In an urban center, the sounds of traffic, construction, and industry can be heard at all times. 65% of Oregon’s population live in urban centers and are subject to these increased noise levels. The hard, flat surfaces of a built urban environment reflect, rather than absorb, sound waves, creating a cacophony of manmade noise that is stress inducing and potentially damaging to human hearing. Urban trees reduce damaging noise pollution. The leaves and branches of urban trees reduce the sound intensity, or attenuate it, by absorbing, refracting, and deflecting sound wave energy. Trees can reduc ..read more

The giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) is the most massive tree on earth. This majestic evergreen tree is native to the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, but also grows in the Portland area. The giant sequoia is also known for its longevity. Some giant sequoias alive today were already 1800 years old when Columbus reached America! Giant Sequoia Growth Habit The giant sequoia grows in a pyramidal form. These trees can grow to astounding heights (over 250 feet tall), massive girth (over 90’ circumference), and impressive age (over 3000 years old). Its massive trunk is buttressed and sup ..read more

The January 2024 winter storm brought sleet, snow, freezing rain, and wind to the Portland area, taking a heavy toll on our urban forest. We have seen widespread tree damage across the Portland area ranging in severity from whole trees uprooting and toppling over to major branch breakages. Our arborists are working hard to help with your tree emergencies and will continue to aid in storm damaged tree recovery for weeks to come. Prioritizing Hazards During Storm Response Our ISA-certified arborists are also ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. This additional education trains arborists in the s ..read more

Nestled in the west hills overlooking Portland grows a living museum of the world’s trees. The Hoyt Arboretum has inspired and awed visitors for generations with its carefully curated and maintained trees from all over the world. Miles of meandering paths wind through 190 acres and bring visitors up close to familiar and unfamiliar species of trees. Hoyt Arboretum Tree Collection Hoyt arboretum was created in 1928 to conserve endangered species and educate the community. Thousands of species grow in the arboretum. You are probably familiar with many, but not all of them. Some of the trees are ..read more

Our arborists recommend mulching your trees because it is one of the simplest and most beneficial ways of caring for your trees. Mulching is simply adding a layer of protective material at the base of your trees. Benefits of Mulching Mulching protects your trees by reducing water loss through evaporation, preventing soil erosion, controlling weeds that compete for nutrients and water, and moderating soil temperatures. Mulching also reduces the need for mowing or trimming near the tree base thereby reducing the likelihood of tree damage from lawn care equipment. Proper Technique We recommend u ..read more

Incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) can be found growing in a wide variety of natural habitats, from wet streamside riparian habitats to dry mountainside habitats. Its native range encompasses mixed conifer forests on the east side of Mt. hood, south through Oregon and down to California. Due to its tolerance for a wide variety of growing conditions, incense cedar can also be grown in the Willamette Valley. With the trend in the Willamette Valley toward hotter and drier summers, the incense cedar’s tolerance for poor soils, drought, and heat makes it a climate-resilient choice for planting in ..read more

Western red cedars are one of our favorite native trees of Oregon and they seem to be in trouble. Western red cedars have been showing signs of stress in pockets throughout the Willamette Valley and across the Pacific Northwest in recent years. The alarming decline of these important trees is being investigated by officials. Although the cause has not been definitively confirmed, climate change is suspected. Importance of Western Red Cedars The western red cedar is a beautiful conifer with swooping branches and flat sprays of needles. It is a pillar of our local forest ecosystem as well as ou ..read more

The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that has decimated ash species across the United States and is considered the most destructive forest pest in America. It has now been spotted in Oregon. The first confirmed sighting in June 2022 in Forest Grove, Oregon, has raised the alarm throughout the state. All ash species are vulnerable to the EAB, including urban landscaping ash and our native Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia). Oregon ash has the unique ability to thrive in the dense, wet soil of river and stream beds. This makes it a critical tree for the health of our rivers. The Oregon ..read more

Dogwood trees begin to bloom in April in the Portland area. Many bloom before they leaf out, spotlighting the showy ‘petals’. Dogwoods (Cornus spp.) are a favorite deciduous garden plant in the Portland area, as seen in the multitude of dogwood species and varieties grown here. The variety of dogwoods boast a wide range of color, bract shape, branching habit, size, and disease resistance. Dogwood Bracts The showy ‘petals’ of many dogwoods are not petals at all but modified leaves, called bracts, that surround a cluster of tiny green true flowers in the center. In the dogwoods with bracts tha ..read more

A healthy tree root system grows in soil containing water, air, and minerals. When a tree’s root growth is limited by pavement, sidewalks, or foundations, the tree’s access to minerals and water is also limited. A tree planted under these conditions will eventually decline as the root system cannot support the needs of the larger tree. Most tree problems can be prevented by planting the right tree in the right place. In addition to considering Plant Hardiness Zones, drainage, sun and wind exposure, and proximity of the mature canopy to surrounding structures and plants, every tree should be pl ..read more