Month: June 2015

Though winter is the most recommended time to prune, Portland tree pruning in the summertime can provide particular benefits for fruit trees and damaged trees. It can also be advantageous for general tree shaping.

The following is a simple guide to summer tree pruning. As always, please consult our Portland certified arborists for specialized knowledge and information.

Summer Tree Pruning Goals & Benefits

1. Remove dead limbs. Summer pruning plays an important role in the removal of dead, damaged, and diseased tree limbs. Any limb that has the potential to cause damage or stress to your tree should be removed. This enhances the tree’s potential for robust growth while minimizing the chance that a weakened branch will fall on your home during a storm.
2. Encourage hearty growth. Pruning in summer may encourage vigor. In summertime, weak tree growth should be pinched or pruned back about 3 inches from the end of each soft, leafy shoot. This can be repeated again in late summer if rapid side-shoot growth occurs. As always, it is best to leave pruning in the hands of professionals, such as our Portland certified arborists.
3. Help fruit trees grow strong. Fruit trees are often good candidates for summer pruning. Pruning them allows more light penetration, which can support young tree development. Proper pruning can encourage mature trees to produce fruit of greater quality and size. Increased light and air circulation resulting from pruning encourages the overall health of the tree. Pruning in the summer helps to support robust and durable branch development, which will help support healthy fruit in the future. Some fruit trees, such as apricots and cherries, are susceptible to disease when pruned during the rainy season. It is best to prune these fruit trees in the summer, preferably in July or August. Peach trees, nectarine trees, and Japanese plum trees often grow very quickly, rapidly reaching impressive heights, while neglecting the development of sturdy limbs. Pruning these trees in the summer can reduce this occurrence, and support the growth of stronger branches. As always, it is best to consult a Portland tree pruning expert as each fruit tree is different.

4. Pest Control. Another benefit of summer pruning is pest control. By removing branches and fruit that have mites or aphid damage you are protecting the overall health and longevity of the tree. You are also ensuring that your fruit trees produce delicious, healthy fruit that’s free of pests. Make sure to throw out these defective limbs or fruits. To prevent infestation, do not compost them.

Summer Pruning: Special Considerations and Potential Dangers

Pruning in the summer is primarily for shaping and creating a solid structure. Heavy pruning should be saved for winter, when trees are under less stress. Moreover, it is important to do your summer pruning earlier in the season. If you wait to long, you could put the tree at risk of water damage or winter injury. Rain can damage fresh cuts on a tree, so it is better to wait to prune if rain is in the near future. Avoid pruning in fall all together.

If you are still mulling over whether or not to prune and/or how much to prune, it is likely in your best interest and the best interest of your beautiful trees to contact a reputable Portland tree pruning service such as Urban Forest Professionals.

Check out what Craig had to say about us on Google.

“Definitely recommend UFP for tree trimming and removal. Had tree work performed at my house recently, both the consultation with the arborist and the work crews were very professional. Did exactly what they quoted, for the quoted price and stuck to schedule. Took all debris from the job and even swept up the patio! Will hire again.”

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(December 23, 2019)

This post first appeared on https://www.urbanforestprofessionals.com

In roof damage, water is the ultimate culprit. Stagnant water can seep under shingles and flashing, leading to rot and costly damage. All roof maintenance tasks maximize roof life by minimizing water ingress. Proper tree care plays its own role in your roof’s lifespan. Today we’re taking a look at the tree side of roof maintenance, including tree trimming, clearing away tree debris, and being selective about where you plant trees in the first place.

Portland Certified Arborists on Tree Care to Maximize Roof Life

Trim Trees Regularly. Especially in lush locales such as Portland, tree pruning is key, especially in the summer. Without regular trimming, tree limbs are more likely to fall and cause roof damage. A weakened branch may come tumbling down during the next roof storm, leaving a gaping hole in your roof. Prevention is the name of the game here—by trimming away sick, dead, or otherwise weakened branches, you can prevent storm roof damage.

With that said, tree pruning is dangerous and demanding work that is best left to professionals. Try to tackle tree trimming yourself, however, and you could create more damage than you thwart. It is best to leave the pruning to Portland certified arborists.

Clear Away Tree Debris. Leaves, pine needles, and branches can become lodged in the lower sections of your roof. For instance, a drift of dead leaves may pile up against a dormer. To prevent water retention and weed growth, it’s important to keep your roof clear of tree blossoms, leaves, and branches.

Keep Branches Away from Your Roof. Overhanging branches are problematic, as they may rub against roof shingles and erode away protection. Additionally, such branches give rodents access to your roof, where they may chew away materials or cause damage through nesting. To prevent roof damage, it is best to keep branches at least ten feet away from your roof.

Clear Your Gutters Once or Twice per Year. Gutters inevitably fill with leaves and other organic buildup. Fail to empty the gutters, and you face water spilling over the gutters, and into your home. Gutter clearance is important in long-term roof life.

Avoid Planting Problematic Trees Right Next To Your Property. Fast-growing species with weaker root systems will be more liable to fall on your roof. When choosing trees, select slow-growing species, and consider how each variety’s height might put your roof at risk.

As Portland tree care specialists, we see green space maintenance as providing dozens of benefits—energy savings, higher air quality, and increased property value. Proper tree maintenance also helps protect your roof, as we’ve seen. For more advice on tree trimming and tree selection, give us a call. We can advise you on the best choices for your entire property, including your investment in your roof.

This post first appeared on https://www.urbanforestprofessionals.com