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Holes in trees can be disconcerting. Many homeowners are unsure about what holes indicate for tree health, or what they should do when a hole appears. In this post, we address tree holes and talk about how a hole could be a sign of compromised structural integrity. We discuss different kinds of holes that may be found, as well as how and why they occur. Although holes are not always a sign that there is something wrong, it is best not to take chances. If there’s a hole in your tree, be sure to contact a licensed and insured Portland tree care company to learn about potential structural damage.

Are tree holes hazardous? They can be if they cause the structural integrity of the tree to fail. If this happens, the whole tree or one of its main branches may plummet to the ground, which could lead to injury and/or property damage. On the other hand, many tree holes do not present a problem, and do not necessarily need to be filled. In fact, our Portland arborists warn against filling holes with concrete (which was frequently recommended in the past), because this can actually lead to more problems.

If you are concerned about the hole for aesthetic reasons, there are foams that arborists now use to fill holes. These foams work better than concrete, as they allow more movement when the tree sways. But these foams cannot improve structural integrity; they are solely for aesthetic purposes. If there is a problem with the tree’s structural integrity, an arborist has other tools at her/his disposal, which can include cabling, bracing, propping up, or removal.

Let’s look at some common forms and causes of tree holes.

Splits and Cracks. Oftentimes a tree will form a split or crack in its trunk. Splits pose serious problems as they place stress on the structural integrity of the tree. Once a crack starts, it is likely to grow, as the tree buckles and sways in the wind. This is why it’s important to address them as early as possible. Cabling may be effective, but if the problem is too severe, you might need to remove a limb or even the entire tree. Our arborists also provide safe and effective tree removal services for split trees that can’t be salvaged.

Mushrooms and Fungi. Fungi growing at a tree’s base suggest there may be a larger problem. Hollows can also be signs of fungal infection. Since some fungi are benign, and others are harmful, it is best to let an arborists make the call and offer their expert advice.

Sapsucker and Woodpecker Holes. These destructive birds chip away at tree bark to access tree sap and resident insects. Woodpeckers and sapsuckers can do serious damage as they bore small holes in trees. While these birds don’t kill trees, their feeding can weaken them and leave them more susceptible to diseases and insect infestation.

Tree Hollows. These are often caused by fungi and can be a sign that there is decay inside the tree, which can ultimately lead to a loss of structural integrity. Squirrel holes can also be indicative of a problem.

Often a tree has holes but it is unclear if they are big enough to cause problems. Determining the structural integrity of a tree is as much an art as it is a science. Professional arborists use specialized tools to evaluate tree strength. One of these tools is called a Resistograph. It uses a small drill to test density. Trained arborists can conduct tests and carry out procedures to prevent damage and prolong a tree’s lifespan. Inspection and monitoring are key to ensuring the safety and long-term survival of the trees on your property.

Be sure to call a certified arborist today if you see evidence of structural damage or are worried about tree holes. Our ISA-certified arborists have the skills, expertise, and tools to make the right call regarding the health and well-being of your trees.

[Photo by synspectrum via CC License]

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

In our last blog we discussed several points on why tree topping is harmful to your trees. Trees that have been topped suffer starvation, shock, insect infestation, decay, weak limbs, and even death. There are no situations when we would ever recommend having your tree topped. So, what can you do instead of tree topping? Here’s what we recommend.

Canopy Reduction. This practice is the removal of small limbs from their point of origin. No more than 25% of the tree’s foliage should be removed, based on its species and health.

Interlimbing or Thinning. This method is best when you prefer your view to be through a tracery of green. Removing selected branches up the trunk provides partial views through the tree and will let more sunlight into your back yard if your trees were blocking it out. Thinning also creates paths for strong winds to move through the tree instead of pushing against them, allowing your tree to withstand those winds.

Raising the Canopy. This process opens up a view by removing the lower limbs of a tree. All branches are cut from the ground up to the desired level. These lower limbs give less energy for the tree’s growth, so the tree can tolerate their removal. To achieve a pleasing shape, be careful not to limb up higher than half the visual height of the tree. If the tree looks top heavy, you can thin out some of the higher branches.

