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 Types of Fruit Trees Are Easiest To Grow In Georgia?

It’s almost dormant season for our trees which is a great time to start planning and planting trees for next year!

Fruit trees can be a blessing and a curse. Some varieties require a ton a maintenance whereas others can mostly tend to themselves with a smaller effort. We have made a list of our top easiest fruit trees to grow in Georgia weather to help you choose which is best for your lifestyle.

Apple Trees

Apple trees are a favorite in Georgia because they are easy to grow, cold hardy, perfect for most yards and supply a heavy harvest in late August through November. Common threats to Apple trees include:

• Aphids

• Japanese Beetles

• Deer

• Rabbits

• Squirrels

Apple trees are most prone to diseases such as blight and mold so do your research and make sure you have a local certified Arborist nearby to diagnose and cure these before they take over.

Pear Trees

Pear trees are a second favorite because they are also cold hardy, heat resistant, and could be grown well in pots.

A few common threats are:

• Aphids

• Root rot

Pear trees thrive in the heat and the cold, but overly wet conditions can invite a dose of root rot in to kill off your precious trees. A certified Arborist can help diagnose tree root rot as well as perform a risk assessment for the placement of your pear trees!

Peach trees

Because who doesn’t love a good old Georgia peach? They are also fabulous in heat, great for vertical gardening and grow pretty quickly. So if you’re looking for a fruit tree to produce in 1-2 years, the peach tree is your candidate!

A few peach tree threats include:

• Cold weather

• Blight/mold disease

These are just a few of our top favorites in fruit trees. If you would like more reference on how to plant your fruit trees, please feel free to contact our office using the link below and we can connect you with one of our local certified Arborists! Happy planting!

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