By Jim Gersbach and Jordana Leeb | Contributing Writers
Do you have questions about trees? The Concordia Tree Team wishes to share some basic tree care facts and information with the neighborhood.
What are the basics of tree care?
Planting
There is very detailed information with pictures about how to plant trees properly on the Friends of Trees website. Friends of Trees is a local non-profit that offers free tree planting services and support for growing healthy trees.
Watering
Watering is an important part of tree care. Watering best practices vary for new versus more established trees. It is suggested to water regularly (once a week) during a tree’s first three to five summers and after that during prolonged dry spells. Drought tolerance varies by species. Some native trees, such as the Oregon White Oak, are better able to cope without summer watering but many non-native trees will benefit from at least a deep soak once a month in the dry months of July and August.
One technique is to use 10-15 gallons of water and water slowly to allow saturation of the soil. Another is to use a 5-gallon bucket of water with small holes drilled in the bottom to allow the water to slowly seep out. More established trees (after about 3 to 5 years) can be watered once a month in summer or dry spells. Mulching (in the next section) is an important tool in helping to hold the water for a new tree. A video with additional tips on watering can also be found on the Friend of Trees website.
Mulching
Mulching reduces evaporation (especially in excessive heat), delivers organic nutrients and helps prevent weeds from growing. Friends of Trees recommends the 3-3-3 rule, “3 inches away from the trunk of the tree, 3 inches deep, in about a 2-3-foot radius.” Organic matter such as composted leaves or wood chips are suggested mulch. There are many different options for purchasing or getting mulch free around town, such as with ChipDrop: getchipdrop.com.
Pruning
For non-fruit trees, during the first few years after planting a new tree, no pruning (except for dead or damaged branches) is advised. After the tree is established (3-5 years) pruning is recommended as needed. Trained Concordia Tree Team volunteers each year do free pruning of young street trees under a permit agreement with the City of Portland Urban Forestry program. Look for canvassers in the spring and fall going door to door in parts of the neighborhood.
What is never recommended is “topping” a tree – removal of a tree’s upper branches to stubs – this results in stress, decay and sunburn for the tree. For more information about pruning, check out the guidelines here.
What should I do in case of an extreme weather event this summer?
Climate change and extreme heat conditions take a toll on trees. It is recommended to double your normal watering routine (see above) during excessive heat events, which is anything above about 90 degrees.
The best time to water is early in the morning or when the sun sets to minimize evaporation of water. It is important that water gets deep into the roots.
Friends of Trees says, “If you poke a pencil 4-5 inches down, does it come out dry & dusty? If so, water!”
Where can I get free trees?
You can get a free tree from Friends of trees in three easy steps here. You can also learn more about free yard trees on the City of Portland Urban Forestry website.
What is the tree code and what should I know about it?
Portland’s laws protect street trees and in some cases larger trees on private property. Street trees provide public benefits, such as shading our streets and sidewalks to lower temperatures, so they enjoy a higher level of protection. A city-issued permit is required before removing a street tree or pruning one, although suckers may be removed from around a street tree at any time without a permit.
The permit ensures a tree is selected from an approved list so that it will be the right size for the width of the space, or the right mature height to not conflict with any overhead powerlines. Find out more about tree permits here.
Who should I contact if I need help caring for my trees?
You can reach out to an International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborist to get tree advice or pruning support. More information can be found here.
How can I get more information about the Concordia Tree Team and sign up to volunteer?
We’d love your help! Sign up for a variety of fun tree-related activities at ainsworthlineararboretum.org/getinvolved.
A native Oregonian, Jim Gersbach has lived in the Concordia neighborhood since 2002. He founded the Ainsworth Linear Arboretum back in 2005 and was involved in helping create the Cully Concordia International Grove and the Concordia Learning Landscape Arboretum.
Jordana Leeb is a longtime Concordia resident who i s passionate about the neighborhood, its residents and trees. She lives with her partner and dog on a street she calls home. You can see a film about her street and Concordia at TinyURL.com/Diaryofastreet.