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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

Wondering how to take care of all the gorgeous trees on your Portland property? Check out this infographic on pruning, geared toward Portlanders. Learn about hardwoods and conifers commonly found around the Rose City. Understand the goals of structural, ornamental, and fruit tree pruning. Recognize common pruning myths, and the truth behind them. Finally, learn why it’s best to hire a professional Portland arborist for tree pruning.

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

This summer has been a scorcher. Drought conditions and sizzling temperatures have spurred the Oregon Department of Forestry to remind residents to water trees. In a July press release, the department emphasized the importance of consistently saturating the area beneath a tree’s drip line to mitigate the effects of hot, dry weather. In the same spirit, we’re sharing our Portland certified arborists’ tips on how to water your trees throughout the year.

Multiple factors influence watering needs. Established trees will generally require less water than newly planted trees. New trees’ root systems are less established, so they require careful watering during the first one or two years. Plant placement is also important. Buildings, walls, and fences can reflect heat, putting plants at risk of damage. These areas will need more water, as will windy zones. Soil composition matters, too. Sandy soils drain quickly and therefore need more frequent watering. Clay-heavy soils tend to hold onto moisture longer, so they can be irrigated less frequently. Portland tree care will also vary by species. Crape myrtle needs just monthly summer watering, while stone fruit trees have moderate watering needs (twice per month) and birches need the most water of all (three times per month). Water-hungry trees naturally grow along streams and rivers; species from arid region plants will survive far drier conditions.

Portland Tree Care: General Watering Tips
— Water at the Drip Line. Large, established trees have a root spread as wide as the tree is tall. Water the most critical part of the root system by soaking the area beneath the drip line.
—Slower is better. Trees can best soak up water when it is distributed slowly to a depth of 12 inches. Slow watering allows for best absorption. Irrigation lines are ideal for this style of watering. A good rule of thumb for each watering session is to slowly distribute 5 to 10 gallons of water for every inch in the tree’s diameter.
—Avoid soaking right around the tree’s trunk. Doing so can increase the chance of disease, fungal infestation in particular. Instead, focus on watering the area underneath and beyond the tree’s canopy. (Young trees are an exception to this rule; their roots will only occupy the planting hole area right around the trunk.)
—Be generous with damaged roots. Root systems that have been damaged will require more water for repair.
—Mulch for protection. Lay down a blanket mulch to a depth of three or four inches beneath the drip line. This will conserve moisture and offer some protection against cold. Leave the space right around the trunk free of mulch.
—Avoid extended soil saturation. Too much water can smother developing roots. If the underlying soil is soggy, hold off on watering. You can use a soil probe to determine soil moisture levels. A ¼” to 3/8” diameter rod will slide easily through moist soil, and become difficult to push into dry soil. You are looking for moisture at a depth of six inches below the soil surface.
—Water near the soil, not on foliage. Avoid spraying leaves with water. This can deposit salt and damage foliage. Overhead irrigation creates a disease-happy environment, where leaf spot diseases, mildew, fungus, and bacteria can take hold. Soaker hoses, standard hoses, and irrigation systems are the best water delivery systems.

With these overarching watering approaches in mind, let’s examine seasonal watering nees.

Summer Watering in Portland: Trees’ irrigation needs are at a zenith in the mid to late summer, when winter moisture has been exhausted from the soil. Deep watering will satisfy a tree’s summer needs for 10 days to four weeks, depending on the species and the conditions. During the most extreme conditions, watering once per week or more may be required, depending on how the soil holds moisture.

• Honor soil absorption rates. If you notice that the water is pooling, turn off the water for a while and it soak into the soil. Keep watering in this way—until the water begins to pool, in an off and on cycle—until the soil has been wetted to a depth of 18 to 24 inches. This may require several days to accomplish, unless you have drip irrigation systems installed.
• When to water in the summer: Water early in the morning and late at night, when evaporation rates are at a nadir.
• Look for signs of heat stress. If leaves are wilted, crisp or yellowing around the edges, they are struggling under the heat, and deep, consistent watering is needed.

Fall Watering in Portland
Here in the Rose City, the early fall is often dry and warm. Soils may still dry out under the crisp blue skies, so it’s best to maintain the same vigilance regarding soil moisture as in the summer.

