Warning Signs, Problems and Solutions for Atlanta Trees

There are several dangers facing trees in your Atlanta landscape. The dense foliage within Atlanta, “the city in a forest,” is prone to facing health problems and can need your help.

Infestation, disease, and construction mishaps are causes that weaken and kill trees when they are not properly looked after. Your immediate action when a tree is in decline can be the difference in it thriving or dying.

This fasttreeremovalatlanta.com article identifies tree health symptoms and causes like construction damage, insect infestations, powdery mildew, and then offers easy to perform solutions for each of them.

Declining Tree Health Symptoms

When trees are in trouble, they typically exhibit obvious symptoms telling you that there is a much more significant problem at hand. Some of the more common symptoms requiring immediate attention are:

Dieback – This is a symptom of, soil compaction, infestation, disease, or girdling and occurs when the foliage, branches, and twigs begin to die from the outside in towards the trunk.

If not quickly addressed, large branches and entire portions of the tree will die and become brittle, potentially falling without forewarning.

To identify an insect infestation, look for entry and exit points appearing as rounded holes with either sawdust (pitch) or sap blow the hole.

Stunted Growth – When a tree is under stress from an insect infestation or disease, smaller foliage and reduced growth may occur. Often, the crown will be disproportionate with smaller and fewer leaves on one side.

If left untreated, the tree’s health will continue to decline, leaving it susceptible to multiple infestations, and eventually lead to its death.

Premature Leaf Drop or Late bloom – A deciduous tree stressed by compacted soil, severe infestation, disease, or partial girdling may drop its foliage in late summer before other trees, or may not bloom until late in the spring.

Stressed evergreen trees may lose more foliage than usual in late summer and fall, along with signs of chlorosis (yellowing of foliage).

This is an alarming sign which underscores the severity of what is happening within the tree and must be quickly addressed to save it.

Drooping Crown – A common symptom of soil compaction is when your tree’s crown appears to droop, or the foliage appears to be wilted.

This soil condition may cause irreparable damage to the tree’s root system resulting in hydraulic failure (when the tree can no longer transport water and nutrients to and from the roots) and eventual death.

Tree Problem – Construction Damage

Construction damage can be soil compaction from transiting or parked vehicles and heavy storage or waste containers left under a tree. Bark damage leading to partial or complete girdling may result from leaning equipment or being struck by vehicles.

These issues are not limited to construction sites, the integrity of the soil and trunk of your tree are vital to its survival and should always be protected.

Construction Damage Solution – The City of Atlanta has specific guidelines on tree protection for construction sites which must be implemented. The failure of a company or person to adequately protect trees on a commercial or private construction site may be met with steep fines, and in the case of a lost tree, a tree recompense and fine may be assessed.

In the case of soil compaction, it can be challenging to save a tree’s roots. Depending on the size of the tree, 15 inches to 3 feet of new topsoil may be required to counteract the effects of it.

Read more about reversing soil compaction here ecolandscaping.org/01/soil/dealing-with-soil-compaction/

In the case of bark damage and girdling, if the damage is severe enough that it cuts through the xylem and phloem around the majority or entire circumference of the trunk, the tree may already be dead.

In situations with lesser damage, bark patches have a better chance of restoring the flow of water and nutrients from the crown and roots. Uncover further information on bark damage here fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/handling-tree-bark-damage

Tree Problem – Insect Infestation

The healthier a tree is, the easier it can repel attacks from boring insects. Likewise, these pests will typically target trees in a weakened state of health. However, when the insect population grows and trees become limited, they will target and successfully invade healthy trees too.

Some beetle species will burrow into the heartwood and nest deep within the tree. Beetles carry fungal spores with them which germinate within the tree providing nutrients for their offspring and ultimately causing a fungal infection which further weakens the tree.

As their numbers grow, infestations can easily devastate entire urban landscapes, inflicting irreparable damage to multiple trees of all sizes and ages.

Insect Infestation Solution – When caught in its early stages, an insect infestation is easily managed through the use of insecticides, traps, and the removal of infected limbs or the source tree in its entirety.

In any case of an insect infestation, call a tree professional for expert advice on types of treatment and how to protect surrounding trees. The web, in addition to the insect can lead to tree disease or death. To learn more, read fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/insect-webs-tree-decay-disease-death

Tree Problem – Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fast-spreading fungal disease affecting a wide range of trees and plants. It commonly has the appearance of white powder stuck to leaves riddled with black spores.

