Tree Roots & Sidewalks A Beginners Guide

Any homeowner who has gotten a notice from the City of Portland to repair their sidewalks, or else, knows how contentious of a battle it can be for trees and sidewalks to co-exist in the city. Tree roots lifting the concrete slabs can be a major headache. Not only are the quotes from concrete contractors enough to make you sick the thought that due to your tree’s roots you may have to do this again in a few years is just about enough to drive you over the edge. I wish I had some miracle cure-all solution to ease the pain, but unfortunately, when it comes to controlling tree roots and repairing sidewalks that have been raised by tree roots there is only so much that can be done.

What Not To Do When Dealing With Tree Roots Lifting A Sidewalk

• Do Not cut a tree root yourself or let your concrete contractor cut one. Tree roots that are causing damage to a sidewalk and need to be cut must be marked by the city arborist prior to cutting. Cutting them without this approval is a surefire way to cause permanent damage or death to your street trees and to buy yourself a hefty fine from the city. This includes the method of carving an “X” on the top of the tree root (which does not work, by the way). Studies show that despite tree root pruning, sidewalks will, on average, lift again within five years without the use of other root control methods.
• Do Not heavily prune your tree or use tree growth inhibitors. Heavy pruning is expensive and most of the time does not work to keep tree roots from damaging sidewalks. When tree growth inhibitors are used energy that would normally go to the development of the crown of the tree is often redirected to the root system, actually further aggravating the problem.
• Do Not assume you need to replace your concrete. Concrete contractors have other options and if you are going to end up repairing your sidewalk due to root growth again in a few years you may want to hold off if there are other options available to you such as concrete grinding and/or patching. Contact our office about sidewalk repair options that we offer at Urban Forest Professionals.
• Do Not wait! If you get a notice from the city it usually gives you an extended amount of time to correct the problem. They do that for a reason because it takes an extended amount of time to arrange all the permitting and the work to get done.

How To Prevent Tree Roots From Lifting The Concrete Slabs of A Sidewalk

As with many things the solution starts with prevention. The type of tree planted is a big determiner if you are going to have root problems with your sidewalk in the future. As is if the tree is planted correctly. You can review our blogs posts under tree planting for advice on choosing and installing a tree correctly to avoid damaging your sidewalk in the future. Additional options such as root barriers or establishing a tree protection area can be installed when trees are young to direct the growth of roots. Sometimes it is better to remove existing trees, start over, and get it right the second time. Of course, you will need the city arborist’s blessing to do this.

How To Repair Sidewalks Damaged By Tree Roots

Nothing will determine your success in dealing with the invasion of growing roots in your sidewalk more than choosing the right concrete contractor when repairing or replacing your concrete. You need a contractor who is willing to use a complete arsenal of tactics to repair the current problem and prevent a re-occurrence. These methods include but are not limited to the use of pea gravel which allows tree root to expand, reinforcing concrete with rebar so that the tree root must lift several slabs at once in order to cause damage to the sidewalk, creating a meandering sidewalk or a sidewalk with cutouts to create more space for roots, and create slightly sloping sidewalks to allow elevation change due to root growth. Homeowners should also explore the option of having the sidewalk repaired or ground down instead of removed and replaced to limit their investment. A knowledgeable concrete contractor will explore all of these options with you including repair.

Another option for a long-term solution for repairing sidewalks or curbs that are lifting due to tree roots is rubber sidewalks. Here at Urban Forest Pro we are proud to be one of only a few in the Portland, OR area to offer rubber sidewalk services. These sidewalks are just as sturdy as traditional concrete but are more flexible, reducing the risk of cracking in the long run.

Contact Urban Forest Professionals When You Need Your Sidewalk Repaired Due To Tree Root Growth

If your tree roots are lifting the concrete slabs of the sidewalk outside of your home and causing damage feel free to contact us for a consultation. We offer concrete repair options and tree root pruning services, and because we are experienced arborists we can determine the best course of action to not only repair the sidewalk but deal with the tree and roots that are causing the issue, hopefully keeping you from having to deal with tree root sidewalk repairs for years to come. Call our office today for your free estimate. 503-912-8092

We serve not only the Portland area but also: Gresham, Beaverton, Tigard, and more.

What Our Clients Say About Us

“This was the nicest experience. They removed a tree from our front yard and had to return for a second overgrown root that was huge, which they did with no question. They left the place looking great. They were professional and pleasant from the beginning to the end, and even sent a thank you card which I thought was very cool. They are five stars all the way.”

Robin W.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
And read more of our 194+ reviews on Google.

We Also Offer: Tree Removal, Stump Grinding Services, Pruning, and more.

