TREE & LAWN CARE BLOG
What is the green stuff growing on my trees?
Most of the time, in damp, shady areas you will spot a substance on the branches or trunk of a seemingly declining tree. This substance can be either lichen or moss.
What’s the difference between lichen and moss on trees?
Lichen
A combination of fungi and algae
Can be a range of colors including blue, green gray etc.
Appears in thin flaky patches
Moss
Always dark green
Coarse texture
Does moss or lichen harm my tree?
Lichen does not harm trees, though it might seem that way because they are usually found on declining specimen. Actually, lichen just tends to thrive on unhealthy trees because when they are under stress, there are usually less leaves and branches, allowing more light to shine on the trunk and creating the perfect environment for lichen to take over.
How can I get rid of moss or lichen on my trees?
There is no pressing need to rid the tree of moss or lichen as it does no harm to your trees and actually can be beneficial to the environment by providing a food source for many birds and other animals. However, if you would still like to get rid of it, a fungicide called copper sulfate can be applied by an ISA certified Arborist to kill it.
If you have moss or lichen on your trees, it is best to have them assessed properly by one of our ISA certified Arborists to rule out any potential tree disease, tree decay or pests that could be causing stress on the tree to begin with. Use the link below to be connected with an ISA certified arborist today!
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What Can We Learn From The Trees In Fall?
There is something special about fall time. The perfect weather, cool breeze with sun just warm enough to go out and enjoy without all those pesky mosquitoes. Most of all, the trees and watching their leaves change colors. Many people call fall a “second spring” where the leaves are all flowers blooming to drop again and return next season.
There are a multitude of life lessons the trees can teach us. We have listed just a few.
Embracing change
Most of us hate change, its scary and unpredictable. But every fall, the leaves show us that change can be a beautiful thing.
Learn to let go
Just as the trees let go of their leaves in fall, we must learn to let go of things that are no longer meant for us in order to grow stronger, healthier and return more beautiful next season.
Dark seasons are necessary
No rain, no flowers. Dark times are inevitable for all of us. It is important to remember that without dark times, we wouldn’t have the determination to be reborn and start again.
Nothing lasts forever
The bad news is that nothing lasts forever, the good news is also that nothing lasts forever. The changing of the seasons reminds us that no matter what, time will still be marching along. Take time to enjoy your life and live to the fullest everyday.
We hope these lessons give you a new way to look at the beauty in the trees that surround us!
Why Is Topping Your Trees Deadly?
Sometimes, due to improper planting or planning, the trees we once loved outgrow them selves and become a problem. It may seem easiest to just chop them at the top to shorten them back down to a reasonable size. However, doing so could put your trees at major risk for decline.
Why is tree topping bad for my trees?
Improper pruning leaves the tree open for pests and decay to take over
It triggers response growth, a trees natural reaction to grow a large amount of smaller weaker branches in place of what was lost. This can be very unsightly and dangerous in heavy storms
The tree struggles to repair the large amount of leaves and branches lost, its main food source
Topping your trees can end up being much more costly than just removing them al together and replanting and specimen that fits your style.
If you have trees that have outgrown their space and need some recommendations on how to fix them, our Arborists in Monroe are always available at the link below!
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Why Are My Shrubs Dying?
Some of the most common types of shrubs to plant around suburban houses are azaleas, boxwoods and holly’s. But sometimes, due to a number of reasons, these shrubs don’t last long before turning brown and dying off little by little.
But what’s causing my shrubs to die?
Many factors come into play when determining cause for decline in shrubs.
Environmental factors. Georgia heat can be a lot to handle, especially for certain specimen who prefer partly shaded areas or thrive in cooler environments. Before planting your desired shrub, be sure to do some research on where and how you should plant it to ensure it isn’t getting too much or too little sun.
Pests/diseases. Small insects such as borers or different types of diseases can cause your shrubs to turn brown or die. Be sure to have your property inspected by a certified Arborist to be sure that those diseases or pests don’t spread to your other trees or plants.
Soil moisture. In summertime, your shrubs will need a little extra TLC. Especially when it comes to water. The most vital thing to your plants health is ensuring they are getting enough water in extreme heat temperatures. However, it is also possible to over water your shrubs and trees as well so it is important to establish a schedule that fits.
Fertilizer overload. This can be tricky because unless a soil test has been performed, the proper amount or type of fertilizer you may need can be a guessing game. By applying too much of the wrong type of fertilizer to your shrubs, you can actually burn your shrubs by increasing the salt levels in the soil.
How can I stop my shrubs from dying?
If your shrubs are suffering from something simple like leaf scorch or drought, getting them in a shaded area by replanting or putting another species nearby to provide them with more shade could do the trick. Establishing a proper watering schedule especially in extreme heat situations is important to keep them healthy and happy as well. But if you are concerned about diseases or pests that could have infected your shrubs, be sure to contact your local ISA certified Arborist to schedule a free consultation on your landscape!
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How Much Does It Cost To Remove a Tree?
The first step to a tree removal is an ISA Certified Arborist consultation at your home. At North American Tree Service, our first priority is determining if the tree can be saved or brought back to health if it was in decline from pests, decay or damage. However, if the tree cannot be saved, or is in too risky of an area to try, you may decide tree removal is your best option.
But how much does tree removal cost?
You might think there is a standard set of pricing for tree removal, or we have a standard per tree price. But, every tree is very different and there are a lot of factors that go into pricing out a tree removal.
Size. The actual size of the tree you are removing will determine how long our crews will be on your property and will need to be measured by our Arborists while on site.