Assuming moist soil conditions and cooler weather, fall is a good time for Portland tree planting. Be sure to support the development of root systems by watering weekly or more frequently if soil dryness calls for it.

Winter Watering in Portland
Portland’s winters tend to be soggy affairs. From time to time, Stumptown does see snow flurries. In those cases, wait to water. Winter watering should occur when air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with no snow cover.

• Water during dry spells. Monitor weather conditions. During extended dry periods, water once or twice per month.
• Avoid cracking soil. Winter freezing and thawing causes cracks in the soil. These cracks expose roots to desiccation and cold. Prevent this damage with regular watering and mulching.
• Water midday, so that water has an opportunity to soak in prior to nighttime freezing.

Spring Watering
Watering is typically less critical during Portland’s spring, as winter and spring rains tend to leave our soils damp.

• Check soil conditions weekly; water if you discover dryness at a depth of six inches.
• Water once per week during the growing season, if soil is dry.
• Deeply areas exposed to de-icing chemicals. Wash away any remnants of de-icing materials by deeply watering once or twice per year. Use up to three times what you would typically water, to wash away minerals and salts.

As this dry, hot summer winds down, it’s important to recognize that drought conditions leave trees more susceptible to disease and insect damage. Therefore, deep summer watering is key. We include watering advice in our Portland tree services. For a complete picture of your trees’ health needs, contact us. Our leading certified arborists are founts of tree knowledge. They can tell you how much water your species need, and how frequently to water each during the different seasons of the year.

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

Picture this: You’re walking through the forest on a hot, still day. Suddenly, you hear a popping sound, and then a huge branch drops just beyond your reach. After thanking your lucky stars that you weren’t crushed, you wonder why a limb should fall on such a windless, calm day? Googling your query, you might discover Sudden Branch Drop, a rather mysterious arboreal tendency that describes your experience.

As Portland tree care enthusiasts, we have many cases of mysteriously fallen limbs on perfectly calm days. Sudden branch drop, also known as sudden limb failure, happens on hot, calm days and evenings, typically in the summer. Observers will notice cracking or popping sounds just before large limbs suddenly plummet to the ground. Kellogg first described sudden branch drop in 1882, writing of trees “said to burst with a loud explosion, and strong limbs…(which) unexpectedly crash down, the fracture disclosing not the least cause of weakness.”

Why Sudden Branch Drop Occurs
Portland certified arborists could debate this question at length, as there is no industry-wide consensus. Most arborists suspect that it has something to do with humidity levels within the tree. Trees absorb water from the soil, and then distribute that water through all tissue—branches, trunk, leaves, limbs, and roots. The used moisture must be released somehow, and as it releases it cools the tree.

Humans release moisture and heat through sweat. Dogs “sweat” out of their tongues. Trees release water into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration, releasing moisture through their leaves. However, calm, hot conditions limit how much moisture trees can release. One theory on sudden branch drop holds that high humidity in tree canopies limits evapotranspiration, increasing the moisture content within branches, and eventually leading to limb failure.

Arborists and scientists continue to study why sudden branch drop happens. It is suspected that sudden branch drop could also be related to:

• a change in branch movement,
  • drought stress and very dry soil,
• tissue shrinkage (due to heat),
• internal cracks,
  • moisture changes in the air and soil,
  • gas release inside tissue, potentially caused by wetwood bacteria, which are common in the species affected by sudden branch drop, and
  • deterioration in cell wall structure, potentially caused by ethylene gas.
  Basically, sudden branch drop is the tree’s response to hot, dry environment where transpiration needs exceed vascular capabilities. When it gets too hot to keep all tissue properly circulated, the tree responds with auto-amputation, letting go of a limb.

Tools to Prevent Against Sudden Branch Drop
Sudden branch drop has been known to happen along lines of weakness; however, it is also possible in branches with no apparent flaws. Therefore, it is hard to predict. In general, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your trees, especially large, mature trees. Older oaks, maples, ashes, beeches, and elms are common victims of sudden branch drop, but it has occurred in dozens of other species as well. Trees with large, horizontal limbs with an upward sweep at the tips are more likely to suddenly drop limbs. Oftentimes, branches that suddenly drop are those that extended beyond the tree’s main canopy.

While inspecting your trees, look for discoloration, particularly a darker spot where water appears to be “bleeding” out of the tree. This is a sign of a potential limb flaw, which could contribute to limb failure.

