Blog | Rich's Tree Service | 24 Hour Emergency Service

Tree Climbing

Posted on May 17, 2013 by admin

Ever wonder how someone becomes a tree climber? Although there are many paths, Rich’s Tree Service chooses the one of professionalism. Owner Rich Gillum requires all tree climbers to have at least five years of climbing experience prior to employment. This experience must include working with small to very large trees, and include everything from light pruning and thinning to removal of extra-large trees in places such as on a steep slope. In addition to requiring multiple years of climbing experience, Rich’s Tree Service has several Certified Arborists.

Each morning our crews come together to discuss the days projects in detail to insure even the smallest of matters are not overlooked. The crews then gather the tools and materials specifically needed for your project before leaving the shop.

Even the best climbing arborists can be limited by the equipment made available to them, and when this happens, compromises are made. We expect the best from our crews, therefore we give them the best equipment to work with. We pride ourselves in being an industry leader and are aware that in order to keep that reputation we must supply you with great arborists with the latest equipment.

We have been serving the Portland Metro areas for over 24 years. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured tree care company that specializes in pruning, preservation, and removal. Customers can read our reviews on Angie’s List, The BBB, Facebook and ask for a list of commercial and residential references to learn more about our superior service.

Simply contact Rich’s Tree Service today to have your trees and shrubs evaluated, or to learn more about our tree company call us at 503-465-2133, or online at http://richstree.net/.

Stump Grinding

Posted on May 3, 2013 by admin

Stump grinding is a method used to completely remove a stump. Typically, after a tree is removed a stump will stand above ground about 2-4 inches. This can be unsightly and cause a potential tripping hazard. Rich’s Tree Service is experienced in stump grinding and we have a variety of different machines so we can get to those difficult locations or the stump right in the front yard. We often grind a stump right after a tree has been removed but this is also an effective way to remove those stumps that have been there a long time.

One resulting after thought that is left for most Portland homeowners is the amount of stump debris that accumulates after the stump grinding is completed. Once the stump grinder has gone below the surface 12-18” there is a pile of stump debris consisting of rocks, wood chips and dirt that piles up between two to three times the size of the original stump. Unlike many other tree service companies, we have the equipment to remove this debris for you, so let us know if you want an estimate for cleanup also.

A common thought is to replant a tree exactly where the tree or shrub was removed. This is not recommended because the newly planted tree will not receive adequate nutrition from the soil, and for at least the first 6 months the soil is very acidic. Instead, it is recommended to plant the tree or shrub in a different area or right next to where the stump grinding occurred.

Owner Rich Gillum of Rich’s Tree Service, Inc. has been serving the Portland Metro areas for over 24 years. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured tree care company. Customers can read our reviews on Angie’s List, and ask for a list of commercial and residential references to learn more about our superior service. Simply contact Rich’s Tree Service today to have your trees or shrubs evaluated, or to learn more about our company by phone at 503-465-2133, or email at info@richstree.net.

Tree and Shrub Pruning

Posted on April 19, 2013 by admin

When it’s time to start pruning, make sure you know what the desired outcome is. If your trees and shrubs are important to you, like most Portland residents, then it’s important to know that the person behind that saw knows more than how to cut and clip. They need to know why they should cut and clip and what affect that will have for years to come.

A certified arborist has the experience necessary to understand plant physiology and anatomy, as well as the way in which certain plants respond to pruning. Improper pruning can lead to disease, insect damage, decay, loss of aesthetics, and structural weakness, predisposing plants to failure. Rich’s Tree Service understands the individual needs of your trees and shrubs, and has a staff of Certified Arborists dedicated to the proper care of your valuable landscape.

Trees and grass do not always get along. Most Portland homeowners will ask tree service companies to come out and thin their trees to allow more light to access their lawn. However, instead of thinning, raising the canopy is more beneficial for allowing more sunlight to penetrate the grass. Even if the tree is thinned, the light that filters through it will be mostly stripped of the spectrums the lawn needs, where as raising the canopy allows the full spectrum of light to come through. We know this because we are involved in more than just tree cutting; we are invested in the science of tree care.

When your trees are properly and regularly cared for it increases their overall health, reduces the potential for failure, brings them to their full aesthetic value, and increases your property value. That’s why it’s so important to go with a tree service company such as Rich’s Tree Service when selecting a tree care service provider. If you are considering pruning your trees contact Rich’s Tree Service to have one of our Certified Arborists assist you.

What to Look for When Hiring a Tree Service Company

Posted on April 5, 2013 by admin

It is important for homeowners to do their homework when looking to hire a tree service company to prune, remove, diagnose, and/or cable their trees or shrubs. Some key points to think about include;

Are they licensed bonded and insured
How long have they been in business, and
What certification do they carry

Reviewing their ratings, referrals and reviews are also good indicators based on others experiences.