This disease is difficult to control, as it is spread by wind, splashing water, insect, wildlife, or human activity.

In severe cases when enough foliage is covered by the disease, the host tree’s capacity to photosynthesize can be significantly reduced causing deficiencies and weakening the tree’s health, leaving it vulnerable to infestations and other infections.

Powdery Mildew Solution – Halting and preventing powdery mildew can be as easy as watering your trees. The following tips will help you quickly gain control over this disease.

• Neem Oil – Spray affected and surrounding foliage with a neem oil solution (2.5Tbsp per gallon of water) weekly.
• Home Remedy – Spray affected and surrounding foliage with a solution of 1Tbsp of baking soda and 1tsp of liquid dish soap per gallon of water.
• Garden and Pruning Equipment – All equipment used on infected plants and trees should be thoroughly washed then rinsed in a bleach solution (1/8 cup bleach per gallon of water). Alcohol may also be used in place of bleach (1 cup alcohol per gallon of water).

In cases where 25% percent or more of the foliage is infected, call a tree professional to offer suggestions for a more aggressive approach to controlling this disease.

For more on tree disease control and prevention, read fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/5-tree-shrub-disease-prevention-tips

Protecting Atlanta’s Tree Canopy

Don’t let your trees die needlessly. With so many trees in an urban setting, accidents, infections, and infestations are bound to happen, are you ready for them?

In this article, you discovered how to identify the problems and symptoms of a troubled tree, like construction damage, girdling, insect infestations, powdery mildew, and how to effectively treat each of them.

Your failure to act when your trees are injured or ill can result in their death and toppling. Avoid catastrophic damages and potential fines or recompense from the City of Atlanta by taking action while you still can.

Sources:
http://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1238&title=Common%20Landscape%20Diseases%20in%20Georgia
http://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story.html?storyid=5161&story=Fig%20Pest
https://www.atlantaga.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=1538

Fast Tree Removal Services Atlanta

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

Fast Tree Removal Services Dunwoody

2111 Peachford Cir, Dunwoody, GA 30338
(404) 220-9963

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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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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/tree-fell-on-my-house-what-now

3 Spring Tree Care Tips

This winter season is at its end, and trees are beginning to exit dormancy. This is the perfect time to inspect your trees and give them the care that they need before they fully awaken.

Throughout the cold months, much damage may have occurred. Some will be visible, while other types of internal damage may stay hidden. For this reason, the service professionals at Fast Tree recommend a thorough spring inspection of your trees, bushes, and plants.

These 3 spring tree care tips will help you give your trees a head start, detect issues, and get them under control before they become unmanageable or irreparable.

1 – Addressing the White Stuff on My Tree and Plant Leaves

A common disease known as powdery mildew has the appearance of a powder-like substance on tree and plant leaves. While this may seem to be a small problem, keep in mind that this appearance is due to millions of fungal spores which spread and infect trees easily on air currents.

How Do I Get Rid of Powdery Mildew? – Cut away and destroy (Do Not Compost) any part of a plant or tree that is infected. Follow up with the application of fungicides such as neem oil, lime-sulfur, or potassium bicarbonate.

2 – Diagnosing Dieback and Managing Dead Branches

Dieback occurs when a tree gradually deteriorates from the top down. This can be caused by drought, soil imbalances, or even insect infestation.

Throughout the seasons, many stressors will affect your trees. At times, they will result in the dying of a branch. This is very different from dieback, but the treatments are very similar.

How Do I Stop Dieback? – Saving a tree affected by dieback begins with determining and correcting the cause. The next step is to cut or trim back all of the dead parts of the tree. However, if the cause is a severe insect infestation, removing the tree altogether may be the only option to prevent the spreading of the infestation.

When Do I Remove Dead Branches? – Now. Dead branches should be removed immediately, during any season. They potentially pose a severe risk to nearby structures and if heavy enough, pose a threat to you and your family’s safety.

3 – How Do I Know If My Tree Has An Insect Infestation

As mentioned earlier, some problems are visible and easy to detect, while others are hidden. With a visible insect infestation, you will see the insects on the stems and leaves.