Although these techniques are simple to understand, tree pruning can be dangerous and complicated and is best performed by a professional. To ensure your trees have an aesthetically pleasing shape, consult with a Certified Arborist and make sure to stay away from anyone who suggests tree topping as an option.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

The wintry wet weather has arrived in the Portland metro area, and the leaves are falling. However, that doesn’t mean tree care is not crucial during this time. Today we’re discussing what homeowners can do to prepare their trees for winter. We will also cover winter care for fruit trees, which are a bit more complicated.

Over-winter. The winter months are an important part of a tree’s life cycle. Although deciduous trees lack leaves and apparent vitality during the winter, this dormant period actually serves an important purpose—namely the renewal of vital energy reserves for the following year’s growth. The natural winter dormancy of many trees, as well as the improved visibility when leaves are gone, makes winter a good time for pruning and other maintenance tasks.

Pruning. The idea behind regular pruning is to promote the development of a healthy branch structure, and to remove any limbs that have been damaged or show disease. Crossing branches, and branches that are too close together can be removed. However, it is not recommended that you trim the tree yourself because if a cut is made improperly, it will not heal and ultimately cause damage to the tree, or invite disease. It can also be tricky to predict how a pruning cut will affect future growth. For all of these reasons, it is best to hire Portland certified arborists for tree trimming services.

Mulch. Some mulch is good, but you shouldn’t overdo it. A thin layer of mulch protects the soil and the roots much like a blanket. Too much mulch, or improperly placed mulch however, will suffocate plants while inviting pests such as rodents.

Stakes. Now is a good time to remove stakes, inspect growth, and re-stake if needed.

Planting. Given our mild winters, early fall can be a good time to plant in Portland. As long as the ground is not frozen, planting should be fine, although care should be taken with soggy soils. A professional Portland tree service will ensure that planting is done correctly- i.e. the tree is delivered safely, the soil properly prepared, and the tree is planted at the correct level, among other concerns. Mulching may also be provided.

Weeding, Garden Clean Up, Soil Testing. The winter months are a great time to tackle weeds. This may also be a good time for general cleanup, especially after stormy weather has left branches strewn about your yard. If you detected problems in the previous grow season, you may also want to consider testing your soil. Our Portland certified arborists can handle soil testing efficiently. Plus, they can help you understand the results and identify a course of action for future care.

Fruit Trees. Fruit trees often require additional care and maintenance. The general goal is to promote the growth of the fruiting body and ultimately obtain a bountiful harvest at the end of the next growing season. Toward this end, fruit trees require a proper balance and supply of nutrients, and they should also be monitored for pests, and treated if needed. Depending on the situation, a variety of organic and integrated pest management (IMP) solutions are available that reduce the need for potentially toxic chemicals. An ISA certified arborist that is knowledgeable about fruit tree care can prepare your fruit trees for next year’s harvest.

Don’t forget to contact us about winter tree service. Portland, OR property values are on the rise, and as a homeowner your property is most likely your biggest investment. Don’t take your tree and yard care lightly, and try to avoid pruning or landscaping projects you are unsure of. Call Urban Forest Professionals today, and we’d be glad to survey your land and offer our professional recommendations. Our arborists are ISA-certified, licensed, insured, and bonded. You can be absolutely sure of the quality care we provide.

And for more tips and tricks about how to care for your trees year-round see our seasonal tree maintenance plan.

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

Any good tree service company will tell you that tree topping isn’t a good practice. Topping consists of drastically cutting back or removing large branches on mature trees. Not only does this leave the tree looking ugly, but it also causes severe damage to the tree’s health. Often times, homeowners feel their tree has grown too large for the space, or they fear their large tree could become a hazard during a strong storm. Tree topping is NOT the solution for several reasons.

1. Starvation.  Leaves produce starches during photosynthesis. The tree then moves these starches to the roots for storage and conversion into the much needed nutrients for the tree to grow and thrive. Tree topping, however, removes so much of the leafy crown that the tree may be unable to produce enough starch to properly nourish itself, leaving the tree to starve.

2. Shock.  The crown of the tree acts as a barrier between the hot summer sun and the bark of the tree. Removing a large portion of the crown exposes the bark to sun scald, shocking the tree with direct sunlight. This can result in poor health and even the death of your tree.

