Will Cutting Off Dead Branches Help My Tree?

Are you concerned about the meaning and impact of dead branches on your tree? By knowing how and when to cut dead branches off of your tree, you can help it remain healthy and vibrant.

fasttreeremovalatlanta.com gathered the following tips and information about cutting dead branches off of your tree and the impact it can have on your tree’s health.

Does Cutting Off Dead Branches Help a Tree?

Yes, cutting off or pruning dead branches helps a tree in a multitude of ways. The act of pruning dead branches and growth also adds to the safety of the tree and its surroundings.

When Is The Right Time To Prune Branches

The right time to prune branches depends on which ones you are pruning and for what reason. For dead, dying, or broken branches, observe the following:

• There is no wrong time. Dead or dying branches pose a considerable health risk to the tree and should be removed when detected.
• When a branch dies, there is no sap running through it, thus minimizing the risk of oozing sap after its removal.

Tip: When removing an entire branch, alive or dead, it should be pruned all the way back to the branch collar (the bulging bark where the branch meets the trunk). The cut should be made flat and smooth without causing damage to the branch collar, which will eventually move in over the wound and seal it.

For live branches, the rules change:

• To remove or prune live and healthy branches, it is recommended to do so at the end of the growing season, during a tree’s dormancy cycle, or before budding at the beginning of the next growing season.
• This pruning may be done to shape the tree, thin the crown, encourage new spring growth, and many other reasons.
• Pruning these branches during the growing season can invite a host of insects and disease to the tree, potentially leading to compromised health and the eventual death of the tree.

Tip: Uncover further information about the right time(s) to prune your trees by reading fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/when-tree-pruning-cutting-emergency-removal-atlanta-ga

Tree Safety Concerns

As a branch dies, all of the twigs attached to it and the branch itself will become a hazard to whatever is below it. Dead limbs will:

• Rot from the smaller diameter parts first
• As the larger diameter parts rot, they begin to fall
• Injure other limbs as they fall
• Become a substantial threat to whatever is below, as some may weigh several hundred pounds

When these limbs are located over driveways, garages, sheds, and homes, they are capable of causing catastrophic damages and should be removed promptly.

Tip: Once per month, take the time to examine your tree canopy. Be on the lookout for dying, dead, or rotting branches. Once identified, look below it to see what may be in the path of the limb if/when it falls.

Tree Disease and Insect Infestation Concerns

Over several millennia, trees have developed magnificent defensive systems against insect infestations and disease. However, a dead branch is a defenseless open invitation to insects and diseases.

While the healthy parts of the tree can effectively repel these intruders, all it takes is a single successful attack to compromise the health of the rest of the tree.

Tip: If you detect carpenter ants, beetles, mushrooms, or any strange growth on a dying or dead branch, contact a professional tree service. They can evaluate the situation and recommend a course of action to remedy the situation.

Why Does My Tree Have Dead Branches?

As a tree grows, there are many reasons that a particular branch may die while the rest of the tree flourishes. The following are some of the reasons a tree may have dead branches:

1. The branch may not get enough sunlight. This may trigger the tree to compartmentalize and eventually shed the branch.
2. There may be an insect infestation in that branch which has compromised the flow of water and nutrients (hydraulic failure).
3. Bark damage on the trunk may also cause hydraulic failure and the death of the branch.
4. Rope and wire used to hang swings, bird feeders, clotheslines, etc. may damage the branch bark enough to girdle the branch, causing hydraulic failure.
5. Severe weather events may cause a branch to crack. This damage may not be apparent until the branch begins to die.
6. Many diseases may cause individual branches, entire sections, or the whole tree to die. Many of these diseases enter the tree through the root system, while others can infect damaged bark or poorly pruned branches.

Tip: When a branch, two inches in diameter or greater, dies on an otherwise healthy tree, call a professional tree service. They can fully evaluate the tree and recommend a course of action (if required).

Help Your Tree By Removing Dead Branches

In this article, you discovered why dead branches should be removed from your tree, tips to help you do it right, and the impact pruning or cutting branches can have on your tree’s health.

By taking action when dead branches are identified, you minimize the many risks they pose to the tree and its surroundings.

When you allow dying or dead branches to remain in a tree, you subsequently expose the tree to infestation and disease while creating a hazard for people, objects, and structures below.

Sources:
extension2.missouri.edu/g6866
extension.unl.edu/statewide/platte/Tree Pruning FAQs.pdf
extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-506-W.pdf
static.colostate.edu/client-files/csfs/pdfs/616.pdf

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Neem Tree Information and Uses

The neem tree may be the answer to your health and wellness needs. For centuries, the neem tree has been an essential part of life, health, and culture in both India and Asia.

