The Pacific Northwest, including the Portland area, is home to some of the biggest and most beautiful trees around! But unfortunately, the area is also prone to severe weather, including heavy winds, ice storms, and months and months of drizzly rain. The combination of extreme weather and large trees can lead to big problems.
In today’s post, we’ll explain what you should do if a tree falls on your Portland home.
Let’s get started.
1. Be Safe & Contact Emergency Services
If a tree falls on your home, your first priority is to protect yourself and your family. Remember that your house can be repaired and your property can be replaced. But the safety and health of your loved ones is priceless.
So if a tree falls on your house, make sure everyone is safe. If anyone needs medical attention, don’t hesitate to call 911. If the tree brought down power lines as it fell, if you see fire or smell smoke, call the fire department right away! You’ll be glad you did.
2. Turn Off The Power & Gas In Your Home
If there’s no immediate danger and you know how to; turn off the power and gas in your home. It’s a precautionary measure that could stop a fire from starting if the tree damaged a gas line as it fell.
3. Call The Electric Company
Many times, when a large tree falls, it damages power lines which can cause an outage in your area. You should call the power company to alert them of any damage to power lines or power outages caused by the downed tree.
For reference here are contact numbers for Portland area utility companies:
You can call and report downed power lines, power outages, and unsafe conditions.
4. Contact Your Home Insurance Agent
Once everyone is safe and the authorities have been notified, call your home insurance agent. They can help you decide what steps to take next and can help you understand what might or might not be covered by your homeowner’s policy.
An insurance assessor will likely come out to your home to inspect the damage before processing your claim. In some cases, you may be able to email pictures of the damage to your insurance agent to speed up the process.
5. Get The Tree Removed & Other Trees Inspected
Next, you’ll need to have the tree removed by a trusted and experienced large tree removal company, like the team here at Northwest Arbor Culture. We’re happy to come out to your home and offer you a free, no-obligation estimate. We can remove large trees and can even grind up and haul away the stump that’s still in the ground.
In most cases, you’ll also want to have other trees on your property inspected as well. The saying “lightning doesn’t strike twice” doesn’t apply to falling trees! Changing soil conditions, tree diseases, and other factors can cause multiple trees to be more likely to fall in your yard. You’ll also want to pay close attention to any trees that might be near your property line and that might fall on your neighbor’s home or yard.
Do not try to remove the tree yourself. Fallen trees are dangerous– especially if they are leaning on your house. Trees can weigh THOUSANDS of pounds and the root ball can act as a counterweight, causing the trunk of the tree to spring back if it is cut free.
For your safety, leave this job to an experienced, certified, licensed, and insured professional.
6. Roof Inspection & Repair
After the tree has been removed, you’ll need to find a trusted local roofing contractor to inspect and repair your roof. Depending on the extent of the damage, a partial roof replacement might be required– and might even be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Even if there isn’t visible roof damage, your roof should still be inspected. There may be damage under the shingles that could lead to roof leaks later on down the road.
7. Home & Foundation Inspection
Finally, you’ll want to have your home and foundation inspected– especially if you see cracks or splits in the foundation. When a tree falls, the extremely large root ball moves as well. This movement can cause damage to the foundation that you might not notice right away. But over time, this can damage the structure of your house or allow moisture and leaks.
A thorough home inspection can identify problems like these and can help you rest a little easier.
Answers To Your Questions
“What If My Neighbor’s Tree Falls On My House?”
Generally speaking, when it comes to insurance, your policy pays for damage to your property, no matter whose tree it was. In other words, if a tree falls on your house, contact your insurance company.
“What If My Tree Falls On My Neighbor’s House?”
It’s likely that you will only be liable if you were negligent about the condition of the tree. You can protect yourself by having the trees on your property inspected, trimmed, and if necessary, removed.
“What If a Tree Falls On A Shared Fence or Property Line?”
The best case scenario is that you get along well with your neighbors and can split the cost of removing the tree and repairing the fence! Both parties involved can contact their insurance companies and let them decide how to handle things.
“How Can I Tell If A Tree Might Fall?”
Dead trees are most at risk for falling. Disease, severe weather, and other factors can also increase the likelihood that a tree will fall. But only the assistance and trained eye of an experienced tree care professional can help you understand whether a tree is likely to come crashing down.
“I’m About To Buy A House. Are The Current Owners Liable For The Trees?”
If you’re thinking about buying a home in the Portland area, please take the time to have the trees inspected before you make the biggest purchase of your life! A pre-purchase tree inspection can save you thousands down the road– not to mention a lot of headaches.
Do You Need Help With A Tree On Your Property?
If you’re worried that a tree on your property might fall and damage your home, contact Northwest Arbor Culture today. We can inspect your trees and offer our expert advice based on decades of experience as Certified Arborists.
There are tons of amazing animals living in the trees around our area– everything from squirrels to owls. One of my favorites are hummingbirds: they’re colorful, playful, aren’t afraid of people, and can be fun for kids and pets to watch.
Today, we’ll talk about how to attract hummingbirds to your yard, and how to feed and care for them. Plus, you’ll learn a few fun facts about the hummingbirds that call the Portland area home.
But here in Portland, you’re most likely to see Rufous and the Anna’s hummingbirds.
Anna’s Hummingbird
The Anna’s Hummingbird lives in the Pacific Northwest all year round. It’s what is called a resident hummingbird. They have bright shiny green and red feathers that look almost like shiny jewelry. They’re very tiny, about the size of a table tennis ball and they weigh less than a nickel.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is a tough little customer. They’re known for being very aggressive and territorial, sometimes fighting with birds over twice their size. They’re migratory and usually start showing up in Portland in the early summer.
