TREE & LAWN CARE BLOG
Can Aphids Kill My Trees?
Aphids are a very common insect that attack all types of trees including fruits and maples, by feeding on the sap leaving behind a sticky residue on the leaves. Aphids multiply very quickly, which is why it is best to have a certified Arborist address the problem immediately.
Symptoms of Aphids on Trees:
-Yellowing or curling of the leaves.
-Sappy substance on the leaves, indicating that the aphids have began feeding on the sap.
-Black sooty mold covering the tree, from the honeydew, the most common symptom.
-Presence of ants or ladybugs who feed on the aphids.
-Deformation of the leaves or flowers.
If you have noticed any or all of these symptoms of aphids on your trees, it is important to contact a fully insured tree service with a certified arborist to give a proper consulation on your trees, as this infestation can easily spread and can be hard to treat after negelgence for an extended amount of time. In the meantime, however, there are some home remedies proven effective for this problem including:
Mixing dish soap with water and applying it directly to the trees and leaves of the affected areas can be short term fix for the aphids on your trees.
Hosing the tree down with cold water has proven to also be effective by simply washing them off.
Organic neem oil, found at your local gardening store, is a very commonly used substance by gardeners for all types of insects.
Introducing large numbers of ladybugs or ants to your trees will eliminate the problem as they feed on the aphids themselves.
The absolute best thing to do for your trees if you have noticed an outbreak of these pests is to contact North American Tree Service and have a certified Arborist come out to assess and evaluate the overall health of your trees and provide you with a written plan of tree treatments to prevent insects in the future. Tree fertilizations in Watkinsville, tree trimming in Watkinsville and Insecticide sprays in Watkinsville are a very affordable, easy fix for your tree insect problems.
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Can Beetles Damage My Trees?
Chances are, you’ve seen at least one kind of these beetles in your lawn at some point especially if your trees aren’t in good health. If you spot beetles in your trees, chances are you have a much bigger problem, as they primarily attack trees that are decayed or diseased. Beetles attack trees of all species and deposit eggs that hatch and feed on the roots and bark of your trees. There are two different types of beetles that can cause a large amount of damage. This includes the tree borers and the root borers.
Tree Borers
Tree borers, such as bark beetles (shown below) like to tunnel through the soft bark tissue living in the wood, and destroying water and sap conducting tissues. The tough part of ridding your trees of this pest is actually detecting it in the first place. After the beetles enter the tree, they can become immune to insecticide sprays and also visually undetectable unless you hire a Certified Arborist at North American Tree Service. Usually, by the time the homeowner notices the wood borer, the tree is beyond repair and will need a tree removal in Atlanta.
Root Borers
Root borers do just that, attack the roots of your unhealthy trees. Root problems on trees typically show little to no signs until tree removal in Atlanta is necessary. June beetle, shown below is a very common beetle that feeds on the roots of a large variety of trees but prefers cottonwood, black walnut, cherry, etc. eventually leading to the death of the tree.
In order to keep your trees healthy and safe from these vicious attackers, you must keep your trees healthy! Here are a few things you can do:
-Tree trimmers in Atlanta can keep dead and dying branches off of your trees ultimately providing the tree with maximum nutrition.
-Avoid driving heavy machinery such as lawnmowers over the trees root system as well as damaging the cambium layer by weed-eating too close to the roots.
-Performing tree removal in Atlanta on any trees that are currently infested with these bugs, preventing them from spreading to other unaffected trees in the area.
- Avoid tree trimmers in Atlanta in spring time when the tree is no longer in dormant season.
and ultimately….
Call North American Tree Service to schedule a FREE estimate on your diseased trees today!
Are Tree Watering Bags Worth It?
