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.
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.
Curious about a tree on your property? Or just want to impress your friends next time you go hiking?
Today, we’ll be talking about Tree Identification 101: how the experts identify trees and the features they look for.
I’ll also show you an easy tree identification tool anyone can use in Oregon.
First, let’s look at a few of Oregon’s most common trees.
Trees You’ll See in Oregon
Oregon is a big state with a diverse climate. Some trees grow really well in western Oregon but not eastern Oregon, and vice versa.
The most common tree statewide is the Douglas fir, Oregon’s state tree. It’s by far the most common tree species in western Oregon, but it’s easy to find them in eastern Oregon too.
The Douglas fir is characterized by blunt green pine needles and 3-4” pine cones with pitchfork-shaped brackets.
Use this great resource from Oregon State University to check out more of the most common trees in Oregon.
Did you recognize your tree as one of those? If not, or if you want to be sure, keep reading!
Let’s look at the tree identification process and how the experts use it.
How Do Experts Identify Trees?
Oregon is home to so many different species of trees that it takes a lot of practice to learn to identify trees by sight alone. Even tree experts often refer to tree guides.
When experts want to identify a tree, the first thing they look at is its leaves. The shape, size, spacing, and even color of a tree’s leaves can tell you a lot.
Tree Features to Look For
When you examine a tree’s leaves, what should you look for? In a minute, I’ll show you a free, comprehensive tree identification tool you can use to go through the examination process step by step. But first, let’s see the three main features most tree identification guides will ask you to look at.
Conifers vs. Broadleaves
This is step one. Pretty much all Oregon trees can be split into two big categories: conifers and broadleaves.
Conifers are evergreens. They often bear cones and have leaves that look like needles or scales. Broadleaves are deciduous (not evergreen) trees. They have flat, thin leaves and shed them in the winter. Unlike conifers, broadleaves often grow flowers or fruit too.
So, the first step in tree identification is to check whether the leaves are needle-like, scaled, or flat and thin.
Spacing of Leaves
The spacing of leaves tells you a lot too. If you’re dealing with a conifer, are the needles fairly evenly spaced along the branch, or are they bunched together in a clump or a fan-like shape? How many needles are in a clump?
You can look for the same pattern with broadleaves. Are the leaves compounded (lots of leaves fanning out from a single twig) or are they simple (single leaves sticking off of twigs or small branches)? See the difference here. Do they alternate along either side of the branch or are they exactly opposite each other?
Answering those questions will help you narrow down your search so you can get closer to identifying your tree!
Shape of Leaves
Finally, look at the shape of the individual leaves. If it’s a conifer with needle-like leaves, how long are the needles? Do they have little pegs or buds on them? Do the needles have different colors?
If it’s a broadleaf, what are the leaves shaped like? Do they have lobes or are they basically oval? Are their edges smooth or jagged? Are they thick and leathery or thin and delicate? Are their undersides a different color? And what kind of fruit accompanies the leaves, if any?
Now you know the basics, you’re ready to use an identification tool to find out the exact species of your tree!
Using a Dichotomous Key
Dichotomous means split into two. A dichotomous tree identification key is a tool that lets you identify a tree by making a series of choices between two alternatives.
You’ll start by telling the key whether your tree is a conifer or a broadleaf. Then you’ll move on to more specific questions from there.
Here’s what you’ll want to have handy:
Access to the internet
A ruler
The ability to get up close to the tree you want to identify
Now it’s time to get up close to the tree. If you can, take your tablet, phone, or laptop out to look at the tree, and go through the steps there.
If that’s not possible, take several detailed pictures of the tree before you start using the key. Make sure you get good close up pictures of the tree’s needles and leaves. Take some basic measurements of individual needles or leaves to get a sense for how big they are.
It’s that easy! Just make sure you’re certain about every choice you make before you move on to the next one.
What’s Your Tree?
Are you planning to try the key? Did you already identify your tree? Let us know what kind of tree you identified! And if you ever have questions about the health or safety of any of your trees, give us a call!
Want to learn more about tree identification? Check out these resources:
Bring the outdoors in with potted indoor trees! Besides brightening up a room decoratively, there are several benefits to indoor trees. They improve health, well-being, and indoor air quality. Studies show that indoor plants have even been known to help sharpen your focus. Here are the top 6 indoor trees. Pet owners, note that most of these are toxic to dogs and cats, but read to the end for one that’s animal-safe!