How to Attract Hummingbirds
The cool thing about hummingbirds is that they’re always looking for food. Despite their tiny size, they need to drink as much as twice their body weight in nectar every single day. That’s because their wings beat over 50 times per second and they use up a lot of energy.
Hummingbirds also have great memories and once they find a source of food, they’ll set up shop nearby. And they’ll keep coming back year after year. So once you’ve got a few hummingbirds in your yard, they’ll be there to enjoy for a long time.
While natural plants are great for attracting hummingbirds to your yard, nothing beats a hummingbird feeder. They’re inexpensive, easy to maintain, and hummingbirds just love them.
How to Choose a Hummingbird Feeder
Look for a feeder with a glass nectar container– not plastic. It’ll just last longer and be easier to clean. Also look for one with an ant guard to keep insects away. Other than that, just look for a design and style you like– the hummingbirds aren’t picky.
How to Make Your Own Nectar
NEVER put honey or any artificial sweeteners into your hummingbird feeder. And only use white sugar NEVER brown sugar. And NEVER buy any commercial hummingbird food that has artificial coloring added to it. Instead, follow this simple recipe and make your own hummingbird food.
Stir:
1 part sugar (adjust the amount based on the size of your feeder)
4 parts water
Then:
Bring to a boil for 2 minutes and stir
Let cool and then add the mix to your feeder
Store any extra nectar in the refrigerator for up to a week
Change the nectar in your feeder every week or when it runs out– whichever comes first
Cleaning Your Hummingbird Feeder
During the rainy months, you might see a bit of mold growing on your feeder. Try to bring it inside and clean it out every week or two. Use small pipe cleaners or Q-tips to get into the small hard to reach spots.
How Many Hummingbird Feeders Do You Need?
Hummingbirds are very feisty and territorial birds. Often a single hummingbird will claim a feeder as his or her own and defend it aggressively. If you have a big yard and see hummingbirds fighting over the feeder, consider getting a second feeder and putting it on the other side of your yard.
That way, more hummingbirds will come to your yard and have plenty of nectar to drink!
Cold Weather & Hummingbird Feeders
It’s especially important to take special care of your hummingbird feeder during the winter. Hummingbirds sometimes have a tough time finding nectar on plants that die in cold weather and might need your feeder to stay well fed.
Unfortunately, during very cold weather, your feeder might freeze over. The nectar can also separate back into an uneven mix of water and sugar which can make hummingbirds sick. So keep an eye on your feeder.
Here are a few tips for caring for your hummingbird feeder during the winter:
If the weather is really cold, bring your feeder in at night. Don’t forget to put it back out in the morning when hummingbirds are at their most active and hungriest.
If temperatures are below freezing during the day, you can wrap a chemical handwarmer around the feeder to keep it from freezing. It might look silly but your hummingbirds will thank you.
NEVER use more sugar to make a solution that won’t freeze. The extra sugar can make hummingbirds sick.
What To Do If You Find a Sick or Injured Hummingbird
Because hummingbirds are so tiny, they sometimes get hurt. They can even get stuck in a spider’s web. If you find a sick or injured hummingbird, contact the Portland Audubon Society at 503-292-0304. Call them before you pick the bird up or try to move it.
They’re a great resource and can help you decide what to do.
Don’t Touch Hummingbird Nests!
If you’re lucky, a mama hummingbird might decide to put a nest in your yard (probably near your feeder). These nests are very tiny and might look just like a lump on a tree branch or in a bush. But mama hummingbirds need to eat, too. So they head out often to fill up on nectar.
If you see an empty hummingbird nest, don’t assume the mama is gone for good. Odds are she’ll be back soon. So just leave it be and don’t touch it as the nests are very fragile.
Need Help With a Tree in Your Yard?
As certified arborists, we’ve learned a lot about hummingbirds and other local wildlife over the years. We just love to share what we know. If you have questions about anything you’ve read today or just want us to come out and take a look at a tree in your yard, contact us online or call (503) 538-8733.
Do you own a home in the Portland area? Are you looking for a fun DIY project? Have you wanted to make your yard look nicer but don’t know where to start?
In today’s post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about landscaping in Portland. You’ll learn how to plan a successful project and what you’ll need to know before starting. We’ll also share some of the best resources for learning about landscaping in Portland.
Let’s Get Started!
Landscaping is Like Remodeling… For Your Yard

Like remodeling, landscaping can have a variety of purposes, from aesthetic (think painting your living room walls a new color) to functional (like replacing a leaky roof). However, the best landscaping and remodeling projects offer both aesthetic and functional benefits. Examples include:
Planting trees to prevent erosion
Starting a garden
Removing trees that might fall and damage your home
Adding a flower garden
Designing a rock pathway to keep you from stepping in muddy grass during the wet winter months
What Are Your Goals?
No matter what type of landscaping project you’re interested in, the key to success is defining your goals before you start. Don’t just wing it! When it comes to landscaping in Portland, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish before you begin planning. Otherwise, you’ll end up frustrated and spending too much money on a project you don’t love.
Our #1 Tip: Start Small
It’s fun to dream big about transforming your yard into an amazing paradise. But it’s just not realistic. When planning your first landscaping project, it’s best to start small. Think about smaller projects that can be part of your bigger overall goal for your yard. By starting smaller, simpler projects you can actually finish, you’ll be able to see (and enjoy) your progress and will be more motivated to keep working on more projects!
Research, Plan, & Budget
Before breaking ground on any Portland landscaping project, you need to research, plan, and create a budget. Otherwise it’s easy for a seemingly simple landscaping project to turn into a total nightmare!
There are some great online tools to help you with your planning, like:
Online Garden Planner – An online tool to help you plan your yard and garden layout.
