Category: Uncategorized

Urban Forest Pro’s arborist’s are excited for the opportunity to prune trees surrounding our local schools.

We would like to reach out and provide a learning experience for the students by showing different tree care methods.  We will also be providing a tree ID scavenger hunt with the Portland Timber’s Timber Joey.

Above is a tree at Rosa Parks we will be pruning as part of the event.

Saturday April 19th 9am-5pm

@ Rosa Parks University Elementary 8960 N Woolsey Ave

Pruning of school trees starts at 9am between N McCoy and N Woolsey. From 2-5pm there will be a tree climbing demonstration, an afternoon clean up party, and the Timber Joey’s Tree ID scavenger Hunt.

Tree to be adopted are: a Maple at the front of the school with some hazardous branches, a Maple tree by the back playground, a maple, a Cherry and an Oak tree at the corner of Woolsey and McCoy, lots of newly planted street trees that are in need of their first structural pruning. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome to come and help prune. Lunch will be provided for volunteers by Urban Forest Pro.

Friday April 25th 3pm-5pm

@ Winter Haven Elementary 3800 SE 14th in the out-building at SE Center and 15th.

Pruning will be done in the morning by arborists. There will be educational presentation/activities lead by Sara Ennis and Jeff Moore for the elementary students from starting at 1pm. At 3pm there will a cleanup party and Timber Joey’s Tree ID scavenger Hunt which is open to volunteers and children of all ages.

Interested Teachers-Please contact Sara Ennis with age group of children that will be participating and ways in which we can incorporate our tree learning experience with material they are learning in the classroom.

For Further Info and Details Contact:

Sara Ennis-City of Portland Urban Forestry Community Coordinator [email protected]

Jeff Moore Urban Forest Pro Lead Estimator  [email protected]

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

Tree Removal in Portland, OR

Our arborists take the decision to remove a tree seriously, especially if the tree itself is healthy. Urban Forest Pro’s arborists don’t necessarily like to cut down healthy trees — but the truth of the matter is that trees are a renewable resource. Sometimes tree removal is the best option; trees can be replanted, after all, allowing them to grow and prosper for many years.

When is the best time to remove a tree? The best time to remove a tree is before it has a chance to cause damage to property or people. Beyond that, the longer answer is that tree removal is probably best done during the tree’s dormant season — typically January, February, and March.

For deciduous trees, the dormant season is when their leaves have fallen, making them easier to clear and remove. Plus, at that point, the increased likelihood of winter-hardened ground beneath the tree makes it less likely that tree removal will negatively impact on your lawn.

Spring and summer tree removal often means a longer wait time since those are the busiest seasons for tree service companies. It’s also likely to cost more in spring and summer because, among other things, the springtime addition of new leaf cover makes removal more difficult and time-consuming.

Contact Urban Forest Pro for a free estimate from one of our exceptional, certified arborists. We can remove trees of all sizes and in just about every situation.

4 Things To Consider When Removing A Tree

1. What are your goals for both the tree and your yard? It can be helpful to prioritize your goals. For example, if you have a tree next to your home that causes safety concerns but you really love how it looks and the shade it provides, you can rank your priorities like this:

• • Safety
  • Shade
  • Appearance

You can even get more specific regarding what exactly you like about the tree’s appearance or what your top safety concerns are. If yours is a rental property, you might have completely different goals, such as reducing maintenance and liability worries.

If you simply have a tree that you don’t like, it’s also important to think about why you dislike the tree. For example, does it drop too much sap in the summertime, making your deck a sticky, unusable mess? Even in a case like that, there are alternatives. For example, rather than spending several thousand dollars removing the tree, property owners might consider a several-hundred-dollar treatment to prevent aphids, which are often the actual culprits in sap production. (Aphids feed on sap and secrete “bug poo, aka honeydew.”)

2. What are your options? Be super clear with your arborist about your goals so that they can help you achieve them and/or suggest other options. For example, it may be better to prune a tree rather than remove it. Of course, it’s possible that the opposite is the best course of action: a property owner may want to prune a tree that should actually be removed. If the customer’s goal is to eliminate branches overhanging the house, reduce the height of the tree, or stop a tree from uplifting concrete, there are many cases where the only true answer to those problems is tree removal.

