Debunking the Top 5 Tree Care Myths in Portland, OR

When caring for trees in Portland, there’s a right way to go about it and a wrong way. Unfortunately, many homeowners, and even hired help like landscapers, succumb to common tree care myths that ultimately do more harm than good.

Whether you’ve seen someone online do it while searching for DIY methods or your landscaper said he could take care of your tree problems, the myths listed below can cause tree decline, tree failure, and even damage your property if a tree falls or drops heavy branches. Here are some of the most common tree care myths in Portland and what you should do instead.

Key Takeaways:

• There are some very common tree care myths that can lead to weak and unreliable trees, putting people and property at risk, especially during Portland’s storms.
• Many tree problems stemming from improper care remain hidden for years, getting worse over time, and creating hazardous conditions that only become apparent during severe weather.
• Working with Certified Arborists, rather than attempting DIY tree care or hiring unqualified services, can prevent long term damage and save money in the long run.
• Proper pruning techniques, adequate watering, and regular professional inspections are essential for maintaining healthy, stable trees in Portland’s unique climate, especially in tightly packed suburbs.

Myth 1: You Can Cut Tree Branches Anywhere

Improper pruning cuts are some of the most common things we see. These are often the result of homeowners trying to save money on tree care by trimming trees themselves, without understanding tree biology.

Many people believe that you can cut anywhere on a branch. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. As ISA Certified Arborists, who have decades studying and practicing tree care to the highest standards, performing “flush cuts” or cutting branches at random points can cause significant tree damage.

When branches are cut flush against the trunk, it removes the branch collar, which is the tree’s natural defense system against decay and disease. This seemingly small mistake prevents the tree from properly sealing off the wound.

The damage from flush cuts often stays hidden inside the tree for years. While the outside of the trunk might look fine, decay from the initial wounds can spread inward and create weak points that can fail during storms.

On the other hand, cutting branches at random points and leaving a partial branch or a stub, also creates unnecessary wounds that are hard to heal. And in our opinion, these poor cuts lead to uglier trees, too.

What to Do Instead

All pruning cuts should be made just outside the branch collar, which appears as a slightly swollen ring where the branch meets the trunk. Making your cut just outside this collar allows the tree to form a proper seal, protecting it from disease and decay.

Better yet, hire a Certified Arborist to handle your pruning, especially if you want those trees to be around for a long time.

Myth 2: Topping Trees Makes Them Safer

One of the most damaging myths in tree care is that “topping” trees makes them safer or easier to control. But cutting branches back to random points in an effort to control the size of a tree is one of the most harmful myths that exist in the tree care world.

Unfortunately, many Portlanders still request this antiquated service, especially when trees grow near power lines or buildings. Or they’ll do it themselves and end up with a completely disfigured tree that is bound for failure.

As ISA Certified Arborists, we’re aware of how harmful tree topping can be. But it’s not just us. According to the City of Portland, “Topping trees, or removing the canopy without regard to tree health or structural integrity, is not proper pruning and is not permitted within the City of Portland. Topping a tree is regarded as removal of the tree and may result in a tree code violation.”

What is topping? It involves cutting main branches back to stubs or making random cuts across the tree’s crown, permanently destroying the tree’s figure, creating structural weaknesses, and opening up the tree to pests, diseases, and decay.

When a tree is topped, it responds by quickly sending out multiple new branches from each cut. These new branches are weakly attached and grow much faster than normal branches. Within just a few years, these branches become heavy and prone to breaking, especially during Portland’s occasional ice storms.

What to Do Instead

If a tree is too tall for its location, proper crown reduction pruning techniques might help. This involves carefully selecting and removing specific branches back to strong lateral branches, maintaining the tree’s natural shape while reducing its size safely.

If it’s safety you’re concerned about, other services like cabling and bracing could help to make large trees less likely to break and fail.

For the best results, have a Certified Arborist inspect the tree and provide proper recommendations.

Myth 3: Wound Dressing Helps Trees Heal

Many hardware stores still sell tree wound dressing or pruning sealer, leading homeowners to believe these products help trees recover from pruning cuts or injuries. This is another outdated practice that stems from an old belief that trees need help “healing” their wounds, similar to how humans need bandages.

Applying wound dressing or black tar to pruning cuts actually does more harm than good. These products trap moisture against the wound, creating the perfect environment for fungal growth and decay. They can also interfere with the tree’s natural healing process called compartmentalization, where trees create barriers to prevent the spread of decay.

