Month: July 2015

In one corner, we have trees. In the other, solar panels. Which one will win in America’s cities? Should we prioritize the urban canopy, or open up spaces to harvest sun power? Well, as Portland certified arborists, we don’t think this has to be a fight. While homeowners may feel they must choose between solar panels and trees, we have found it is possible for both to coexist effectively. Homeowners from Washington DC to San Jose have fought or even sued over solar access, oftentimes with two environmentally conscious neighbors battling over who has the ecological upper ground. However, as we outline below, proper tree placement and pruning can allow solar panels to function in proximity to shade trees.

There’s no denying that solar panels do not operate as well under shade. A Renewable Energy Laboratory study found that shadows over PV (photovoltaic) panels reduce power production by one third. Researchers are aware of the problem, and are looking for ways to boost productivity in shady conditions. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently found a way to increase productivity under shade by 12%, by using microinverters instead of string inverters within PV panels.

In some parts of the country, the solar panel vs. tree debate has spurred legal battles and legislation. For example, California’s Solar Shade Act was passed in 1978 to protect homeowners’ investments in solar energy. The law made it a crime to impede panels’ sun access. In 2008, a couple in Sunnyvale, California was convicted on criminal charges that their backyard redwood trees blocked their neighbor’s PV panels. In response, state Senator Joe Simitian passed a bill protecting pre-existing trees, so that homeowners cannot be prosecuted for planting trees prior to the installation of neighbors’ solar panels.

Here in Oregon, there is no solar access law protecting solar panel owners from similar situations. For property owners in Portland, tree services cannot be court-ordered to protect solar access. However, homeowners can request voluntary easements asking neighbors to maintain sunshine availability. That’s the first step in achieving tree- and solar-friendly boroughs: open and respectful communication between neighbors. Here are a few more techniques for preserving both solar access and healthy tree growth.

Portland Certified Arborists’ Tips For Tree Care with Solar Panels
• Place trees away from home to prevent blocking, scratching, and otherwise damaging solar panels.
• Avoid planting trees near the west or southwestern facing sides of home; these directions receive the strongest sunlight and are the best options for solar panel placement.
• Properly maintain trees that are already planted, to prevent solar panel damage. Regular Portland tree trimming will minimize neighbor disputes and protect PV panels.
• Remove dying trees, which pose a threat to nearby structures including solar-paneled roofs. Portland tree removal is recommended for unstable, unhealthy trees.

If you have questions about a certain tree on your property, get in touch. We can provide recommendations on how to enjoy both solar energy and vibrantly healthy trees. Our ISA certified arborists are happy to answer your Portland tree planting questions. We can calculate sunlight angles onto PV panels, according to each specimen’s mature height. Our arborists can also provide recommendations on the best tree placement for solar panels. Call us today for more information on how to balance shade with solar access.

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

Siding protects and waterproofs your home. Any structure lacking strong, snug siding is vulnerable to weather and pest damage. As Portland tree care specialists, we are passionate about adding trees to the urban canopy—but not at the expense of structures. If trees and shrubs are too close to siding, damage is likely.

Portland Certified Arborists on How Trees and Shrubs can Affect Siding

• Branches can scrape siding, compromising its strength.
• As the protective surface is worn away, scraping branches can cause the premature failure of paint, vinyl and aluminum.
• Trees and bushes can also push into siding, opening cracks where insects and other pests can gain ingress.
  • Lush greenery may prevent air circulation and evaporation, potentially leading to rot or mold.
• Bushes may trap moisture near the foundation, leading to damp, moldy basements.
  •Large dead branches can fall and rip away siding.

Protecting your Siding from Plant Damage

When siding is concealed by flora, problems may not be discovered for years. That’s why it’s key to conduct regular visual inspections. Every season, pull away branches to look for scratches, dents, rot, and mold. Keep in mind that east and north sides tend to grow more mold. If you find any damage, it’s time to trim back those trees and bushes.

When placing new specimens, give them plenty of room to grow. Note the size of the mature plant, and leave a broad diameter accordingly. Overall, it’s best to set bushes and trees ten feet back from structures.

For those trees and bushes that are already placed near your home, be vigilant about pruning. Portland tree trimming should be done every 3 to 7 years, depending on the type of tree. Deciduous trees should receive pruning every 3 to 5 years, while evergreen trees may be pruned every 5 to 7 years. Ornamental trees are trimmed yearly, or more frequently according to the desired look. More frequent pruning may be required for plants that are situated near structures.

As your Portland tree pruning experts, we would be happy to visit your property and provide recommendations that will protect both your trees and your home. From safely removing dead trees to expertly trimming branches away from siding, we can adroitly handle your family’s tree care needs. Call us today to learn more about our tree pruning services.

Check out what Phyllis had to say about us on Google:

“All the crew at Urban Forest Pro are attentive and skilled. The pride they take in their work is obvious as they left all the shrubs and trees looking and grounds in outstanding shape. The whole property is healthier and brighter due to careful tree trimming, shrub trimming and meticulous stump grinding. The admin staff was patient and thoughtful and walked us through the process. I highly recommend these personable professionals and will use them again for all my arbor work.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5/5

(Dec 20, 2019)

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