The neem tree (Azadirachta Indica) is one of nature’s most versatile plants, and is best known for its highly effective insecticidal oil. However, as every part of the tree is used in different ways, there’s a lot to discover about this fascinating species.

In this article, fasttreeremovalatlanta.com looks at the neem tree’s species information, and gives you valuable insight into how the tree and its oil is used in agricultural, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Neem Tree Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit Information

Neem trees are a part of the mahogany family, and relative to the chinaberry, of which it is very similar in appearance.

This fast-growing evergreen has wide branches which fan out to form a fairly dense and rounded crown which can span to over 80 feet in diameter. The average height of a neem tree at maturity is 50 – 65 feet with a maximum height of up to 130 feet.

Neem is native to the Indian subcontinent and thrives in areas with sub-arid to sub-humid conditions. While the tree is evergreen, during periods of severe drought, neems are known to drop most or nearly all of their foliage.

The tree bears fruit after 3 to 5 years of growth and reaches full productivity after 10 years, producing an annual harvest of up to 220 pounds of fruit per tree. A neem tree in its optimal growing environment can live for more than 200 years.

Neem leaves are from 8 to 15 inches long with pinnate green leaflets from 1 to 3 inches long and with short petioles. Due to its bitterness, neem foliage is rarely grazed by animals, they will only resort to it when no other vegetation is available.

The tree’s white fragrant flowers give way to an olive-like green fruit with a yellowish bittersweet pulp surrounding an inner shell with one (rarely two or three) seeds enclosed.

What Is Neem Good for?

Every part of the neem tree – from the bark and leaves to the roots, fruit and seed – serves a purpose.

The Whole Tree:

Being in the mahogany family, neem is prized timber for furniture and cabinet making.

From the Bark:

Neem bark has been utilized by Asian and Indian cultures for centuries as an insecticide, an antibacterial, and even as a spermicide. For its antibacterial properties, it has been used to treat:

• Acne
• Infected wounds
• Ringworm
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Warts

From the Leaves:

• Powdered leaves are a component of some facial creams.
• Decomposing leaves and twigs are commonly mixed with soil and used as fertilizers.
• Neem leaves are also used as a very effective mulch.
• Some of the medical applications of neem leaves that are used in Eastern culture include treating: leprosy, fever, intestinal worms, upset stomach, skin ulcers, diabetes, gum disease, liver problems, eye disorders, and much more.

From the Roots:

With its significant antioxidant properties, neem root bark has shown promising laboratory results in the fight against diabetes and is commonly used together with the leaves to treat the above mentioned. Read more at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791507/

From the Fruit and Seed:

While neem oil can be extracted from other parts of the tree, it is the fruit and seed that are dried, crushed, and used in mass production. Some applications of neem oil are:

• Mosquito repellant
• Lotions
• Anti-fungal foot creams
• Antioxidant replenishing tea
• Machinery lubricant

Neem Oil Insecticide Benefits

Azadirachtin is the prevalent active ingredient in neem oil, and for centuries, this oil has been used in India as a natural insecticide.

Neem oil works as both a growth regulator and a feeding deterrent.

As a growth regulator, immature insects, after contact or ingestion of the oil, have their molting process disrupted.

As a feeding deterrent, damage to the treated tree or plant is significantly reduced due to its repelling adult insects.

Insects that can be controlled with the use of neem oil include:

• Leaf Miners
• Weevils
• Aphids
• Caterpillars
• Beetles
• Whiteflies
• Squash bugs

While neem oil works well to control pests, it is much more effective as a deterrent. As with all insecticides and pesticides, read the label and follow the application instructions.

People Also Ask

Q: Is Neem Toxic?
A: To mammals, birds, bees, and vegetation, neem oil is virtually non-toxic. The component “Azadirachtin” found in the oil can be moderately toxic to marine life.

Q: What Is Neem Used for?
A: While neem in western culture is more recognized as an insecticide or insect repellent – eastern culture has been utilizing all parts of the tree to treat a wide range of afflictions ranging from diabetes and cardiovascular disease, to fungal infections and even as a contraceptive.

Q: What Bugs Does Neem Oil Kill?
A: Neem oil insecticides kill or repel gnats, moths, termites, aphids, cockroaches, whiteflies, beetles, squash bugs, nematodes, snails, mosquitoes, scale, other bugs. Neem insecticides are very effective and will kill some insects, disrupt the molting (growth) process of others, and repel adult insects with its bitter taste.

Neem Tree Benefits for Everyone

The benefits of neem are almost overwhelming. As this tree has practical applications from its roots to its leaves, neem trees are now being grown in hot and arid locations around the globe for research, practical application, and harvesting.

In this article, you discovered how the neem tree species looks and grows, how its oil is applied in insecticides, its medicinal uses, uses in cosmetics, and even as lubrification for machinery.

