Tree Planting & Habitat Restoration

Species Selection & Installation

The single most important decision in any planting project is species selection. A tree planted in the wrong soil, under overhead utilities, or in a space too small for its mature canopy will either fail, require costly management, or become a future hazard. We evaluate your site and select species matched to:

• Soil type, drainage, and pH
• Available above and below ground space at maturity
• Sun and wind exposure
• Proximity to structures and utilities
• Climate resilience and regional pest and disease resistance
• Your goals — privacy, shade, wildlife value, or aesthetics

We install each tree at proper depth with appropriate planting hole preparation, soil amendment where indicated, and mulching, and provide a written establishment plan so you know exactly how to support the tree through its first critical years.

Habitat Enhancement & Invasive Species Management

Invasive species like English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, and tree-of-heaven are widespread in Portland's urban landscape and can cause serious damage to trees and ecosystems if left unmanaged. We provide targeted removal using mechanical and chemical methods appropriate to the species, and integrate native replanting to reduce reinvasion. For clients interested in broader habitat goals, we can also advise on native species selection, snag retention, and land management practices that support wildlife and ecosystem health.

Post-Planting Establishment Care

Planting is the beginning, not the end. The establishment period — typically one to three years — is when a new tree is most vulnerable and when care decisions have the greatest impact on long-term health. Our establishment services include:

• Establishment pruning — strategic pruning cuts during the first years to correct form and prevent future defects
• Watering guidance— site-specific irrigation recommendations calibrated to your site's soil and drainage
• Mulch management — proper depth and placement to retain moisture without burying the root collar
• Monitoring visits — follow-up assessments to catch establishment stress before it becomes decline

Where soil conditions warrant, we incorporate biostimulants, mycorrhizal inoculations, and prescription fertilization into the establishment plan.