3. Insect and Disease.  Tree topping cuts can produce large wounds that are difficult to heal because of the location and size of the cuts. These open wounds on the stubs of the tree are a welcome mat to insect infestation and the spread of disease and decay fungi.

4. Weak Limbs.  New limbs that develop from the cuts grow only from that point on and are not an extension of the parent branch. Many times these new limbs are weakly attached to their parentlimb, with not more than an inch of wood.

5. Rapid New Growth.  Instead of controlling the height and spread of the tree, topping actually encourages rapid new growth. Trees respond to the cuts by sprouting many long limbs resulting in a taller and bushier tree.

6. Death.  Some tree species do not tolerate tree topping. They sprout only a few new limbs and therefore lack the leaves necessary to capture sunlight to produce glucose. Without this much needed nutrient, the tree simply dies.

7. Appearance.  Plain and simple, a topped tree is ugly. Even with the new growth, the tree will never regain its original beauty. It will no longer be a valuable asset to the surrounding landscape.

8. Price.  You need more than a ladder and a chain saw to properly prune a tree. Tree topping may be cheaper to accomplish, but the overall higher price will be reflected in the lowered property value, removal and replacement cost when the tree dies, declining health of nearby trees and shrubs reacting to the change in sunlight, liability risks from weak branches, and higher costs for future trimmings.

Want alternatives to Tree Topping? Check back for our next blog coming soon.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

WINTER IS COMING!! Before winter officially arrives, there are a few things you can do to prepare your trees for the hazardous weather.

Plant the tree. Now is a great time to plant new trees in your yard, just make sure to get them planted prior to a hard freeze. That way they can enjoy the mild weather and frequent rainfall that help roots grow strong. You also want to mulch any new or established trees, but be careful to avoid volcano mulch (mulch piled high against the trunk of the tree).

Prune the canopy.  Fall is a great time of year to have a certified arborist take look at the structure of your trees and make recommendations on how much to prune or trim. Proper pruning allows those brutal winter winds to pass through the trees which results in less breakage and damage, protecting your property.

Feed the roots.  Even during the winter months, your trees’ roots system continues to absorb nutrients until the ground is frozen. Fertilizing your trees helps them stay healthy during freezing temperatures and prepares them to return strong in the spring.

Spray the tree.  Applying dormant oil after insects have laid their eggs will stop insect larvae from developing further.       Come springtime, you’ll have less bugs chewing on your fresh tree buds and fruit. No Worries!! Dormant oils are less toxic to beneficial bugs and only remove the bad ones.

Need help winterizing your trees, contact us at [email protected] or call 317.298.8482

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

Your trees may be STARVING!  Just like humans, trees are living things.  In order for them to grow and produce, they need a proper diet.  Forest trees naturally get the nutrition they need, because of all the decomposing leaves and branches that lie on the ground around them.  But trees in urban areas (where leaves are raked, branches are picked up, and yards are manicured) lack those natural nutrients.  To feed your trees over the harsh winter months, you may need to fertilize them, and NOW is the best time to do that.  Fall fertilization, before temperatures drop to freezing, allows the roots of established trees to take nutrients from the soil and use them to promote root development and protect against disease and insects.  All the excess is stored in the roots and will be available in the spring for new growth.

However, keep in mind, not all trees are perfect candidates for regular fertilization.  It’s important to have a professional evaluate your trees’ needs. They can recommend the proper balance of nutrition that is best.  Just like overeating is not good for you, too much fertilization can be wasted and end up contaminating the soil.

Learn more:  Tree Fertilization

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

On September 23^rd, Urban Forest Pro’s ISA certified arborists joined over 1,000 volunteers from 220 companies in donating $1 million in maintenance services for veterans’ cemeteries. With Veterans Day around the corner, we’re celebrating the difference that our Portland tree care specialists made with their volunteer work.

Saluting Branches is a program that organizes volunteer arborist services in military cemeteries across the country. By partnering with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Saluting Branches is able to donate about 8,000 volunteer hours in a single day to keep our country’s veterans’ cemeteries safe and beautiful. Saluting Branches’ arborist industry volunteers come together to express appreciation for those who have served our country.

