Tree Care & Arborist Services FAQ

Our work and experience

What services do you offer?

Oregon Tree Care is a full-service tree care company serving the Portland metro area, offering:

• • Tree trimming
• • Arborist reports
• • Tree planting
• • Tree removal
• • Tree cabling/bracing

How much do you charge?

Every job is different. Our quotes are based on the service needed, tree size, location of the tree, potential risk/danger, need for specialized equipment, and a variety of other factors.

We take the pricing process very seriously and strive to stay competitive in the marketplace while being careful not to undermine the importance and complexity of the work being completed.

Can I get a free quote?

Absolutely! We offer free quotes.

Call (503) 929-9437 or contact us online to get started.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, we are! Our Oregon CCB# is:176382.

Are you a Certified Arborist or Certified Tree Risk Assessor?

Yes! Our founder Damien Carré is an ISA Certified Arborist (ISA #PN-6405A) and an ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor (#1717). Several of our other team members are ISA Certified Arborists, too!

As ISA Certified Arborists, Damien and the team are trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture. They also adhere to a very strict code Code of Ethics.

Tree care and local tree laws

How often do trees need to be inspected, pruned, or trimmed?

We believe every tree, yard, and home is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all plan that’s right for every situation. We recommend getting started with a tree inspection and then depending on our findings, we’ll help you put together a tree care plan that meets your needs.

Why does tree care matter?

As a homeowner, an investment in tree health doesn’t just benefit the environment! Recent studies have shown that mature healthy trees can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home and property. Beyond that, trees provide privacy and shade and an insulating effect that can reduce your heating and cooling bills.

Who’s responsible if a tree in my yard falls on my neighbor’s house?

You are! That’s why it’s so important to have your trees inspected and trimmed/removed if there’s a chance a tree is at risk of falling and causing property damage.

When should a tree be removed?

We only recommend tree removal when it is absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of your property and the health of other trees in your yard.

We believe that preventive maintenance and regular tree care can nearly eliminate the need for tree removal. If at all possible we will do what we can to help you save your trees!

What are the most common signs of tree damage?

The following warning signs may indicate a problem with a tree or a need for tree care/maintenance:

• • Pools of standing water near the base of a tree
• • Leaning or tilted tree
• • Dead branches
• • Missing bark

Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Many municipalities within the Portland metro area require tree permits for tree care, tree removal, and urban tree planting. Permitting can be based on the location of the tree, the neighborhood, if a Homeowner Association (HOA) exists, and if your property falls within other environmental zones.

We can help you determine if a tree permit or arborist report is needed. Call (503) 929-9437 to learn more.

Can squirrels harm my tree?

Invasive squirrel species in Oregon have raised the competition for food which leads to an increase of animals feeding on trees, specifically maples and oaks. Be on the lookout for brown spots in the canopies of trees. 

Simple measures to deter squirrels from your trees are not feeding squirrels and using bird feeders that do not allow access for squirrels.

What bugs can damage my trees?

The most common pests that can damage trees in the Portland area are: 

• • Aphids - Found on rose, ash, oak, maple, willow, and fruit trees. Aphids damage plants by sucking the sap from leaves, twigs, stems, or roots. They sometimes transmit plant diseases in the process.
• • Bronze Birch Borers - Slender metallic-bronze colored beetles that inhabit all varieties of birch trees. The damage caused by this insect is inflicted during its larval state and leads to thinning of the tree’s “crown.” When not treated promptly, tree removal may be necessary.