We don’t necessarily like to cut down healthy trees, but trees are renewable; they can be replanted. In many cases, it’s better to remove a tree and start over with the right tree in the right location. Plus, delaying the inevitable can increase the cost of tree removal.

In any case, you can ask questions and get answers by contacting an Urban Forest Pro certified arborist for options!

3. What does the law say? The ultimate decision to remove a tree may not be up to you — even if it’s on your property. In many cases, the final word is provided by the city via a tree removal permit process.

For example, our hometown of Portland, Oregon, has an urban tree canopy that is among the country’s most admired. American Forests named Portland one of the Top 10 cities for urban trees, and the National Arbor Day Foundation has honored Portland as a “Tree City USA” 41 times. Cities are active and often aggressive in monitoring the tree canopy, and unpermitted tree removals can incur fines in the thousands of dollars.

4. What happens to the removed tree? Urban Forest Pro (UFP) works hard to provide tree services in Portland, Oregon, that work best for our clients, the community, and the environment. Every part of the removed tree is recycled and/or reused. The wood is either milled into lumber or used as firewood, and wood chips can be used as mulch to help fight invasive plants and to rebuild native habitats. UFP donates most of this material to nonprofits and various municipalities.

When It’s Time To Remove A Tree

Whether you’re a business owner with a shady lot or a homeowner who’s on the fence when it comes to one of your trees, it’s important to understand that tree removal is sometimes the absolute best — and often only — course of action.

Here are four reasons why tree removal is often the solution:

1. The tree is diseased. Trees can experience a host of different diseases — some more serious than others. If a disease spreads and begins to kill the tree, it might be easier and more affordable to simply remove the tree instead of trying to save it. The earlier a disease is caught and treated, the easier it is to handle. However, if your tree’s disease has begun to overtake a large portion of it, it might be time to bid it adieu.
2. It’s impossible to take proper care of the tree. Different types of trees have different pruning demands, and sometimes people don’t know what they’re getting into. Not everyone has the time, skills, money, or patience to care for an especially demanding tree. If you know you don’t have the time and don’t want to contract a landscaper on a regular basis, your life will be a lot easier if you remove the tree and perhaps replace it with a less demanding variety.
3. It’s grown too close for comfort. Whether a tree was planted too close to a house or if it’s an older tree that’s grown beyond what the planters ever imagined, a tree too close to a building can spell trouble. In a severe storm, if it’s hit by lightning or toppled by strong winds, a tree can cause damage to property and people. Thus, sometimes removing a tree that’s nestled next to a building makes things safer for everybody.
4. The tree has become a huge distraction. Maybe a tree has grown out of control and is invading electrical wires, blocking key road signs, or dropping fruit directly onto a busy street. Trees can turn into nuisances, especially if they’re overgrown or if the neighborhood has turned from rural to suburban over the years. Someone needs to take care of these trees, and if they’ve become neglected, they can present hazards. After all, it’s important that stop signs remain visible and that cars stopped there aren’t damaged by falling walnuts.

If you’re ready for a tree removal near Portland — or if you need help making a decision — please contact the expert and certified arborists at Urban Forest Pro. They can help you make the best choice for you and your trees.

Our expert arborists are all ISA-certified — every single one of them! They’ll help you determine the best course of action for your specific needs, whether that’s trimming, pruning, removal or any of our many full-service tree care and tree removal services.

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

Are you partial to fir trees? Whether you grew up in the Great Northwest and being surrounded by firs just feels natural to you, you adore the piney scent, or have a penchant for an evergreen (which a lot of firs are) to enjoy greenery year-round, there’s a lot to love about firs.

It’s also important to know that firs come with plenty of hazards, and some you may not realize until it’s too late.

A fir catastrophe is a tough lesson to learn. Before you start planting these trees, or if you’ve already bought a property that’s rich with them, keep these risks in mind. A little knowledge and a dose of preventative care can help you make the right planting choices—or even prevent a disaster.