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

Spring Has Sprung: Time for Planting Season

As the weather continues to warm up, property owners are getting ready to pick their favorite trees and get them planted during prime tree-planting season.  Spring is a great time to add new life to your landscape, and getting trees planted early can aid in their growth and survival throughout the year.  When choosing a tree specimen to plant, there are several factors to keep in mind.

Location.  How close will the tree be to a structure?  Do I need it for shade?  Will it attract birds to the area?  Will it enhance the overall appearance of the property?

Availability.  Are these trees readily available in the area?

Size.  How large will this specimen grow?  How much will it spread out?

Hardiness.  How will the tree stand up to the changes in temperature and conditions of the area?

Rate of Growth.  How fast will the tree grow?

Space.  How much room is available to allow the tree to grow naturally?  How much room does it need above and below ground?

Appearance.  Does the tree fit the landscape around it?  How will it look when fully matured?  What is the color and texture of the bark, flowers, foliage, fruit, etc?

Nourishment.  What are the moisture requirements for this specific specimen?  What type of fertilization is needed?

Maintenance.  What type of pruning will be needed to keep this tree looking its best?

Need help choosing your tree?  Our Certified Arborists are experts in tree selection and planting.  They analyze the area by considering soil conditions, presence of channelized winds, proximity to structures and other important factors to determine the tree specimen options that will best thrive and add curb appeal to your property.

Don’t forget to check your community restrictions and what is allowed by HOA’s and municipalities.  Also consider having the utilities marked on your property before getting your heart set on a particular location.  Call 811 for the national “Call Before You Dig” hotline to get assistance.

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

Winter is here and the days are short and gray. Even though the weather is blustery, there is still plenty to appreciate in our urban forest. There may not be many flowers, and most of the colorful leaves of autumn have fallen. However, wintertime also brings unique opportunities for color. Winter interest plants can create beauty in your yard even during the most dismal months. If your landscape is a bit drab at the moment, this is the perfect time to let our Portland certified arborists help you research which species can add life to your landscaping in the wintertime.

Portland Certified Arborists’ Tips on Winter Interest Trees

Think Evergreen. Here in the Pacific Northwest we are graced with some of the largest evergreens on the planet. Don’t take them for granted. Our evergreens provide a comfortable backdrop and also work hard as valuable structural plants in the landscape. Rhododendrons, Camellias, Andromeda, Cypress, and other evergreen species work well in our wet winters. Broadleaf evergreens such as Southern Magnolia and Madrone, while larger trees, also work well in our Pacific Northwest climate.

Go for Contrast. Evergreens make a nice backdrop for other plants such as Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) or Coral-Bark Maple (Acer palmatum “Sango Kaku”). Birchbark Cherry (Prunus serrula) and Himalayan Birch (Betula jacquemontii) also have nicely-textured bark. Winter interest plants might not be known for their flowers, but they have other features such as multi-layered or brightly colored bark that provide rich textures in the landscape.

Winter Flowers. Hope is not lost for those looking for winter flowers. Witch hazel (Hamamelis) may still be found blooming in December in some Portland gardens. Evergreen shrubs such as Andromeda and Daphe odora also flower in winter. These can be matched with evergreen or flowering perennials, such as hellebores, or shrubs, such as Hazel, with its twisting branches and flowering catkins.

Zen-Inspired Gardens. These gardens bring peace and tranquility to the landscape and to the inner mind, and provide a welcome respite from the worries of the city. The good thing about Japanese and Chinese style gardens (we have lovely examples of both in Portland) is that they focus not on showy flowers but on creating harmony with the natural backdrop that our large conifers provide. Many of the plants listed above also work well in Zen-inspired gardens. Japanese Maples are a classic Zen garden selection, particularly those varieties that boast vibrant or textured bark. The leafless silhouette of a Japanese maple is, on its own, the perfect fodder for meditation. Hinoki Cypress (Chameacyparis), Yew Plum (Cephalotaxus), Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens), and Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo “Teeny”) are good choices for Japanese- and Chinese-style gardens, and these species grow well in our climate. Learn more about Pruning a Japanese Maple.

The Snow Garden. Snow brings the perfect opportunity for winter gardening. The idea is to plan ahead for the stark contrast of snow. For instance, while cutting back perennials in the fall, you can leave long spiky flowers to dry in place. Snow will provide a magical, white backdrop for the flower stalks. This can be complimented with the plants or techniques listed above for background or additional interest. Another idea is to plant a deciduous Larch. These unique conifer trees drop their needles in the winter. Imagine the breathtaking effect of a Larch’s newly fallen needles on a soft bed of new snow.