As research continues into the versatility of the neem tree and its byproducts, we are quickly learning that this species may indeed be one of the most beneficial trees to human health and wellness.

Sources:

https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/neem.html
http://blog.press.princeton.edu/2018/05/24/plants-that-kill-neem-tree/
https://www.nap.edu/read/1924/chapter/9

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A Tree Fell on My House, What Now?

When an 80-foot, 20,000 pound tree comes crashing down on your house, it may seem like Armageddon. Once you pull yourself together and see what has happened, there will likely be more questions and the stress of what to do next to properly and quickly resolve the situation.

Trees fall all the time. However, when one lands on a house, immediate action must be taken to prevent further damage.

The fasttreeremovalatlanta.com emergency experts lay out exactly how to handle a tree falling on your home, and answers pertinent questions that you may not have considered.

What To Do When A Tree Falls on Your House

There is no time to waste when your home has been struck by a fallen tree. Your immediate response should include the following:

1 – Evacuate the structure! Ensure that all family members, occupants, visitors, and pets are accounted for and safe. When damages are extreme, or there is flooding, consider moving them to another location until repairs can be made.

2 – Call 9-1-1, to report the incident if the tree:

• Caused any injuries or fatalities
• Interfered with power lines or utilities before falling on your home, or
• Is a threat to pedestrians or traffic

Inform the emergency operator of the situation and follow any instructions they may have.

3 – Document everything that is taking place and take pictures of all affected areas. This will help when filing your claim.

4 – Contact your homeowner’s insurance company and follow their instructions (delaying this call may void your policy).

5 – Contact a 24-hour emergency tree removal company to remove the damaged or fallen tree, and inspect other trees on the property that pose a potential threat.

6 – Contact a 24-hour roofing company to inspect, tarp, and repair damages to your roof.

7 – Contact a 24-hour plumber to stop any visible leaks and examine the rest of the plumbing system for any collateral damages.

8 – Turn off the power if detect that water is coming through the roof or from broken pipes. The combination of water and electricity is extremely dangerous and a recipe for electrocution.

9 – Contact a 24-hour emergency water removal company if water is flooding your home due to a storm or broken pipe, to stop the water from causing structural damages or initiating a secondary problem with mold.

What You Need To Know If A Tree Falls on Your House

The House – When a tree falls on a house, there will be apparent damages to the area in which it fell. However, this type of impact to a structure may result in hidden structural, electrical, and plumbing issues throughout the house.

The Tree – If the tree was uprooted during a storm, be aware that trees within close proximity may also be in danger of falling. Trees growing close together will often rely on each other’s roots to help anchor themselves.

Also, during severe and prolonged weather events, the soil may become oversaturated and destabilize the roots of other nearby trees; thus, leaving them vulnerable to strong winds or falling by their own weight days after the end of the storm.

Watch this video to see how trees can be affected by a severe weather event.

The Insurance Company – In the event your insurance company expresses they will not cover the costs of the tree removal, roof damage, and home repairs, you are not necessarily going to be left holding the bill.

Insurance policy’s can be complex and confusing, but if you meet your deductible and have not used the total coverage limits of your policy, your insurance provider may be liable to pay for damages.

When needing an advocate throughout this process, the insurance public adjusters can help you file, fight, and receive the full benefits of your insurance policy.

People Also Ask – Frequent and Important Questions

Q: Is a tree falling covered by homeowners insurance?
A1: Yes. If the tree fell on an insured structure or came down in a way that obstructs access to it (walkways, driveways, or doorways).

A2: Not likely. If the tree that fell was neglected, or did not fall on or block your structure, your claim may be refused.

Q: What happens when a neighbor’s tree falls on your house?
A: If your neighbor’s tree falls on your house, the basic rule is that the insurance policy of the damaged property pays for the losses.

Or, if your tree falls on your neighbor’s house, your neighbor’s homeowner’s insurance will cover the damages to your neighbor’s house.

For what to do when a tree falls on a car, see fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/tree-falls-on-car-who-is-responsible

Q: Is a fence covered by homeowner’s insurance?
A: Homeowner’s insurance policies will typically cover a fence, shed or a detached garage if it’s damaged by a covered peril on your property, such as a fallen tree.

Q: What happens if my neighbor’s tree falls in my yard?
A: In most cases, each property owner is responsible for filing a claim for what falls into their yard, onto a fence or other structure in the yard.

Q: What does it mean when you have a $1000 deductible?
A: A deductible is an amount you pay out-of-pocket to the insurance when there is an accident involving property you have insured.

Let’s say the total cost to fix your roof is $3,000 and your deductible is $1,000 (this is what you pay). Only after you have satisfied the deductible, will your insurance carrier then cover the remaining $2,000 of the repair costs.

Emergency Tree Removal, Insurance, and Repairs

Ultimately, knowing how to react and what to do when a tree falls on your home will help you minimize stress and get your property and life back to normal as quickly as possible.

