Canopy, block by block: Bridgetown Construction & Landscaping and Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry

Dig only as deep as the root ball.

Through Portland's Free Street Trees program, Bridgetown Construction & Landscaping LLC works with Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry to plant and establish new trees on streets that need them most. 

Set the root flare level with the soil.

It started with an idea and a site visit. Urban Forestry made contact. Bridgetown listened, learned the program, and the partnership took shape. 

Loosen circling roots.

The benefit runs both ways. PP&R Urban Forestry gets a reliable partner helping to meet planting goals and add shade to full-sun neighborhoods. Bridgetown gains experience planting to City specifications while finishing its first season of establishment services. 

Backfill with soil while watering.

Twenty gallons a week, applied slowly so roots grow strong. Hose and wand some days, buckets on others, a watering bag here and there. Tree by tree, crews pull weeds, refresh mulch yearly, and check stakes and ties. Consistent care creates cooler blocks, cleaner air, and canopy for future generations.

3-3-3 Rule: 3-inch mulch layer, 3 inches from the trunk, 3-foot radius circle around the tree.

Bridgetown is certified through Oregon's Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID). That path helps a small, local business build relationships and capacity through public work, while investment stays in the community.

View full size image of Two workers on hands and knees pat dirt around newly planted tree.

Stake when needed, and remove within a year.

In spring, the change is easy to see. Trunks have thickened and new leaves reward the work. Block by block, a partnership grows stronger, neighborhoods go greener, and Portland's canopy spreads. All taking root from a hole in the ground.

Repeat.