How Regular Tree Trimming Saves You Money in Portland

Regular tree trimming is one of the smartest ways to protect both your trees and your property, which ultimately helps save money in the long run. Here in Portland, where nearly 30% of the city covered by tree canopy, we’re lucky to have so many beautiful, mature trees dotting our neighborhoods.

But without regular care, these trees can turn into expensive problems down the road. Many require unexpected removals, while others drop large branches onto roofs or vehicles, leading to expensive repairs. Find out how regular tree trimming saves you money in the long run.

Key Takeaways

• Professional tree trimming costs much less than removing hazardous trees or making home repairs.
• Proper trimming helps trees thrive in our unique climate, making them stronger against wind and rain while preventing disease in our wet climate.
• Well-maintained trees boost property values, support Portland’s environmental goals, and help manage stormwater, making them a valuable asset to our communities.
• Portland has specific regulations for tree care, especially for heritage trees and street trees – working with Certified Arborists helps you navigate these requirements.

The Cost of Neglect: How Untrimmed Trees Can Become Expensive

Skipping routine tree trimming may seem like an easy way to save money, but it often leads to much bigger expenses down the road. Here in Portland, where rain is a constant companion from November through March, and where we face increasingly severe weather events, untrimmed trees can quickly become a problem.

Back in January 2024, Portland’s devastating ice storm showed us how vulnerable neglected trees can be, with hundreds of trees falling across the city.

When old, dying, or damaged branches aren’t regularly pruned, they get heavy and weak, making them more likely to break. And when they do fall, they often land on something expensive – like your roof, your car, or even power lines.

In fact, a Douglas fir fell onto a family’s home in the Montavilla neighborhood during January’s storms, making it impossible for them to live there. The repair bills for these accidents usually cost way more than regular maintenance would have.

When trees don’t get regular trimming, you might face:

• Property Damage: Unstable branches can snap off and damage your house, car, or landscaping.
• Legal Headaches: In tightly-packed areas like the Pearl District or Northeast Portland, your trees could affect your neighbors’ properties, which could potentially leave you responsible for the damage, or at least, make you less popular with your neighbors.
• Costly Removal Jobs: Trees that grow without maintenance in urban and suburban areas often end up needing to be completely removed. In Portland’s tight urban areas, this often requires special equipment like cranes, which may increase the complexity and cost of the job.

By staying on top of regular trimming, and keeping trees healthy, strong, and stable, you can help minimize the chance of this happening on your property.

Why Regular Trimming Matters for Tree Health and Longevity

Regular trimming does more than just keep branches under control – it’s key to keeping your trees healthy and strong for many years to come. Portland’s mild, wet climate means trees like the Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, and western red cedar grow very large, often creating dense canopies that block light and air from circulating below.

In fact, our region’s unique climate can lead to much larger trees than in other areas.

When branches grow too close together, they create perfect conditions for mold, pests, and disease to take hold and weaken the tree. This is especially important in Portland, where our long, wet winters can increase the risk of fungal diseases that affect many of our beloved native trees.

But regular trimming can boost the health of your trees by:

• Improving Air Flow and Sunlight: Trimming crowded branches lets light and air reach all parts of the tree, which helps prevent moisture buildup and fungal problems.
• Creating a Stronger Structure: Trees that get regular pruning handle storms better, which matters a lot with Portland’s frequent wind and rain, especially from November-March.
• Helping Trees Use Resources Better: When you remove weak or dead branches, the tree can focus its energy on healthy growth, making it stronger over time.
• Keeping Trees Looking Good: Regular trimming helps trees keep their natural shape, which adds value to your property, especially in historic districts like Laurelhurst, where the neighborhood’s stunning tree canopy helped earn it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Safety First: Avoiding Injuries, Expensive Repairs, and Legal Issues

In Portland’s rainy, windy months, untrimmed trees can become real safety hazards. We’ve seen this firsthand during recent winter storms, where trees continually cause power outages and even deaths around the Portland area. All it takes is a single falling branch to damage your roof, cause a car accident, or knock out power lines, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs.

