The park’s heritage trees are a significant part of the history of Parkersville, Camas and Washougal; the trees can represent history to future generations

During a clear morning with Mt. Hood in sight, and a temperature of 28 degrees with a windchill, three trucks and five men from Cascade Tree Works arrived at Parker’s Landing Historical Park. The trucks, crew, and chipper were there to give a helping hand to the park’s heritage apple grove, walnut, and cherry trees. The appointment had been made months before with the very busy husband and wife owned company that believes in doing community service projects. In addition to a life extending pruning, the walnut and cherry tree also needed a tree support system.

In 2022, the company had sent out ISA Certified Arborist Richard Kemmerly and others several times to assist members of Parkersville National Heritage Site (PNHS) Advisory Committee to the Port with the heritage trees nomination. Kemmerly helped measure the trees, a requirement of the application, using a laser light device. He also confirmed the trees were healthy enough to qualify. The nomination forms were then submitted to the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program that maintains a list of trees of significance through its Heritage Tree Program. All nominations were accepted into the program in July 2022.

Cascade Tree Works provides emergency tree removal, hazard tree assessment, tree removal, pruning, and tree preservation. What caught the eye of the PNHS Advisory Committee was “tree preservation.” The park’s heritage trees are a significant part of the history of Parkersville, Camas and Washougal. The trees can represent history to future generations.

Arborist Kemmerly considers pruning crucial for the health and longevity of trees in an urban setting, especially for fruit trees. He states, “Due to their unique structure, growth patterns, and additional weight added during harvest season, fruit trees require regular pruning by a skilled professional.”  Kemmerly cautions those interested in fruit production that the heavy upper foliage in unpruned trees will shade lower parts of the tree and inhibit formation of fruit wood. Kemmerly advises, “Eventually, fruit production will be limited to the tops of high branches where sunlight is most prevalent. Harvesting from only the upper portion of the canopy is not only difficult and dangerous but has a higher likelihood of failure. Ideally fruit trees are pruned every 1-3 years, pending species and owner’s interest. Pruning at the proper time and removing the proper amount of foliage is essential. Pruning too little or too much can have drastic side effects on your fruit trees.” 

Kemmerly’s added key points for pruning fruit trees is to establish strong scaffolding branches as these are the branches that will primarily support the weight of the fruit. He concludes his advice, “Start this training young for the best results.” Area residents can reach Arborist Richard Kemmerly at Cascade Tree Works, LLC, at (360) 718-7108 or by emailing cascadetreeworks@gmail.com.

At the second annual Parkersville Day, held at Parker’s Landing Historical Park, on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., learn more about the park’s heritage trees and rich local history in a fun, free, educational experience for all ages. To volunteer or learn more, see https://www.facebook.com/ParkersLandingHistoricalPark or email SusanLTripp@gmail.com.