According to the Bend Bulletin, there are more than 1,000 military funerals in Oregon each month. Oregon has three national Veterans’ Affairs (VA) cemeteries, maintained by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs National Cemetery Administration. The local Saluting Branches volunteer event benefited Willamette National Cemetery, located on Mt. Scott in southeast Portland.

Willamette National Cemetery boasts many mature trees. Without maintenance, those trees could be hazardous for veterans’ families. After a storm, limbs may fall and whole trees can be unstable. By volunteering their time, Urban Forest Pro’s Portland tree care specialists were able to give back in their own special way.

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to demonstrate gratitude for veterans, and for all they and their families have had to endure. Our arborists are happy to donate their time to preserve and enhance the memories of veterans by caring for trees in Willamette National Cemetery.

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

At first glance, trees may seem entirely safe. Indeed, trees often symbolize stability in ancient myths. However, trees can be unsafe in certain circumstances. As our regular readers will recognize by now, poorly cared-for trees are more likely to fall in a storm. Power lines also complicate the safety of trees. In this post, we discuss what homeowners should know about trees that are placed near power lines and who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines. We also talk about safety issues that can occur and the safety precautions that homeowners should consider. We include tips for considering the location of power lines when planting. Finally, we touch on what to do in tree/power line emergency situations.

Safety Tips for Trees and Power Lines in Portland, OR

• Wondering who is responsible for trimming trees on power lines? Utility companies are responsible for trimming and maintaining trees near power lines. They will prune around the power lines on a regular schedule. Never attempt to trim a tree that has grown into power lines. In some cases, the utility company may call for the removal of a tree that has grown too close to power lines. If you’re concerned that a tree is growing too close to a power line, call your utility company as well as our Portland-certified arborists. We would be happy to schedule an advisory visit.
• Power lines are not insulated; if you touch one it could kill you. This also includes branches that are touching a power line. When in doubt, call the electric company first. Do not touch bare wires or branches that are against the bare wire. Prevent children from climbing trees that are near power lines. Also, observe the 10-foot rule—don’t attempt to work on any tree that comes within 10 feet of a power line. Instead, call us for Portland tree services. Our arborists are thoroughly informed on how to safely prune around power lines.
• Never put a ladder against a power line.
• Any time you prune, be sure to observe basic safety guidelines. Make sure that you are working on a steady, level surface, including any ladders. Don’t try to remove large branches while working from a ladder. Instead, break up the branch into smaller chunks. If you have trouble working from a short ladder, call a pro instead. Don’t over-extend; don’t work past your comfortable height.
• Wear adequate safety protection while conducting Portland tree pruning. You should always wear eye protection. Ear protection is also needed when working with power.
• Dead or diseased limbs can be removed immediately. Don’t worry about the season. (But do mind the safety cautions listed above.)
• Keep the equipment sharp, practice making good cuts (not cutting into the branch collar), and don’t worry about sealing your pruning cuts. If pruning is done properly, trees are very good at sealing over their own injuries. Learn how to identify the branch collar, and where to make a proper cut, such as above the branch collar, but without leaving a stub. Be careful not to injure or cut through the branch collar. If you still have questions about tree trimming, Portland Fruit Tree Project offers affordable tree care workshops (which Urban Forest Pros hosts from time to time).

Considerations for Trees and Power Lines in Portland’s Urban Landscape

If you’re thinking of planting a tree one thing to consider is to never plant a tree under a high-voltage power line. Research how large your tree will be at maturity prior to tree planting. Portland’s long growing season will allow trees to thrive, so it’s important to choose the right species for the available space. Ensure that any species you plant will not grow too large and that they will not grow into nearby power lines. Here’s a short list of trees that under normal conditions are short enough to be planted under distribution power lines: Trident, Amur, Paperbark, and Tartian Maples; Flowering Dogwood, Hawthorne, Bristlecone Pine, Honeysuckle, Sumac, Juniper, Rose Acacia.

The following plants grow too tall and should never be planted under power lines: Silver or Norway Maple, Oak, Colorado Blue Spruce, White Spruce, and most pines.