When you purchase a new tree species you want to make sure you give it the best care in order to ensure its survival. To prevent the tree from going into shock and having to call a certified arborist tree service, you much be aware of what type of conditions it was grown in first. Most nurseries have the trees in small containers that are typically rootbound when removed. When a trees root system is forced to grow in a small container, the roots will become dense and hard to separate over time. When you first remove the tree from the container, make sure to shake out the roots just enough for them to release a little tension. The goal is to ensure the roots will have a head start on growing once they’ve been planted by releasing the compaction.
Nurseries also use a different type of watering system called a drip line. All day, every day, the line just slowly drips water into these containers keeping the soil moist without binge drenching them. This is another factor that could affect the health of the tree and could potentially send it into shock, leaving you with a need for tree removal in Stone Mountain. We want to make sure we are replicating the conditions as much as possible until the tree is well established and this is where the watering bags come in.
What are they?
Slow release watering bags are established around the base of your newly planted trees in Stone Mountain to provide a drip system replica. Tiny holes in the bottom of these bags allow water to consistently drip out at a slow rate replicating an expensive drip irrigation system for less than $10! These bags only need to be filled once every 5-7 days so it cuts your watering time or labor cost in half.
Cost
On the low end, these bags run about $8 a piece on Amazon.com which can add up if you have more than a dozen trees. However, if that is the case, you probably also are going to have to drag a watering can halfway across your property and back to water these suckers every day, which is an inconvenience.
Time
Time is money and saving it is always the goal. Easy installation can be done in less than a couple of minutes. With these watering bags, you’ll cut your watering time in half or less by only having to fill them up every 5-7 days. When the rain comes you could be off watering duty for up to two weeks or more!
Our verdict
At North American Tree Service, we are all about saving the trees and keeping them healthy. We think the watering bags can potentially save you time, money and your trees most of all! Proper watering schedules help the tree to grow in the fastest, most efficient way so if your not a high maintenance watering type these bags are perfect for you! If you have newly planted trees in Stone Mountain that need attention, please feel free to call us today!
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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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What Type of Oak Tree Do I Have?
Georgia’s state tree is a live oak for good reason! All different types of live oak trees populate this area heavily. Oak trees have about 450 different species, with over 20 of them being native to Georgia. We have listed out a five different types of the most commonly seen oak trees in this area.
White Oak (Quercus Alba)
Towering at 65-85 feet, the white oak is one of the most popular trees in the area. This tree is specifically used in boat building due to its rot resistance and durability. Showy fall foliage gives this one its personality turning red to orange in the fall. These trees can only be transplanted when they are very young due to the deep tap root that penetrates deep into the soil. Cutting this might forfeit the tree altogether.
Southern Red Oak (Quercus Falcata)
Slightly larger than the White Oak, the Southern Red is another favorite species of Georgia, making its way to 115-125ft tall. It has 7-11 waxy lobes on its leaves, making it easily distinguishable. It prefers full sun in the Georgia heat so it would be a great shade tree to plant in bare areas. It tolerates drought however, mulching at the base and regular watering are preferred.
Willow Oak (Quercus Phellos)
Streams and rivers are the common residence for this type as it requires lots of water and good drainage to thrive. This medium sized tree is uniquely distinguished from other oaks because of its long pencil leaves. The fruit of this tree are small acorns, providing food for birds, squirrels and other animals.
Pin Oak (Quercus Palustris)
Fast growing, easy transplant and pollution tolerance, this tree is a favorite for neighborhoods all over the area. It’s not picky with the type of soil its planted in either and can adapt well to any environment. Their wood is very heavy and often used in general construction and for firewood.
Water Oak (Quercus Nigra)
This tree is commonly identified by its spatula shaped leaves and smooth, brown bark. This provides a great shade tree or ornamental because of its spreading canopy. Like all other oaks, it has a very fast growth rate and adapts well to any type of soil.
Live Oak (Quercus Virginiana)
Last but not least, Georgia’s state tree is a Live Oak, commonly found on the coast near Savannah and surrounding areas. This beautiful tree has a root system that runs for miles, yes, MILES and is very adaptable. Covered in spanish moss, these trees provide a number of benefits from aesthetics to shade.
