BE A GEORGIA TREE KNOW-IT-ALL: EASTERN REDBUD

Get to know Georgia’s beautiful array of trees and how you can take care of your own! Each month, we feature some of the most popular trees in the state. This month, we are showcasing the eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis). Learn all about the eastern redbud below!

Infographic of the characteristics, growing conditions, tree care, and signs of distress of the eastern redbud tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Premier Tree is your local source for professional tree services in the metro Atlanta area. We provide tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump grinding, and more. Check out all of the services we offer, and contact us today for a free consultation!

Don’t Be That Homeowner: Top 5 Mistakes When Choosing a Tree Company

When researching which company to rely on for tree problems on your property, it’s easier than you think to turn to the wrong company. Rather than choosing the cheapest, closest option, it’s important to ensure you’re choosing a professional, high-quality group that does everything they can to take care of you and your property.

See below for five important considerations you may be overlooking when choosing a tree company:

  1. Insurance: Make sure the tree company you’re considering is insured to perform tree work. Verify via phone with the insurance company that the tree company has the needed full coverage (WC, GL, Auto, Umbrella) and that it’s current. The three most important areas of coverage are general liability (covers your home and property), workers compensation (covers employees), and automotive coverage (vehicles are insured). Also ensure they have appropriate limits.
  2. Skilled workers: It’s important to make sure that the company focuses on and has tree work expertise and does not combine other services (ex: landscaping, hardscaping, fence installation, etc).
  3. Proper tools and equipment: Cranes, chippers, proper rigging gear, trucks and loaders to remove heavy wood – some companies don’t invest in the latest equipment to ensure the job can be done properly, efficiently, and with minimal damage to property. Hence, this can end up costing a homeowner more money in the long run if a job doesn’t get completed efficiently.
  4. Certified arborists: Having a professional talk to you about the best options for your trees is preferred over someone who just wants to cut down your trees without question. In many instances, the arborist may be able to save or prune the tree versus cutting it down.
  5. Internet reviews: Take the time to check out the company’s website and reviews – does their website reflect professionalism? Do they have 4+ stars? Everyone can get a bad review from time to time, but was there a response to the negative review? Responding and handling negative reviews can say a lot about the company and how they value customer satisfaction.

Premier Tree Solutions guarantees they have you covered on the points mentioned above. No matter how big or small your tree problem is, contact the pros at Premier Tree Solutions today to get a free estimate. We’re looking forward to serving you!

Pollen Season Is in Full Bloom

No doubt you recognize dusty yellow pollen when you see it, and your nose is certainly familiar with it. But what exactly is it? Why does it cause the trouble it does? And what steps can you take in the yard and home to minimize your issues with it? Never fear; Premier Tree Solutions is here to answer these questions and more.

Just what is pollen, anyway?

The short answer: “Pollen is the male fertilizing agent of flowering plants, trees, grasses, and weeds,” explains the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, adding that “Pollen from plants with bright flowers, such as roses, usually do not trigger allergies.” However, the AAAAI continues, “many trees, grasses, and low-growing weeds have small, light, dry pollen that are well-suited for dissemination by wind currents. These are the pollens that trigger allergy symptoms.”

The first step in managing pollen, therefore, is to try and avoid the trees that produce the most of it.

Planting wisely

Some trees are much more allergenic than others. If you’re headed to the nursery this spring or summer to select new landscape specimens, TruGreen advises considering dogwood, Bradford pear, crepe myrtle, apple, and cherry. Each of these is quite allergy-friendly and will leave you feeling more peaceful all pollen season long.

On the other hand, steer clear of ash, elm, pine, and maple, all of which produce heaps of pollen.

Managing allergies to trees

You can also tend your indoor and outdoor environment in ways that minimize pollen in your space and therefore reduce your allergic reactions. Steps include:

  • Taking off your shoes at the front door
  • Sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, and dusting regularly
  • Cleaning out (and off) your car regularly
  • Washing clothes that have been in pollen-rich environments right away
  • Keeping an allergy kit on hand at all times, including inhaler, allergy meds, Kleenex, and eye drops

Proper tree care

Lastly, it’s possible that with the right tree care, you can manage your allergies a bit better. For instance, regular pruning can reduce the number of pollen-producing parts on a tree and therefore significantly reduce your reactions.

Make sure you don’t take shears to your trees and shrubs unless you really know what you’re doing, though. However tempting it might be to just chop the tops off your trees or hack away at limbs to deal with your allergies, don’t. You can ruin the look and health of trees and end up with a much more expensive tree removal job on your hands.

That’s where a certified arborist comes in. Call Premier Tree Solutions to set up a consultation and start making headway against the sniffles today!