Emergency Tree Trimming Around Power Lines

The number for Portland General Electric (PGE) is 503-228-6322. For Pacific Power and Light (PP&L) it is 1-888-221-7070. If you see a tree, or branch leaning on a high-voltage line, call the power company immediately at the numbers provided above. For life-threatening emergencies call 911.

If a tree falls onto a wire during or after a storm, call your electric company as well as your arborist. Here at Urban Forest Pros, we are experienced in safely removing fallen branches and trees from a variety of precarious situations. You can trust us to remove hazard trees safely while minimizing the damage to your property. Put our number in your phone so you can get a hold of us quickly following emergencies.

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

Fall is here! With the new season comes new tasks for Portland tree care. Read on for our Portland certified arborist’s top five tips for autumn tree care. We will also review common trees in the Portland area, with a focus on particular maintenance needs our local trees require.

Caring For Your Yard this Fall: Portland Tree Pruning and More.

As fall arrives, we all think about raking leaves and cleaning out garden beds. But there are also important tree jobs to be done.

1. Structural Pruning. Structural pruning is important for several reasons. Primarily, structural pruning prevents non-canopy branches from growing too large, which diminishes the chance of fallen limbs in winter storms. With structural pruning, and arborist spaces out the main branches along a dominant trunk, with the idea that a single strong trunk can withstand harsh weather.

2. Ornamental Pruning. This type of pruning is done to maintain or reduce plant size, to remove unwanted growth, to remove dead, diseased or broken branches, to give the plant an artistic form, and to stimulate fruiting and flowering.At this point you may be asking, “What about pruning fruit trees?” The best time to prune fruit trees is in the winter, because that’s when they go dormant. Fruit tree pruning includes many of the aspects mentioned above, but also strives to improve air flow and increase light penetration. The pruning is directed so that the tree’s energy is directed into growing or ripening fruit. If you’re interested in learning more about fruit tree trimming, Portland has several educational organizations dedicated to teaching the public about this aspect of landscape care.

3. Maintain Equipment. Keep your pruning shears in tip-top shape by properly sharpening and oiling them. Review your lawn mower’s health. Make any necessary repairs to garden equipment. Of course, maintenance may also be done in the winter, but we prefer to do it in the early fall, so that fall gardening efforts are as effective as possible.

4. Mulching. This is a classic fall task. One way to mulch is to rake up leaves and pile them over garden beds. The nutrients in the leaves will benefit the underlying soil, and the mulch will also provide a blanket of protective warmth over the winter. However, if you find this simple approach too messy-looking, you can also choose to mulch with other materials, such as straw, bark, or hulls.

5. Planting. Last but not least is fall planting. Many Oregon gardeners are happy to be back in the garden planting after a long, hot and dry summer. This is a great time to reinvigorate the fall veggie crop, plant new perennials, and of course, prepare and plant new trees. Planting in fall is great because it provides time for plants to set new roots before and over the winter. Fall is also an excellent season for tree planting. Portland gardeners must keep in mind that our area’s autumn can be dry, and new plantings always require thorough watering.

Other fall garden tasks include aerating, seeding, conditioning and fertilizing your lawn as needed, and winterizing your irrigation system. Don’t forget this last task, or your system could freeze and break over the winter. Call us for irrigation system installation, maintenance, and winter tree care in Portland, Oregon.

In the next section of this post we look at some common Oregon trees.

Oregon Trees (Our Great Delight!)

Hardwoods. Deciduous hardwood trees drop their leaves in the fall, and dealing with piles of windblown, or wet leaves is a priority for municipalities and homeowners alike.

• Bigleaf Maple. This is the largest of the maples, and very common in western Oregon. At maturity a Bigleaf Maple can reach over 100 feet in height. They are often quite wide as well, so their leaf drop is nothing to take lightly.

• Red Alder. This is the most common of the broadleaf deciduous trees in Oregon, growing from 30 to 120 feet tall at maturity. The Red Alder is also the largest species of Alder in North America.

• English Walnut. This is a fast growing tree that can bear nuts as early as 4 to 8 years after planting. The tree grows 40 to 60 feet tall, and also grows very wide. The tree’s leaves and walnuts create problems for lawns.