However, with boring insects like beetles, you are looking for holes in the bark, branches, and trunk (in some cases, you will see a small pile or mound of sawdust from the insect pushing it out of the hole.)

How Do I Treat An Insect Infestation? – Once you have confirmed an infestation, insecticides, horticultural oils, or insecticides should be used and applied immediately.

The more common of the options is the horticultural oil. This is a way to effectively and safely smother and kill boring insects. While this oil should be applied before the tree has begun to bud, killing the insects is the top priority at all times.

When oils are applied correctly and consistently, you will notice insects keeping away from your trees, shrubs, and plants. If you have a fruit tree in your garden, read this page fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/how-to-maintain-your-fruit-trees-this-spring for maintenance instructions and care tips.

Also, do not overlook, and be on the lookout for the root cause of the infestation. The insecticides will deter and kill the insects, but they will return when the deterrent wears off if not properly treated. Addressing the root cause of the problem will ensure a healthy yard and long-term solution for your plant or tree insect infestation.

When Do I Call A Professional Tree Service?

Whenever you suspect or detect a potential threat to your trees, it may be a good time to call in a tree service to help you properly assess and get things under control.

NOTE: What you may consider to be a total loss, may be saved by an arborist or trained professional.

Being proactive by scheduling regular tree and landscape inspections will help to avoid dead, dying, or diseased tree surprises. It will also leave you with a sense of security about the health of your trees and plants.

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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: www.fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/3-spring-tree-care-tips

City of Atlanta Tree Recompense and Removal Fine

Residential property owners in Atlanta looking to improve their landscape or remove distressed trees should know that the City of Atlanta goes to great lengths to protect its trees. Whether on public or private property, never assume that it is okay to just go out and cut down a tree.

The fines for unlawfully cutting down a tree or trees is steep. We outlined in detail the process, city arborist, and related info on obtaining a tree removal permit, see it here fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/tree-ordinance-and-removal-permit. It is relatively easy, but should be done (if necessary) before beginning any cutting or tree removal activities.

Below is the recompense, consequences and fines for not following the tree protection ordinance.

City of Atlanta Tree Ordinance and Recompense

The City of Atlanta has established a tree ordinance which sets forth guidelines for the protection and/or removal of trees. Below is an excerpt from the ordinance:

“Where the tree conservation commission is able to determine the exact number of trees upon which a tree protection ordinance violation occurred, a fine imposed for the first violation shall be no less than $500.00, and the fine imposed for each subsequent violation shall be $1,000.00. Each tree upon which a violation occurred shall be deemed a separate violation of the tree protection ordinance.”

Furthermore, no person shall directly or indirectly remove, injure, or destroy:

• Any tree located on public property.
• Any tree having a diameter at breast height (DBH) of six inches or more which is located on private property without the acquisition of a removal permit.

If it is found that a removed tree did not present imminent hazard or danger, the city arborist shall assign a recompense* and may impose a separate fine. It is the policy of the city that there shall be no net loss of trees within the boundaries of the city.

*A recompense defined for this purpose is: A monetary compensation for the loss of or damage to trees. The amount of a recompense is generally determined by the quantity and size of affected trees, but remains at the discretion of the city arborist.

Contact a Local Tree Service for Assistance

While there are some exemptions to the removal permit requirement, they are very few and they are very specific. Before taking matters into your own hands, contact a local arborist or tree service to help in the assessment of your tree’s needs and whether or not a permit will be required.

The professionals at Fast Tree are fully abreast of current ordinances and laws regulating the maintenance, care, and removal of trees in the City of Atlanta.

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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/city-atlanta-tree-recompense-removal-fine

Atlanta Tree Removal Permit Procedure

The information below is an excerpt from http://www.fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/tree-ordinance-and-removal-permit

A permit is not required for the removal of a tree or trees that have fallen or are being supported by another tree or structure.

A permit is required when a tree “diameter at breast height (DBH) of six inches or more” needs to be taken down from private property in the City of Atlanta. However, the ordinance states you are allowed to remove trees less than six inches diameter at breast height from private property.

Below is the tree removal process, applications, and contact information needed to expedite the acquisition of a tree removal permit in Atlanta Ga.

City of Atlanta Tree Removal Permit Application Process

These steps will assist you in the lawful removal of dead, dying, diseased or hazardous trees from private property.