Equipment. Usually, most trees can be removed with standard equipment such as our Omme tracked lift or bucket trucks. But if neither of these pieces of equipment can reach your tree, we may have to bring larger equipment such as a crane out to the job site, which could incur a higher rate.
Location. A large determining factor of cost is the actual location of the tree. This also plays into what type of equipment we may need to bring to the job site. Tree removal is much more risky and dangerous when powerlines are involved, the tree is completely dead, or is hanging over your home or other structures. This is why it is important to have your trees regularly assessed by a certified arborist. Doing this is a preventative measure that might save you on a tree removal later on.
Ultimately, our technicians need to come out to your home and take an in person look at the trees you are concerned about in order to give a proper estimate.
If you are concerned with dead trees you may have on your property, click the link below to be connected with one of our certified arborists today!
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Top 5 Tree Pests During Summer In Georgia
Summer has arrived in Georgia and we are all enjoying the pollen lessening and the weather getting warmer. However, we aren’t the only ones who are enjoying the great outdoors. With summer, brings a whole new world of places for pests to thrive. We have gotten together a list of the top 5 most common tree pests in Watkinsville we see in Georgia in the summer.
Bagworms
Feed mostly on juniper, arborvitae, cedar, spruce, honeylocust, linden, willow, maple, oak, birch, elm and poplar
Consume tree leaves
Must be controlled at first sight of infestation to avoid tree decline
Tent Caterpillars
Most noticeable with large spider webs and leaf loss
Affects mostly black cherry, ash, birch, sweetgum, willow, maple and oak
Certified Arborist must apple a treatment to control the larvae in winter from reproducing
Aphids
Affects all specimens
Feeds on tree leaves and stems causing leaf drop.
Can usually be found on the trunk of the tree or the underside of the leaves
Call Certified Arborist for treatment plan at first notice of the infestation
Canker worms
Eats away at the leaves of your trees leaving behind ragged, choppy leaves
Mostly affected specimen are elm, oak, apple, maple, linden, beech, cherry, hickory and ash
Pesticide must be applied in spring by a certified Arborist to remove them
Japanese Beetle
Most commonly seen on crape myrtle, birch, littleleaf linden, crabapple, purple leaf plum, Japanese maple and Norway maple
Chew through the veins of the leaves on your trees leaving behind only a brown skeleton
Pesticide must be applied by a certified Arborist during peak growing season, mid June-August
If you have noticed leaf drop, yellowing of the leaves or other concerning issues with the health of your trees, our certified Arborists in Watkinsville can provide you with a free assesment! Click the link below to get in touch!
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How To Get Rid Of Spider Mites
Have you noticed small yellow or brown spots on the leaves of your trees or plants this year? Maybe even small spider webs on the leaves with little to no sign of actual pest presence?
Your landscape might have become victim to pesky spider mites.
What are spider mites?
Spider mites are a pesky pests that are rarely able to be seen with the naked eye and live on the underside of the leaves of your trees and plants spinning webs that can ultimately lead to the death of those specimen. They are only about one millimetre big and have different shades of red, yellow, black or brown.
What do they feed on?
Spider mites are not picky eaters. They will feed on just about any type of tree or plant you have in your garden without complaint. They ultimately feed on the bottom of your tree leaves, leaving the signs of damage on the top portions.
How can I get rid of them?
Depending on the severity of your infestation, it is always best to consult with a certified arborist in Athens before making any decisions that could ultimately affect the overall health of your trees. However, there are a couple quick fixes you can use to minimize the damage until an arborist can come to your property.
Spray the tree or plant with water to dislodge any webbing and release as many mites as possible making sure to get the underside of the leaves.
Many retail stores carry insecticidal soap that you can spray early in the morning or in the evening every 7-10 days to kill further eggs from hatching.
Neem oil is an organic remedy used by a large amount of gardeners as an all natural way to rid your trees and plants from a large number of pests.
If you have done all of these steps and are still having any issues with your trees dropping leaves, browning or yellowing, please give us a call using the link below to be connected with a certified Arborist in Athens to assist you with any tree pest issues you might be having.
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Is My Sprinkler System Damaging My Trees?
Irrigation systems are great for low maintenance landscaping. Essentially you just set it , forget it, and watch everything bloom. However, if these irrigation systems are not properly placed, they can cause a problem for your trees and plants.
In the strong Georgia heat, we rarely think of overwatering posing any threats to our gardens. In the heat of the summer especially, it is very important to provide a substantial amount of water to keep your trees, plants and grass thriving.
When you decide to have your sprinkler system installed its important to make sure the location is ideal. Too much water can do just as much harm as too little. Overwatering with trees can be a dangerous situation as excessive moisture provides a perfect breeding ground for pathogens and fungus to develop, essentially leading to the weakening of your trees. If you notice any fungus or mushrooms growing at the base or the trunks of your trees, call a certified Arborist as soon as possible to have your trees properly assessed for decline.
Some signs your plants/trees are getting too much water are:
root rot
bark falling off the trunk
trunk damage
saturated soils
fungus (mushrooms, etc.)
Some signs your plants/trees aren’t getting enough water are:
wilted or curling leaves
smaller leaves than normal
leaf drop
yellowing or burning of the leaves
After installation, walk around to different spots checking the soil after a run to ensure it is getting proper moisture. If the soil is heavily saturated you know your trees and plants are being overwatered and visa versa.
If you would like an ISA Certified Arborist to come assess the health of your trees, click the link below to be connected!