Who knows what kind of weather is in store for us this winter?
It's a good idea to be prepared for snow and ice because of the potential damage to your trees. We are bringing back our list of winter tree care tips and resources to get you ready for this winter season.
Getting Prepared
Whether you are inexperienced with tree care, or a proud graduate of the Neighborhood Tree Steward Program, a great first step in dealing with non-emergency situations is to gather information.
What is wrong with my tree?! Check out the Arbor Day Foundation's Storm Recovery Kit if you need help identifying tree problems.
What kind of tree is it? If you are not sure, check out the Street Tree Inventory Map. If your tree is not listed, maybe a tree like yours is nearby and has already been identified. The type of tree you have can strongly influence what you end up doing to correct storm damage.
Is it a Street Tree? If so, do you have a Pruning Permit? Remember, some street tree pruning permits can be self-issued online for free. Other situations may call for an inspection first. Either way, do not be afraid of the process! Urban Forestry staff are here to help. Email trees@portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-TREE (8733) with tree permitting questions.
Take Action
Decide on a course of action! Does your tree require corrective pruning, staking, or even Removal and Replanting? Write out the steps that you will take to care for your tree, and then put your plan into action. Neglecting your tree now may turn an easy fix into a permanent problem.
We encourage you to talk to your neighbors, especially if you think you may have spotted a tree problem that they have not seen. For larger trees or any risky situations, always contact a professional arborist. For your convenience, the City maintains a list of Local Tree Care Providers as a resource to the public.