Think ahead: Portland Tree Planting and Pruning. Take good care of your yard’s landscape and it will provide a wonderful environment to enjoy, even during the winter months. Preparation is a key ingredient for a successful winter garden. Design is one of our Portland tree services, and we would love to create and plant a living palette of year-round color for your yard. From species selection, to pruning, to removal, and tree planting, Portland homeowners can trust UFP with any tree-related need. Our arborists are ISA-certified, fully licensed, and insured. We take care to do the job right because we know that is what you expect, and because we are passionate about the health of our urban forest. Call us today to discuss our tree-planting services.

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

Proper tree pruning on any property helps breathe new life into the overall look of the landscape. It not only helps to maintain tree health, but it greatly adds to the appearance and appeal of the surrounding area. There are many reasons why property managers should consider having the trees on their managed properties pruned regularly. Here are a few of the most important ones.

Visibility.

Overgrown trees can block customers from seeing signs advertising the business or from viewing the property itself. This is where the property manager should take extra care to ensure all trees are trimmed accurately in order to provide as much visibility as possible.

Clearance around the building.

All too often, trees are planted too close to a building or structure. General tree trimming guidelines suggest a clearance of 5 to 10 feet of clearance. Property managers don’t want to have to continually be trimming back overgrown branches, so it’s a good thing to have a Certified Arborist put a tree pruning plan in place. A good plan will include pruning the entire tree, not just one side.

Parking.

Overgrown trees with low hanging branches can prevent the use of all available parking spots by making it impossible for a vehicle to access the space. Property managers want to keep those parking lot trees adequately pruned back so as to allow their customers plenty of room to park their cars and trucks. Having those trees regularly maintained can keep your lot looking nice and inviting to your patrons.

Ping’s Tree Service recommends contacting a Certified Arborist who can provide a professional evaluation of your trees and give recommendations on their individual needs. We currently have 7 Certified Arborists on our staff who are experts in all tree species, especially those located here in Indiana. We would love the opportunity to help you maintain the beauty of your managed properties.

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

Winter Is Coming!

Fortunately we missed out on Winter Storm Jonas and the massive amounts of snow it dropped on the east coast. However, winter is not over yet. Even though we had a little warm up this week, meteorologists predict that February is going to be a very snowy month for us here in the Indianapolis area.

Winter storms and heavy snow can cause severe stress and damage to trees. If your trees experience damage from these types of storms, there are a few things for you to consider.

1. Assess the Minor Damage. If your trees have acquired minor damage with only the smallest branches being injured, then generally there is no major threat to the tree. You may need to clean up the broken twigs and branches or have the crown thinned of bent or twisted limbs. But overall, the tree shouldn’t be in danger or distress.
2. Asses the Major Damage. Tree damage that consists of large broken branches, missing bark that has been torn off, or trunks that are splintering can be signs of major damage and pose a risk to the health of your tree. That tree may require more maintenance or may need to be removed. A certified arborist is able to evaluate the health and safety of your tree in this situation.

Note: If it has been determined that the tree is not worth saving, have it removed as soon as possible. Leaving the tree to die can result in it becoming a hazard tree which increases the risk to yourself and the tree crew that will remove it. Increased risk requires special tools and techniques to safely remove the tree and will therefore increase the cost of the tree care work.

So whether it’s minor or major damage, take time to do a quick evaluation of your trees after a winter storm. If there is any damage, we’d love to help. Ping’s Tree Service offers a FREE Estimate on pruning, trimming, and tree removal services.

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

Now that the Christmas holiday has passed, it’s time to get your decorations put away and dispose of your Christmas tree. Recycling Christmas trees will provide mulch to the city parks for trails and landscaping to be used as needed. Here is a list of where you can get drop of your live, bare trees in and around the Indianapolis area:

Marion County

• Broad Ripple Park (1610 Broad Ripple Ave.) south lot
• Ellenberger Park (5301 E. St. Clair St.) west of pool in main parking lot
• Garfield Park (2432 Conservatory Drive) MacAllister Center
• Gustafson Park (3110 Moller Road) near the front entrance
• Krannert Park (605 S. High School Road) north parking lot
• Northwestway Park (5253 W. 62nd St.) near the recycling bins
• Perry Park (451 E. Stop 11 Road) soccer field parking lot
• Riverside Park (2420 N. Riverside Drive) tennis court parking lot
• Sahm Park (6801 E. 91st St.) soccer field parking lot

Please note that from now until January 31, trees can be dropped off from dawn until dusk.

