Tree Care Tips
Field notes from the canopy.
Practical, honest tree advice from working arborists — what to watch for, when to act, and how to keep Portland’s old canopy standing.
Arboriculture · 5 min
Why We Never Top Trees (And What We Do Instead)
Topping looks like a quick fix and it’s the most damaging thing you can do to a tree. Here’s the science — and the right way to make a big tree smaller.
Mar 2026Tree Health · 4 minReading a Sick Tree: 6 Signs Worth a Call
A tree tells you it’s struggling long before it fails. Here are the six signals our arborists look for first — and which ones mean call today.
Feb 2026Seasonal · 4 minStorm-Proofing Your Trees Before the Wet Season
Pacific Northwest wind and ice find the weak limbs first. A little fall work dramatically lowers the odds of a tree on your roof in January.
Oct 2025Planting · 3 minRight Tree, Right Place: Planting for 2050
Half the removals we do are trees that were planted in the wrong spot decades ago. A few minutes of planning saves you a chainsaw later.
Apr 2026Seasonal calendar
The Portland tree-care year.
Jan–FebDormant-season structural pruningMost deciduous trees
MarPre-bud deep-root fertilizationStressed & young trees
Apr–MayAvoid pruning oaks (beetle season)Oak & elm owners
JunDisease & pest scouting beginsMaples, dogwoods, fruit
AugSummer water & mulch checkNewly planted trees
Oct–NovStorm-season hazard inspectionBig trees near structures
NovBest window for major removalsGround is firm, canopy is bare
Dec24/7 storm response on callEveryone — wind & ice