Do not place benches or tables below older trees that may suffer sudden limb drop.

As always, consistent, expert Portland tree pruning is the best preventative action you can take to protect your trees from sudden branch drop. Schedule regular tree maintenance with our Portland certified arborists. Our ISA-certified arborists are pruning masters with expertise on how to best cut to minimize the chances of sudden branch drop. Portland tree trimming from less experienced, less knowledgeable pruners may leave excess foliage at the end of limbs, thereby increasing the burden the tree must support on hot, dry days. Sudden branch drop is dangerous for bystanders and detrimental to tree health. Protect against it with regular, professional pruning.

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

“Great service from UFP. I’ve hired them on multiple jobs, and I find them very professional, quick, and careful. I won’t hesitate to call them again when I need an arborist.”

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(December 23, 2019)

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

There are so many reasons to prioritize consistent Portland tree care: it increases your property value, benefits the environment, and makes your yard more enjoyable. During the dry summer months, fire prevention is yet another reason to take care of your trees. Without regular pruning, trees sport more dead material, which can serve as fire fuel. Read on for our tips on how to prevent property fires through landscape and general home maintenance.

Creating a Landscape that Discourages Fires
—Remove dead plant materials. Dead grasses, bushes, and trees are fire fuel. In rural areas, you may be able to burn dead plants with the proper permitting. In urban zones, add dead plants to your on-site compost, or (in Portland) stick it in your city compost bin.
—Create Defensible Space. Those in rural, especially fire-prone areas should create a 30’ treeless perimeter around their homes with minimal vegetation. This decreases the chance that flames will reach the structure. Additionally, defensible space makes it easier for firefighters to defend the home. Homes on a hill require more defensible space (150’ perimeter), because fire moves more quickly up a slope.
—Remove Roof and Gutter Fire Hazards. Remove dead branches that overhang roofs. Keep gutters and roof valleys clear of grasses and other plant material. A good rule of thumb is to keep branches at least ten feet from your roof.
—Prune shade trees so that lowest limbs are at least six feet off the ground. This minimizes the amount of organic material that’s accessible to ground fires.
—Keep trees healthy; vigorous trees are more likely to survive a fire. Schedule regular Portland tree trimming from certified arborists. Be sure to remove deadwood while pruning.

General Maintenance Tips for Preventing Fires on your Property

Recognize the Signs of a Dry, Stressed Tree. Pay attention to the health of your trees. If you notice the following clues, your tree may be diseased or dead.
• Unusual leaf loss, or a reduction in leaf growth
• Brittle bark that falls off the tree, or cracks in the bark
• Fallen limbs, as well as leafless branches that are spongy or brittle
• Open wounds or soft spots
• Fungus growth (indicates internal rot)
• Twigs that break evenly and cleanly, with a brown interior. A healthy twig will bend, and its interior will be green.
Dying trees are dry trees; as such they constitute a fire hazard. If you discover a dead or dying tree on your property, call us to arrange Portland tree removal.

Grill and Burn Safely. When fire is involved stay alert. Grill safely—keep grills away from deck railings and structures. Gas grills have their own safety requirements; understand your grill and have a plan for putting out unexpected fires. For instance, when grilling you can keep a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher handy. The same safety approach applies to bonfires: have a plan for quickly extinguishing the fire, and look out for dry materials overhead. If tree branches droop dangerously over the bonfire area, trim them away before burning.
Maintain emergency vehicle access. Fire trucks cannot access rutted, steep, or poorly maintained roads. Each rural fire district has its own standards for driveways.

Practice interior fire safety. From checking fire alarms to clearing out fireplaces, there are plenty of ways to prevent fires inside your home. Check out the State of Oregon’s Home Fire Safety Checklist for more information.

Thin Lush Vegetation. Fires are a natural, cyclical event in Western forests. When they occur regularly, fires minimize burnable materials. However, since European settlement, fires have been repressed. Less frequent fires means more dead plants are available to burn, so that those fires that do occur tend to be more intense. If your property is thick with growth, consider controlled burning to reduce the amount of fire fuel on the ground.

If you have questions about your property, you can always get in touch with Urban Forest Pro. Our Portland certified arborists are happy to visit your home and suggest effective approaches for minimizing fire danger in your landscape.

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

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