Once a tree falls on your home, time is of the essence. Get your loved ones to safety, call 9-1-1, follow their instructions, then contact your insurance carrier, an emergency tree removal company, a roofing company that can inspect the home’s structure for hidden damages, and a plumber to ensure that the jolt hasn’t caused any pipe ruptures or hidden leaks.

Stalling or delaying to take action when a tree falls on your home can void your homeowner’s insurance policy, exacerbate the damages to your home, and lead to expensive out-of-pocket repairs.

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Ambrosia Beetle Damage and Treatment

An ambrosia beetle infestation can cause catastrophic damages and the death of your trees if it goes without treatment.

Once an ambrosia beetle infestation is detected, professional treatment should begin immediately as well as steps to prevent spreading.

In this fasttreeremovalatlanta.com article, you will learn how this insect damages trees, discover how to identify an ambrosia beetle infestation, treat it, and prevent them from spreading to other trees.

Identifying an Ambrosia Beetle Infestation

For the mid-Atlantic and southern states, the concerning species of the ambrosia beetle (native to southeast Asia) is the granulate ambrosia beetle, (Xylosandrus Crassiusculus).

Common host tree species for this pest include crape myrtles, magnolias, oaks, willows, peach, plum, cherry, Japanese maples, ash, dogwood, beech, birch, and many other species can support the ambrosia beetle and the ambrosia fungus.

Besides identifying the beetle itself (pictured above), here are a few of the signs to help you positively identify an ambrosia beetle infestation:

• Wilting of foliage on terminal ends of branches and twigs.
• Terminal dieback.
• Entry holes on the affected trunk, branch, or twig.
• Blackening of the tissue surrounding the entry hole or of the “pith” which is the nutrient-rich tissue beneath the xylem and phloem in branches, twigs, and stems.
• Sawdust “toothpicks” will protrude from the hole being bored into the tree.

Watch this video to see the signs of an ambrosia beetle infestation.

Other boring insects will display some of the same signs. Regardless of the species that is attacking your trees, the damage they cause is insurmountable, and action must be taken to halt the infestation.

Ambrosia Beetle Tree Damage

An ambrosia beetle infestation is a bit different from other beetle infestations. Whereas most beetles bore into the tree and stay just under the bark to feed on the xylem and phloem, ambrosia beetles burrow deep into the tree’s heartwood.

Once in the heartwood, the beetle creates a chamber or “gallery,” lays its eggs and releases spores of the ambrosia fungi, which lives on (in a symbiotic manner) and is transported by the ambrosia beetle.

As the fungus grows within the tree, it serves as food for the hatching larvae. And as it spreads, it blackens the pith tissue of the host while invading and feeding off of the tree’s nutrient-rich xylem and phloem.

To further understand the symbiotic relationship between fungi and beetles, watch this video.

Tree boring insects like the ambrosia beetle are able to inflict tremendous damage to trees in all growth and health stages. However, the healthier a tree is, the less likely it will be infested.

Ambrosia Beetle Infestation Treatment

Part of any infestation treatment is the awareness of the problem. Once confirmed, advise your neighbors and any community groups of the situation. Offer to educate them and follow up by recommending the following:

1 – The use of insecticides on infested trees will result in little to no control of the infestation. However, the same insecticides will help keep unaffected trees from being attacked.

2 – Prune back and destroy all affected areas of the tree. If more than 20% of the crown will be lost, seek professional assistance.

In these cases, the tree may become more stressed, inviting further infestation and disease. Removal of the tree may be required to eliminate the infestation altogether.

3 – Severe infestations in which the trunk of the affected tree has many entry points may require the removal of the tree. As mentioned earlier, insecticides provide little to no results on an already infested tree.

4 – Extreme caution should be exercised when using fungicides and herbicides around trees infested by boring insects. In attempting to curb the growth of fungi, the exposed xylem and phloem may carry these chemicals throughout the tree and kill it.

5 – Don’t go it alone. Seek the assistance of a tree professional or arborist, they will be able to guide you through treatments and offer advice based on their knowledge and experience.

Tree Boring Insect Prevention

Preventing infestations begins with the proper and regular maintenance of your trees to keep them healthy.

Ambrosia beetles are less likely to attack healthy trees, instead will attack weakened, dying, or even dead trees with sufficient moisture for their symbiotic fungal growth.

Besides tree health, bark insecticidal sprays are the only other practical way to protect trees from being attacked.

Professional Tree Service and Infestation Prevention

Now that you know how to identify the signs of an ambrosia beetle infestation, the potential devastation they can inflict, and how to prevent or treat an outbreak, you should be prepared when the time comes.

