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.
Tree pruning is healthy. Think of it as a haircut — you’re not hurting the plant, just keeping things in the best shape and paving the way for future growth. But you don’t want to disfigure your shrubs. Misguided hacks can prevent your tree from blossoming that year. Consider this your quick guide to the best time of year for tree pruning and shrub trimming.
First, an important note: Dead branches, those in the way of pedestrians, and those that could damage your property can be removed anytime. Don’t wait with a dangerous situation. If you have a tree emergency, you can call us 24 hours a day at 503-538-8733.
When to Prune Trees: Winter
Overall, the best time to prune your trees is when they’re dormant, so late winter to early spring is ideal. (In fact, that’s the only time to prune birch trees and American elms.) For shade trees like ash and oak, winter is the perfect time. Deciduous fruit trees like apples, cherries, and pears should also be pruned in midwinter.
Oregon State University horticulturist Ross Penhallegon agrees. “November through March is a good time to prune,” he says. “If you are worried about winter freeze damage, wait until after Feb. 1, which is the best time to prune in western Oregon, and March 15 east of the Cascade Mountains.” Not only is it less traumatizing to the tree, but it’s easier to see the tree’s structure without all of its leaves. Fall isn’t too early to contact your arborist and set up an appointment for the months ahead.
When Not to Prune
Don’t wait too late! In general, you want to avoid pruning trees during late spring and early summer. That’s when everything is starting to bloom. Trees don’t have enough of a chance to heal before the growing season if you prune them too late. The burst of energy plants get in the spring will help heal small cuts made in the previous months.
If a tree already has leaves, don’t attack them too much — that’s where photosynthesis is happening and where the tree is getting its food. Not enough leaves mean not enough energy sources. Think of leaves as little, flat green batteries that keep the tree running.
Fall is also usually not the best time to prune. Cuts seem to heal more slowly during the fall, and pests or fungi can easily prey on plants. As Oregon State University says, “Pruning during the spring (post-dormancy) and fall (pre-dormancy) is generally the least desirable time as the plant is most vulnerable during those times.” Try to be patient and wait for trees and shrubs to be fully dormant before trimming them.
Although late winter and early spring is generally the best time to trim trees, some have different timelines. Read on for the intricacies of pruning.
When to Prune Flowering Shrubs and Trees
The main determining factor for pruning shrubs is whether they flower on old wood or new wood. Does your shrub blossom in early spring, on old wood from last season? The best time to prune them is right after they bloom.
If your shrub flowers on new wood — it’s a late bloomer, so to speak — the blossoms grow on the current season’s growth instead of last season’s. That means you’re fine to prune these shrubs in late winter to early spring, because you won’t be harming the blossoms yet.
Here’s a handy chart:
Old Wood
Most Plants & Shrubs
New Wood & Broadleaf Evergreens
Blossom time:
Early spring
Spring
Late spring
Best to prune:
After they bloom (early summer)
Winter
Late winter to early spring
Examples:
Lilacs
Shrubs grown primarily for their foliage
Lavender
Rhododendrons
Deciduous shade trees
Roses (mid-February to early March in the Willamette Valley)
Suckers and water sprouts are unproductive offshoots that steal nutrients from the main stem or trunk. They aren’t harmful, but they can be annoying. This is one of the rare times when you shouldn’t take to the pruning shears in the winter, during the dormant season, because that will make water sprouts and suckers come back with a vengeance the next spring. Instead, clip suckers and sprouts in the early summer months of May and June.
Check out this 30-second video about pruning suckers and sprouts:
Is My Tree Bleeding?
When you prune certain trees like maples, birches, and walnuts, they’ll ooze sap. This potentially disturbing sight is trees’ version of bleeding — except they aren’t hurt. In fact, this is completely normal. Once leaves start to grow, the sap will stop flowing.
Why Hire a Certified Arborist for Tree Trimming?
After reading all this, you might feel ready to head out back with your shears and do some trimming. Whoa there, Nelly! I admire your enthusiasm. Unless you’re experienced and quite knowledgeable about trimming and pruning, it’s best to hire an ISA-Certified Arborist® like us at Northwest Arbor-Culture, because we know how to trim your tree or shrub without topping or making dangerous cuts that leave your plant vulnerable to infection.
It’s already September, so it’s never too early to set up an appointment for tree trimming this winter! Call us today at 503.538.8733 or fill out our online form for a free quote.
It’s summertime, and plants are growing. That means many of our trees need trimming. Find out why trimming is so important.
Once the trimming is done, it’s always a challenge to figure out what to do with the branches that get removed.
If being environmentally conscious is important to you (or you just like the look of rustic home decor) you can recycle tree branches as decorations for your home.
The easiest way to use tree branches to decorate is to simply put them where you want them! Try setting a branch on the mantel, leaning against a corner, or hanging it on the wall.
Try painting the branch white for a clean modern twist, or leave them as they are for a rustic look.
A picture frame can add a sophistication to an outdoorsy style. It’s easier to DIY than you might think. You can use wood glue or heavy duty staples to attach branches to the back of the frame.