What to Do Instead

Let trees heal naturally after proper pruning cuts. Trees have their own highly effective defense mechanisms. When cuts are made just outside the branch collar using clean, sharp tools, trees form callus tissue that gradually grows over the wound, protecting it from decay.

Remember that prevention is always better than treatment. Making proper pruning cuts in the first place and avoiding unnecessary wounding of trees will do far more good than any wound dressing ever could.

Myth 4: Established Trees Don’t Need Deep Watering

Many Portland homeowners believe that mature trees can fend for themselves when it comes to water. After all, they survived before humans started watering them, right? This thinking often leads to stressed, weakened trees that become more susceptible to storm damage and disease.

While Portland gets plenty of rain from November to March, our summers are increasingly hot and dry. Even large established trees struggle during these months, especially when they compete with lawns and other plants for the limited water that is available. Without proper watering, trees can experience drought stress, leading to weakened root systems and branch die back.

Drought stressed trees are also more prone to other problems, like pests and diseases. And they may be weaker when faced with a severe weather event.

What to Do Instead

Water mature trees deeply but infrequently, especially during periods of drought in the summer. This means watering slowly over several hours, allowing it to penetrate 18 to 24 inches into the soil, where the roots can actually absorb it.

During dry summers, water established trees every 2 to 3 weeks. The best time to water is early morning or evening to minimize evaporation. Remember, if you’re seeing wilting or early fall color in late summer, your tree is telling you it needs more water.

Myth 5: Any Tree Service Provider Will Get the Job Done

Choosing a tree service based solely on price or availability can be a costly mistake. Even worse is when a homeowner hires a guy with a chainsaw that comes to their door after a storm.

Many property owners assume that all tree services and even landscapers are equally qualified, leading them to hire the first company that gives them a quote that seems too good to be true. But this could put you, your home, and your trees at risk.

The reality is that proper tree care requires extensive knowledge of tree biology, disease management, and structural principles. Without this expertise, even simple pruning jobs can create long term problems that may not show up for years.

More importantly, if a company isn’t properly insured for tree work (or lies about having adequate insurance coverage) and they damage your home or cause injuries, there’s a chance that you could be held liable – not a risk you want to take.

What to Do Instead

Always hire licensed, insured, ISA Certified Arborists for tree work. These professionals, like the ones we have on staff at ArborPro, have proven their knowledge through rigorous study, testing, and ongoing education and training when it comes to tree care and safety.

Before hiring any tree service, verify their ISA certification, liability insurance, workers compensation insurance, and local references. Ask about their approach to tree care and make sure they explain why they recommend specific treatments. If they’re a reputable service provider, they’ll be proud to answer your questions and show off their credentials.

FAQs About Proper Tree Care in the Portland Area

How often should mature trees be inspected by an arborist?

Healthy mature trees should be professionally inspected every 2 to 3 years. However, if your trees show signs of stress, disease, or storm damage, schedule an inspection right away. Trees growing near buildings or power lines may need more frequent inspections.

What’s the best time of year to hire an arborist in Portland?

Winter is ideal for most major tree work. During this time, trees are dormant, making it easier to spot structural issues. Plus, proper winter pruning helps trees heal faster when spring arrives. However, if you notice any signs of disease, damage, or safety concerns, don’t wait to call an arborist.

Can regular tree maintenance really help lower the risk of storm damage?

Yes. Trees that receive regular, professional care are far less likely to fail during storms. Proper pruning creates stronger branch structure, and proactive tree care, like soil amendments and root zone improvements, can support overall tree health and make trees less likely to suffer from damage. However, storms are unpredictable and any tree can suffer damage.

What are the warning signs that a tree needs immediate attention?

Look for cracked or hanging branches, leaning trunks, mushrooms growing at the base of the tree, or any sudden changes in your tree’s appearance. In Portland’s climate, rapid discoloration of leaves during summer can also indicate serious problems that require professional attention.

Help Your Trees Thrive with Proper Tree Care from ArborPro Tree Experts

Tree care myths don’t just cost money – they put your property and safety at risk. Taking the right steps now with proper tree care from certified professionals can prevent expensive problems and protect your valuable trees for years to come.

Whether you have a problem tree that needs removal, a tree that needs pruning, or a pest problem, ArborPro is here to help. Call 503-473-8733 today or fill out our online form to request an inspection and tree care quote.