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!

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What Is A Certified Arborist & Why Do I Need One?

If you are in the search for tree care professionals in Athens, you have probably heard the term “Arborist” pop up once or twice.

So what is a certified arborist?

Properly caring for your trees requires a professional that has knowledge and expertise in arboriculture. Arboriculture is essentially the cultivation, management, and study of trees and other woody plants.

Becoming a certified Arborist in Athens is done so through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and requires a number of years of experience as well as extensive testing. Most ISA Certified Arborists will attend a 2-4 year college in order to obtain the knowledge to pass the lengthy exams.

After the exams are over, ISA Certified Arborists are required to maintain their status and certification by taking classes, participating in labs, etc. As our environments evolve, so do the trees and the plants around us, which is why it is important that Davey Certified Arborists stay up to date on current diseases, pests and problems in order to properly assess your trees.

Hiring a certified Arborist from Davey will ensure your trees are getting the correct attention they need in order to survive and thrive in your specific environmental conditions.

Why do I need a Certified Arborist?

Some tree services do not have certified Arborists on staff with them which leaves you wondering why you really need one in the first place.

Taking proper care of your trees requires an extensive knowledge and background on tree care that only a certified Arborist will carry. By hiring a tree service that does not have proper knowledge or expertise in tree care, your trees could be in danger of improper pruning, unnecessary removals, and more!

An ISA Certified Arborist in Athens will always try to save your dead and dying trees before offering a simple removal. There are a number of treatments given to kill and prevent certain pests and diseases from taking over your trees before it is too late. Our certified Arborists will always recommend tree care over tree removals.

Last but not least, safety is the number one concern of an ISA Certified Arborist. When you hire an ISA Certified Arborist, you can rest assured you will not be putting your self or your trees in danger.

If you would like more information on how you can receive a free estimate from one of our certified Arborists, click the link below to be connected!

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Benefits of Deep Root Fertilization

Older, matured trees are often overlooked as “healthy” and not in need of any fertilization. Just because your trees are full grown doesn’t mean they wont benefit from a fertilization boost.

Why do my trees need fertilization?

Most trees that are planted in urban areas can be subject to a number of obstacles such as:

• soil compaction

• competing for nutrients

• air pollution

• poor soil quality

All of these factors can contribute to the overall decline of your trees over time. Deep root fertilization adds natural soil nutrients around the roots of your trees while providing a means for aeration of the soil at the same time. Performing a deep root fertilization on your trees will give your trees the extra push they need to overcome certain environmental setbacks where they might otherwise fall short.

What are the top benefits of deep root fertilization?

Fertilizing your trees provides a large number of benefits such as:

• prevents chlorosis (yellowing of leaves)

• provides substantial protection against pests and diseases

• naturally aerates the soil for optimal oxygen to your trees roots

• helps aid in the prevention of damage during winter such as frost

• stimulates fast growth of the canopy

• promotes the growth of healthier foliage

All of these benefits will help your tree thrive in some of the less favorable conditions of urban settings. However, it is important to have a certified arborist assess your trees to determine what mixture will work best for your goals. Unfortunately, there isn’t a “one size fits all” fertilizer that will provide ideal results and could potentially harm your trees if not performed properly.

If you would like more information on deep root fertilization of your trees, feel free to contact us using the link below!

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Spring Landscape Checklist

With spring just around the corner, it’s important that you do a full and thorough inspection of your landscape to identify any problems before the new growing season. We are staffed with highly trained certified arborist’s who can help you to identify issues with your trees that you might not have noticed. If you would like a certified arborist in Athens to inspect your trees, use the link at the bottom of this page to be connected! Otherwise, we have developed a checklist with tips on DIY landscape/tree inspections and tips to follow for this spring.

Check for any dead branches.

This is not limited to only trees, if you have shrubs or plants in your landscape with dead branches it is essential for the new growth to prune those back. If you notice any limbs on your trees with fungal looking material, holes, or signs of pests, it’s best to contact your local certified Arborist in Athens before trying to tackle pruning that one on your own. Large dead branches can be dangerous and are best left to professionals.

Check foliage.

Have you noticed any yellowing on the new leaves this spring? Or perhaps less foliage or flowering than last year? If you have an older, more mature tree, a simple deep root fertilization in Athens might just do the trick but it is important to identify if other environmental factors are affecting your trees.

Check around the base and trunk.

When checking the base be sure to lookout for any oozing, slimy material, as this could be something as small as slime flux that is easily treatable. It is important to identify any major structural issues such as large cracks or cavities, meaning your tree might have been struck by lightening and needs to be evaluated by a certified arborist immediately. Any signs of mushrooms or other fungal matter in the soil around the trunk is a sure sign there is some root rot going on and should be addressed immediately.

