Doug Fir Replacements - Ask Extension
My neighbor's Doug Fir fell during the recent Arctic Blast. It caused little damage to nearby homes or cars. We were LUCKY!
Neighbors on both side...
Knowledgebase
Doug Fir Replacements #857776
Asked January 24, 2024, 5:11 PM EST
My neighbor's Doug Fir fell during the recent Arctic Blast. It caused little damage to nearby homes or cars. We were LUCKY!
Neighbors on both sides of me and I have 3 Doug Firs that we are considering taking out because they put our homes in danger of being crushed by the next storm. . We bought our homes in part because of the shade they provide in summer and the wildlife they support (speaking for myself).
MY QUESTION: If we take these firs out, what are the best trees we can plant to replace them and protect our homes and encourage wildlife? I, in particular, want a PNW native on my property. My neighbors may want something different. Hence, I am interested in both natives (for me) and non-natives (in case my neighbors want something different. Deciduous or evergreen trees are both in the running.
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Before removing your Douglas-firs, it would be best to check on any tree ordinances that apply in your jurisdiction. With respect to replacement tree species, here are some considerations and references to help you choose.
First, evaluating the soils, climate, exposure, and growing space of your planting site is key to choosing species that will thrive in your environment over the long term. A big factor in developed areas is to ensure there is enough space for a well-developed root and shoot systems. Roads, sidewalks, building foundations and other obstacles to tree roots can limit root development (or be damaged by roots) to the extent that trees will become unstable as they grow larger.
If you are concerned about large trees threatening structures, you may be constrained to planting species of smaller stature.
Many native tree species in Oregon are large and long-lived. If you expand your selection to non-native trees, there is a longer list of small or medium sized trees.
Rather than trying to recommend any particular species, I will provide some references to serve as a menu for you to choose from based on your aesthetics and planting site characteristics. As a forester, I focus on native forest trees and I am not so familiar with landscape horticulture and non-native species. You may want to consult with an arborist who has more familiarity with the full list of choices https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist.
Here are some good references:
First, evaluating the soils, climate, exposure, and growing space of your planting site is key to choosing species that will thrive in your environment over the long term. A big factor in developed areas is to ensure there is enough space for a well-developed root and shoot systems. Roads, sidewalks, building foundations and other obstacles to tree roots can limit root development (or be damaged by roots) to the extent that trees will become unstable as they grow larger.
If you are concerned about large trees threatening structures, you may be constrained to planting species of smaller stature.
Many native tree species in Oregon are large and long-lived. If you expand your selection to non-native trees, there is a longer list of small or medium sized trees.
Rather than trying to recommend any particular species, I will provide some references to serve as a menu for you to choose from based on your aesthetics and planting site characteristics. As a forester, I focus on native forest trees and I am not so familiar with landscape horticulture and non-native species. You may want to consult with an arborist who has more familiarity with the full list of choices https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist.
Here are some good references:
Establishing and managing forest trees in western Oregon, good information about native tree species, environmental tolerances, planting practices, etc. https://oregonforests.org/pub/establishing-and-managing-forest-trees-western-oregon
The city of Portland has an extensive list of trees and shrubs, both native and non-native, with information about their size and space requirements https://www.portland.gov/bds/documents/tree-and-landscaping-manual-plant-materials/download
OSU Landscape Plants website, look up plants by name to learn more details about their size, appearance, environmental tolerances, including photos. https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/common