1. They’re Prone To Falling

Here’s a little factoid the next time you need to come up with a conversation starter: Fir trees fall over more than any other tree. Usually, they have multiple tops instead of a single leader, or they might have root rot from drainage problems. If you notice standing water around a fir tree, that’s bad news. The upside? If you’re stuck on having firs around, a little pruning and keeping an eye on the root system can help keep your tree upright.

2. They’re Excellent Kindling

There’s a reason there are so many warnings about Christmas tree fires every year. If you celebrate the season with a tree, you know how thirsty firs can get (and how quickly they can dry out). A dry fir, whether indoors or outdoors, is a recipe for a bonfire. Outdoors, an errant cigarette might be all it takes to catch your beloved tree on fire, and if it’s close to a building or car that can be devastating.

3. They’re Toxic

Fir trees are actually mildly toxic, especially to a number of animals. Fir oils, when ingested, can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. The needles themselves aren’t easy to digest, and can even puncture internal organs. Of course, you probably don’t make it a habit of munching on your trees. However, if your child tries it on a silly dare or you have a pet who thinks everything is a snack, this can be a big concern.

4. They’re Natural Cloggers

Some people prefer raking or sweeping up after big-leafed trees like maples, while others prefer picking up needles. If you’re more of a fir-leaner, don’t forget what a slushy mess these trees can be when it’s wet or snowy outside. Plus, needles can get lodged in places leaves can’t, such as the intricate innards of nearby drainage systems. Cleaning them out can be a nightmare, and can even permanently damage some systems. Consider just what type of cleaner you are, and choose a tree that complements it.

Firs are beautiful, majestic and the right choice for many people. However, just like any other long-term relationship, make sure you know what you’re getting into.

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

When most of us think about environmental hazards, our minds are drawn to the weather (floods, storms, etc). But often, that weather is part of what causes a less-thought-of danger: falling trees.

Trees do way much more good than bad, but if not looked after, they can also cause serious damage when branches or whole tree falls on homes, power lines, cars, or people.

Fortunately, there are warning signs you can look for that show danger may be imminent. Start by inspecting each tree on your property in a very systematic way. Here are some things to look for:

Start at the top. Trees that have been topped (the top is cut off) present dangers in several ways. First, topped trees are more susceptible to diseases that can weaken them. They are also prone to being top heavy because of excessive crown regrowth and weakly attached upper branches.

A dead tree or branches. One of the more common situations to arise is dead trees or branches. They are generally the most immediate danger and should be removed immediately. Pay particular attention after nasty weather, when branches may be broken and ready to fall at any time. (See why tree removal is not a good DIY project.)

Insects and disease. These can also lead to serious tree hazards. While an arborist is better suited for identifying the specific insect or disease that is causing a problem, an attentive amateur can at least notice there is a problem.

While some diseases cause internal rot that is invisible to the naked eye, often evidence will be displayed through the presence of mushrooms, which may be a sign of decay-causing fungi. Other times, the problem can be clearly seen via rotted wood or even a cavity in the tree. While not every hole is a big risk, you don’t have to be a certified arborist to suspect that this could compromise the tree’s structural integrity.

Look for growth patterns. Even just how a tree is growing naturally can spell trouble. For instance, codominant trunks or branches (trunks that are parallel to one another or branches formed at an acute angle) can become a problem. Codominant branches can form what’s called “included bark” which forms between the two branches. This weakens the area where they come together.

While this doesn’t include every sign you can look for that you have a tree hazard, if you can begin to recognize many of the warning signs and know when you need to take action, you can reduce the risks to you, your family, and to anyone else who may come within reach of the trees on your property.

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

What is the value of a tree? Not in a commercial sense, per se, but a broader sense. There are so many ways that trees enrich our lives and enhance our communities, some you may be aware of, and others that will come as a surprise. Our expert tree care specialists give a breakdown below.

1. Clean air saves lives. Okay, we’re starting with one of the better known benefits of trees… but do you really understand how it directly affects our health? For instance, findings from a study in the Journal of Preventative Medicine suggest that areas without trees may increase the mortality rate related to cardiovascular and lower-respiratory-tract illness.