Landscaping Checklist – Who doesn’t love This Old House? Their amazing checklist will make sure you’re ready to start landscaping in Portland (or anywhere!).
Portland Landscaping Project Ideas
Not sure where to start? Here are a few projects that anyone can do with a bit of planning and hard work!
Build a Garden With Raised Beds
Does your family love fresh veggies? No matter how big or small your yard is, you can build a set of raised beds and grow a variety of healthy vegetables. Plus you’ll get to enjoy them all year round! It’s an awesome first landscaping project. Here are a few links to help you get started:
Here in Portland, we get nearly 40” of rain every year! If the water in your yard doesn’t drain properly, it can damage tree roots, your lawn, your plants, and even your home itself. A great DIY project is to install a rainwater harvesting system to store rainwater for later use. You can use harvested rainwater for irrigation, outdoor cleaning, and more. Here’s how to do it:
When it comes to landscaping in Portland, natural, native plants tend to be easier to care for and better for your yard. Ferns, evergreens, fruit trees, and other native plants require less water and care (because they’re adapted to our climate) and are better for the environment. If you’re tired of babying your lawn, think about going all natural!
City of Portland – Everything you need to know about landscaping in Portland, including laws, tips, and much more!
Portland Tool Library – Don’t buy tools you don’t need! Borrow them from this amazing non-profit.
Are You Ready to Start Landscaping in Portland
Before you start on any landscaping project, consider the impact it might have on the trees in your yard. If you have questions, contact us today! Our certified arborists will come out and offer you their advice– free of charge.
Recently, we talked about some of Portland’s most notable heritage trees. In this month’s post, we’ll still be talking about trees, but this time around we’ll take a closer look at a few of the fascinating animals that call Portland’s trees home!
Birds
So many different species of birds live in Portland area trees! Here are a few of the most common:
House Finch
The House Finch is a small bird– about the size of a person’s hand. Males of the species have a red forehead, throat, and chest while females are recognizable for their rusty brown color.
House Finches are found all over the Portland area, but they tend to avoid dense forests. You’ll find them downtown and in the suburbs, too! Interestingly, House Finches didn’t get introduced to the Willamette Valley area until the 1940’s, but clearly they’ve thrived!
Western Scrub-Jay
The Western Scrub-Jay is a big bird, usually measuring about a foot long. It’s found throughout the Portland area and often nests in oak trees or other deciduous trees. The Scrub-Jay is actually kind of like a squirrel– it buries nuts and acorns to eat later!
Dark-Eyed Junco
This small bird is frequently spotted at Portland area birdfeeders. But when it comes time to nest they prefer pine, fir, and other coniferous trees. The easiest way to identify the Dark-Eyed Junco is by its jet black head and small sparrow-like body.
Rufous Hummingbird
These tiny birds are just gorgeous! The male Rufous Hummingbird has iridescent green and orange red feathers. The females tend to be more subdued in color.
Hummingbirds feed on nectar and tree sap and build their tiny nests in all sorts of trees. The Rufous Hummingbird is very territorial so don’t be surprised if you get buzzed when you get too close!
Red-shafted Flicker
The Red-shafted Flicker is a large woodpecker that lives in wooded areas throughout the city and surrounding areas. Even if you’ve never seen one, you probably recognize their Wocka-Wocka-Wocka birdcall.
American Robin
The American Robin is very recognizable with its orange chest and grey body. You’ll see it throughout the city during all but the coldest months of the year when they head south.
White Crowned Sparrow
Another one of Portland’s most common birds, the White Crowned Sparrow is a somewhat bulky bird with a brown and white mottled appearance. They love to eat seeds from birdfeeders and nest in shrubs and small trees! Unlike other birds, the White Crowned Sparrow resides in the Portland area year-round and generally doesn’t migrate south for the winter.
Owls, Hawks & Falcons
In addition to songbirds, there are also plenty of predatory birds in the Portland area, including Barred owls and several species of hawks and falcons. These predatory birds use their well-hidden nests for resting and rearing their young, so you’re more likely to see them flying in the open than perched in a tree. Check out local parks like Oaks Bottom, the Hoyt Arboretum, and Forest Park for your best shot at seeing a predatory bird in the wild!
Mammals
In addition to a wide variety of birds, you’ll find other interesting creatures nesting and living in trees throughout the Portland area, including raccoons and squirrels.
Raccoon
While most people don’t think of raccoons as tree-dwelling animals, they’re up there! During the night, clever urban raccoons will climb trees to steal eggs from a bird’s nest for food. During the day, they may rest in a tree. Be careful of approaching any raccoon as they can be aggressive if they feel cornered!
Eastern Gray Squirrel & Eastern Fox Squirrel
Unfortunately, these two common species of squirrel are both non-native species and are considered invasive and damaging to native species. They’re normally found in areas with lots of people as they’ve learned to take advantage of food left by humans.
Western Gray Squirrel
The Western Gray Squirrel is a native species that is unfortunately on the decline due to removal of old growth forests and increasing numbers of non-native squirrel populations. The Western Gray has more pronounced black and white colored fur compared to the Eastern Gray. Western Gray Squirrels are considered a threatened species, so make sure you don’t disturb any that you see!
Bees & Wasps
Bees and wasps aren’t as cute as hummingbirds or baby squirrels, but they frequently live in trees throughout the Portland area. When it comes to bees, you have nothing to worry about. During swarming season, it can be a little unnerving to see a giant mass of bees on a tree in your yard. However, bees “swarm” naturally as they outgrow their current nests and are just looking for a place to call home.
Just call the Bee Hotline at (503)444-8446, and an experienced beekeeper will come to your home and collect the bees and give them a new home.