Early identification of an infestation is crucial in halting irreversible damage to your trees. As stated above, the removal and disposal of affected limbs or the entire tree is the only truly effective treatment. Prevention is ultimately a question of the tree’s health and using insecticides before an infestation begins.

By not taking measures to halt an infestation or prevent one from attacking your trees, the risk of that tree weakening, becoming further stressed and eventually dying is significantly increased. Trees in this weakened state are more likely to topple, potentially causing catastrophic damages or even death. Your best course of action would be to call on a professional tree service to evaluate the situation and help you through it.

Sources:

http://www.gatrees.org/community-forests/ask-the-arborist/AmbrosiaBeetlesinUrbanTrees.pdf
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/ambrosia-beetles-trees-and-shrubs
https://www.clemson.edu/extension/publications/entomology/turf-ornamental/ambrosia-beetles-to22.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrosia_beetle
https://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/tropical-entomology/factsheets/ambrosia_beetles.shtml

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10 Summer Gardening Tips

Summer brings with it an explosion of plant, animal, and insect life. It is the time when our efforts in the garden become most evident and the time we must pay the closest attention to it.

From watering to fertilizing and from pruning to deadheading, the team at Fast Tree Removal Services Atlanta has compiled 10 tips to help you turn your garden into a beautiful showcase of your efforts.

Tips for a Successful Summer Garden

The following tips will help you achieve a brighter, healthier, and more beautiful garden throughout the summer months.

1. Watering in Summer Months – As the weather heats up, your garden is going to need more water. Here’s how to accomplish this:

• Water in the evening or early morning.
• Water slowly using a soaker hose or a dripline with a bucket (holes at the bottom of the bucket release water slowly through hoses or tubes). This is called deep watering and will encourage all roots to thicken and grow deeper.
• Plan on watering at least once per week, and in drier locations, two or three times per week.
• Avoid overwatering. When the top two inches of soil remains moist, postpone the watering for a day or two. Browning of the foliage and root rot can occur from overwatering.

Watch this video to learn how to assemble a dripline using a standard bucket.

2. Soil Preparation for Plant Growth – Preparing your garden’s soil will be greatly influenced by what you intend to plant or already have planted. The following will help you enrich and balance your soil:

• Start with dry soil (trying to turn wet or moist soil will make a big mess). Turn the top 6-8 inches while adding well-decomposed manure or finished compost.
• Remove rocks and break up large clods.
• When you run into roots, know where they are coming from. Cutting through tree roots may leave the tree susceptible to disease and infestation, potentially causing serious problems for the garden. More often than not, the mycelia that surround and colonizes tree roots will do the same to plant roots, creating a beneficial ecosystem for them to coexist.
• Check the pH level of the soil. Levels range from 0 to 14 with 7 being neutral, below 7 is acidic and above 7 is alkaline. Most plants will thrive when the pH level is between 5.5 and 7. The addition of limestone will raise the pH level, while compost and organic materials will work to lower it.

Watch this video to learn different methods of measuring your soil’s pH level.

3. Weed the Garden to Remove Competing Roots – While diversity in a garden is important, weeds cause more problems than they are worth. Here’s how to get rid of them without the use of chemicals.

• Use a spade or garden rake to loosen the soil around undesired growth. Pull the weed and as much of the roots as possible to prevent regrowth.
• Dispose of or destroy these plants away from the garden and compost pile.
• Any time you see something that shouldn’t be there, remove it. Weeds grow fast and can rapidly take over a section of your garden if left unchecked.

4. Planting for Optimized Growth – Know the species of plants and shrubs in your garden and how much light they need.

The location of your garden with respect to physical structures, shrubs, and trees will determine the amount of direct sunlight it receives. The following are the categories playing a part in the growth and health of your garden:

• Full Sun – six hours per day,
• Partial Sun/Partial Shade – three hours per day,
• Shade – less than two hours of sunlight per day, and
• Indirect Light – bright light without direct sunlight,

Knowing this factor will help you select the right plant species for your garden. Plants sold in nurseries, garden centers, or even seed packets will have the recommended sunlight exposure printed on the label.

5. Planting Vegetables – If you have a large, spacious garden, vegetables would make a great summer addition to it. The warmth of the soil and air along with intense sunlight facilitate their rapid growth. Some great examples are:

• Tomatoes
• Beans
• Corn
• Squash
• Peppers
• Celery

Take a look at this vegetable planting calendar by the University of Georgia for the state of Georgia.

6. Fertilize Your Garden to Encourage Growth – If you have properly prepared your soil with organic material, your plants may not need to be fertilized. For heavy feeding vegetables like corn and tomatoes. However, a slow release nitrogen-rich inorganic fertilizer should be worked into the soil just before they are planted.

• Inorganic fertilizers deliver immediate nutrients and promote faster growth.
• Organic fertilizers release nutrients at a much slower pace but produce healthier soil.

