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Alpha Tree Care – Tree Services and Tree Removal

Native Tree Series: Shore Pine

Pacific Northwest Native Trees Shore Pine: Coastal Character for Your Vancouver Yard Pinus contorta var. contorta — a rugged evergreen with a twisted silhouette, year-round greenery, and a distinct architectural personality. EvergreenYear-Round Structure 30–50 ft.Mature Height 20–30 ft.Mature Spread In This Guide Introduction Biological Features Growth and Maintenance Shaping and Tree Care Native Tree Profile […]

Native Tree Series: Oregon White Oak (Garry Oak)

Pacific Northwest Native Trees Oregon White Oak: A Legacy Tree for Generations The Oregon White Oak, also known as the Garry Oak, is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most ecologically important and enduring native trees. 500+ Year Potential Lifespan 40–80 ft. Mature Height 200+ Species Supported In This Guide Introduction Biological Features Growth and Maintenance […]

Native Tree Series: Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana)

Cascara Native Tree Series June 8, 2026 5:23 pm   Cascara Tree Rhamnus purshiana Cascara is a small-to-medium native tree that deserves more attention in Pacific Northwest yards. It is tough, adaptable, and attractive without needing a lot of fuss. You will often see it growing naturally in local woodland areas, but it can also […]

Native Tree Series: Western Serviceberry

Tree Of Heaven How to deal with these nasty invaders in Vancouver wa May 5, 2026 8:48 pm Western Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) The Western Serviceberry, frequently referred to as the Saskatoon or Juneberry, is a versatile species that straddles the line between a large shrub and a small tree. It is uniquely suited for the […]

Native Tree Series: Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)

Vine Maple The first in our PNw native tree series March 22, 2026 7:39 pm The Vine Maple serves as the premier native alternative to the ubiquitous Japanese Maple. While many homeowners select the non-native Japanese species for its delicate foliage, the Vine Maple provides comparable aesthetic value alongside superior ecological performance.12 In its natural […]

Intro To Our PNW Native Tree Series

Native Tree Series Introduction to our series on SW WA Native Trees February 24, 2026 5:40 pm Why Native Trees Just Make Sense in Vancouver & Clark County Landscapes For years, residential landscaping in the Pacific Northwest leaned heavily toward ornamental, non-native plants chosen primarily for appearance. While many of those trees and shrubs look […]

Winter Tree Care and Planting Tips for Homeowners in the Pacific Northwest

Arborist pruning trees in winter in a Pacific Northwest neighborhood

Winter Tree Care and Planting Tips for Homeowners in the Pacific Northwest Winters in the Pacific Northwest are usually cool, wet, and gray rather than deeply frozen. That makes this season a surprisingly good time to tackle certain tree trimming and pruning projects and, in some cases, to plant new trees for the coming year. […]

Black Locust: Yet another invasive tree species found in Vancouver

The Problem With Invasive Black Locust Trees in Vancouver, WA (And What Homeowners Should Know) The Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is one of the most aggressively spreading tree species now appearing throughout residential neighborhoods in Vancouver, WA. While it may seem harmless at first glance—showing off fragrant white flowers in late spring—this species is classified […]

Tree Of Heaven: How to deal with these nasty invaders

tree of heaven sapling in vancouver wa growing out of driveway crack

Tree Of Heaven How to deal with these nasty invaders in Vancouver wa September 10, 2025 4:02 pm Tree of Heaven Removal Vancouver, WA Understanding Tree of Heaven in the Pacific Northwest The Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) may sound beautiful, but it’s one of the most aggressive invasive trees in the Pacific Northwest. Originally […]