If you see a wasp nest, however (or aren’t sure about what you’re seeing), keep your distance! Wasps and yellowjackets can be aggressive and their stings can be very painful (or even dangerous if you’re allergic). If you think you see a wasp or yellowjacket nest in a tree in your yard, the best thing to do is keep your distance call a professional exterminator to have it removed.
Do You Have Questions About Animals In Your Trees?
At Northwest Arbor Culture, we’re happy to come out and take a look at your trees. Just give us a call at (503)538-8733. We can tell you if a tree has been damaged by a nesting squirrel, if a bee or wasp nest needs to be removed, and answer any other questions about animals that might be living in your trees.
I can’t think of another city with as much greenery and as many beautiful trees as Portland, can you? The Portland area is home to Forest Park, one of the biggest urban parks in the United States and it’s just filled with beautiful evergreens. Then there are all the other parks scattered around town, which often have unique trees of their own, including fruit trees, elms, oaks, cedars, maples, and many others!
Everywhere you look there are interesting trees to see! Today we’re going to talk about some of the most interesting and notable trees around, Portland’s Heritage Trees!
What is a Heritage Tree?
The Portland City Council maintains a listing of trees that are unique and notable due to their:
Size
Historical importance
Horticultural interest
Other unique values
Together, these special trees are known as Portland’s Heritage Trees! Altogether, since the program began in 1994, more than 300 trees have been added to the Heritage Trees database and more are being added every year! There are even extra-special trees that are known as Trees of Merit.
How Does a Tree Become a Heritage Tree?
Anyone can nominate a tree as a Heritage Tree! Every year, dozens of applications are received and only the most interesting and important trees are added to the registry. Here’s how the nomination and approval process works:
During June, the tree will be inspected to see if it should move forward in the process
During the Fall, the Urban Forestry commission reviews and approves a select few trees to join the Heritage Tree registry!
Visit Portland’s Heritage Trees!
Now that you know what Portland’s Heritage Trees are, how and where can you see them? Heritage Trees are found all over town– in private backyards, in city parks, in cemeteries, and pretty much everywhere you look!
Each Heritage Tree in Portland is marked by a commemorative plaque detailing important facts about the tree, including its species and when it was certified as a Heritage Tree. Of course, just walking around looking for trees with plaques nearby isn’t the best way to see the variety of Heritage Trees that are on display.
Luckily the City of Portland Parks Department provides a few great resources!
Heritage Tree Maps and Guides
When you’re at your computer, check out this great map featuring all of Portland’s Heritage Trees! You can zoom in and even see pictures of the trees, right on the map!
If you prefer paper to a computer screen, check out this downloadable, printable guidebook to Portland’s Heritage trees. It features over 60 pages of maps, pictures, and information about Portland’s most special trees!
Of course, when it comes to Portland’s Heritage Trees, there’s also an app for that! You can download the PDX Trees App for your iPhone. It’s 100% free and includes interactive maps and lots of great information!
Heritage Tree Walking Tours
While you can plan out your own route to visit Heritage Trees, there’s a great (and free!) book called From Stumptown to Tree Town, a guidebook featuring a walking tour that highlights a few historical Heritage Trees and uses them to tell the story of Portland’s history! It’s a great resource and you can download it for free right here.
Heritage Tree Podcast
If you’re interested in learning more about specific trees, check out the Heritage Tree Podcast, a series discussing the history and importance of some of Portland’s most notable trees! The podcast was created as part of a student project at Portland State University and you can listen to all of the episodes and read more about the project here.
A Few of My Favorite Heritage Trees!
While there are about 300 Heritage Trees in Portland, a few stand out to me:
Corbett Oak at Heritage Tree Park
You’ll find this beautiful, historic oak in one of Portland’s smallest parks, Heritage Tree Park in Southwest Portland!
Osmanthus in the Chinese Garden
Here’s a fun one! This Heritage Tree is actually inside of the Lan Su Chinese Garden in downtown Portland. You can’t tell from the picture above, but there are high-rise office and apartment buildings less than a block away. The Chinese Garden is a great place to relax amid the hustle and bustle of downtown!
Douglas Fir in Forest Park
Near Balch Creek in Forest Park, you’ll find the tallest Heritage Tree, a Douglas Fir standing nearly 250 feet tall! It’s about 100 yards from the stone house on the Lower Macleay trail. If you’ve never hiked in Forest Park before, you’ll love it! The start of the trail is just a few minutes from downtown.
Do You Have a Heritage Tree in Your Yard?
What does it mean to have a Heritage Tree on your property? First the good news! You’ve got a piece of Portland history in your yard and you should be proud of it. But you also need to be aware of your responsibilities.
Heritage trees can’t be removed without approval from both the Urban Forestry Commission and the City Council. Plus you’ll need a permit before pruning or cutting any branches from a Heritage tree!
If you have a Heritage Tree in your yard or on your property, contact NW Arbor Culture online or call us at (503) 538-8733 for a free consultation. We can help you figure out if your tree is healthy or if it needs a little TLC!
We have over 30 years of experience caring for trees in the Portland area and know how to make sure your tree lives a long, healthy life.
Did you know that there are some trees that can live to be over 5,000 years old? While the trees in your yard won’t live that long, if they’re well maintained, they can live for 50 years or even longer! Unfortunately, many trees become diseased, rotted, or damaged before they can reach their full potential.
Today we’ll talk about some of the most common causes of tree problems and diseases as well as signs that your tree might be unhealthy and in need of help.