To put in perspective how much a relatively small number of trees can do for our air, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture “One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.”

2. Clean water. According to the USDA Forest Service, wooded areas help prevent sediment and chemicals from running into streams. The trees in our forests are involved in filtering and storing close to two-thirds of our country’s water supply.

3. Increase your property’s value. Trees are beautiful. That’s not exactly a startling revelation, but since most people have a positive reaction to trees, it can also carry over to their opinion of a home that’s on the market. And that translates into higher property value. There are many factors that come into play with real estate value, but some research has shown that trees do play a role.

The USDA Forest Service conducted a study trying to quantify the value of trees, and when they looked at Portland, they found that trees in front of or near a home added an average $8,870 to its sale price. On average across the US, they found about a 10 percent increase in property value.

4. Trees make us happy. Researchers have found mental and physical health benefits in people who take the time to experience nature. One study actually found that people who were hospitalized, but had a view of trees from their window, spent eight percent less time there than people who did not have the same view.

5. Forests create jobs. The U.S. Forest Service has stated that people who visit our National Forests spent close to $11 billion in 2012. That spending sustains about 190,000 jobs (full- and part-time). It’s important to note, this only accounts for the job impact of National Forests.

6. Control your temps. The shade and wind-shielding from trees can help keep your home temperatures at a happy medium range, not too hot in the summer and sun can still reach your home in the winter after the leaves have fallen.

7. Control flooding. Trees have the ability to hold a significant amount of water that would otherwise contribute to flooding. Trees also prevent sediment runoff.

Trees play a critical role in not only sustaining life, but making that life more enjoyable. If you need help with planting one, just give our team of leading arborists at Urban Forest Pro a call.

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

Do you consider yourself self-reliant, or at least try to be in as many situations as possible? It’s great to have an independent, do-it-yourself, spirit. However, sometimes the best option is to enlist the help of others. Such is the case with tree removal.

Most of us have seen viral videos of hapless homeowners cutting down trees, only to see them fall in a direction they did not intend, most often towards their homes. Sometimes it’s carelessness, other times it’s well-intentioned people making costly mistakes. While we poke fun at these people, the results are no laughing matter.

Leave the Risk-Taking to the Pros

Tree cutting is dangerous, even for those who make a living doing so. Professional are injured every day. According to the Tree

Care Industry Association, there were 84 fatalities in 2012. Of the fatalities reported to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries from 1992 to 2007, the average annual rate was 80 deaths.

Another reason it’s wise to defer to a professional arborist is avoiding the legal liability if an accident occurs. If you damage a neighbor’s property, or worse, injure someone, you are on the hook. A licensed and insured arborist takes this potential burden away from you.

In addition to the skills unique to trained tree care professionals, there is specialized equipment that homeowners are not likely to have. Even if you had the skills to do the job, it would not make financial sense to buy or rent this equipment for one-time use.

Then there are proper techniques for “limbing” the tree once it’s down. The potential for danger is not gone after the tree is horizontal. Improper cutting of limbs can lead to injuries, such as the tree rolling on you when picking the wrong branch to cut. Then there’s a stump that needs to be removed.

Even if you think you are cutting at the right angle, that’s not a guarantee it will fall in the direction you expect, since there are a number of other considerations that need to be accounted for. Of course, proper tree removal is so much more than cutting at the perceived right angle. There’s an “undercut” and a “backcut.” Techniques are tailored to the tree’s condition, weather conditions, the surrounding landscape, and much more.

Professionals go through this process and use the potentially dangerous tools all the time. Risks are not always easy to identify, so familiarity and expertise almost always trump well-intentioned do-it-yourself ambition. If you have a tree you need removed from your property, give us a call today.

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

We’re heading into the season of colder, harsher weather. Are your trees ready for the coming storms? Even a seemingly harmless windy day can make a weak tree a hazard to your home and family.

Given that bare trees are easier to inspect, fall and winter are definitely good times to keep an eye on the condition of your trees. Here are some tips to keep you safe:

Remove dead limbs. The first and easiest step to take is to identify and remove dead limbs. Dead or dying limbs are susceptible to wind, and it may not take as much as you think to bring them down.