• Oregon White Oak. Luckily oaks don’t drop their leaves until the winter or spring, so they don’t cause as many problems, but like other larger trees, they can be susceptible to damage from high winds so it makes sense to have them pruned regularly. Also, be careful with soggy soils. These can be harmful to the root systems of oak trees, making mature trees prone to uprooting.

Conifers. Oregon’s conifers dominate the landscape in the winter months. They don’t drop leaves but rather branches and needles. These need to be included in your fall clean up as well. Large conifers such as Douglas firs need to be trimmed on a regular basis to prevent large branches from falling on your property. Giant sequoia, ponderosa pine, and western red cedar are other common conifers found in the greater Portland area.

Contact a Portland arborist to discuss your pruning needs. Don’t try to take on risky pruning projects yourself; instead, leave them in the hands of a professional. At UFP, our arborists are fully certified and insured. We know that your trees are important to you, and also that pruning is a process that takes time to master. We use the best equipment and materials in order to ensure that our job is professional and reliable. At Urban Forest Pro, you can be positive that you are truly in the hands of a qualified expert. Call us today for Portland tree services.

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

Urban Forest Pro’s arborist, Jeff M, was recently on KOIN 6 news as an expert on Portland tree care. Jeff discussed the implications that the change in weather has for Portland trees. He also advised what to do if your tree has V-shaped splits. In this blog we review Jeff’s advice, focusing on what you can do to get your trees ready for stormy winter weather.

This past summer was certainly dry and hot. Now that the first fall rains have arrived, it is time to list what needs to be done before winter comes. One big task is to conduct Portland tree pruning, keeping a special eye for signs of impending limb drop. Trees that have large, V-shaped splits are in danger of losing one or more structural limbs, as more and more weight is put on the V-shaped split. Excessive rain and snow, high winds, and extremely dry-weather can put additional stress on the tree, and on the upper limbs in particular.

In addition to concentrating on what we can do to address problems that come from large V-splits, Jeff also directed viewers to examine the ground for evidence of fungus, or mushrooms, which could be a sign of tree rot. The dry summer stressed many trees, making them weaker than they typically are in autumn. This is evidenced by the fallen Linden that Jeff and his hosts from KOIN 6 inspected. The Linden had been improperly planted and this left it susceptible to a girdled root, where one root had been left to wrap around the others. This put additional strain on the base of the tree, such that it was not able to handle given the dry conditions of the summer.

Since it has extremely dry this summer, and nasty weather is certainly on its way, it makes sense to take extra time now to inspect trees. Doing so can ensure that there are no problems later. Begin your inspection at the top of the tree. Note if the tree has been topped (i.e., the top has been cut off), if branches overlap, and if certain branches seem to be too heavy. All of these are signs that professional Portland tree trimming is required. Notice the presence of dead wood, indicated by cracking and a brown color throughout the branch. Be cautious following stormy weather, as branches may have been weakened and ready to fall.

Moving down the tree, look for indications of insects and disease. Again, the presence of fungus or mushrooms may indicate rot. If you notice rotten wood, or if there are cavities, it is wise to have the tree inspected by Portland certified arborists from a tree service company such as Urban Forest Pros. A certified arborist can perform specialized tests to evaluate rot. For instance, he or she may drill a small hole into the tree to calculate resistance. This reveals the rate of rot, and denotes the likelihood of falling limbs.

When you consider that mature, healthy trees can add up to 10% to the value of your home, it makes sense to hire a tree care professional that you can trust. An arborist can determine if a tree may be saved, or if it needs to be removed. Urban Forest Pro’s arborists take care with their work, and they will only remove a mature tree if it is absolutely needed. Beware those who advocate removal without looking at other possibilities. Arborists can also stabilize split trunks with the use of fiber cables. Cabling cannot repair damage, but it can reduce the possibility of more damage in the future. Finally, your arborist can conduct pruning, diagnose problems, and suggest earth-friendly ways to combat insects and disease.

If you see evidence of tree damage, have concerns about large V-splits, or have observed any of the signs of rot mentioned above, don’t hesitate to call UFP today. We can help diagnose your problem and recommend the best course of action before brutish winter weather arrives.

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