Thinking About Pruning Your Own Trees? Here’s Why Portland Homeowners Should Think Twice
With spring in full swing, it’s common for Portland homeowners to get out the ladder, grab the pruning saw, and take matters into their own hands when it comes to tree care. After all, a few quick cuts seem harmless—right?
Not exactly.
At Westcoast Tree Care, we’ve seen firsthand the costly consequences of DIY pruning—both to trees and to homeowners. As our team continues serving neighborhoods throughout Portland, we want to share why tree trimming is best left to trained professionals—especially in urban environments.
The Risks of DIY Tree Pruning
Pruning may seem simple, but it comes with real hazards that most homeowners underestimate.
⚠️ Physical Danger
- Falls from ladders or rooftops are one of the most common home-related injuries.
- Electrical hazards are especially serious in Portland’s older neighborhoods, where trees often grow near power lines.
- Improper use of saws, ropes, or climbing gear can lead to accidents—sometimes severe.
⚠️ Tree Damage
- Cutting branches incorrectly can result in splits, decay, or disease entry points.
- Over-pruning removes too much canopy, reducing a tree’s energy source and making it vulnerable.
- “Topping” or flat-cutting a tree’s upper limbs causes stress and unnatural regrowth.
Common Mistakes Portland Homeowners Make
Portland’s urban canopy is unique—and so are the challenges that come with it. We often see issues like:
- Improper pruning timing, which can attract pests or fungal infections
- Cutting branches too close to homes or fences, risking damage
- Trimming street trees without realizing they’re protected under city codes
Without arborist training, it’s easy to unintentionally harm your tree or run into a city ordinance violation.
Why Professional Pruning Matters
Certified arborists understand how to:
- Identify which limbs are truly dead, weak, or overgrown
- Make precise cuts at the correct angle and location to preserve health
- Use proper equipment safely—especially in tight urban spaces
- Spot signs of internal decay or structural imbalance that the average homeowner might miss
Hiring a professional like Westcoast Tree Care not only protects your tree but also protects you from liability and injury.
Portland’s Tree Code: A Quick Note
Many trees in Portland—especially street trees or older species like Douglas firs and white oaks—may be subject to tree preservation regulations. Removing or trimming them without permits can lead to fines.
Our team stays informed on local requirements and can help you navigate city guidelines safely and legally.
Let Us Handle the Heavy Lifting—Safely
If you’ve been thinking about pruning trees on your property, don’t go it alone. Let the ISA Certified Arborists at Westcoast Tree Care provide a free, no-obligation tree assessment while we’re working in the Portland area.
We’ll help you:
- Evaluate your trees for hazards or stress
- Prune properly and professionally
- Keep your trees safe, beautiful, and code-compliant
Contact Westcoast Tree Care today by filling out our online form or calling 1.800.767.8733 to get a no-cost, no-obligation for any of our Portland tree care services.