Lemon trees have sweet-smelling, beautiful blooms and delicious lemons almost year-round. They are always either blooming or flowering. Meyer lemons are hardier than other lemons, which means that they can withstand colder conditions. But they thrive best in warmer temperatures, so you should put them outside during the summer. If you have pets, you might not want this in your home. Lemons are toxic to cats and dogs.
Botanical Name: Citrus Meyeri
Care: Intermediate – Use slightly acidic, all-purpose soil. It needs a lot of light in full southern exposure. Keep evenly moist and mist daily.
The Rubber Tree is a popular and versatile houseplant. Its large, glossy leaves add beauty to any room. It is adaptable and grows well in average indoor conditions. Unfortunately, this plant is toxic to animals.
Botanical Name: Ficus Elastica
Care: Easy – It grows well with indirect light. Place in an eastern window facing the morning sun. The plant prefers average to somewhat warm temperatures. It needs regular, deep watering. Let the soil dry out between waterings.
A durable plant, the Madagascar Dragon Tree is one of the easiest trees to grow. It can tolerate low lighting and doesn’t need regular watering. The narrow leaves are dark green and edged in deep red. It’s toxic to cats and dogs – so if you have pets, you might not want it in your home.
Botanical Name: Dracaena Marginata
Care: Easy – It adapts to a variety of light conditions, but will have the best color when grown in indirect, bright light. Pot in a well-draining soil and water on a regular basis. Wait until the soil is dry before watering thoroughly with water that has set for 24 hours.
With large, veined leaves that grow upright, the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree makes a great focal point in any room. Native to the tropics, the plant thrives in wet and warm conditions. Can’t replicate tropical conditions at home? Luckily, these tough plants can tolerate less-than-ideal conditions for a pretty long time. Pet owners beware: this plant is unfortunately toxic to cats and dogs too.
Botanical name: Ficus Lyrata
Care: Intermediate – This plant needs bright, filtered light. It thrives when placed in an eastern-facing window. You should keep the tree moist, but don’t let it sit in water. Any fast-draining potting soil will work for this plant.
This plant is not actually a pine tree, but it has similar evergreen foliage and an upright, pyramid shape. The tree can grow fast – up to 6 inches a year when potted. It is a popular choice during Christmas, but can be enjoyed year-round. Warning to pet owners: It’s toxic to dogs and cats.
Botanical Name:Araucaria heterophylla
Care: Intermediate – This tree grows fine in typical indoor temperatures. It should be placed in an area where it can receive a few hours of direct sunlight and plenty of indirect light during the day. Rotate the plant a quarter every week for even light distribution. Only water this plant when the top inch of soil dries, and pour the water into the soil until it drains out through the bottom. Let the soil drain for at least 15 minutes and then dump the water.
This plant is a fantastic indoor plant. It’s also one of the easiest palms to maintain and care for, due to its tolerance for medium to low light. Lucky for pet owners, this tree is nontoxic to cats and dogs!
Botanical name: Howea Forsteriana
Care: Easy – Even though this plant tolerates low light conditions, it grows best in conditions with lots of light. Place it in a spot that provides as much sunlight as possible. Plant this tree in a container with adequate drainage and soil formulated for potted plants. You can water this tree less often during the winter, but it must be watered regularly in the summertime. You only need to water it when it’s dry during the winter.
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.
Planting trees is a fun and easy activity to do with your friends and family. When you plant trees on your property, you can add a lot of beauty and value to your landscape. While planting a tree can seem like a very simple task, there are many rules that you need to follow to ensure that your tree and landscape thrives.
Read this post to learn how to properly plant a tree so that it can grow and stay healthy for years to come.
Research and Placement
Always research the type of tree that you would like to plant before planting. Different species can grow to unwanted sizes, send out roots that damage concrete and landscaping, or drop leaves and needles that damage roofs and patios.
When choosing where to plant your new tree, there are several things to consider. First, make sure that your tree will not be placed too close to your home’s foundation or concrete structures. Generally, a space of 10 feet or more should be between any structure and your tree. Also, make sure to check with your State Utility Center to make sure that you won’t accidentally sever any dangerous electrical or water pipes on your property.
