June 2024

Our Urban Forest

The trees of Lake Oswego define our urban forest, but we need to remember that trees do not function alone. What we do to enhance our landscapes has a huge impact on trees.  What is planted near our trees? How do we protect and improve the soil? How do our trees get watered? How do we prune our trees? How do we know our trees are healthy and don’t provide unnecessary risk?

All of these questions need to be answered if we are going to have a healthy urban forest. Each of us needs to take responsibility in taking care of our urban forest. This newsletter includes information to help find answers to those questions.

Annual Urban Forest Summit

Save the date for the Urban Forest Summit on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9:00 am to noon. We’ll be learning about how to care for our urban forest, and we will have professionals available to answer your questions. Registration will open in early September.

Tree Care in Summer

We may get a lot of rain in western Oregon but not in the summer. Add to that a changing climate that can prolong the summer drought, and our trees can face problems. How we water our trees can make a significant difference in tree and root health.

Tree Risk Assessment

This past winter weather caused major damage to many trees within Lake Oswego. Many of us are wondering if anything can be done to prevent such extensive damage in the future.  No one can control winter storms with high winds, but we can take care of our trees to reduce possible damage. An arborist trained in risk assessment can help determine how what your tree needs to reduce the chances of your tree losing a major branch or falling down. When you talk with an arborist, make sure they are trained in risk assessment.

Know Your Dirt

Trees are anchored by their roots. How we care for soil is very important in making sure our trees are healthy. Healthy soil retains water, supports the natural transfer of nutrients, and provides a stable base for tree roots. Check out what we need to do to maintain soil health.

You can also join the Oswego Lake Watershed Council’s annual Reveal Your Undies event on July 10th at 6:00 pm, at the West Waluga Park Picnic Shelter. They will have educational experiences to help you understand how to support healthy soil. Hope to see you there!