high up the branches are, so I’ll talk more about that in this post.
Here are 5 great options you’ll want to have in your tool shed:
1. Anvil Hand Pruning Shears
These small, hand-held shears have just one blade, which cuts as it closes onto a flat surface.
When to use them: Anvil shears are perfect for very small, easy-to-reach branches with a diameter of 1/2 inch or less. They are strong but tend to crush when they cut, so use them on dead branches and twigs rather than living ones.
2. Bypass Hand Pruning Shears
Unlike anvil pruners, bypass shears have two curved blades that cut by moving past each other like scissors.
When to use them: Bypass shears make more precise cuts than anvil shears. They are best for cutting living branches no thicker than 1/2 inch in diameter.
3. Loppers
Loppers are similar to hand shears, but they have longer handles, which give you more leverage for larger branches.
When to use them: Most loppers can tackle branches up to 2 inches in diameter. Use them for easy-to-reach branches that are just a little too thick for hand shears.
4. Combination Pole Saw Pruners
This amazingly versatile tool serves a huge variety of tree pruning needs. As you might have guessed, these long poles have both a saw and a shearing feature.
When to use them: Combination pole saw pruners are ideal for areas you can’t reach from the ground with other tools. The shearing feature is good for branches smaller than 1/2 inch, while the saw will work on thicker ones.
5. Pruning Saws
Pruning saws are one of arborists’ favorite tools. They are similar to traditional hand saws but specifically made for tree pruning.
When to use them: When a branch is within reach but loppers can’t handle it, a pruning saw might be your best bet. Pruning saws are great for branches about 1 1/2 inches thick or more.
Safety First
Unfortunately, DIY tree-trimming disasters do happen. Always wear gloves and eye protection, and if you’re planning on doing any serious pruning, you may want to invest in a hard hat to protect you from falling branches.
Even with the best tools, some tree problems are too big to tackle alone. That’s why we’re here. Certified arborists like us know how to safely deal with large projects or trees in danger of falling on people or property.
Are you concerned about the health or appearance of one of your trees?Contact us today and we can help.
The simplest definition of arboriculture is tree care. This post will answer “What is arboriculture?” in more detail, explain how it’s different from forestry and landscaping, and explain what certified arborists do.
People like Chris and I who plant and prune trees are arborists. But not all arborists trim trees. And definitely not all tree services use certified arborists. More on that below too.
Arboriculture Definition
Arboriculture means growing, tending, studying, or removing individual trees and shrubs. (It also encompasses woody plants and vines.) Here are a few different aspects of arboriculture:
Choosing and trimming ornamental shrubs for a homeowner
Studying different tree hybrids
Researching the best grafting methods
Identifying a leaf or plant for someone
Helping someone figure out if their tree is diseased and how to save it
As you can see, arboriculture is both a theory and practice. You could be a professor of arboriculture and spend most of your time doing research. There’s nothing wrong with that. At Northwest Arbor-Culture, Inc., we like getting our hands dirty and helping people care for their trees.
Arboriculture vs. Forestry or Landscaping
How is arboriculture different from forestry? Good question. Forestry is about the health of groups of trees (a forest!), while arboriculture focuses on individual trees. You know the saying, “They can’t see the forest for the trees”? It’s usually an insult. Someone missed the big picture by focusing too much on little details. Well, arborists do that on purpose!
Arboriculture sometimes overlaps with landscaping, but they have distinctions too. Landscaping is mainly about the appearance of a yard. Landscapers change trees and plants to fit an aesthetic goal. It’s a bit surface-level. Arboriculture prioritizes the health of trees and plants over beauty, although ideally they’d go hand-in-hand. A good arboriculturist in Portland would encourage you to plant native plants in your backyard (rather than a palm tree, for example).
The International Society of Arboriculture
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is the mothership. It’s been around for almost a century. The organization exists to promote trees and help people maintain and enjoy them. The ISA is a great resource for tree information. It also certifies arborists.
On our site, we proudly say we’re ISA-certified arborists, but what does that mean? Several things:
We have a high level of tree care knowledge and skills.
We’ve passed a detailed, thorough ISA exam on 10 different topics, including tree biology, pruning, disease diagnosis and treatment, risk management, soil, and more.
We have advanced, ongoing training in arboriculture — the certification requires continued professional development.
We have at least three years’ full-time experience working in arboriculture and/or arboriculture education.
We adhere to the ISA code of ethics.
Hiring a certified arborist means someone knows more than how to handle pruning shears. As ISA-certified arborists, we know more — and have more experience — than someone who just entered the biz. Instead of focusing on short-term, aesthetic solutions like tree topping, which you should avoid, we care about trees’ long-term health. We aren’t going to just snip a few branches and call it good. We want you to enjoy healthy, beautiful trees for decades through careful selection, placement, and maintenance.
Hire an ISA-Certified Arborist
Do you need help figuring out if your tree is dying? Is it growing too close to your house or power lines? Want to add some shrubbery to your yard, or simply get rid of a stump? Call us at 503-538-8733, email us, or use our contact form. We do no-obligation consultations so you know your best option.
“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
Did you know that even fallen leaves contain important minerals that are great for your soil and other plants? When you compost your leaves, you can get a healthier yard and find a use for all those leaves that would otherwise go to waste! 
Here in Portland, rain in the fall is pretty common. Unfortunately. that makes it much harder to do anything useful with your leaves. The good news is heavy rain might make your leaves naturally biodegrade faster. 
Ever since Lewis and Clark reached the mouth of the Columbia River in 1805, 
Oregon’s Largest Tree
Without a doubt, one of Oregon’s weirdest-looking trees is a different giant Sitka spruce in Cape Meares, Oregon. Its nickname, 
like anvil pruners, 
They are similar to traditional hand saws but specifically made for tree pruning.
is tree care. This post will answer “What is arboriculture?” in more detail, explain how it’s different from forestry and landscaping, and explain what certified arborists do.
How is arboriculture different from forestry? Good question. Forestry is about the health of groups of trees (a forest!), while arboriculture focuses on individual trees. You know the saying, “They can’t see the forest for the trees”? It’s usually an insult. Someone missed the big picture by focusing too much on little details. Well, arborists do that on purpose!