Weather & Storms
Our Portland climate is generally pretty mild, but our weather can still cause serious damage to trees. During the rainy months, too much precipitation can cause the ground to become waterlogged, loosening a tree’s roots. This can cause trees to lean or even topple over! During the winter, ice and snow accumulation can put stress on branches and cause them to break off
Root Damage & Loss
Tree roots are like an anchor, holding the tree steady and straight. They also absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Without a healthy root system a tree simply can’t be healthy. Since they’re underground root problems are often difficult to spot until damage has already been done. Roots can be:
Cut or crushed by heavy construction equipment
Infected by invasive fungus
Damaged by lack of available nutrients or changes in the environment
Disease & Infection
Diseases and infections from fungi, bacteria and other sources can be deadly. In the Portland area, for example, elm trees are especially susceptible to Dutch Elm disease. Dutch Elm disease is caused by a fungus that’s carried by certain types of beetles. The disease can spread quickly and kill many trees if it’s not caught early. Other common tree diseases include:
Anthracnose – A fungal infection that attacks leaves, flowers, and fruits. You’ll often see this on dogwood trees.
Dothistroma – Another fungal infection that can kill younger pine trees. This infection causes a pine tree’s needles to fall off, preventing the tree from creating the energy it needs to grow.
Leaf Blight – Actually a variety of related ailments, leaf blight can damage a tree’s canopy, over time weakening and killing the entire tree.
Age
In a way, trees are just like people. As they age, they become more susceptible to some diseases and ailments. The branches of older trees may weaken due to an accumulation of small cracks and breaks. Depending on the weather, older trees may dry out and become brittle and unhealthy.
Construction
Heavy construction machinery can compress soil and damage a tree’s root system. It’s important to remember that a tree’s roots extend far from its base (in some cases 30 feet or more), making it important to stay well away from trees during construction. In addition, careless use of construction equipment can rip off a tree’s leaves and branches or cause damage to the trunk itself.
So be careful when you’re doing any work in your yard!
Poor Maintenance
Trees need our help to stay healthy! If you don’t take good care of your trees, they’re more likely to suffer from disease, damage, and other common tree problems. Luckily, most trees don’t require much maintenance. They only require regular trimmings and inspections to make sure the bark, roots, branches, and trunk are healthy and stable.
What To Look Out For
While some tree problems are tough to spot, there are some telltale signs you can be on the lookout for.
Sudden Changes to Leaf Color & Density
If a tree’s leaves suddenly change from green to yellow, or if leaves become splotchy or have a “banded” appearance, that could be a sign of fungal infection or disease. Or if a tree’s leaves or needles begin to fall off out of season, that’s another warning sign.
Unusual Growths & Knots
Bulbous growths or swollen areas in a tree’s trunk can be caused by bacteria growth. Fungus growing from a tree’s trunk or branches can also be signs of an unhealthy tree. These growths are often signs that your tree isn’t getting the nutrients it needs to grow normally.
Insect Damage
Insects can do real damage to the trees growing in your yard. Most of the time, it’s easy to spot insect damage because you can see insects crawling, flying, and buzzing around your tree, and most of the damage done will be to the tree’s exterior. Here’s what you should be on the lookout for:
Leaves that look “chewed” or bitten – Beetles and some caterpillars feed on tree leaves. Too much damage to too many leaves can prevent your trees from getting the sunlight and nutrients they need.
Leaves with unusual colors – Aphids, leaf hoppers, and other insects can damage leaves, causing them to turn yellow or develop a “speckled” appearance.
Moldy bark – Aphids, lacebugs, and other insects excrete substances that can cause mold to grow on your trees, potentially causing long term damage.
You should think of your trees as an investment that needs your attention to keep paying off. With just a bit of care and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy your trees for decades to come!
Ask a Professional
If you’re seeing evidence of these common tree problems and diseases, don’t worry. And if you’re at all worried about the health of your trees, don’t worry.
Contact NW Arbor Culture online or call us at (503) 538-8733 for a free consultation and estimation. We’re happy to come out, take a look at your trees, and let you know our expert opinion. We have over 30 years of experience caring for trees in the Portland area and know how to make sure your tree lives a long, healthy life.
Trees provide shade, help freshen the air, and even add value to your property. We all want our trees to stay strong and healthy, but what should you do if you think one of your trees might be dead?
Dead trees don’t just look unattractive, they can actually pose a safety risk. Dead trees are more fragile. They drop branches easily and may even fall completely if not taken care of properly.
Today, I’ll show you how to tell if your tree is dead, and what you can do to keep your home, property, and family safe.
What Causes Trees to Die?
Trees live hundreds of years, right?
Many of them can, but damage and diseases can unfortunately kill a tree prematurely. In an ideal world, you’d notice the warning signs early on.
When a tree is dying, the cause of the problem usually starts underground with the roots and soil. Luckily, you can often see signs of tree death and disease above ground.
Here are some of the most common reasons why trees die:
Too Much or Too Little Water
Making sure your tree gets enough water is especially important when it’s young. Too little water can dry a tree out, while too much can drown it.
How much water your tree needs depends on the type of tree you have and where you live. The Arbor Day Foundation has some helpful tips for how much to water your tree at each stage of its growth.
Contact your local certified arborist if you have more questions about how to water your tree.
Changes in the Soil Grade
Changes in the soil level around your tree can affect how much water and nutrients the tree can absorb. That’s because trees’ primary feeding roots are usually located in the top six inches of soil. Changing the soil grade by even just a few inches can create a problem.
If you’re thinking of adding soil to your yard, be careful. Avoid adding too much near your tree if you can.
Root Damage
Trees need their roots to absorb nutrients and even remain standing. Big trees have strong, sturdy roots, but even those roots can be damaged.
If you have frequently driven over or parked on a tree’s roots, there’s a chance they were damaged.
Not only can the weight of a car damage roots, but all that weight also compacts the soil beneath it, making it harder for the tree to get the water, oxygen, and other nutrients it needs from the soil.