The cold and harsher weather in the fall and winter can also weaken a tree and its branches. Mulching your trees is a bit like giving them a warm blanket, as it can significantly warm the soil’s surface and protect roots from extreme temperatures.

Watch for leaning trees. Even without the threat of high winds, if you have a tree with limbs leaning on or towards your home or areas in the yard where you and your family congregate, they are a hazard that needs to be addressed. If you are unsure about how strong your tree is, we can help you determine what, if anything, needs to be done.

Watch trees encroaching on power lines. Trees are involved in the vast majority of power outages here in Portland. To lower your risk for an outage, it’s important to make sure your trees stay a safe distance from power lines. It’s also important to keep trees from encroaching on your home.

Recommendations vary, but keeping limbs at least six feet from your home and power lines is a good idea. Always leave tree trimming close to power lines to the professionals, but don’t procrastinate, as it can lead to power outages, surges and even fires.

During a storm or severe weather, fallen trees or branches can pose a significant risk to power lines, leading to power outages and other hazards. If you notice a fallen tree or branch on a wire, it’s important to take appropriate measures immediately. This includes calling your electric company as well as a qualified arborist, who can assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

At Urban Forest Pro, we have extensive experience in safely removing fallen branches and trees from a variety of precarious situations, including tree trimming around power lines. We’re here to help you navigate any emergency situation and provide expert guidance on how to keep your trees and property safe.

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

Planting a tree is always an exciting new undertaking, but it takes plenty of work to ensure your trees long term health and success. A long and happy life for you tree means proper planning starting with the time of year you plant your tree to care of your tree after planting.  Here’s exactly how to plant your tree like a pro.

What time of year should I plant my new tree?

There is some debate on the ideal time for planting that new tree. However, contrary to popular belief that spring is the ideal time, you should really look to do it in the fall.

New trees have the best chance of survival when exposed to moderate temperatures and a good amount of rain. Our falls are cool and definitely come with plenty of rain, which creates the ideal weather for planting a new tree.

The condition of the soil is better as well, with the soil being warm enough and not quite as damp as springtime, after it’s endured many months of rainfall.

A new tree needs to have time to develop a system of roots and acclimate itself before the intense weather of winter unfolds, so planting it as early as possible in fall is important. Because the root system will already be grown and in place, the warmer months will be easier on the tree. Some trees have a harder time making it through winter than others, so while fall is the ideal time for tree planting, some precautions still must be taken to make sure your tree stays healthy. We highly encourage you to contact our team of arborists with any questions you may have.

Evergreens are particularly at risk during winter due to their leaves losing more water than other types of trees. With all types of trees, especially evergreens, consistent watering is of the utmost importance. Water your new trees with an inch of water each week, even after the leaves start falling off the trees. You want to continue watering during breaks in rainy weather to give the tree as good of a chance as possible of getting through the winter.

How to Choose the Perfect Tree

Choosing the right tree for the right area of your yard is the most difficult and time consuming part of planting a tree. You need to do your research. In some cases it may not be best to handle this step yourself. You need to consider: Light availability, mature size, growth rate, drainage, disease concerns, maintenance costs, clean up, city restrictions and of course aesthetics. You should try to avoid planting anything other than ornamental trees within 10’ of your home.

Probe your local nursery staff of information about tree you are considering. It also might be a good idea to have an arborist out for recommendation on what tree might work well in your space. An arborist will know the most about the characteristic or different trees and their maintenance and disease concerns specific to your location. Most arborists provide this service for a small fee ($50-$100). Spending a little money of this now could really save you in the long run if you plan to stay in the house.