Being licensed, bonded, and insured protects the homeowner from any damage that was unforeseen. This could be as small as a branch landing on a fence post or a more extreme situation such as a tree falling on the neighbor’s house. If the tree company you choose is not insured you could be held responsible to pay for such damages. It is also important to know how long they have been in business. This information will allow you to evaluate how credible and experienced the tree service is.

At Rich’s Tree Service, Inc. we have several Certified Arborists. This means our team has gone through extensive training and has passed the International Society of Arboriculture exam. This exam includes knowledge of tree care, soil structure & hydrology, tree biology, and risk assessment. In addition to passing the exam Arborists are required to obtain Continuing Education Units every year to maintain their certification. If you value your trees and shrubs, hiring a company that has Certified Arborist’s is a must. Once the damage is done by someone who does not know what they are doing, it makes it significantly harder to correct, and can lead to the need for complete removal.

Rich’s Tree Service, Inc. has been serving the Portland Metro areas for over 24 years. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Customers can read our reviews on Angie’s List, and ask for a list of commercial and residential references to learn more about our superior service. Simply contact Rich’s Tree Service today to have your trees or shrubs evaluated, or to learn more about our company. You can reach us at 503-465-2133 or info@richstree.net.

Tree and Shrub Care in Spring

Posted on March 22, 2013 by admin

If you’re like most Oregonians, spring time is when we typically start getting enticed to move our thinking back to the great outdoors. In the Portland Metro area our summers are so short that we want to make sure everything is ready for the occasions when the sun decides to break through, so that we can thoroughly enjoy the outdoor activities we love. For the majority of us in the Portland Metro area, the beautiful vegetation is one of the anchors that keeps us attracted to this region, and let’s face it, it just keeps on growing and therefore needs some regularly scheduled maintenance and tree care.

This time of the year is critical for pruning, trimming, and plant care. Before dormancy breaks and the trees begin to leaf out, pruning is optimal for most trees. Although there are a few exceptions due to various insect or disease problems in particular species of trees seem to have as a grouping. For most trees this is a great time to create clearance, do some shaping, remove conflicting and diseased branches, or simply get some sunshine back into dark places.

Spring is also recommended for wrapping up any tree planting that may be considered. The reasoning for this is because trees are still dormant and there is a lot of rain yet to come; this will reduce the need for supplemental irrigation. This is a critical factor to consider when planting as it reduces the risk of transplant shock.

Trees and shrubs that are well cared for will be less likely to be overtaken by disease or damaged by structural defects. Diseases that should be evaluated in the spring include Shot Hole for Cherry trees, Anthracnose for Dogwood’s, Dutch Elm Disease for Elms, and Leaf Spot on Photinia and Hawthorne’s.

The Walnut tree is famous in Portland for causing seasonal allergies. These trees produce a significant amount of pollen in May and June. For those of us who have hay fever these months can be miserable. Another tree to be aware of this month is the Elm tree. Elm trees are prone to disease and can only be removed or pruned between the months of October and April due to Dutch Elm disease. It is important to have a Certified Arborist evaluate Elm trees to see if removal or pruning is necessary.

Signs of Dutch Elm disease include wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Individual branches are typically affected in the lower portion of the crown, and careful examination of such branches typically reveals a hole approximately half the diameter of a pencil on the top of such branches. If you notice these signs and are unable to get to affected branches for careful examination, do not wait; call your local Certified Arborists to schedule an inspection.

Call or email Rich’s Tree Service, Inc. today in order to have your trees and shrubs evaluated for their spring time needs at 503-465-2133, or info@richstree.net. The major cities we service are Portland, Beaverton, Lake Owego, West Linn, Hillsboro, Oregon City, Tigard, Tualatin, Gresham, Milwaukie, Clackamas, Troutdale, Fairview, Damascus, Boring, Sandy, Beavercreek, Corbett, Sherwood, and Vancouver.

Tree Cabling

Posted on March 8, 2013 by admin

Cabling is used to provide extra support of weight. It also helps resist damage caused by excessive loading from events such as snow, wind and other acts of God. Tree cabling is typically needed when there are split or decayed crotches, crotches with included bark, property or people below are threatened, or the tree has long heavy branches. Cabling preventative measures can be used to reduce tipping, breaking branches, maintaining heritage trees, and helps assist photosynthetic biomass.

Cobra cables are a special cable that is made out of woven nylon. The benefits of using a nylon cable include: flexibility, shock absorbency, longevity, eliminates wounding, does not require drilling, quick installation, and it is recyclable. Cabling is typically installed toward the top of the tree. Cabling toward the top reduces tension and saves the tree. It also saves on cost because less strength is required of the rope. Friction sleeves are used to protect the tree and the rope from chafing. Reaction wood can occur when a tree is subject to a mechanical device. However, Cobra cabling does not disturb the wood and because there is no drilling involved there is no injury inflicted onto the tree.