Pouring concrete, laying asphalt, or paving over tree roots can cause similar problems. If tree roots don’t have room to grow, or something is preventing them from feed from the soil, you may have a problem.
Improper Planting or Transplanting
Young trees are especially sensitive, so planting and transplanting them can be risky. A couple common mistakes are:
Digging a too shallow or too deep hole
Packing the soil down too hard after planting
Both can smother the tree and prevent proper root growth.
Tip: Any time you plant or transplant a tree, be careful of the root ball (the tangle of roots at the bottom of a young tree). If there is burlap or twine tied around the roots, remove it carefully. Then, gently loosen and separate the root ball just enough to help the roots spread out before you place the tree in the ground.
The warning signs will be slightly different depending on what type of tree you’re dealing with. Usually, though, you’ll be able to tell if there’s something wrong.
What should you look for?
Falling Leaves or Needles
A tree that is dying or dead often loses its leaves or needles very quickly and suddenly. Or it has no foliage whatsoever, even during a time of year when it should.
Changing Colors
Unexplained discoloration of the foliage is another common sign of stress or disease — usually one of the first ones you’ll notice.
Brown, multi-colored needles are a common sign of sickness in conifer trees.
Cracks and Splits
Big cracks or splits in the structure of the tree can be a sign that the tree is dead, especially if other warning signs are also present or if the crack is in the trunk.
Changing Bark
A strange or different bark texture can also spell trouble. Tree bark is often a good indicator of the tree’s overall health. If bark is missing, loose, dry, or brittle, be concerned. When branches lose their bark, it means those branches are most likely dead.
Infections and Infestations
Animals and fungi often start taking over dead trees too. Fungus usually only grows on decaying wood, so keep an eye out for mushrooms!
Insects like carpenter ants and beetles often set up camp in dead wood too. Look for rows of small holes in the wood or places where wood has clearly been eaten away:
A weak or spongy trunk can be a sign that a tree is rotting from the inside. If you notice this, call your local certified arborist right away. Rotting in the trunk is a sign that your tree may no longer be stable. You’ll want to get it taken care of before branches start falling, or worse, the whole tree comes down.
What Can I Do if My Tree Is Dead?
If your tree is dead, your best option is to have a professional come and remove it safely. If it’s a large or precariously positioned tree, you’ll want to do this as soon as possible.
If your tree is simply old, sick, or just unstable, you may have other options besides tree removal, such as cabling and bracing. Depending on the cause and extent of the damage, you might be able to salvage your tree or at least increase its life.
No matter what state your tree is in, an arborist, like us at Northwest Arbor Culture, can help you determine the best course of action for keeping your home safe and beautiful.
If it turns out your tree needs to be removed, we can help. We’ll even get rid of the stump for you! With over 30 years of landscaping experience, we can also help you decide what to do with the empty space or help you reconfigure your entire yard if you like!
If you’re worried about one of your trees, don’t wait until it’s too late.
Last month, I showed you the best trees to plant if you live in the Portland area. Today, I’ll tell you why planting trees is so important and how you and your community can benefit! For example, did you know that planting trees can actually make you healthier? Believe it or not, it’s true!
But that’s not the only benefit of planting trees in your yard. Keep reading to find out 6 more great reasons to plant trees in Portland.
Because Trees Are Beautiful!
Trees are like one-of-a-kind works of art that you can help create.
No two trees are alike. Some are tall and thin, others short and full of leafy branches. Some turn gorgeous vibrant colors in the fall, others are a beautiful green all year round, and some even bloom beautiful flowers in the spring!
Trees are full of interesting shapes, textures, and even sounds! There’s really nothing else like them.
If you plant a tree in your yard, you’ll get to pick exactly what you’d like to see, and you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come.
People who live in areas with more trees tend to have lower blood-pressure and have improved overall psychological and emotional health. Kathleen Wolf, a researcher at the University of Washington in Seattle, even says that people with ADHD are calmer and more relaxed when they live near trees!
Helping the Environment
Remove Pollution
Unfortunately even green, eco-conscious areas like the Pacific Northwest suffer from air pollution. Sulfur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and other chemicals are all released from cars, trucks, and other sources of pollution.
Believe it or not, trees can actually catch and prevent these pollutants from making their way into your lungs! This can help reduce the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
If you’re an allergy sufferer, there’s good news for you, too! The Portland area and surrounding Willamette Valley frequently have the highest pollen counts in the country. Luckily, in addition to absorbing man-made pollutants, large, leafy trees can keep pollen, dust, and other natural allergens out of your home and out of your nose and lungs! You’ll breathe easier with trees in your yard!
Provide Home to Local Wildlife
In addition to helping you feel better, there are other environmental reasons to plant trees in Portland. Trees make great homes for birds, squirrels, and other animals. Trees also provide a food source for these animals in the forms of nuts, fruits, and insects that call the trees home, too.
Birds and insects that nest in trees can also help pollinate nearby flowers and plants. This helps to build a natural, healthy ecosystem for all plants and animals in the area! By planting a tree, you’re doing your part to preserve our natural plants and wildlife.
Conserve Water & Minimize Erosion
Did you know that 100 trees can catch 250,000 gallons of water every year?
Without trees and their complex system of sponge-like roots, rainwater soaks directly into the ground, causing erosion, and potentially dangerous landslides. Trees and their roots soak up rain, and release it slowly, minimizing the risk of damaging erosion.
Provide Privacy
When you live in a city like Portland, or even in a densely populated suburb, it can be hard to find a quiet, private place to call your own– even in your own yard! That’s where trees can help. Their branches, leaves, and trunks can make your yard and home feel more private. They block out city noise and traffic sounds, and keep nosy neighbors at bay, too!