Purchasing a Healthy Specimen

When purchasing a tree it’s important to choose a healthy tree with good structure. It amazes me sometimes how many trees that should be in the burn pile end up for sale at retail nurseries. Here is a list of things to look for:

• Unless your tree is a multi-stemmed your tree should have a single trunk that leads straightthe middle of the tree to the top of the tree. It is important that this single trunk be intact all the way to the tip top of the tree.
•  Your tree should not have any scars or damage to the trunk.
•  Your tree should not have any indication of bugs or other infestations.
•  Look at the roots of the tree. The larger roots should not swirl around the container. This is a sign the tree has been in that size pot too long. Also they should appear healthy will no signs of rot. This will require you get your hands dirty.
•  Stand back take a look at the tree from far away. Ask yourself: Is the tree appealing in its shape? Are the branches evenly spaced? Is the shape consistent with the variety? This is a lot easier to do when the leaves are off the tree, but work with your situation the best you can.
• Choose a larger tree. If you are looking at a stock of trees and there are several that all seem like they are in good condition choose the large one. Large trees handle the stress of transplant better and root in more quickly. They are also less prone to damage and vandalism. We recommend a 2” caliper tree in most situations.

It is a good idea even if you are having your tree delivered to go to the nursery and pick it out by hand as it most likely will be a permanent part of your landscaping.

Planting Your New Tree

Now for the fun part: you’ve found the perfect tree, you just need to get it into the ground. Take the tree out of the container and score the sides of the root wad cutting trough the outer layer of roots 1-2” with the side of your shovel. Do the same thing to the bottom of the root wad in an X pattern. Dig your fingers into the root wade and loosen the outer layer of roots.

Measure the height from the bottom of the root wad to the top of the soil. Dig a whole this deep and twice as wide as the container the tree came in. You do not want to put more than a dusting of new soil over the top of the root wad. Any deeper can cause rot at the base of the tree. A wide hole helps the roots get established in less compacted soil.

If your soil is clay you will want to make the hole narrower to stop water from collecting at the bottom of the hole (a couple of inches wider than the container). Also if the tree is in a high traffic area you may want to make the hole narrower so the tree can stand up on its own without being staked.

Staking creates a long list of problems for developing trees. A tree should be able to hold itself up. While a wider hole is preferred you will need to do what is needed for your specific circumstances.

Put the tree in the hole lightly compact the soil around the tree. Do Not amend the soil. If you are adding soil, mix your own soil with regular top soil. Amended soil can cause the roots to want to stay in the nutrient rich area instead of rooting out and stabilizing the tree. Also if you had a tree removed do not plant the tree in the stump grindings. You will have to remove the stumps grinds and replace that soil with top soil.

I personally like to create a little raised ring around the tree at the outer edges of the disturbed area. What this does is stop water from running over the ground and away from the roots and traps it so it leaches into the soil and down to the roots. Remove all tags, tape, bracing, and any other stuff that is not a natural part of the tree. Ta da! Congratulations, you’ve planted a beautiful new tree. To find out exactly how to care for that tree, check out our blog post here.

Tree Planting Experts in Portland, Oregon

Planting a tree is an exciting project to take on. Knowing proper tree care will make the planting process go smoother. Whether you have experience planting trees or have none at all, a licensed tree professional is the ideal choice to ensure your new sapling’s health and survival for many years to come, and at Urban Forest Pro, we have the expert team to help you do just that.

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

“They were on time, friendly, did a great job, and even did a little bit more than we originally had quoted. Would definitely recommend!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5/5

(July 15, 2020)

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

While you are looking to improve the curb appeal of your home, you may be inadvertently doing harm to your trees. Here are some otherwise normal home care activities that you need to be cautious about.

1. Mowing your lawn. Most homeowners think nothing of bumping against their trees when mowing their lawns. But it can have a devastating effect on them. Referred to as mower blight, lawnmowers and weed trimmers can wound tree bark, especially in the spring and fall, when bark is most vulnerable to slippage.

When bark is damaged, trees have difficulty transporting nutrients to the roots. Also, the roots can’t transport water up to the rest of the tree.

2. Watering the grass. Watering your lawn is also beneficial to your trees… if you do it right. Depending on the species of tree, age and various other factors, it will need the equivalent of about an inch of water every week.

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If you’re watering your lawn in excess, you can be doing more harm than good for your trees. Too much water promotes fungal growth that can be deadly to your trees.