Tips for ultimate spring growth

There are a few key things you can do in the meantime to ensure your trees are in their healthiest state and receiving all the nutrients possible.

Mulch your trees.

Mulching around the base of your trees can prevent erosion, retain soil moisture for those hot summer days, as well as eliminate weeds and grass. Check out our other recent blogs for information on proper mulching techniques.

Fertilize, fertilize, fertilize.

Slow release deep root fertilization can help your trees so much! Any trees over 2 years old should be fertilized in the spring by a certified technician. Call our office to set up an appointment.

Plant new trees.

Being sure dormant season is still in session, this is a great time to plant some new specimen in your landscape. We have multiple blogs on our website for tips on our most recommended tree species to plant. You can also contact our office to receive more information by one of our certified arborist on recommended species for your specific landscape or area!

Give us a call today to have a certified Arborist inspect your trees for any issues!

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Is My Lawnmower Damaging My Trees?

Sometimes it’s easier to run over a few roots with your lawnmower than it is to add more time on the weed eater after the fact. However, the mechanical damage a lawnmower or other yard equipment can do to your trees is quite serious and should be avoided.

The outer layer of your trees just underneath the bark is called the Cambium layer. The Cambium layer contains the Xylem and Phloem - the structures within the tree responsible for transporting food and water from the roots to the stems. When this is injured or damaged, it can limit the tree’s ability to properly transport these nutrients. It is most vital to protect this layer in the spring months when the tree is putting on new growth.

What can happen to my tree if I damaged it with lawn equipment?

• It can open the tree up for pests and decay to enter

• Poor growth and dead branches

• Multiple damage wounds can cause the tree to girdle, which weakens the structure and can be deadly

How can I eliminate grass/ weeds from growing around the base?

Weed eating isn’t everyone’s favorite chore and can be taxing when the Georgia heat creeps in. So why not eliminate all the weeds and grass from around the base of your trees altogether? Applying a couple inches of mulch around the base of your trees can prevent weeds, retain soil moisture, prevent erosion and supply the tree with a healthy mix of natural material to stimulate growth.

Did you know? All of our trees are brought back to our office and recycled into premium quality landscaping mulch? Click the link below to get in touch with one of our Arborist’s or schedule a delivery of mulch to your home today!

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Why Do Some Trees Stay Green Year Round?

With spring right around the corner, all of us are anxiously awaiting the beautiful color brought back on the leaves and flowers of all our favorite deciduous trees(trees that drop their foliage and flowers in fall). But why do some trees hold on to their deep green color while others don’t?

Evergreen trees…

Evergreen trees were originally established and brought in from colder climate areas, which gives their needles the shape and texture they have. The shape of evergreen leaves allows them to hold maximum moisture and nutrients in order to survive throughout the winter months.

Deciduous trees…..

In winter, deciduous trees will drop their leaves and close up their buds in order to protect the tree from harsh weather. Evergreen trees will continue to photosynthesize throughout winter, allowing them to keep their deep green color.

A few examples of our favorite deciduous trees are:

• Oak

• Poplar

• Maple

A few examples of our favorite evergreen trees are:

• Cedar

• Cypress

• Cryptomeria

Thinking about planting a tree in Grayson this spring? We can help! Give us a call using the link below to consult with a certified Arborist in Grayson on which trees would be best suited for your specific landscape.

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Why Is My Leyland Cypress Turning Brown?

Leyland cypress trees are known for their fast growing nature and the privacy screen they provide. They are very hardy and tolerant to drought, however they are not susceptible to pests or diseases. A very common disease that has been affecting many leyland cypress trees in the area is called Seiridium and Botryosphaeria canker.

What is Seiridium and Botryosphaeria canker?

Much like a common virus, this disease is quickly spread and needs to be stopped at the first sight. These diseases are both a type of fungi that affect the tree during drought or stress and eventually cause dieback on the limbs that spread to the entire tree. The very first symptoms are the yellowing off the foliage on the tree. Dark cracked areas on the bark will start to appear with small cankers as the virus progresses. Seiridium cankers will develop as small black dots and will have oozing substance similar to the resin flow found on healthy leyland cypress trees in Lilburn, Ga. Botryosphaeria cankers often appear just under the bark on the main stem but produce little to no resin.

How do I treat it?

Few things can be done without an accurate diagnostic on your trees in Lilburn, Ga. However, removing all of the limbs that are infected is the first step. When removing these limbs, make sure they are kept far away from the other trees and disposed of properly. Considering the severity of this virus it is best to have your trees accurately assessed by a certified Arborist in Lilburn, Ga. at North American Tree Service. We can determine what route will be the best in treating and ridding your trees from this virus. Please call us today to have a free estimate done on your Leyland cypress trees in Lilburn, Ga.!

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