Tree branches make great, one-of-a-kind curtain rods. It’s not a difficult project, but you’ll want to make sure you find a branch that’s sturdy enough to do the job. Choose a strong wood, like oak, pine, or cedar. Then check to make sure the branch is not going to bend or break easily before you put it up.
If you have an old chain link fence you don’t like, but don’t want to completely replace it, tree branches are an inexpensive way to add a bit of charm.
To hold larger branches in place, weave its smaller branches in and out of the chain link, like in the example above. Or just grab some string or ribbon to tie branches to the fence.
Room dividers that are transparent or have gaps are great for breaking up large spaces without completely cutting off one area.
Getting this look right is tricky if you’re trying to DIY. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done, though. And this slightly more rustic version looks like it could be an easier option.
A crisp, white branch like this one is great for a holiday display, especially when you include red elements like the ones on this table. A traditional rustic branch works year round, but is especially good for spring and summer, because it’s more relaxed and lends a casual farmhouse vibe.
Any kind of branch will work as long as you like the way it looks. Keep in mind that a single, not-too-heavy branch will be easiest to move next time you have a big meal and need to use the full table surface.
Thick branches make good candle holders. There are many ways to make them on your own. Single candle holders like the one above are ideal for bigger candles. For smaller ones, here’s a simple guide for making a row of candle holders from a single branch.
Whatever type of candle holder you choose, just make sure you use a flame retardant spray on the wood — just to be safe.
Recycling old tree branches as coasters isn’t just decorative, it’s practical. Slices of a large branch (or small log) are sturdy, attractive, and great for protecting delicate furniture from hot cups, beverage spills, and condensation from cold drinks.
Just make sure you slice the branch as straight and as cleanly as possible. The coaster needs to be level so your drinks don’t spill!
Tall, thin branches that have a little bit of a bend or an arch to them are perfect for hanging lamps like the one above.
You’ll want to make sure you secure the branch to the floor, to the wall, or to the side of a vertical cabinet or shelf. Depending on the branch and your design, you may also want to install small hooks to keep the lamp in place and hold the cord.
If you’re looking to add some delicate decoration to your home, using a tree branch as a decoration holder is a great (and easy) option. Hang book pages (as in the example above), family photos, old birthday cards, or other trinkets. It’s a visually appealing way to display anything with sentimental value and hold onto good memories.
If you’re interested in something a little more practical, try this cup holder idea.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be limited by these suggested ideas. There are hundreds of other ways to decorate with tree branches and put would-be wasted pieces of a tree to good use.
Make a reindeer during the holiday season or convert a big branch to a coat rack. Let your creativity guide you.
I hope these ideas inspired you and gave you a good use for your old tree branches.
How do you use tree branches to decorate your home? Tell us in the comments.
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.
Tree topping is sometimes done to mature trees. It’s when people cut branches down to stubs or to lateral branches not big enough to sustain the remaining branch. “Rounding over,” “hat-racking,” “tipping,” “heading,” “stubbing” or “dehorning,” are all other names for topping.
Why Do People Top Trees?
Some homeowners top a tree when it grows too tall for their liking. They are under the false impression that topping reduces the hazard of falling branches during a storm. It actually has the opposite effect. People also top trees when they interfere with sunny garden areas, solar collectors, buildings, or power lines.
1. Topping stresses trees. Remember learning about photosynthesis in biology? Basically, leaves are the food source of trees. Topping depletes the tree’s stored reserves and removes a major portion of the tree’s food-making ability.
2. Topping activates undesirable growth. Topping a tree removes most of the buds that would form a normal branch system, often stimulating “water sprout” regrowth just below the pruning cut. Water sprouts are dense, ugly, upright branches, and they grow fast. Topped trees quickly grow back to their original height, but lack the beauty of their natural form.
3. Topping leaves behind gaping wounds. The wounds left behind from tree topping are slow to close. This makes the tree more susceptible to fungal decay or insect attacks. If it is invaded by either fungus or insects, it can spread into the trunk, killing the tree.
4. Topping can lead to sunburn. That’s right, trees can get sunburned, too. The leaves on the branches within a tree’s crown absorb sunlight. When the leaves are removed, the trunk and the branches that remain are abruptly exposed to high levels of heat and light. Increased sun exposure on the branches and trunk can cause severe bark damage.
5. Topping deforms trees. When a tree is topped, its natural beauty is replaced by ugly branch stubs, distinct pruning cuts, and branches that grow in a broom-like shape. Tree topping can lower the resale value of your property.
Source: Kelly’s Cutting Edge
Alternatives to Tree Topping
Sometimes you want to reduce the height or spread of a tree, to provide room for a power line, for example. There are recommended techniques for this.
Remove small branches to their point of origin. If you want to shorten a larger tree limb, prune it back to a lateral branch that is large enough to support it. How do you know if it’s large enough? It must be at least one-third the diameter of the limb being removed. This practice of branch reduction helps preserve the tree’s natural form. Sometimes the best thing to do is remove the entire tree and replace it with a smaller species.