7. Mulch to Protect the Soil and Roots – Mulch works for gardens the same way it does for trees. The addition of a layer of organic mulch to your garden provides the following benefits:

• The soil will retain more moisture.
• Mulch naturally balances soil temperatures, preventing overheating and excessive drying.
• As the mulch decomposes, nutrients and nitrogen are released into the soil.
• For both annual and perennial gardens, old mulch should be removed and replaced with new mulch each spring. This prevents rot from occurring and continues the delivery of nutrients to the soil. Avoid layering mulch on mulch.

8. Pruning Plants and Shrubs – While pruning activities should take place in late winter and early spring, there is never a bad time to prune the following:

• Dead or dying foliage, leaves, and stems.
• Disease infected sections of a plant.
• Insect infested or heavily damaged sections of a plant.
• Invasive or interfering growth on sidewalks, pathways, or roads.

9. Deadheading To Encourage Stronger Growth – Deadheading is nothing more than removing faded or spent flowers. This process allows the plant to use its resources to grow stronger and in many cases continue to bloom further into the season.

10. Pest Control to Keep Your Garden Healthy – Flowering plants and shrubs will naturally invite insects and pests to your garden and landscape. Birds, bees and other pollinators, and other predators are very effective at keeping their numbers down. You can take the following steps to prevent infestations from occurring:

• Frequently inspect your garden, shrubs, and trees for signs of infestations.
• When you spot a bug problem, spray a simple solution of 2Tbsp of dish soap to 1 gallon of water to the affected area and all surrounding foliage from the top and bottom.
• Consult your local nursery. They may have current information on which pest problems are affecting your area and how to prevent an infestation.
• Keep an eye on your trees. Tree infestations can have serious ramifications on your entire landscape. When you detect an infestation or trouble with one of your trees, call a tree service to evaluate the situation and offer a course of action.

For other tips to maintain a healthy lawn during summer visit http://www.pearltrees.com/homegardeningguide/item224772263

Garden Design and Location

The design and location of your garden play a significant role in what to plant and where to plant it.

As each season rolls through, keep a journal on how well or poorly your plants did. How much sun they got, the watering schedule, infestations, diseases, the soil pH level, etc.

This information will help you determine how to adjust the soil, choose plant species, or even move the garden’s location entirely.

How ever you go about growing your garden, keep it fun. When possible, stop to smell a flower or two.

Sources:
https://www.oregonmetro.gov/tools-living/yard-and-garden/garden-problems/summer-garden-pest-control
https://kidsgardening.org/gardening-basics-preparing-the-soil/
http://www.ukgardening.org/gardening-basics.php
http://ucanr.edu/sites/gardenweb/general/

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Fast Tree Removal Services Atlanta

3379 Peachtree Road #555a, Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 220-9965

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Preparing Trees for Hurricane and Storm Season

In recent years, trees in the southeast have had to endure much more severe weather and close calls from hurricanes. Chances are that this hurricane and storm season will be no different.

Your trees surviving the next severe weather event may depend on the actions you take early on in the season. The greatest factor in your tree’s survival however is its health. Healthy trees are able to sustain minor and moderate damages and quickly recover from severe weather events.

It should be noted that during heavy soil saturation and sustained high winds, even healthy trees can succumb and fall under these conditions.

The team at Fast Tree Removal Services Atlanta has outlined the following measures to help preserve your trees and prevent them from causing catastrophic damages.

Protecting Trees from Severe Weather

We need to break this down into two perspectives. You can protect young trees that you are planting, and you can protect trees that have already reached maturity. Below we differentiate and outline steps to protect both types of trees.

Young Trees – When planting young trees, location and soil are everything. Knowing the species and its growing tendencies will help you properly place the tree, avoiding costly root damage to foundations, walkways, and paved streets.

Proper root development is fundamental to a tree’s health and its capacity to anchor itself to the ground when the winds try to whisk it away.

Soil treatment before planting along with proper fertilization and watering as the tree grows will entice its roots to grow strong and deep, which help it’s anchoring.

Staking the tree while it is young anchors it; this approach will keep it from being bent or broken by severe wind and weather. Likewise, planting rows of shrubs near these trees will serve to divert and weaken strong wind, as will structures and fences.

Mature Trees – First and foremost, you can protect the trees on your property by keeping them healthy. From seasonal pruning, pest control, and mulching, to annual arborist inspections, ample watering, and proper fertilization, your trees will be prepared to grow stronger each season.

Assess your yard or landscape. As mentioned above, planting rows of shrubs, helps to divert and weaken strong winds. Fences and well anchored structures readily accomplish this as well.