Is your tree not listed here? Our tree experts at North American Tree Service can properly identify each and every one of the trees in your yard if necessary, while providing a written report of the health and risks of them as well. If you’re looking for tree service in Winder, Ga. call North American Tree Service, tree experts since 1980.
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Signs Your Tree Is Under Stress
Most trees that have reached maturity will be fairly easy to care for an require minimum maintenance. However, other factors can also come into play. If you have noticed any of the following signs or symptoms of stress on your trees in Stone Mountain, Ga. be sure to call a Certified Arborist at North American Tree Service to schedule a free estimate for your trees before it is too late! Here are a few signs to look out for:
Dropping Limbs
Limb dropping is a very common thing that could be from either a poor pruning job that resulted in the limbs not healing properly to form strong bonds, internal tree problems such as bacterial wetwood or just part of that specific tree’s nature. River birch trees for example are known to drop large limbs and branches year round without any cause or explanation. However, more often than not, a tree that is dropping limbs in Stone Mountain, Ga. is a definite cause for worry and should be assessed by an Arborist at North American Tree Service as soon as possible.
Yellowing/Dropping Leaves
Overwatering or drought are the most common causes of the trees dropping leaves. This could also be a nutrient deficiency in the soil. When you call North American Tree Service, we can perform soil test in Stone Mountain, Ga. and determine if the soil is causing a problem for the tree and if any nutrients need to be added.
Slimy Discharge
Improper pruning cuts leave your trees exposed to all types of damage including pests and slime flux. This bacterial deisease causes sap to ooze from the wound. If this has already infected you trees, its best to call a Certified Arborist as soon as possible to assess the damage and give you a treatment plan.
Peeling Bark
Trees will naturally exfoliate themselves and rid the dead layers as it grows. However disease, insect and animal fungus are the most common reasons for peeling bark. These are usually the last stages of tree decline, meaning the tree most likely will not be able to be saved at this point. However, one of our certified Arborist’s will be able to determine how far along the decay has actually gone and if the tree can be saved or not.
Ants Around The Trunk
Carpenter ants only nest and feed on decayed wood, meaning there could be a much larger problem with the tree. The actual decay of the tree could be caused by a number of factors including drought, environmental stress, disease etc. This could be determined at the time of the estimate by one of our certified Arborists at North American Tree Service.
Mushrooms Near The Base
Honey fungus is a deadly fungi that attacks a trees root system and causes decline. Signs of honey fungi are flat top, yellow-brown mushrooms near the base of your trees. These are usually cause by overwatering since mushrooms and other fungi thrive in extremely wet conditions. Not performing proper prunes on your dead and diseased limbs can also cause the invasion of this fungi. If you notice this fungi growing on your property in Stone Mountain, Ga. be sure to call a Certified Aborist from North American Tree Service to assess the other trees and plants around it, as this disease is easily spread.
Keep your trees healthy and call today for an estimate on your trees by a Certified Arborist from North American Tree Service!
6 Trees That Require Next To No Maintenance
When it comes to planting trees on your landscape in Lawrenceville, Ga., you want to be careful which trees you select. Some trees drop large branches year round, while some drop unpleasant sticky balls that are very painful to step on, among much more. We put together a list of some of your lowest maintenance trees to make the choosing a bit easier.
1. Japanese Maple - Aside from yearly essential pruning, these popular beauties will brighten up your landscape asking little to nothing in return. Planting them is the most maintenance you will do on these guys as they do require good drainage and water in their first year of being planted, but it’s all smooth sailing after that.
2. Autumn Blaze Maple - In the fall, most of us look forward to seeing the changing of the leaves and the bright yellows and reds all up and down the roads. Most of these bright colors are the maple species changing colors. The Autumn blaze is a cross between the northern red maple and the silver, revealing the bright red colors produced in the fall. These trees are considered very popular because of their color and low maintenance nature.
