TREE & LAWN CARE BLOG
Why Are There Holes In My Tree?
Have you noticed rows of holes in your trees that seem to get worse over time or show no sign of pests or bugs? Your trees have probably fallen victim to the yellow bellied Sapsucker woodpecker ( Sphyrapicus spp.). Woodpecker damage is pretty easily identified by the horizontal or vertical rows of drilled like holes in the trunks of your tree.
This can be similar to the damage that is done by hickory bark beetles , however those holes will not be in rows and will most often be randomly found around the trunk, also with boring dust in and around the holes.
Sapsuckers drilling into your trees for just that, the sap. They will attack both hardwoods and conifer trees though they do prefer thin barked trees such as the birch species.
Will the holes in my trees cause them to die?
Sapsucker damage doesnt always necesarily indicate a pest infestation, however, depending on the amount of holes in the tree, it could become a feeding ground for opportunistic insects later on. Sometimes certain sapsuckers will cause extreme damage to a certain tree just by consistent revisits, eventually leading to the decline of the trees health and the inability to heal itself.
How can I stop it?
There are a few different methods of preventing the woodpecker from wanting to return to the tree:
wrapping the tree in burlap
apply sticky bug and bird repellants to the tree
hanging shiny objects that might scare the bird away.
Woodpeckers are a part of nature and a part of our community as a whole, so if all the methods listed above do not prevail, its best to leave nature to run its course. If your trees are starting to decline because of woodpecker damage in Watkinsville, give us a call for a free estimate by a certified arborist. Our certified arborists in Watkinsville can easily identify what type of pests, diseases, or birds are affecting the trees health, as well as its current condition and formulate a plan to save your trees!
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Why Are My Leaves Turning Black?
Georgia heat can be very extreme in mid summer leaving all of us including the leaves on our shrubs and bushes scorched, shriveled and burnt. But how do we know what the cause is and is it going to cause my tree’s health to decline?
There are three different types of leaf scorch:
Bacterial
Bacterial leaf scorch is caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa that will invade the xylem of the tree and cause rapid decline. Unfortunately there is no cure for this disease currently and it can be transmitted very quickly through tree to tree, it is most commonly seen in Oak tree species. If your tree leaves are turning brown in Athens, its best to have them properly assessed by a certified Arbrorist in Athens.
Nutrient
Nutrient leaf scorch can be very similar in appearance to bacterial leaf scorch however is due to just that, the lack of proper nutrients, usually iron and manganese.
Environmental
Environmental leaf scorch is due to harsh weather conditions such as droughts and extreme heat temperatures.
How can you prevent your leaves from blackening?
Where bacterial leaf scorch cannot be cured, nutrient and environmental can be helped with a few simple steps.
Perform rigorous watering techniques daily in extreme heat temperatures.
Mulch around the base of your trees to ensure water retention and provide the soil with more nutrients.
Have a certified Arborist in Athens, Ga perform a deep root fertilization on your trees to stimulate the soil with proper nutrients and promote healthy growth.
Make sure your tree is in the right area for its requirements (full sun, part shade, etc.)
If you are still unsure about the health of your trees, give us a call at North American Tree Service for a free estimate by a Certified Arborist in Athens today!
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What Are The Green Spots Covering My Trees?
At some point we have all seen the moss growing on the trunk or around the base, sometimes even on the branches of our trees in Watkinsville.
But what causes it and is it an actual sign of decline?
There are three different types of mossy growth that can appear on your trees:
Algae - Dusty powder that appears on the wood of your trees in damp, rainy conditions.
Moss - Can appear in any condition and is a thick green substance.
Lichens - A hybrid cross of algae and moss that form in circular patches that are crusty and raised.
In fact, none of these organisms are a sign of decline at all, they just naturally form on your trees in ideal conditions.
Since these organisms are totally natural and do not harm your tree there is no reason to get rid of it. However if you see other fungus such as mushrooms or gooey substances on your trees in Watkinsville, be sure to give us a call to have a certified arborist in Watkinsville come out and do an routine inspection on your tree’s health.
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Top 3 Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make When Trimming Their Trees
Tree trimming might seem like an easy do it your self project to clean up your landscape and promote tree health. However, if improper pruning occurs, it could eventually be deadly to your trees. That’s why it is important to do your research or hire a professional tree service in Statham to assist you with all of your tree care needs! We have put together a list of the more common mistakes we run across when our customers decide to take some lopers to their trees.
Cutting through the branch collar
A branch collar is the visibly swollen area of trunk tissue that attaches the limb to the trunk of the tree. If you make the mistake of cutting through this, it will cause a lot of sap loss from the tree and the wound will take much longer to heal. The safest bet is to leave a inch stub on the branch, just after the branch collar.
Using dirty lopers/shears
Trees are very highly susceptible to disease spread, pests and fungi as well. It is important that you sanitize your shears, even when going from tree to tree to prevent the spread of tree diseases you might not have known were even present to begin with.
Trimming at the wrong time of the year
Its spring and your trees have started to blossom, however, maybe not in the most appealing way. Maybe you have some branches longer than others or one limb is full of beautiful blooms where the others are scarce. This is still not the right time to prune your trees back and can have serious repercussions. If you prune a tree back in summer, and cause sap to come out of the tree it can attract various insects, causing your tree to become diseased.
The best practice when it comes to tree care is to trust the tree care professionals in Statham to care for your trees the proper way to prevent damage, disease or decline. If you have trees in your landscape that could use a good pruning regimen, give us a call for a free estimate by one of our certified Arborist’s in Staham!
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Why is My Tree Not Blooming?
