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| URBAN FORESTRY |
August 2019, published twice a month
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| Urban Forest Health: Western Redcedar and Drought
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| Classic dieback beginning at the tops of western redcedar trees. A dead western redcedar.
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Dead or dying western redcedar (Thuja plicata), have increasingly been reported to urban forestry departments in Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, BC over the past few years. After long periods of drought, western redcedars in street plantings, parks and yards have died as we have trended towards hotter, drier summers and lower levels of winter rain.
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| Without water, these trees can become stressed. This makes them more likely to suffer from damage by wood boring insects as they do not produce the defenses that healthy trees do. What to look for:In young trees, you may see that the leaves (foliage) are in poor health overall. In older trees, you will see browning of the foliage from the top down, eventually killing the tree.
What you can do:- Only plant western redcedars where the conditions are right! This means a shady, wind-protected site with soil that drains well. Then, plant only during the rainy season for development of good roots.
- Water your trees! At least 15 gallons per week during the summer. Established western redcedars in full sun will benefit from watering on hot summer days.
- Mulch your trees, young AND old, to keep the soil cool and moist.
- Avoid pruning between May and September when insects are most active.
Learn more about tree health:Permits are always required for removal of street trees and yard trees 12" DBH or greater. (In some cases, a permit will be required for smaller trees. Check here to see if you need a permit.) For street trees, pruning cuts 1/2" or greater require a permit.
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| Upcoming EventsOpportunities to learn and volunteer!
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Tree Inventory Workdays
Do not miss the FINAL two inventories of the season! After mapping, measuring, and identifying over 20,000 trees, Portland's largest civic science project is almost OVER!
Be part of history and help us complete our inventory of every tree in neighborhood parks!
Inventory is also your chance to build your tree identification skills, learn hands-on forestry surveying techniques, and meet new friends.
Don’t know an oak from a linden? Don’t worry! A trained Team Leader will teach you everything you need to know.
Last upcoming workdays:
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Midland Park Tree Walk
Sunday, August 18, 2019, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Midland Park, entrance near library parking lot (map)
Join PP&R Urban Forestry and the Mill Park Neighborhood Association for a guided walk of Midland Park.
Right next to Midland Library, this park is a little gem, richly forested in the middle of the city. Step out of the summer heat and take a stroll between the trees of this beautiful park.
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More Upcoming Events
Now - 9/9/19, Midland Park Pop-Up Arboretum: Our newest arboretum is now up and ready for your exploration! Look for informational signs attached to selected trees as you visit this Portland park.
8/17/19, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm: Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop: Different trees require different care. Fruiting trees can be pruned and maintained to optimize fruit production. Join us as we explore pruning techniques for fruit trees and learn why they benefit from a different pruning schedule than other trees. Register here.
9/11/19, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Pests and Pathogens of Portland's Trees. Join PP&R Urban Forestry staff to learn about the insects, fungi and other organisms that currently affect (or may be a future threat to) the trees of our city. Register here.
10/10/19, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Oregon Forest Pest Detector (OFPD) Training. Learn how to identify invasive pests in Oregon forests through this half-day field workshop at Cathedral Park. Cost is $20. ISA CEUs pending. Register here.
Ongoing:
Heritage Tree Photo Contest continues through December 1, 2019. Do you need to know how to find a Heritage Tree near you? Check out our map of all the Heritage Trees in town! Then remember to submit your photo here.
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| Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) Tree Crew Season Review!
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| The 2019 summer season for the Youth Conservation Crew is almost over! The YCC Tree Crew spent their summer working on Portland's trees, and exploring environmental careers.
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| Each summer since 2009, Urban Forestry has been happy to host a YCC Tree Crew as part of the YCC program. Youth between the ages of 14 to 18 apply to participate in the program. From the hundreds that apply, space is limited to 36 teens due to funding, and six of them are chosen for Tree Crew.
From June to August, their work includes weeding, mulching, watering and pruning young trees throughout the city. They spend most of their working days at Portland schools and parks, but they also participate in enrichment days to learn more about professionalism, and the career opportunities available in forestry and environmental fields.
Click the button below to see photos from the 2019 summer season!
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In Other News
Urban Forestry is Now Hiring a Development Services Technician II: Do you enjoy interacting with the public about trees? From contractors and developers to homeowners, our Tree Technicians assist with moderate to difficult permitting inquiries. The work is fast-paced and requires exceptional attention to detail. Technical tree knowledge is useful. To learn more and apply, click here!
Metro Central Community Enhancement Grants Information Session: On Tuesday, August 13, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Metro Regional Center you will have the opportunity to learn more about Metro Central Enhancement Grants. You can ask questions directly to Metro staff about the program, the application, and the award and reimbursement process. For more information, visit their page here.
Shape the Future of Parklane Park: Parklane Park in east Portland is expanding from 5 acres to 25 acres! Help shape the park design by joining the Project Advisory Committee. Tree advocates, park users, and other community members are encouraged to apply to bring a broad perspective to this process. No experience is necessary! Applications are due September 8, 2019. Find all the details here.
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