1. Submit an Application:

Fill out and submit an application for the tree removal permit. Applications can be mailed, faxed, emailed or delivered in person to the City of Atlanta Arborist Division.

2. Inspection:

Generally, within 5 business days, an assigned arborist will visit and complete a field inspection. A list of the City’s inspectors (by region) can be found below.

3. Application Approval:

When the application is approved, the field inspection report will be returned and must be on site while the tree removal process takes place.

How to Appeal Your Permit Denial

When a Tree Removal Permit is denied, an appeal may be made to the Tree Conservation Commission. Valid appeals must provide clear evidence of misinterpretation of the facts.
Download the Tree Conservation Commission appeal packet instructions, then…
Download the Tree Conservation Commission appeal form and submit it.

A public hearing will take place where you can explain your situation. Kathy Evans at (404) 330-6235 should be contacted or visit atlantatreecommission.com for further instructions.

City of Atlanta Arborist Division Contact Information

The City of Atlanta’s Arborist Division is comprised of an Arboricultural Manager, Regional Inspectors ,and Plan Reviewers who swiftly work to resolve any and all questions and issues. On their website is a list of forms and checklists to make your permit experience more seamless.

Below is a complete list of contacts within the city Arborist Division:

City Arborist Division

55 Trinity Avenue

3rd Floor – Suite 3800

Atlanta, Georgia 30303

arborist.dpcd@atlantaga.gov

(404) 330-6874

David Zaparanick, M.L.A.

Interim Arboricultural Manager

dzaparanick@atlantaga.gov
(404) 865-8489

Atlanta Tree Removal Service

Our Atlanta tree service professionals can guide you through the permitting process or provide emergency tree removal in the aftermath of a damaging storm.

In the event of an emergency, no permit is required, and our emergency tree removal team is available for you 24 hours a day.

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/tree-removal-permit-procedure

5 Must Know Tree and Shrub Disease Prevention Tips

You may have heard or experienced diseases that destroyed your beautiful shrubbery or trees. These diseases can attack any tree given the right conditions and environment.

As they say, prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, Fast created some quick and easy tips to help prevent these ailments from affecting your trees and plant ecosystem. Adhering to these steps may help improve the longevity of your trees and shrubbery.

1. Remove Visibly Deteriorated Trees and Shrubs

To stop the spread of diseases to healthy trees, prune limbs or remove decaying or dead trees. To ensure that the thread is totally removed, it is best to employ the services of an arborist or tree service to take down the tree even to its deepest root.

2. Keep Your Garden Clean

As often as possible, walk your landscape to keep yourself familiar with the condition of the trees, plants, and shrubs. This enables you to observe and detect changes in the color or condition of your trees and shrubs.

Remove fallen leaves from diseased trees and plants and keep your garden clean. Prune any affected branches and trees to keep infected organisms contained.

3. Protect Using Fungicides and Insecticides.

Spraying trees in your landscape with fungicides is a preventive measure to stop the spread of fungal diseases. Thus, the spread of Oak Wilt, fire blight and other diseases can be contained.

Insecticides also prevent spread of disease by attacking its carriers. When you kill the bugs and their eggs, naturally it prevents any contamination from spreading further.

Larva feed on the sapwood beneath the bark hence it is of utmost importance that they are controlled. Usually, they kill the tree as they mature and bore out through the bark.

4. Keep all Gardening Tools Clean

Wipe or spray clean all your tools (shovels, pruners, rake, etc.) to remove debris or any contaminating organisms. Use bleach or alcohol to thoroughly clean the tools used on any diseased trees and plants. This is good practice to do in general, but it’s critical in preventing the spread of diseases to healthy plants.

5. Make Yearly Arborist Inspections

To keep abreast with the condition of your landscape, schedule annual visits with the arborist as prompt detection and immediate response is key to improving the longevity of your trees. You will be notified of the best time for trimming or tree removal of any diseased trees. Visit http://www.fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/when-tree-pruning-cutting-emergency-removal-atlanta-ga for ideal times to inspect and perform tree services.

The Benefits of Trees for Homeowners

It is only natural for trees to get ill now and then. It is also known that trees are insects source of sustenance. With this in mind, sometimes, it is best to allow nature rule and take the full course.

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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/5-tree-shrub-disease-prevention-tips