Consult your local nursery or arborist if you ever have questions about which type of tree to buy and where on your property to place it.
When To Plant
Different types of trees prefer to be planted throughout different seasons. Generally trees should be planted early or in the middle of spring or early to mid-fall. Avoid planting trees during the middle of summer because the heat and dryness can stress and kill a young tree.
Digging Your Hole
The depth and width of your hole is very important. If a tree is planted too deeply, the roots will have trouble absorbing oxygen and water through the top layers of soil. If a hole isn’t wide enough, the soil around the root ball will be too compacted to facilitate root growth.
Dig your hole at least 3-4 times as wide as the root ball of the tree. The depth of the hole should be slightly less than the height of the root ball. The ‘flare’ or collar of the tree where the base of the trunk begins to widen into the root structure should eventually sit just above the level of soil after the tree is fully planted.
Make sure not to compact the soil around the edges and bottom of your hole. Even using your shovel to loosen the surrounding dirt can assist the flow of water and root growth for your new tree.
Removing the Container
When you’re removing the tree from the container, be gentle but firm. Do not to pull the tree out by the trunk as this can hurt the entire root structure of the tree. Lay the tree on its side and tap and squeeze the container to loosen the soil. Gently slide the container off of the root ball of the tree. Cutting the container on both sides with a short blade (1-2 inches) can also help the removal process.
Separating the Roots
Depending upon how your tree was grown and how old it is, the roots may have formed to the shape of the burlap or plastic container. It is crucial that the roots of the young tree are not curling, twisted in circles, or bound around the tree. These types of roots will eventually expand and twist around themselves, essentially strangling or ‘girdling’ the roots of the tree and slowly killing it.
If the roots look ‘pot bound’ and twisted, use a short razor knife (1-2 inches) to make 4-6 cuts down the side and several cuts on the bottom of the root ball. This will cut and loosen twisted roots and force the tree to send out new roots in all directions helping it create an even and widespread root base.
Also, make sure to remove any stakes, ropes, and burlap from the tree before planting. These will inhibit root and tree growth.
Placing the Tree
Once the tree is prepared, place it in the center of your hole. Now is the time to align the branches and ‘pretty’ side of the tree to the main view point before you have fully planted it. Adjust the tree by the root ball, not by holding the trunk.
Make sure the top inch of the root ball is above the soil level and exposed. Place soil under the tree to slightly raise the level if needed. Once the root ball is in position use the soil you removed to fill in your hole. If your soil is mainly clay or particularly low-quality, you can use organic compost and other soil amenders to improve the quality. Avoid using heavy fertilizers and chemicals that can burn or kill a young tree.
After the hole is completely filled in, lightly tamp down the soil around the roots to stabilize the tree.
Creating a Berm and Mulching
Creating a water basin or berm around the base of your tree will fight soil erosion and hold water where the roots can absorb it. Make a 3 foot diameter circular berm about 3 inches tall around your tree. Make sure not to cover the trunk or flare of the tree.
Once you have created the berm, cover the entire planting area with 3-4 inches of mulch. Taking care to keep the mulch at least 2 inches from the trunk of the tree. Read our previous post for proper mulching techniques.
Watering
Finally you will want to water your newly planted tree. Give your tree about 5-10 gallons of water to begin with to help settle the soil and stimulate root growth. Water your tree daily for about two weeks and then every other day for about two months. Eventually you can water your tree once a week until it is completely established.
Now that you have successfully planted your tree, make sure to water, prune, and care for it properly throughout its entire life. Spending several hours a month caring for your tree will ensure that you have a healthy tree that will give add shade and beauty to your home.
If you ever have any questions or concerns about planting a tree, don’t hesitate to contact your local arborist or the professionals at Northwest Arbor-Culture Inc. We have over 30 years of experience caring for trees and landscapes and can help you with any tree care need.
Have you ever planted a tree? Tell us about your experience in the comments section.
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Creating a water basin or berm around the base of your tree will fight soil erosion and hold water where the roots can absorb it. Make a 3 foot diameter circular berm about 3 inches tall around your tree. Make sure not to cover the trunk or flare of the tree.