In summary, the answer is no, you should not top trees. Tree topping stresses trees, stimulates undesirable growth, leaves gaping wounds, damages the bark, and makes trees ugly! Our certified arborists at Northwest Arbor-Culture, Inc. discourage the practice.
Do you have any trees on your property that you would like reduced in size? Contact the certified arborists at Northwest Arbor-Culture today. We can prune your tree safely.
We’ve all wanted to channel our inner lumberjack and chop down a tree. The ponderosa that’s been blocking your view of the mountains is begging to be taken out.
How hard could it really be?
Just grab your chainsaw and a buddy. You’ll be rid of that tree in no time.
Well, we’re here to tell you that’s just the sort of thinking that can get you seriously injured or even killed. An average of 80 people die in the United States each year due to tree care accidents. Countless others are injured.
This post will highlight some of the most common mistakes people make when trimming and chopping down trees.
We hope after reading this you will see the overwhelming advantages to hiring a professional tree service like Northwest Arbor-Culture Inc. for all your tree care needs.
Power Line Problems:
Heavy storms and powerful winds can cause trees to fall or lean against nearby power lines.
Many homeowners make the mistake of attempting to trim or drop trees away from the line hoping that they can prevent a tree or dead branch from falling on their home or car.
Power lines are not something to mess with. According to Preservation Tree, an electrical arc from a power line contains 25,000 watts of power reaching 2000 degrees F.
That’s a lot of power!
You should never touch a power line or any tree touching a power line. Even getting close to downed lines can be dangerous.
Power can travel from the downed line and through the ground, electrifying the area around it. One person died when he touched chipper 20 feet away from the source of the electricity.
Always call a city electrical official or a professional arborist when you notice a downed power line or fallen tree. Never attempt to fix electrical problems on your own.
Risky Heights:
Many DIY tree trimmers run serious risks when they climb trees and ladders. Even falling from a small height can cause serious injury or death.
People can be hurt when a supporting branch breaks and causes them to fall the ground. Also, human error often causes safety equipment to fail.
One man, who had accidentally cut through his safety line while sawing a branch, fell 50 feet to his death after leaning back to take a rest.
If you think a ladder will solve your height problems, reconsider. Ladders can be very unstable. It is easy to slip and fall from a ladder if you are stretching and straining while working at a high height. Using a chainsaw or power tools from a ladder is enough to make even a professional cringe.
That’s why experts often use bucket lifts to allow them to access even the tallest of branches in a safe way.
Avoid risky heights and dangerous drops. Let a professional Arborist with the proper tools help you trim your tall branches.
Chainsaw Injuries:
Sure, it looks easy to fire up a chainsaw and hack away at a tree trunk. But, there is a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Chainsaws are very powerful and dangerous tools. They can be very unpredictable and even the slightest contact with a moving chain can cause serious injury or death.
Inexperienced operators most commonly are injured because of incorrectly cutting in to a piece of wood, allowing the tip of the bar to be pinched causing ‘kickback’. In blink of an eye the saw kicks back and rapidly lunges back towards the operator. Kickback is the leading cause of chainsaw injury.
36,000 people are injured in chainsaw accidents every year. Don’t be one of them.
Contact a professional arborist and make sure you don’t become another safety statistic.
Falling Trees:
Finally, one of the most obvious dangers of cutting down a tree is the risk of the tree falling on you or someone else.
Trees contain a huge amount of water, foliage and wood weight that can crush homes and vehicles. A ¾ inch diameter branch falling from a tree can cause serious injury and death.
When felling a tree, the angle of your cut can usually determine the direction the
tree will fall. But, factors like wind, slope, wood-rot, and nearby trees can cause a
tree to fall in unwanted directions.
Also, a common phenomenon known as ‘barber chair’ happens when a tree splits and violently kicks back before it is completely cut.
Trees are large and powerful objects. If not cared for properly trees can become a liability instead of an asset to your property.
Our 30 years of professional knowledge and experience ensures that we get the job done right and within your budget.
The staff Northwest Arbor-Culture Inc. continuously exceed industry standards of excellence and upholds our philosophy of preservation, safety, and aesthetic enhancement.
Contact a Professional:
Many things can go wrong when trimming and cutting down trees. It takes a true expert to safely remove a tree.
Make sure that you asses the risks involved with tree trimming and removal before you consider beginning any tree care project. Hopefully you will see that it is always better to call in a professional service like Northwest Arbor-Culture Inc. to safely provide any tree care services that you need.
Have you ever attempted to trim trees on your own? Let us know what tree trimming challenges you’ve had in the ‘comments section’.
like anvil pruners, 
They are similar to traditional hand saws but specifically made for tree pruning.
We’ve all wanted to channel our inner lumberjack and chop down a tree. The ponderosa that’s been blocking your view of the mountains is begging to be taken out.
Many DIY tree trimmers run serious risks when they climb trees and ladders. Even falling from a small height can cause serious injury or death.
chain can cause serious injury or death.
falling from a tree can cause serious injury and death.
