Is Soil Compaction Causing My Trees To Decline?

Just like humans, roots need air and water to survive.

Soil compaction is one of the leading causes of tree decline in urban areas. This is because trees are often planted in poor areas next to sidewalks, driveways, buildings and in areas that have heavy foot traffic. When the soil is compacted around the base of a tree, this reduces the pore space available for the roots to take up air and water, ultimately leading to suffocation and tree decline.

So what are the signs and symptoms your trees are not getting the vital components that they need?

• Water pooling or puddling up at the base

• Poor growth

• Shallow roots

• Lack of grass or weeds - bare soil areas

• Yellowing or dropping leaves

• Lack of blooms

• Missing bark

These are the most common signs your tree might be suffering from soil compaction, however it is best to have your trees routinely assessed by an ISA Certified Arborist.

Click the link below to be connected!

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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!

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How To Get Rid Of Spider Mites

Have you noticed small yellow or brown spots on the leaves of your trees or plants this year? Maybe even small spider webs on the leaves with little to no sign of actual pest presence?

Your landscape might have become victim to pesky spider mites.

What are spider mites?

Spider mites are a pesky pests that are rarely able to be seen with the naked eye and live on the underside of the leaves of your trees and plants spinning webs that can ultimately lead to the death of those specimen. They are only about one millimetre big and have different shades of red, yellow, black or brown.

What do they feed on?

Spider mites are not picky eaters. They will feed on just about any type of tree or plant you have in your garden without complaint. They ultimately feed on the bottom of your tree leaves, leaving the signs of damage on the top portions.

How can I get rid of them?

Depending on the severity of your infestation, it is always best to consult with a certified arborist in Athens before making any decisions that could ultimately affect the overall health of your trees. However, there are a couple quick fixes you can use to minimize the damage until an arborist can come to your property.

• Spray the tree or plant with water to dislodge any webbing and release as many mites as possible making sure to get the underside of the leaves.

• Many retail stores carry insecticidal soap that you can spray early in the morning or in the evening every 7-10 days to kill further eggs from hatching.

• Neem oil is an organic remedy used by a large amount of gardeners as an all natural way to rid your trees and plants from a large number of pests.

If you have done all of these steps and are still having any issues with your trees dropping leaves, browning or yellowing, please give us a call using the link below to be connected with a certified Arborist in Athens to assist you with any tree pest issues you might be having.

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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 Can I Do About Woodpecker Damage On My Trees?

We all love the spring time, being able to sit outside and enjoy the weather, and of course all the beautiful varieties of birds and their songs. Until you hear the repetitive an consistent drilling of a nearby woodpecker looking for food and leaving large open wounds in our trees as they leave. This damage can leave your trees open for insects, disease and affect the overall health of your trees.

What does woodpecker damage look like?

Luckily, it doesn’t take a certified Arborist in Bethlehem to identify the damage left behind from those pesky woodpeckers. Woodpeckers aren’t generally picky eaters but they do tend to stick to a select few species such as maple, pine, fruit trees, spruce and birch. They leave behind a very distinct trail of precise horizontal and vertical rows of holes at about 2-8” in diameter. Just big enough to suck some sap right out of your trees. If your tree doesn’t resemble the picture below, you might have a different intruder that can be identified by a certified Arborist.

How can I prevent any further damage?

It might be too late to mend up the damage that the sapsuckers have caused on your trees, however, you can try and prevent future attacks by using some of the following tips:

• Use a woodpecker feeder as a decoy

• Plant fruit bushes away from your house and trees for them to feed on

• Use burlap or bird netting over the affected trees

• Use a woodpecker sound deterrent

• Set up decoys as a scare tactic

• Call a tree care professional

IF YOU HAVE HOLES IN YOUR TREES THAT NEED ATTENTION, CALL A TREE CARE PROFESSIONAL TODAY!

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

Can I Plant A Tree In Summer in Georgia?

Happy #Arborday! What better way to celebrate than to remember the true meaning of this day. Bringing awareness to the positive and essential roles that trees play in our health, happiness and environment.

Some of the many benefits trees provide us and the environment are:

• Trees clean the air

• They provide us with oxygen

• They can prevent soil erosion

• Property values increase at a large rate with the planting of specific specimens

• They can reduce your power bill by providing your home with shade

• They provide shelter for many different types of wildlife

These are just a few reasons why trees are such an essential part of our environment. Now that we know the basics, and you are ready to plant, you might be wondering…

Can I plant a new tree in summer in Georgia?

Planting trees is best done in their dormant season which is throughout winter. That is not to say that you cannot plant them during the summer but additional care and maintenance might be required to ensure they reach their maximum potential. If you have your eyes on a specimen and are anxious to get it in the ground, there are some things to keep in mind:

• Extra watering will be necessary in the warmer months

• Potted specimen are a much better choice than bare root because they have a healthier root system

• Mulching around your newly planted trees is very important and provides a large number of benefits to your trees and soil

• Root stimulators might be a good option to help reduce the transplant shock and encourage more growth.

If you have any questions when it comes to planting trees or any tree health care related issues, please feel free to reach out to us using the link below! We are staffed with highly trained certified arborists ready to assist you with your next tree planting venture! Call now!

Call An Arborist.

Best Trees To Plant For Allergies

Spring time is arguably the nicest season of the year, if not for all of the thick layers of pollen coating our cars, our homes and taking over our sinuses! It would be so nice to be able to walk outside or roll your windows down and enjoy the weather without sneezing for the rest of the afternoon. Lets start with the basics.

What is pollen?

Pollen is a fine, powdery substance that contains microscopic grains from the male part of your trees, flowers or cones. This substance is meant to fertilize the female ovule. It is spread and transferred by the wind, insects and other animals.

Why is it necessary?

In order for trees and plants to continue their life cycle of growth and reproduction, pollen is necessary. Pollination is such a crucial component to the ecosystem because humans and animals are reliant on pollen for the reproduction of food. Without pollen, plants and trees will not bear fruit or seeds that we as a society rely on.

But maybe you are thinking of swapping out certain varieties to be able to enjoy your backyard without downing allergy medicine? We understand! Did you know there is such a thing as hypoallergenic tree species? What a life saver!

Here are a list of trees that are “dioecious” trees that will help to minimize your allergies next season:

• Red Maple

• Mulberry

• Juniper

• Boxelder

• Cedar

• Aspen

• White Ash

If none of these varieties spark your interest here are a few lower pollinating species:

• Tulip

• Magnolia

• Flowering Crapapple

• Flowering plum

• Crape Myrtle

• Dogwood

If you are planning to plant a new specimen in your landscape and would like to gain some insight from a certified Arborist click the link below!

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