The Great Portland Treepocalypse: Separating Fact From Fallen Flora
Ah, Portland. The city of roses, rain, and...recently, a surprising number of downed trees. Did a rogue squirrel army take aim at the city's arboreal citizens? Is this the wrath of Mother Nature, upset with all those discarded kombucha bottles? Relax, folks, it's probably not that dramatic (although a squirrel uprising would be a pretty epic story).
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| How Many Trees Down In Portland |
The January Debacle: When the Wind Howled and the Branches Bowed
The culprit for the most recent wave of downed woodchucks (yes, that's the official botanical term for fallen trees, don't @ me) was a doozy of a winter storm back in January. We're talking gale-force winds and enough ice to make even the chillest Portlander shiver.
These weren't your average "oops, I tripped on a shoelace" kind of tumbles for the trees. We're talking limbs littering streets, power outages galore, and enough debris to make a beaver feel right at home. The city's Urban Forestry Department bravely documented the arboreal carnage, logging over 750 fallen giants.
But Fear Not, Portland! The City of Roses is Still Blooming (Mostly)
While January may have been a rough month for Portland's trees, the good news is that the city's urban forest is a resilient bunch. Portland boasts over 4 million trees, both in parks and on private property, and most of them weathered the storm just fine.
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
The city is also working hard to replant and care for its remaining trees. So next time you're strolling through a Portland park, take a moment to appreciate these leafy giants – they've seen some things, and they're still standing tall (well, most of them).
Fun Fact: Did you know that Portland has a nickname for its Urban Forestry Department? They're called the "Leaf Sheriffs"! How cool is that?
How To FAQs: Keeping Yourself Out of the Tree-pocalypse Crosshairs
Alright, so the chances of a rogue acorn braining you while you're sipping a latte are pretty slim. But just in case, here are some quick tips:
How to identify a dangerous tree?
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
Look for large cracks in the trunk, dead or hanging branches, and any major leaning.
How to report a dangerous tree?
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Portland's Leaf Sheriffs (aka Urban Forestry Department) are happy to help! You can call them at 503-823-TREE (8733).
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
How to plant a tree in your yard?
Planting a tree is a great way to give back to the urban forest! Check out the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability website for tips and resources.
How to avoid getting hit by a falling tree during a storm?
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
Stay indoors during severe weather and avoid parking your car under trees.
How to become a certified arborist?
Do you dream of wielding a chainsaw like a lumberjack rockstar? There are actually arborist certification programs available! Just sayin'.
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