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... 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... 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... 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,... 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... Read More
January 24, 2022
By Sarah Fry
Spring
The dark and rainy Portland winters have us yearning for the riotous colors of spring blooms by late winter. You don’t need to wait until March or April. Forcing blooms on cut tree branches is an easy way to enjoy early spring color indoors. Simply select the right branches, keep them in fresh water, and watch your flowers bloom. Select... Read More
The western redcedar, or western red cedar, (Thuja plicata) is one of our favorite trees. Its swooping branches support flat sprays of scale-like needles, making it an easily identifiable conifer in the Willamette Valley. The western redcedar is native to the Pacific northwest and plays an important role in our local ecosystem and history. The western redcedar is not a... Read More
Spring in the Willamette Valley is heralded by the awakening of trees seen as bright green growth, showy flowers, and prodigious amounts of billowing tree pollen. Some days the pollen is so thick that every horizontal outdoor surface in the Portland area is coated with the powdery substance. Although it can be a nuisance to those with seasonal allergies, pollen... Read More
The recent winter storm brought thick ice and snow 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 catastrophic failures requiring removal to minor branch breakages resolved with pruning. Our arborists are working hard to help with your tree emergencies and will continue... Read More
Even though Portland area skies are still cold, wet and grey, it won’t be long before we see signs of spring in the trees. Once trees break dormancy and cellular activity restarts, we can see flower buds swell and color, and tiny new leaves emerge from swollen leaf buds in deciduous trees. Bright green needles emerge from the tips of... Read More