Tree Pruning and Crown Thinning

The proper annual pruning and crown thinning (when needed) work together to make trees healthier and more sturdy. While both actions remove mass from the tree, they serve different purposes, as outlined below:

Pruning Your Tree – This is fundamental to keeping disease and decay from setting in. Depending on the species, pruning should take place in the late fall or very early spring. However, whenever a serious problem is detected that requires pruning, it should be performed regardless of the season.

Crown thinning – This is the act of removing limbs and foliage from inside the crown. This process (when properly done) allows air to flow more freely through the crown, permits more sunlight to reach the inner leaves and branches of the tree, and removes a portion of the weight from the trunk and base of the tree.

Annual pruning and proper crown thinning will give your tree a tremendous advantage during the storm season. Regarding thinning, less mass equals less resistance which equates to better chances of surviving severe weather events. Whereas pruning is an overall best practice that improves wellness and promotes a trees’ healthiest condition.

Trees Too Close to Your Home and Power Lines

That 70 foot red maple growing beside your property may be a cause for concern. When trees are planted too close to homes, businesses, and power lines, they have the potential to cause catastrophic damages and are potentially lethal.

Too Close to Home – When a tree is planted too close to a home and its height dwarfs that of the home, there is cause for several concerns.

The root system has more than likely not properly developed. It may have been diverted by the home’s foundation, or grown under or into it. This scenario typically results in a lack of stability, potential leaning, and possible loss of the tree in a major weather event.

The sway of the tree in the wind may cause branches and limbs to repeatedly strike the exterior of the home. If allowed to continue, the tree could eventually cause costly damage the home. More so, the tree may lose bark or sustain injuries allowing illness or infestation to set in.

If the tree is weakened by infestation or illness, it could easily topple in a storm. In this scenario, depending on how far the tree’s health has declined, it could fall at any time.

Watch the following video to see the potential catastrophic damage a tree can cause when falling on a house.

To remedy this situation, have the tree evaluated by a professional. If pruning and crown thinning aren’t sufficient remedies to make the tree safe, be prepared to have the tree removed. Being proactive fares better as it is less expensive than emergency tree removal and less disruptive than an unforeseen catastrophe.

Too Close to Power Lines – When the power goes out during a severe storm, a common cause is a fallen tree that has landed on or snapped power lines on its way down.

Trees that grow near power lines can become a serious hazard and even lethal. Once the upper extremities of a tree are within reach of power lines, it is important to take action.

Trees in contact with power lines may become energized. Do not approach or touch them, you may be seriously injured or electrocuted.

Watch this video to further understand the danger of trees in contact with power lines.

The majority of electric service providers have their own crew that attends to interfering trees. Once notified, they will likely dispatch a crew to trim back or cut away any parts of the tree that may cause damage to the power line.

Unfortunately, in many cases, these crews cut away too much of the tree for it to fully recover. The tree may now be at serious risk of infection or infestation and the tree’s removal may be required.

After a tree is cut in this manner, have the tree inspected by a professional to determine its health and whether or not it should be removed before a storm causes it to fall.

Tree Care After Severe Weather

During a storm or severe weather events, especially those with sustained high wind speeds, otherwise innocuous items left in yards or not secured on patios can become lethal projectiles.

When these objects slam into trees, they potentially damage and weaken the tree. If the object is large enough to increase wind pressure and stress on the tree, the tree may lose its stability and fall. This could also lead to the breaking of limbs or even the snapping of the trunk under the additional pressure.

After the storm has passed, inspect your tree for scars, limb loss, bark loss, leaning, or anything out of the ordinary.

When you detect that a tree has been damaged in a storm, call on a professional to inspect the tree and offer expert advice of how to remedy those damages before the next storm strikes.

Preventing Tree Damage and Catastrophic Loss

Loss prevention begins when you take proactive measures to avoid catastrophe.

Know where you are planting, the species you are planting, and how it will grow as it reaches maturity. Keeping the tree healthy and well pruned is the best measure you can take to help your tree survive severe weather.

For the trees that have reached maturity on your property, again, keeping them healthy, well pruned, and thinned when necessary will keep them strong and durable.

After severe weather, take action! Inspect your trees and take nothing for granted. If something looks wrong, chances are something is wrong. Call a professional to further assess the tree.

During this and every storm season, reach out to neighbors and friends to be proactive with their trees. For many, trees are not a worry – until they come crashing through their homes.

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Fast Tree Removal Services Atlanta

3379 Peachtree Road #555a, Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 220-9965

To view the orignal version of this post, visit: http://www.fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/preparing-trees-hurricane-storm-season

3 Atlanta Georgia Tree Replanting and Recompense Recommendations

In Atlanta Ga, tree planting or replanting frequently follows tree removal for construction projects or landscaping makeovers. When trees are removed for these and other purposes, the City of Atlanta tree ordinance imposes fines (known as recompense) that may reach $1,000 or more per tree depending on the tree’s size. Here’s more information about the recompense regulations fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/city-atlanta-tree-recompense-removal-fine.

