Tillis Tree Care

09/28/2026

A tree in a garden is no longer a wild tree.
It can’t grow without limit. Pruning is how we live with it — keep its size, keep light in the crown, keep it flowering, keep it healthy.
That’s the heart of Zen and the Art of Pruning.
Join me Saturday, October 24, 10:00 AM–noonish.
We’ll look at the tree first, then practice: where to cut, how to cut, what to leave, and why the season matters.
Sign up at tillistree.com — mention “October 24 Workshop.”
503-387-3035
I’ll bring the coffee. You bring questions.

09/25/2026

Pruning a laceleaf maple from above is slower on purpose.
From up there you can see the real structure — the branches that cross, the ones that rub, the weak ones crowding the crown, and the ones that still serve the tree. I look for what to keep first. Then I cut what the tree no longer needs.
This short clip shows that view: working from above, reading the branch, and making a clean, respectful cut.
Want hands-on practice? Reach out.
tillistree.com
503-387-3035

09/10/2026

Three-cut pruning isn’t one rigid recipe. It depends on how the branch is growing.
Sometimes we cut partway in from both sides, leave a little hinge wood, put the saw down, snap the limb free by hand, then finish just outside the branch collar. On a horizontal limb, an undercut and a top cut often let gravity snap it clean. Parallel cuts can do the same: saw away, snap the branch, then the final collar cut.
Time of year, sap flow, and species all change how the wood behaves. With a little experience, this becomes a controlled, everyday practice that protects the tree instead of tearing bark.
Tillis Tree Care
Call/text: 503-387-3035
tillistree.com
[email protected]
Serving Portland, Oregon City & surrounding areas

09/01/2026

Dustin’s been reading Jake Hobson’s book on Niwaki — the Japanese way of pruning garden trees so they show their character, not just get cleaned up.
Niwaki means “garden tree.” It’s about revealing form, age, and balance so pines, maples, and evergreens feel like they belong in the landscape.
Curious what that could look like in your yard?
Call or text Dustin: 503-387-3035
www.tillistree.com

09/01/2026

Here’s some photos of some p**n after of the years

09/01/2026

Dustin’s been reading Jake Hobson’s book on Niwaki — the Japanese approach to pruning garden trees so they show their true character instead of just getting “tidied up.”
Niwaki means “garden tree.” It’s about revealing form, age, and balance in pines, maples, and evergreens so they feel like they belong in the landscape.
Got a tree you’d like to see treated that way? Let’s talk.
Call or text Dustin: 503-387-3035
www.tillistree.com

08/30/2026

08/30/2026

🌳 Before & After: Ornamental Prune by Owner Dustin Marchello 🌳
Take a look at this laceleaf maple transformation. This was an ornamental prune done by our owner and ISA Certified Arborist, Dustin Marchello, to reveal the tree’s structural beauty, graceful branching, and elegant form.
The goal was a discreet yet eye-catching presence that enhances the landscape without overpowering it. When thoughtful pruning restores order to a crowded canopy, the tree looks better and the space feels calmer. There’s real peace in seeing chaos managed with care — healthy trees really do support healthier minds.
Proud of this one.

08/23/2026

Yard Editing Special – $100 Off!
Looking for a clean, precise refresh of your trees and shrubs? Whether it’s Japanese maple pruning or a full tidy-up of your landscape, we specialize in those smaller, detail-focused jobs that make a big difference.
We also have an extensive Plant Healthcare department that identifies and treats insects and diseases — including Emerald Ash Borer, Bronze Birch Borer, Mediterranean Oak Borer, and pathogens such as Verticillium Wilt and Anthracnose.
Every project is overseen by owner Dustin T. Marchello and certified arborist Met Lockwood — expert care on site, every single time.
For a limited time, take $100 off any yard-editing or tree/shrub cleanup (typical jobs $450–$900).
Ready for a healthier, cleaner yard? Message us or call today and let’s get started!