Note: DPW will NOT offer curbside Christmas tree pickup this year

Fishers (until Feb. 1, 2016)

• ​Brooks School Park, 11780 Brooks School Road
• Cumberland Park, 10580 Cumberland Road
• Roy G. Holland Memorial Park, 1 Park Drive

Johnson County (until Feb. 11, 2016)

• ​Center Grove High School, 2717 S. Morgantown Road, near the tennis courts
• Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., Franklin, near the Purdue Extension Office
• Indian Creek Intermediate School, 1000 S. Indian Creek Dr., Trafalgar, near the teachers’ parking lot
• McCarty Mulch, 100 Bluffdale, Greenwood
• Curbside pickup will be offered in GREENWOOD through January.

Hendricks County (until Feb. 13, 2016)

• ​Brownsburg Yard Waste Recycling Center, 90 Mardale Drive, Brownsburg
• Plainfield Yard Waste Recycling Center, 7020 South CR 875 East, Plainfield
• GreenCycle-McCarty, 494 South CR 200 E, Danville

Carmel and Westfield

Curbside Christmas tree pickup is available for free on your regular trash days.

♦ Once again, please make sure to remove all decorations, including your tree stand, before dropping off your tree.

♦ Also, it’s important to know that you should never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. This may contribute to creosote buildup and could cause a chimney fire.

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

TCIA Professional Communications Awards Winner!

Ping’s Tree Service is proud to announce it has been awarded a Professional Communications Award from the Tree Care Industry Association — TCIA. More than 20 years old, this program honors marketing and communication excellence within the tree care industry.

In August, we submitted our tree frog ads for entry into the TCIA Professional Communications Awards. These ads were created as part of our company branding initiative and have received a generous amount of positive responses in our advertising areas.

TCIA evaluated each entry on the overall appearance, content quality, adherence to American National Standards Institute and Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards, and its success in achieving the company’s marketing and communications goals.

To learn more about TCIA’s Professional Communications Award program, visit TCIA.org.

About the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA): Founded in 1938, TCIA is a public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture. It has more than 2,300 member companies who recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance. TCIA also has the nation’s only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that adhere to industry standards for quality and safety; maintain trained, professional staff; and are dedicated to ethical and professional business practices. With access to the latest and best safety standards and training, the typical TCIA member company has 50% fewer accidents than a typical non-member.

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

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

Many of us are familiar with the energy-saving properties of trees in summer. By providing shade, trees can reduce cooling energy costs by 15% to 20%. But trees can also bring significant energy savings in winter, particularly in cold, windy areas, where they can act as a wind blocker. In this post we’re taking a look at how to plant trees in order to lower your wintertime energy bills.

Planting evergreen trees and shrubs as wind blocks has been shown to be an effective way to achieve energy savings. In windy areas where the winters are often bitterly cold, windbreaks not only mitigate the force of strong winds, but also keep snowdrifts from forming in problematic places, such as roads and intersections. A well-designed windbreak takes into consideration multiple aspects, including wind-direction, planting density, proper placement, and more. To achieve maximum efficiency, we recommend working with our Portland certified arborists when designing your wind breaking line of trees and/or shrubs. When properly done, a windbreak can reduce heating costs by 10% to 25%.

Windbreak vs. Insulation. Your location will define whether you need a windbreak or a landscape design that favors insulation. Wind barriers are used to channel wind away and around buildings, while denser plantings closer to a structure will offer insulation and control the distribution of snow. For mountain homes, insulation plantings are beneficial, but their placement must be balanced with the need to reduce the threat of wildfires in summer months.

Where to plant? The math here depends on the height of your wind breaking trees and/or shrubs. Experts recommend placing wind blocks 2 to 5 times the height of the windbreak away from the structure it is intended to protect. As an example, a wind block of 30-foot-tall trees should be placed 60 to 150 feet away from the building. Wind direction should also factor into placement. Prevailing winds tend to come from the north or the west, so planting on these sides should be favorable. Avoid planting tall trees on the south-side of your home as that tends to be the sunniest side. This also allows for a reduction in heating costs due to the effects of passive heating.

Density. For windbreaks, density boosts effectiveness. For this reason, evergreens are often recommended for wind blocks. Trees should be planted in a manner that allows the crowns to overlap, but wind blocks can be planted in a variety of configurations. To insulate, evergreen shrubs should be planted near, but slightly away from, buildings.

No perfect solution. Because each location offers its own set of variables and challenges, there is no universally perfect windbreak design. We suggest getting in touch with a certified arborist for expert windbreak tree planting. Portland residents can call us for advice on creating an effective wind block. Consultations are one of our many Portland tree services. While an urban home may not have much space for wind breaking trees, we can still recommend a planting design to cut your energy bills. Our Portland certified arborists understand the challenges of wind blocks, and are able to customize their planting recommendations to the particular nuances of your property. Talk to us today about how to plant trees that will keep saving you money on energy bills for many years to come.

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