How Much Do You Know About Oregon’s Trees?
Photo: Loren Kerns
Oregon is known for its abundance of trees, but do you know Oregon’s state tree? Who owns our forests? Which trees are native to Oregon?
Get ready for some tree trivia as well as some important tree safety advice for winter! I’ll even give you some tips for planting trees that grow well in Oregon.
A History of Oregon’s Forest
Ever since Lewis and Clark reached the mouth of the Columbia River in 1805, people have poured into Oregon, drawn by its forests and natural beauty. And it’s still happening today. Believe it or not, Oregon is the most popular moving destination in the country.
The influx of people over time meant more cities, highways, and infrastructure. Oregon also developed a huge timber industry, which is still going strong today. Despite all that, Oregon still has almost 92% of the forests that covered the state in 1850. Not bad!
That’s not a coincidence though. Private landowners cooperate with both federal and state governments to preserve Oregon forests. Among other strategies, that includes replanting, restrictions on clearcutting, and avoiding and managing occasional forest fires.
Oregon’s Famous Trees
Oregon has a few famous trees to its name. How much do you know about the state’s most quintessentially Oregonian celebrities?
Oregon’s State Tree
Our state tree is the Douglas fir, an evergreen tree with pine needles and cones. The tree is named after botanist-explorer, David Douglas, who described it as “one of the most striking and truly graceful objects in nature.” Now that’s a glowing review!
Oregon’s Largest Tree
There is some debate about which tree is truly Oregon’s largest. It used to be a 206-foot-tall Sitka Spruce along the coast near Seaside, Oregon. In December 2007, a wind storm snapped the 700-year-old tree in half. You can still visit the 17-foot diameter trunk, though.
Here’s where the controversy starts. Officially, the largest tree is now a 329-foot-tall Douglas fir in Coos County (pictured below), but non-profit tree workers say they’ve found an even bigger Arcadia Cedar just outside of Cannon Beach.
The Octopus Tree
Without a doubt, one of Oregon’s weirdest-looking trees is a different giant Sitka spruce in Cape Meares, Oregon. Its nickname, the Octopus Tree, isn’t hard to figure out. The tree’s multiple trunks grow out of its base like giant tentacles.
The tree has historical significance too. Experts believe it was once a gathering site for Native American tribes in Tillamook, and place of reverence where elders made decisions and shamans performed ceremonies.
Who Owns Oregon’s Forests?
The majority of Oregon’s forested land belongs to the federal government, but not all of it. Here’s the breakdown:
60% – federal government
35% – private ownership
3% – the State of Oregon
1% – tribe lands
1% – other public ownerships
Oregon Tree Safety
In general, trees make Oregon healthier and safer by purifying the air and casting shade from the sun. Trees don’t come without risks though. Western Oregon in particular often has heavy rains and strong winds (like the ones that ultimately knocked down the Sitka Spruce near Seaside). In years like this one, we also get extremely dry summers, which puts us at risk for forest fires.
Preventing Forest Fires
Fires are a natural part of a forest’s cycle, but most of Oregon’s fires are human-caused, and therefore preventable. Some of the biggest culprits are cigarettes, gas leaking from cars, and fireworks too close to forested areas. Campfires are a big one too. According to OregonForests.org, there are several steps you can take to make sure your campfire is safe:
- Keep your fire at a manageable size.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Always have a large bucket of water nearby.
- Let the wood burn completely to ash.
- Dowse your campfire with water until the steaming and hissing stops.
- Cover all embers, not just the red ones.
- Stir to make sure everything is wet and cold to the touch. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Check again for any remaining hot spots. Dowse with more water if needed.
- Use dirt when there is no water available. Mix enough dirt into the embers until everything is cool but do not bury the fire.
Try this next time you go camping to be extra safe.
Protect Yourself From Falling Trees
When wind, rain, and heavy snow hits, weaker trees are at risk of falling. Look for tree branches near your house or power lines, and get them pruned or trimmed.
The number one thing you can do to make sure none of your trees fall on people or property is to get them inspected before harsh winter weather arrives. We’re always happy to swing by and give you some free expert advice about your trees.
What Trees Grow Best in Oregon?
Did you know fall is one of the best times to plant new trees? If you’re looking for a tree that will flourish in Oregon and won’t require an unnecessary amount of maintenance, planting a tree that’s native to Oregon is a good bet.
Photo: Alex Indigo
Many dogwoods, maples, and evergreens are perfectly suited to the Pacific Northwestern climate.
For more detailed information on what to plant and how, check out these tips from the Portland Nursery. Or see this longer list of native Oregon plants
Questions?
Still have questions about Oregon’s forests, which trees to plant, or how to keep your property safe this winter?
Call us anytime at 503-538-8733 for free, no-pressure advice.
Photos: Doug Kerr, Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington, Alicia Mueller,
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