Atlanta strives to achieve zero canopy loss in its urban forest. Forest restoration or the planting of trees helps alleviate the imposed recompense fine and restore the overall canopy.

The City of Atlanta Tree Planting List is a helpful document within the City’s tree ordinance that serves as a guide when deciding which species to plant. This is a link to an Atlanta tree ordinance summary fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/tree-ordinance-and-removal-permit. In this article we highlight 3 species native to the Piedmont region of Georgia, which includes the City of Atlanta.

Understory and Ornamental Sized Trees – Flowering Dogwood

Reaching up to 30 feet in height, understory trees have the capacity to sustain roughly 400 square feet of canopy at maturity. Measuring a diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) of less than 15 inches, recompense credit for these trees is only permitted when site conditions cannot support the planting of mid-story and overstory trees.

Flowering Dogwood – (cornus florida) is a deciduous understory tree native to the Georgia Piedmont region. This species flowers in mid to late spring and bears fruit in the late summer to early fall, providing an important food source for a variety of bird species which then spread the seeds.

Morning sun, afternoon shade, and moist acidic soil compose the ideal environment for the flowering dogwood. These trees are best acclimated to hardiness zones 5 through 9. Care should be taken to avoid trunk or root damage in any form, as this will greatly increase the tree’s susceptibility to pest infestation and disease.

The popularity of the flowering dogwood within Atlanta is evident and a tree seen throughout Atlanta suburbs and local City parks.

Mid-Story or Mid-Canopy Sized Trees – Red Maple

Reaching 60 feet in height, mid-story or mid-canopy trees have the capacity to sustain roughly 900 square feet of canopy at maturity. Measuring a diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) of 10 to 25 inches, recompense credit for these trees requires a spacing minimum of 25 feet on center between replacement and existing trees.

Red Maple – (acer rubrum) is a deciduous mid-story tree native to the Georgia Piedmont region. Often used as a shade tree (with intense red fall foliage and striking form), the red maple is one of the most commonly planted trees of Central and North America. Commercially used (on a small scale) for maple syrup production, this species is also harvested for its medium to high quality lumber.

With an uncanny ability to thrive in a wide variety of elevations, pH levels, and soil types, the red maple is among the most populous of trees found in North America. When germinating from seeds, moist mineral soil is the best selection. After which, its ideal growing condition is in locations with well-drained moist soil.

Being very tolerant of pollution and road salt, red maples are a choice tree for urban landscaping where there is enough space for its wide reaching root system. These maples are able to better thrive along city streets when the roots are cultivated by mycorrhizal fungi. However, as its root system can sometimes be invasive, planting near pavement or hardscaping may not be the wisest decision.

Overstory Trees – Black Oak

Reaching over 60 feet in height, overstory trees have the capacity to sustain roughly 1,600 square feet of canopy at maturity. Measuring a diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) greater than 25 inches, recompense credit for these trees requires a spacing minimum of 35 feet on center between replacement and existing trees.

Black Oak – (quercus velutina) is a deciduous overstory tree also native to the Georgia Piedmont region. This tree is found widespread in central and eastern North America and grows in all of the coastal states.

Its appearance resembles that of the red oak (quercus rubra) with which – on occasion – will hybridize. The fruit of the black oak (acorns) are an important food source for a wide variety of birds, rodents, and larger wildlife such as deer.

These trees contribute to their surroundings by providing shade and shelter to humans and animals, and provide twigs and leaves as food and supplies for nest-building birds. Being a large oak, they affect how water moves throughout its ecosystem and are avid participants in the global oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

This species has an average lifespan of around 200 years (California black oaks have been known to live up to 500 years), and grows best in well drained, warm, moist silty soils derived from glacial materials (limestone, sandstone, and shales).

The City in a Forest – Atlanta Tree Ordinance Protecting the Canopy

Atlanta is known as “The City in a Forest” and its tree ordinance sets down a strict set of guidelines for all of its trees. Whenever there is removal of a tree(s) in good health that poses no threat to people or structures, the ordinance is used to assess a recompense.

A recompense credit can be acquired when eligible and appropriate trees are planted to compensate for the trees that were removed. Using trees that are native to the Piedmont region of Georgia is highly recommended.

When planting a species not identified by the City of Atlanta tree planting list, the City’s arborist must approve the species before a recompense credit can be authorized. All of the aforementioned tree species are great suggestions for replanting, and can flourish in the City of Atlanta’s urban forest.

https://plus.google.com/+Fasttreeremovalatlantaservices

Fast Tree Removal Services Atlanta

3379 Peachtree Road #555a, Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 220-9965

To view the orignal version of this post, visit: http://www.fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/atlanta-ga-tree-replanting-recompense-recommendations