This is especially important in packed neighborhoods like Northeast Portland or the Pearl District, where your trees could affect your neighbors’ properties. If an unstable tree on your property damages nearby buildings or public infrastructure, you could be responsible for the costs, especially if the tree was already dead, dying, or struggling in one way or another before the incident.

The City of Portland has specific requirements for tree maintenance and clearance, particularly for trees near streets and sidewalks, to hopefully prevent many of these issues.

Regular trimming can help improve safety on your property by:

• Getting rid of weak or dead branches before they fall and cause damage
• Keeping trees stable and less likely to break during storms
• Meeting Portland’s guidelines for tree safety, which helps you avoid fines or forced removal

Portland’s Neighborhoods: Different Areas, Different Challenges

Portland’s neighborhoods each have their own unique tree challenges. In areas like West Hills and Mt. Tabor, where large, mature trees are common, homeowners often deal with branches growing too close to houses or power lines. The older trees in Mt. Tabor have been particularly vulnerable to storm damage recently.

In historic areas like Irvington and Laurelhurst, where older homes sit among mature trees, regular pruning helps protect both the trees and the beautiful old architecture from unnecessary damage.

When pruning mature trees, especially in historic neighborhoods, it’s important to work with local, Certified Arborists who can maintain the health and structure of these trees while keeping valuable homes safe. DIY trimming on larger trees is almost always a bad idea.

Common Questions About Tree Trimming in Portland

When is the best time to schedule trimming for best results?

In Portland’s climate, late winter is ideal for heavy tree trimming. Trees are dormant, minimizing stress and sap flow, especially in maples. Winter pruning also lowers the risk of fungal infections, which thrive during Portland’s wet spring and summer months.

But broken or hazardous branches can be pruned at any time of the year. Light pruning can also be done throughout the year without causing too much additional stress to trees.

How often should I get my trees trimmed?

It depends on the tree’s species, age, location, and environment. Most larger trees do well with trimming every 3-5 years. Trees that grow fast or too close to buildings might need more frequent care.

How do I know my trees need to be trimmed?

Look for dense or overgrown canopies, or branches that rub or cross each other. Check for signs of disease or decay, branches hanging too low over walkways, or any branches growing too close to your house or power lines. In Portland’s rainy climate, you can also look for heavy moss growth and water-soaked branches, which can make limbs heavier and more likely to break.

Does trimming hurt the tree?

Removing branches does cause wounds to trees. But when done properly by certified professionals, wounds are usually minimal and are able to heal quickly. Trimming actually

helps trees by removing unhealthy branches and encouraging strong growth, improving overall health.

Are there rules about tree trimming in Portland?

Yes, Portland has specific regulations about tree care, especially for:

• Street trees (those between sidewalks and streets)
• Heritage trees
• Trees in environmental zones
• Trees over certain sizes

Your best bet is to check with Portland’s Urban Forestry division or talk to a Certified Arborist who knows local regulations. The rules can vary by neighborhood and tree type, and they’re updated periodically to protect our urban forest.

What about emergency tree service?

If you’re facing an emergency situation, such as a tree or branch that has fallen onto your home or vehicle, or you see a broken branch that can fall at any moment, you can call us 24/7 for emergency tree service. Our team is able to respond quickly, allowing us to handle the situation before any more damage is done.

Why Choose ArborPro for Professional Tree Trimming in Portland?

Our team at ArborPro Tree Experts brings together ISA-Certified Arborists who really know Portland’s trees and climate challenges. We’ve worked across all of Portland’s different neighborhoods, from the tall Douglas firs in Forest Park to the historic elms in Ladd’s Addition, and understand how our unique climate affects different species.

Our expert team stays up-to-date with all local tree care rules and Portland’s specific permit requirements, helping property owners take care of their trees the right way. You can count on us to always do what’s best for the health and structure of your trees and the safety of your property.

Ready to Have Your Trees Trimmed by Portland’s Best?

Regular tree trimming is a smart investment that keeps your trees safe and healthy, helping you save money over the long-term. Living in Portland means our trees face extreme challenges, but with proper care, they can be a lifelong asset rather than a liability.

If your trees are due for trimming, or need an inspection, call our team at 503-473-8733 to request a free estimate today.