3. Katsura - This tree is much like the maples, just a bit smaller. So if you have a smaller landscape and are looking for low maintenance, disease resistance with the four season appeal of the maples, look no further!
4. Green Giant Arborvitae - Looking for a great privacy tree without all the diseases of Leyland cypress? These are large, evergreen trees that provide great dense foliage for maximum privacy with minimum maintenance. Little to no pruning is necessary, and its a very fast grower in good conditions!
5. Chinese Fringe Tree - Fragrance, fast growing, flowering, only 25 feet tall, durable, disease resistant, what more could you want out of a tree?! The Chinese Fringe Tree is the most underrated tree in the area giving its nature and characteristics. Its maximum height is around 25 feet so it will provide plenty of shade without towering over your house.
6. Chinese Elm -This tree is much like the American Elm, however is disease resistant to the common Dutch Elm Disease, deadly beetles and phloem necrosis. The maximum height is around 40-50 feet and can tolerate drought, clay soil and pollution so if you live close to a city this is your tree!
If you are interested in having a tree planted in your yard in Lawrenceville, Ga. we can help! North American Tree Service specializes in tree planting in Lawrenceville Ga. and is ready to help you with your next project! Fully staffed with certified arborists to properly diagnose and treat any diseased trees on your property and replace them with lower maintenance specimen. Call today for a free estimate on tree planting in Lawrenceville Ga.
What Is Causing The Bumps On My Tree?
Have you been noticing abnormal growths on the trunk and branches of your trees? They could be galls, which are simply abnormal growths that occur on leaves, twigs, or branches. Identifying which type, however could pose a difficulty to someone who is not a certified Arborist as there are over 1500 different gall producers. Not all of these are cause by disease, however most of them are cause by insects and mites. The actual gall itself is produced by the tree in response to the egg-laying of mites and other insects on the tree. As the insects lay these eggs, they begin the process of plant growth hormones that produce abnormal cell growth, hence the galls.
Just as a fungus, galls come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. These large growths can be disturbing to look at, however usually do not pose a threat on the tree. However, there are a few different diseases that are very harmful and could potentially kill the tree, such as black knot galls and Fusiform rust galls.
Types of Unharmful Galls
Leaf Galls - You may have noticed irregular bumps on a leaf and thought they were carrying insect larvae, as it appears. In fact, by the time you have noticed these bumps these insects have moved on. They are just the result of the feeding of insects or mites, spiking this bumpy response from the leaf. As these protrusions aren’t pretty and might look harmful it is best to just let them be. If you notice them year after year this might signal a spraying is needed to keep the insects away.
Oak Galls - There are a number of different types of oak galls including:
Oak Apple Galls
Oak Bullet Galls
Wooly Oak Leaf Gall
Horned Oak Galls
Jumping Oak Galls
All of these are different sizes, shapes and colors and can be caused by different hosts. The good news is none of these will seriously infect your well established trees. If the trees are heavily infected by these galls, the most damage you might notice is some leaf drop or stem deformities.
Types of Harmful Galls
Black Knot Galls - primarily only infect plum and cherry trees but can also affect other fruit trees such as apricots and peaches. Black knot can be managed by a certified Arborist with some heavy pruning and disposal of the fungus it self but does not guarantee its survival.
Fusiform Rust - This specific disease is usually exclusive to Loblolly and slash pine trees but Oak trees are the alternate host. It has spindle shaped lumps and produces orange spores in the spring and is spread by the wind in March & April. Willow, laurel, and water oaks are especially at risk at this time because they are producing new leaves that the wind blown spores are drawn to. This fungus will not kill the tree immediately, in fact, the fungus can continue to grow for many many years beforehand.
Management
If you have noticed any of these symptoms on your trees in Watkinsville, it is best to contact a Certified Arborist for a free assessment and disease diagnostic. These are typically free and could potentially save your beloved tree. At North American Tree Service we typically recommend heavy pruning of the area, if possible followed by a spray regiment to keep the tree healthy. Call us today for a free estimate!