TREE & LAWN CARE BLOG
What is the green stuff growing on my trees?
Most of the time, in damp, shady areas you will spot a substance on the branches or trunk of a seemingly declining tree. This substance can be either lichen or moss.
What’s the difference between lichen and moss on trees?
Lichen
A combination of fungi and algae
Can be a range of colors including blue, green gray etc.
Appears in thin flaky patches
Moss
Always dark green
Coarse texture
Does moss or lichen harm my tree?
Lichen does not harm trees, though it might seem that way because they are usually found on declining specimen. Actually, lichen just tends to thrive on unhealthy trees because when they are under stress, there are usually less leaves and branches, allowing more light to shine on the trunk and creating the perfect environment for lichen to take over.
How can I get rid of moss or lichen on my trees?
There is no pressing need to rid the tree of moss or lichen as it does no harm to your trees and actually can be beneficial to the environment by providing a food source for many birds and other animals. However, if you would still like to get rid of it, a fungicide called copper sulfate can be applied by an ISA certified Arborist to kill it.
If you have moss or lichen on your trees, it is best to have them assessed properly by one of our ISA certified Arborists to rule out any potential tree disease, tree decay or pests that could be causing stress on the tree to begin with. Use the link below to be connected with an ISA certified arborist today!
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Signs You Might Have A Bark Beetle Infestation
There are more than 600 different species of bark beetles and over 41.7 millions acres of land destroyed from them. They are becoming more common as time goes on and date back to 1996, when the first outbreak began in the U.S. Bark beetles usually go after the weaker trees, decayed or already taken over by some sort of fungus or bacteria. They kill the trees by cutting off their food and water transport abilities.
Symptoms of bark beetles include:
Pitch tubes, reddish brown in color on the outside of the bark
Sawdust substances around bark
Woodpecker holes could indicate there are bark beetles present
Leaves and needles turn from green to reddish brown
Tree decline
Unfortunately, once the symptoms of bark beetles are noticed, it usually is too late to apply a pesticide and the tree must be removed to prevent further spread in the area. If you notice the bark beetles early on in their cycle, a pesticide can be applied by a certified Arborist that kills the adults when they land on the tree. This will prevent them from entering, laying eggs and repeating the cycle.
When applying pesticides, make sure you use a certified arborist, as these chemicals can be dangerous and cause more harm to the good and helpful insects of the tree.
If you suspect bark beetles on your trees, it is important to contact your local ISA certified arborist immediately to remediate the situation before they take over.
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How To Keep Your Christmas Tree From Dropping Needles
Christmas is right around the corner and its time to start thinking about which tree you will pick to light up your living room with some holiday spirit! Some might choose to go with a fake tree for easy cleanup and most of all NO MESS. However, there are some tips and tricks we can give you so you can enjoy your real Christmas tree and keep the droppings at a minimum. Because lets face it, there truly is nothing like a real Christmas tree.
So how can I keep the needles from dropping on my Christmas tree?
The fresher, the better.
Cutting your own tree is best because its hard to tell how long ago the trees on local tree farm were cut.
Give it a shake.
If you shake the tree around a bit, you shouldn’t notice a ton of needles falling off. If so, NEXT!
Water, water, water.
The most important part of keeping your Christmas tree thriving is making sure the water is full at all times.
If you can find a Christmas tree with a root ball that will be your absolute best bet on preventing large amounts of needle drop.
Keep the tree away from heating vents or fireplaces. Extreme hot and cold temperatures will likely cause needle drop.
These are just a few of our favorite tips to keep your Christmas tree healthy and glowing this season! Give us a call if you have any additional questions about tree care!
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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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!
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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!