In the Portland area, trees like holly, bamboo, and cedars are great trees to plant for privacy. They grow quickly and densely and don’t require much maintenance. They also have a small footprint, meaning they grow straight up, don’t spread out too much, and stay right where you want them to grow!
Conserve Energy & Save Money
Many Portland-area homes don’t have air-conditioning. We’ve had some real hot days these past few summers and it can be hard to keep cool!
Once again, trees to the rescue! Shade trees like maples and dogwoods have large leafy branches that absorb sunlight and heat, reducing heat gains by up to 80%! This keeps your house cooler and can reduce your cooling bill, if you do have air conditioning!
Increase Your Property Value
According to a recent study, homes with well-maintained yards and trees tend to sell faster and fetch a higher price! One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the study focused on yards with mature trees. That means you should start landscaping and planting trees now, because it might take several years for a young tree to mature.
Why do trees improve property value? It’s not entirely clear, but experts think it’s a combination of all the benefits trees provide, from privacy to beauty and everything else in between. Even if home buyers don’t realize it, subconsciously they’re attracted to homes with beautiful trees and they’re willing to pay for it!
Build Community
An ancient proverb says, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
That’s really something when you think about it. In my opinion it’s the best reason to plant a tree. Even though you may benefit from the tree in your lifetime, your children and their children will get to enjoy that same tree’s shade, fruit, and beauty for generations to come.
Plus, if you live in Portland and plant a fruit tree, like an apple or fig tree, you can even contact the Portland Fruit Tree Project. They’ll come out and pick the fruit from your tree and provide it to people in need! What a great mission and one that’s easy to support. All you have to do is plant a tree!
When’s the Best Time to Plant a Tree?
People often ask me about the best time to plant a tree. My answer?
The best time to plant a tree is 5 years ago. The second-best time is today. By planting a tree today, you’re taking the first step towards reaping all the benefits of planting a tree that I talked about today. Planting a tree is an investment, and the sooner you invest, the sooner you’ll start seeing returns!
If you’re interested in planting a tree, contact me. I’m a certified arborist and can help you plant the perfect tree in your yard. Call (503) 538-8733 today and ask for a free consultation.
If you’re a homeowner in Portland, planting a tree can be a great investment. Not only are trees beautiful, but some studies show they can actually increase the value of your home. Plus, trees are functional, too. Their root systems help hold soil in place, their branches can be home to birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, trees provide shade and privacy, and some even grow fruit you can enjoy!
But what are the best trees to plant in Portland? How do you care for the trees you plant? And what do you need to know before planting your first tree?
Keep reading to find out.
Where to Plant
Deciding where to plant a tree is just as important as the tree you decide to plant. A tree planted in the wrong place may end up dying or not growing to its full potential or it may even do damage to your home.
Safety first!
Don’t plant trees where they may interfere with overhead power lines.
Remember that trees will grow for years and years, so it might take some time until they cause a problem. There’s nothing more frustrating than investing time and money nurturing a tree and then discovering that it needs to be cut down.
Don’t forget about underground utility lines. Before planting any tree, contact the Oregon Utility Notification Center at (503) 246-6699 to find out if there are any buried lines you need to be aware of.
Protect Your Home
Improperly planted trees can be dangerous to your home. We recommend you plant any tree at least 10 feet from your home and 5 feet away from your fence or property line.
By doing so, you’ll protect your roof from falling branches, keep your gutter from filling with rotting leaves, avoid cracks in your foundation from your trees’ roots, and reduce the chance of your trees creeping over into your neighbor’s property.
Choose a Location Carefully
As a tree grows it may block natural light. Depending on your point of view, this may be a benefit or a drawback. Sometimes you want a tree that will provide more privacy, but you may not want to block out our precious Oregon sunshine.
When choosing a location, also consider the plants and trees you already have in your yard. Some trees and plants are “thirsty” and require more water than others. Too many thirsty plants and trees in your yard may require you to use more water than you’d like.
If you have questions about which trees and plants work well together, get in touch with me. I’d love to help you out.
What to Plant
Once you’ve decided where to plant a tree, you’ve got to choose what type of tree you’d like to plant. Luckily, living in Oregon there are plenty of great choices!
I recommend choosing trees to plant based not on their appearance, but their purpose. A leafy deciduous tree may look beautiful from the street, but if you hate seeing leaves on the ground, you’re going to regret planting one in your yard.
Let’s look at a few reasons why you might want to plant a tree, as well as a few of the best trees for each purpose.
Street Trees
Street trees are trees planted between your yard and your sidewalk. They provide a bit of privacy and can look great too.
In Portland, the city has strict requirements about the types of street trees you can plant. Depending on where you live in the city, you might be able to plant one of the following trees:
Alders are beautiful trees that flower each March. They grow quickly and look great!
ElmsThere are many varieties of elm trees that can be planted as street trees. They grow quickly and have really great fall colors!
Trees for Privacy
If you’re planting trees near your fence or property line for extra privacy, you’ve got a few good options. Look for trees with thick dense branches and leaves, like:
HollyHolly is a fast-growing, dense evergreen. It’s one of the most popular trees to plant when you’re looking for privacy or security.
Cedar trees grow quickly, are tolerant to drought conditions, and also resistant to most insects and other pests.
Fruit-bearing Trees
Trees that bear fruit can be fun to have in your yard! They can provide tasty and nutritious fruit for you and your family to enjoy. But harvesting the fruit can be a bit of a chore.Luckily, in Portland there’s the Portland Fruit Tree Project, a group who will take fruit from your trees and give it to people in need. What a cool idea!Some of my favorite fruit trees to plant include:
Apple TreesApples are a classic Pacific Northwest tree that can produce delicious fruit for years and years. Just look at the color on those blossoms!Cherry TreesCherry trees grow quickly and their fruit is really easy to pick!
