Forestry

From harvest to habitat, trees are a valuable resource within the Stafford Hamlet.

When to plant 

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now”

But the ideal time to plant is fall to early spring (typically October to March).  If you plant in the fall your trees will get naturally “rained in” and you don’t have to water frequently the following summer.  If you plant in the spring you will typically need to water throughout the summer to prevent them from dying.

Where to plant

Earthy rich soils: Firs and Cedars do great in most of the hamlet.  Firs typically need lots of light to grow, while cedars can be planted in established forests in partial shade (however the more light they get the better)

Dry and rocky:  Oaks and Madrones will thrive in dry, rocky soil on hills.   Commonly found on Pete’s Mountain and Hebb Park, but also found throughout the Hamlet

Spacing is typically 10′ for cedars and firs, and a buffer of a few feet should be maintained around the trunk (remove blackberries/grass etc). 

Detailed maps can be found at https://gis.oregonmetro.gov/metromap/  Type in your address and then select from Layers (example Upland Habitat, Riparian Habitat, etc)

Why to plant

Trees provide critical habitat to local wildlife, help give off oxygen that we need to breath, and provide a renewable resource when planted for harvest. 

You can also save on taxes through the Clackamas County Forest and Farm Deferral program here: https://www.clackamas.us/at/farmforestinfochrt.html

 How to plant

Clear: Remove brush, grass, blackberries in a 3′ diameter around the tree location

Plant: Dig hole slightly larger than tree root ball, and pull roots apart if they are growing in a circular pattern (typical for potted plants)

Maintain: Keep the tree clear and ideally put a cage around it for protection – solid plastic has benefit of acting like a greenhouse, mesh ones also protect from deer nibblers and are cheaper.  Use bamboo, steel or fiberglass stakes to hold up the cage.

You can add wood chips/ mulch to keep the weeds down around the trunks, or use a weed cloth barrier.  Maintain for 3 years for seedlings to get established and be safe from deer and weeds.

Helpful Resources

Hoyt Arboretum 

Excellent local inspiration found along trails wandering through Washington Park in Portland, Oregon.  Over 2,300 species of trees and shrubs, see what your trees will look like in 90 years.

4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221

https://www.hoytarboretum.org/

OSU Forestry Extension

https://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/forestry-and-natural-resources