Summer has arrived & all of our trees should be blooming now, but what if yours just isnt quite ready to blossom? There are a number of reasons that a tree could be prolonging bloom time but we have listed out the main ways that trees know it is their time to bloom.
Genetics.
Each tree and species is different and carries with it a different set of growth rates. Just because your oak is blooming and your maple isn’t could simply be a matter of genetics and their unique bloom time.
Growing degree days.
Depending on species, each tree has an individual base temperature, which is the minimum temperature that is required for it to bloom. This calculation can be made by taking the base temperature and considering the average temperature of the days in spring in your location and it will give you a pretty good idea of when your tree will bloom.
Sunlight, or lack thereof.
Trees can actually calculate when there is enough sunlight to being growing. After the nights turn shorter and the days get longer, a tree goes into bloom mode.
Is there anything I can do to promote my tree to grow faster?
North american tree service offers deep root fertilization for a very low cost that will catapult your tree into optimum growth in a timely manner.
Fertilizer that can be bought at retail stores has also proven effective however is more costly in the long run due to the amount you will have to purchase to be the equivalent to qualified fertilizer.
There are a few other things you can do to take care of your trees after they bloom including:
Properly pruning back all dead branches
Stay to a consistent & effective watering schedule
Mulch around the base of your trees
Deep root fertilization
If your tree still hasn’t bloomed and its past the recommended time for it to blossom, your tree could either have pests, diseases or could be dying from another cause
. Give us a call to have a certified Arborist come out for a free estimate on your dead or dying trees in Covington today!
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How To Properly Space Trees & Shrubs
Everyone is out and about planting trees, shrubbery & flowers to get their landscapes ready for summer appeal! If you are planning on planting some trees or shrubs, space is pertinent to supporting optimal growth and longevity.
Do’s of tree planting
-Do consider the height and spread of the tree to make sure the branches wont be hanging over your roof but will give proper shade.
-Do call GA811 before you dig to make sure you wont be hitting any utility lines underground.
-Do leave enough space between trees and other shrubbery to ensure they wont have to fight over nutrients in the soil.
-Do research the specific type of tree you are planting to see its mature height and spread to plant accordingly.
Dont’s of tree planting
-Don’t plant trees too close to your house or other structures that the roots might become and issue with. There is nothing worse than having to remove a beloved planted species because of improper planting technique!
-Don’t plant tree (especially water loving trees) next to a septic system or water lines as they can break the lines with their roots searching for water underground.
There isnt a standard number that will apply to every species when it comes to tree spacing because every species grows differently. Leyland cypress trees in Conyers are often used as privacy measures because of their dense nature. To ensure maximum privacy, these can be planted as few as 5 feet apart. Fruit trees can be planted as close as 18 inches apart to have more kinds of fruit ripening at different times. Larger species such as oak, poplar, maple, magnolia, etc. needs 50 feet of spacing.
If you are considering planting a tree in your yard and need some guidance, please feel free to call our office and speak to a certified Arborist in Conyers!
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When Should The Leaves On My Tree Come Back In Spring?
We can all agree that spring and fall bring the prettiest of colors especially in our landscapes! If you have an ornamental species in your yard, you might be wondering, “why hasn’t my tree leafed out yet”?
Though all species and varieties of trees are different and they all have different bloom times, there are a few tips and clues as to when your flowering trees in Decatur might be ready to bloom!
First scratch the surface of the tree to make sure there is still a green color on the inside indicating a healthy, living tree.
Next, follow the branches all the way down to the tips to identify any buds that haven’t blossomed yet. Even buds that are still shut are still a good sign the tree is healthy!
Most trees in the southeast bloom in mid-march to early April. However there are a few species that bloom first:
Birch
Willow
These species average in March-April:
Flowering Dogwood
Eastern Redbud
Cherry Blossom
American Holly
Finally our late bloomers:
Oaks
Elms
Oaks and elms hold out the longest to prevent any damage due to sudden drops in temperature that tend to happen in the spring.
If you have a tree on your property that hasn’t leafed out yet or looks bare, have an Arborist inspection done immediately to identify any types of tree disease, decay or fungus. Click the link below for tree care assistance by a certified Arborist in Decatur today!
Bare Spots? Call An Arborist!
What Tree Bloom First In Georgia's Spring?
Pollen is out and about, a sure sign of spring in Georgia. You might be wondering what trees you’re seeing blooming in the area. We have put together a list of the top first trees to bloom in Georgia, also some that would make a beautiful addition to your landscape!
Flowering Dogwood
A North American native, this common tree can be found as ornamental specimens all around the area and is easily identified by its showy white or pink flowers! This tree maxes out between 20-40 feet tall but can still provide a bit of shade and color to your landscape!
Eastern Redbud
You cant miss a redbud by its bright purple-pink blossoms and its thin papery leaves. These are very commonly planted as ornamental species but are native to the area so will also be found throughout wooded areas in Georgia.
Flowering Cherry Blossom
Cherry trees have an unforgettable curvy, bonsai nature to their trunks and branches that makes them stand out from the rest. Their leaves will either be light pink (Kwanzan Cherry) or white(Yoshino Cherry). March and April are the months of blossom for all species of cherry trees.
Crabapple Trees
Another pink and white showy flower combination! The crab apple makes a beautiful, fragrant show in early spring. Its leaves are red when they come out in spring and stand out against the scaly bark.
If you are planning on planting an ornamental tree in your yard for spring give us a call for recommendations! We are staffed with certified Arborists in Decatur ready to assist you in your next tree care, tree removal, or tree planting project!