TREE & LAWN CARE BLOG
3 Ways To Prep Your Trees For Hurricane Season
Hurricane season is here and now is the time to ensure your trees and home are protected from damage. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration is predicting 14-21 named storms to come our way this season. This number is far above average and we should expect winds of 111 MPH or higher. Hurricane season in Georgia starts June 1st and runs through November 30th.
How can I prep my trees for hurricane season?
Arborist inspections
The first step to protecting your trees from storm damage is to have a consultation by a certified arborist. They will be able to identify weaknesses in your trees and construct a unique plan to ensure your home and loved ones are safe from storm damage.
Proper pruning
Maintaining a regular pruning regimen on your trees is not just for aesthetics. This can help to balance out the weight by thinning the canopy, remove dead, weak or overhanging branches that could potentially cause a threat during a storm.
Cabling
When you have an ISA certified arborist come to your home to inspect your trees they will be looking for weak spots in the canopy that would be a good candidate for cabling or bracing. By strategically installing flexible steel strand cables and heavy brace rods, your tree becomes stronger. This makes them less susceptible to suddenly break during high winds.
If you think your home is in danger of storm damage from your trees, click the link below to be connected with one of our certified arborists now for a free evaluation!
CONTACT AN ARBORIST
Summer Heat Stress In Trees
It has been a hot summer here in Georgia. With the heat index stretching to 115 degrees, all of us are wondering how our gardens, plants and trees will survive. Heat stress in trees can open them up for pests and diseases to enter while they are in a vulnerable state, lacking the nutrients they typically have to ward them off. Having a certified arborist evaluate your trees regularly is always the best practice in preventing costly damage. They can detect pests and diseases from the start and mitigate the problem before it takes over.
…So what is heat stress?
Heat stress occurs when a tree loses water faster than it can replace it. When trees are in a continual state of transpiration, they lose more water than they can absorb through their roots. This is especially concerning in times of drought when there isn’t enough water available for the tree to absorb.
Below are some signs and symptoms of heat stress in your trees as well as some tips on how to avoid it.
Signs of heat stress:
Leaf drop
Wilting leaves
Yellowing leaves
Lack of new growth
Brown spots or bumps on leaves
Leaf scorch
Sap loss from the trunk
How to protect your trees from heat stress:
Tree trimming is usually only recommended during the dormant season, however, if you have dead, dying or diseased branches in your trees, it is important to have them removed as soon as possible. This will reduce the amount of energy your trees have to provide to “repair” the dead branches.
Watering is a given. Whether your trees are young or mature, during periods of drought and high heat it is important to thoroughly water your trees using a drip irrigation system or soaker hose. Keeping the hose away from the trunk and focusing on the roots will help to prevent root rot. Trees under 2 years old will need more water than older trees.
If your trees are browning, or show signs of disease, contact your local certified arborist to have an evaluation by clicking the link below!
CALL AN ARBORIST.
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!
Connect me with an Arborist NOW!
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!
Call An Arborist
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!
Call an Arborist Now
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!
Call An ISA Certified Arborist Now!
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!
Call A Certified Arborist
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!