As temperature dip this fall and winter, be careful about watering your lawn only when above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Do so in the middle of the day so there’s time to soak into the soil before temperatures dip at night. Fortunately, this is not a problem we have to endure in the Northwest do to our naturally wet fall and winter weather.

3. Turf chemicals. What’s good for your grass, is not always good for your trees. Commercial lawn products, such as fertilizers and weed killers, can be absorbed through the roots, compromising your tree’s health. Your tree may experience stunted growth and become susceptible to disease or death.

4. Raking up leaves. When leaves begin to fall from your trees this fall, don’t just rake them away – you’re robbing your tree of vital nutrients. So instead, mow over the leaves and use them to as mulch for your trees.

5. Patching cracks in concrete and asphalt. There are a number of ways to address the problem of cracked sidewalks, some of which may have a negative impact on the tree’s health. When you have a tree’s roots breaking through the pavement of a passing sidewalk, that’s the tree’s way of telling you it’s seeking oxygen. If you try to just patch up the cracks, you are cutting off its much needed oxygen supply.

Obviously, your home and yard need to be taken care of, just not at the expense of your trees. If you have any questions or need help with a tree that’s already showing signs of distress, give us a call. Considering artificial turf and tree health can also guide decisions about landscape upgrades without harming your trees.

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

There are a lot of things that can trigger the need for a tree removal permit in city if Portland. That is why it is important to do your homework before proceeding with any tree removals on your property. Even if the trees are in your back yard and you are on a single family lot the city still may have a say in what you do with your trees.

What Trees are Covered:

All street trees need a Portland tree removal permit to be removed and must be in bad shape for the city to even consider it. Just because the tree is not in-between the sidewalk and the street does not mean it is not a street tree. You must look up your right of away boundaries to be certain.  In addition, most trees (with some exceptions) on dividable lot, lots under development or with building permits issued, corner lots, commercial, or multi-family lots and also Heritage trees (which are usually marked)  require a permit for removal. The city also has specific zones with conservation rules that may affect your ability to remove or even prune your trees.

So how do you figure out whether you need a tree removal permit or not. My recommendation is you don’t. The rules are complex and different rules are covered by different city agencies. I recommend home owners thinking about removing a tree either contract with their tree service to research and obtain the permit or that they call the Urban Forestry department at the city of Portland who can provide them with a definitive answer or point them to the correct agency to inquire with. If you do contract with your tree service to obtain permits make sure it is part of your written contract because most tree services only provide this service at the request of client. You should never assume they are getting the permits unless they say that they are on the contract.

Timeline

The city is notoriously slow in responding to tree removal permits, we recommend home owner to expect a 4-8 weeks for an answer. Even a call back from their office takes a couple of days. This is one of the ways we can help out a lot. When your tree service sends a permit in they know what the city would like to see and so you won’t wait 8 weeks just to hear your permit is incomplete. Also it helps to have arboricultural terms used in the reason you would like your tree removed. If you write “too many leaves on my driveway” the city could really care less about your driveway or that the trees are lifting your sidewalks. They are tasked with the preservation of the urban forest and they are focused primarily on that goal.

Fees and Fines

Most Portland tree removal permitting fees in the city remain a very good value at $35 a pop. This has to be less then it costs the city to send someone out to look at your tree. Fines on the other hand can be quite punitive. They start at about $1,000 per tree for removals without a permit and go up into and the sky is the limit. I have heard of fines in the 20,000 range. The Urban Forestry department does not mess around and even in the event of a “I didn’t know any better situation” they usually want more and larger trees planted then would have been required by the permit and a $1,000 fine. The responsibility for the planting and fines will either lie with the tree service or the home owner or most likely both depending on the specific circumstances.

I am sure most of you are disappointed in reading this article that you still don’t know if you need a permit to remove your tree.  I wish it were a simple task that I could explain in a short blog post but unfortunately it is not and that is what we are here for. We can help!

Permit Questions for Urban Forest Pro: 503-226-7143 or [email protected]

City if Portland Urban Forestry: 503-823-4489  or    [email protected]

Disclaimer: this blog post is accurate as of the date posted and changes to permitting rules may not be immediately updated.

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