We know the importance many residential and commercial properties in the Portland area express for their trees and shrubs. Rich’s Tree Service has installed multiple Cobra cables throughout the Greater Portland Metro areas. If you think your trees might benefit from the use of cabling/bracing fill out a free estimate form and one of our Certified Arborists will evaluate your trees to see if cabling is needed.

Street Trees

Posted on February 22, 2013 by admin

Most Street Trees are regulated in the Portland Metro Area. Rich’s Tree Service has addressed many street tree necessities. Most of the time a permit is not required to prune your street trees. However, Lake Oswego along with a few other cities have very strict policies that must be followed when dealing with a tree. Most cities including Portland require permits to remove street trees. Once a street tree is removed, replanting is typically required. Many aspects should be considered when trying to decide what type of replacement tree to plant. Growth potential, utilities, and concrete should all be considered while deciding on a replacement tree. In most cities it is necessary to state what kind of replacement tree you are proposing in order to get a permit.

Growth Potential should be considered while deciding what variety of tree to choose to accurately pick what tree will flourish in the allowable space. Looking above the ground is always recommended to confirm that the chosen tree will not grow above or within utilities; electrical lines are of the greatest concern. For a list of trees recommended for planting under utility lines, visit www.jfschmidt.com, and search UtiliTrees. Looking at the ground and surrounding area is highly recommended too. If a sidewalk is present, one should consider the possibility of concrete damage due to the trees root system. This is another area where growth potential plays a huge role. In addition to sidewalks, streets should also be considered. Street trees are required to be pruned up to create 8’ of clearance above sidewalks, and 14’ above streets.

All major cities require a Certified Arborist Report for a street tree to be removed. Rich’s Tree Service, Inc. has removed, pruned, and planted many street trees in the surrounding Portland Metro Areas. We are preferred Certified Arborists in Lake Oswego, and Vancouver Washington. Rich’s Tree Service can also help you decide what variety is best suited for your location. If you are interested in one of our Certified Arborists providing you a free estimate regarding your street trees, please fill out our contact form and we will get back to you right away.

Fruit Tree Pruning

Posted on February 11, 2013 by admin

End of winter early spring is the ideal time to prune fruit trees. Dormancy is the main reason, so pruning should be done before budding occurs. Homeowners should have their fruit trees pruned every year; this also helps to keep pruning wounds small. It is very important to start pruning when the tree is young. The reasoning behind this is to create form and structure. Trees that are trained while young are easiest to prune while maintaining an esthetically pleasing structure. Proper pruning promotes airflow throughout the tree which helps prevent diseases. This also allows branches to grow strong to help support the weight of the fruit. Proper pruning is essential to reduce pest and disease issues.

Popular fruit trees in the Portland Metro area include apple, pear, plum, peach and cherry. Amongst these Nectarine trees are also popular but require more maintenance due to precise pruning and harvesting. Oregon’s state fruit is the Pear, and is also the top selling fruit tree crop. Apple trees grow very well in Oregon, and it is safe to say they are probably the hardiest fruit tree to have. Cherry trees can be difficult due to our wet weather, but their flowers are hard to beat. Property owners that are looking for sweet fruit should consider a Peach tree, but keep in mind these are also prone to peach-leaf curl and insect damage.

If you would like one of our Certified Arborists to evaluate your fruit trees and provide you with a free estimate, please fill out our contact form and we will get back to you right away.

End of Winter Pruning

Posted on January 25, 2013 by admin

February is the best time to wrap up winter pruning for your evergreens, along with your deciduous trees and shrubs. Due to trees and shrubs being dormant during late winter and early spring this allows ideal timing for pruning. February allows Rich’s Tree Service’s Certified Arborists and skilled Tree Climbers to evaluate evergreens that may need branches removed to correct shaping issues, and thinning of congested trees. Deciduous trees and shrubs should be pruned this time of year while they are still dormant, and you want to shape and train new growth.

Things to ask yourself to see if pruning is needed:

When was the last time you had your trees and shrubs professionally pruned?

Do you see any broken branches?

Were winter conditions harsh this year?

Do you notice any branches close to your house or any other structures?

Fill out our Free Estimate request form to have one of our Certified Arborists assess your trees and shrubs to see if pruning is needed at this time. For more information regarding pruning and thinning techniques visit our Tree Pruning page.

Experienced Climber Position

Posted on January 17, 2013 by admin

We are currently seeking a skilled tree climber with a minimum of three years experience. ODL or WDL required, CDL preferred. Aborist Certification with line clearing is a plus. Must be dependable, motivated, and have reliable transportation to and from our office location. Wage depends on experience. Experience needs to be in climbing small to x-large trees. If you would like to work with a company with 23 years of experience and you have 3 years of experience please email your resume to info@richstree.net or fax to 503-665-8730. Please include Climber Position in the subject line. Please no phone calls at this time.