Maintaining Ponderosa Pine HealthPonderosa Pine Tree

Chances are, if you live in Central Oregon, you either have ponderosa pine trees on your property or on a nearby property. It is the high desert after all, and our big cinnamon colored pines are a huge asset in our community as well as being a key species in our high desert ecosystem.

Large, healthy ponderosa pines are an asset to your home and property, providing economic, social and environmental benefits. And this time of year, we need to think about how to maintain healthy ponderosa pines in the face of extreme weather patterns such as heavy wind, snow and ice.

Ponderosa pines are considered to have good wood strength, but even the strongest of trees can be damaged in a severe storm. A tree’s storm resistance is determined largely by its history, including past maintenance, pest activity, nearby construction activity as well as that particular tree’s structure and roots. Trees that are located in what we call the “urban forest”, amidst high home density or in a new subdivision can suffer the effects of root compaction, presenting an additional weakness to the tree.

Here are a few tips to maintain your ponderosa pines so they don’t become a hazard for your property:

  • When planting new trees, select a proper planting site. Notice a theme here? Right plant, right place! Ponderosas are big trees and they need a lot of room for their roots and branches to grow unobstructed. We can help you plan for tree planting.
  • Young trees should be pruned for good structure. Ponderosas should have one dominant leader, reducing the risk of splitting during a storm.
  • Avoid cutting the trees roots from construction activities. Tree roots can spread up to two times the height of the tree and roots should be protected from any trenching or other disturbance.
  • Remove dead branches as needed to reduce the threat of breakage of these weak limbs.
  • Don’t over irrigate, especially before or during a storm. Water logged soils can increase the chances of a tree being uprooted, causing major damage.
  • Prune during the dormant season, usually December through February. Hire us to ensure a proper pruning job!

As Certified Arborists, we utilize only the tree care practices. We can safely care for your trees and answer any questions that you have. Contact us today at 541-480-4223 or by email to schedule an appointment to assess your trees.