Fig trees grow quickly and produce a lot of fruit that can be made into jams and jellies, or eaten right off the tree! Most fig trees will produce fruit twice a year, once in the summer and once again in early fall.
Shade Trees
A nice shade tree or two can protect your lawn, keep hot sun off your windows, and give a bit of privacy too.
Dogwoods provide great shade and are some of the most beautiful flowering trees, too.
Caring for Trees
Caring for trees isn’t as hard as you might think. When they’re young, they don’t need much more than mulch and water. Depending on the type of tree, your tree may need to be staked to keep it grow straight.
As trees grow, however, they are likely to need a bit more maintenance. You may need to rake their leaves or prune their branches to keep them from getting out of control. Some trees may also need to be checked for insects, fungus or disease to keep them healthy.
If you need help caring for the trees you plant in your yard, get in touch with us. At Northwest Arbor Culture we have over 30 years experience caring for trees in the Portland area.
Call us at (503) 538-8733 for a free estimate and to learn more about how we can help you and your trees!
Curious about a tree on your property? Or just want to impress your friends next time you go hiking?
Today, we’ll be talking about Tree Identification 101: how the experts identify trees and the features they look for.
I’ll also show you an easy tree identification tool anyone can use in Oregon.
First, let’s look at a few of Oregon’s most common trees.
Trees You’ll See in Oregon
Oregon is a big state with a diverse climate. Some trees grow really well in western Oregon but not eastern Oregon, and vice versa.
The most common tree statewide is the Douglas fir, Oregon’s state tree. It’s by far the most common tree species in western Oregon, but it’s easy to find them in eastern Oregon too.
The Douglas fir is characterized by blunt green pine needles and 3-4” pine cones with pitchfork-shaped brackets.
Use this great resource from Oregon State University to check out more of the most common trees in Oregon.
Did you recognize your tree as one of those? If not, or if you want to be sure, keep reading!
Let’s look at the tree identification process and how the experts use it.
How Do Experts Identify Trees?
Oregon is home to so many different species of trees that it takes a lot of practice to learn to identify trees by sight alone. Even tree experts often refer to tree guides.
When experts want to identify a tree, the first thing they look at is its leaves. The shape, size, spacing, and even color of a tree’s leaves can tell you a lot.
Tree Features to Look For
When you examine a tree’s leaves, what should you look for? In a minute, I’ll show you a free, comprehensive tree identification tool you can use to go through the examination process step by step. But first, let’s see the three main features most tree identification guides will ask you to look at.
Conifers vs. Broadleaves
This is step one. Pretty much all Oregon trees can be split into two big categories: conifers and broadleaves.
Conifers are evergreens. They often bear cones and have leaves that look like needles or scales. Broadleaves are deciduous (not evergreen) trees. They have flat, thin leaves and shed them in the winter. Unlike conifers, broadleaves often grow flowers or fruit too.
So, the first step in tree identification is to check whether the leaves are needle-like, scaled, or flat and thin.
Spacing of Leaves
The spacing of leaves tells you a lot too. If you’re dealing with a conifer, are the needles fairly evenly spaced along the branch, or are they bunched together in a clump or a fan-like shape? How many needles are in a clump?
You can look for the same pattern with broadleaves. Are the leaves compounded (lots of leaves fanning out from a single twig) or are they simple (single leaves sticking off of twigs or small branches)? See the difference here. Do they alternate along either side of the branch or are they exactly opposite each other?
Answering those questions will help you narrow down your search so you can get closer to identifying your tree!
Shape of Leaves
Finally, look at the shape of the individual leaves. If it’s a conifer with needle-like leaves, how long are the needles? Do they have little pegs or buds on them? Do the needles have different colors?
If it’s a broadleaf, what are the leaves shaped like? Do they have lobes or are they basically oval? Are their edges smooth or jagged? Are they thick and leathery or thin and delicate? Are their undersides a different color? And what kind of fruit accompanies the leaves, if any?
Now you know the basics, you’re ready to use an identification tool to find out the exact species of your tree!
Using a Dichotomous Key
Dichotomous means split into two. A dichotomous tree identification key is a tool that lets you identify a tree by making a series of choices between two alternatives.
You’ll start by telling the key whether your tree is a conifer or a broadleaf. Then you’ll move on to more specific questions from there.
Here’s what you’ll want to have handy:
Access to the internet
A ruler
The ability to get up close to the tree you want to identify
Now it’s time to get up close to the tree. If you can, take your tablet, phone, or laptop out to look at the tree, and go through the steps there.
If that’s not possible, take several detailed pictures of the tree before you start using the key. Make sure you get good close up pictures of the tree’s needles and leaves. Take some basic measurements of individual needles or leaves to get a sense for how big they are.
It’s that easy! Just make sure you’re certain about every choice you make before you move on to the next one.
What’s Your Tree?
Are you planning to try the key? Did you already identify your tree? Let us know what kind of tree you identified! And if you ever have questions about the health or safety of any of your trees, give us a call!
Want to learn more about tree identification? Check out these resources:
“What If My Tree Falls On My Neighbor’s House?”
“What If My Tree Falls On My Neighbor’s House?”
Recently, we talked about some of 
Making sure your tree gets enough water is especially important when it’s young. Too little water can dry a tree out, while too much can drown it.
Trees need their roots to absorb nutrients and even remain standing. Big trees have strong, sturdy roots, but even those roots can be damaged. 
Changing Colors
The most common tree statewide is the Douglas fir
Here’s what you’ll want to have handy:
