Celebrating Earth Day the Georgia Way!

We’re enthusiastic Earth Day supporters at Premier Tree Solutions, and this year we’re using April 22, 2022 as an inspirational launchpad. From home state resources to international influence, here are some tips for keeping trees in mind on Earth Day — and every day! 

Help Tree Organizations Grow

There are many amazing organizations dedicated to helping trees every day, and we’re lucky to have several right here in Georgia. Trees Atlanta and the Georgia Tree Council are two specific organizations you can support in a variety of ways, including by volunteering! Other organizations — including the Arbor Day Foundation, One Tree Planted and The Canopy Project — extend their fruitful branches of conservation work across the nation and the planet.   

Celebrate Earth Day Heroes

The Sierra Club heralds John Muir as “perhaps this country’s most famous and influential naturalist and conservationist.” Even though he lived and worked in the mid-1880s, his involvement in creating national parks at Mount Rainier, the Petrified Forest, and the Grand Canyon still impact us all today. Use Earth Day as a reason to explore some of his writings, which have inspired thousands to turn a new leaf when it comes to taking care of the environment. 

Wangari Maathai is another tree hero to celebrate on Earth Day and beyond. “[T]hrough the Green Belt Movement,” her Nobel Peace Prize biography explains, “she has assisted women in planting more than 20 million trees on their farms and on schools and church compounds.” 

If you’re more a comic book fan than a real-world historian, there are several earth-friendly heroes you can emulate — or even draw your own! 

And whether they are making large-scale environmental contributions to our community, or saving the world in smaller ways, we all know a hero or two. Take Earth Day to plant a tree in their honor like Mercedes-Benz stadium did in 2020. Or use the My Hero Project to post about them. 

Take a Tree Tour

Your own backyard or a local park can be a great place for a tree celebration. Take a stroll while keeping an eye out for a new leaf, blossom, branch or bit of bark you haven’t given much attention to before. Snap a photo and use online tools such as LeafSnap or the Plant.id website to learn more about them. You can also browse our library of Be A Georgia Tree Know-It-All posts to gain further knowledge on how to care for your own!   

If you’re up for a farther sojourn, plan a trip to visit the oldest tree in Georgia: The Big Oak in Thomasville, GA. This magnificent tree has a limb span of over 165 feet, and a trunk circumference almost 27 feet around. 

Stay On Top of New Tree News

Our knowledge of trees is ever-growing — just like they are. The Arbor Day Foundation, Georgia Forestry Commission, and Science Daily are three organizations that share tree news and opportunities for community involvement throughout the year. We keep on top of tree news in our own blog as well, including posts on whether trees can really talk to each other, how to care for them in each season, and how trees impact the environment. 

Our experts will continue to share new insights, care tips, and best practices with you, whether online or in person. Call us at 404-252-6448 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation and have your questions answered. 

Be a Georgia Tree Know-It-All: Tulip Magnolia

Each month, we feature some of the most popular trees in the state, including the American Hornbeam, Leland Cypress, and Sugar Maple.

Today, we will be highlighting the spring spectacle that is the Tulip Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana), also known as the Saucer Magnolia.

Characteristics

The name “Saucer Magnolia” will be clear once you view the spring blooms of these gorgeous trees. During early to mid-spring prepare to drink in a view of large blooms (up to 10 inches across!) in a variety of shades including white, pink, purple, and reddish-purple. The petals tend to cup around the center of the bloom, giving them a goblet or saucer-like appearance that inspired their name.

Magnolias are well known for their scent, and the Tulip Magnolia is no different. This special version has a lemon scent when blooming.

Tulip Magnolias can be expected to grow to around 20 to 30 feet tall. Their growth rate is considered medium, with height increasing typically around 13 to 24 inches per year. With their distinctive blooms and a spread of around 25 feet, the Tulip Magnolia is a tree that is sure to draw attention. Though they don’t provide much shade, for landscaping accents with memorable imagery and a tantalizing scent, the Tulip Magnolia is among your best options.

Growing Conditions

When deciding where to plant a Tulip Magnolia, there are some soil conditions to consider. Tulip Magnolias specifically prefer soils that are acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, and well-drained. Clay soils can also be tolerated.

Tulip Magnolias have a fairly wide range where they can reliably grow: across Hardiness Zones 4 – 9. Zones 6 – 9 are found across Georgia, so the Tulip Magnolia is right at home here.

In terms of sun exposure, the Tulip Magnolia is a tree that needs a full amount. Ideally, six hours of direct unfiltered sunlight are required for this tree each day.

Tree Care

One benefit to Tulip Magnolias besides their beauty and fragrance is their ease of maintenance. Not much intensive care will be required, and pruning will be limited to dead or crossing branches. More pruning can be done for aesthetic reasons, but in terms of upkeep, not much should be necessary.

Another reason Tulip Magnolias are so highly regarded is that they are a hardy species. They are found to be mostly pest-free and are even known for their pollution tolerance. While not a hyperbolically drought-resistant species, they can tolerate moderate droughts. With regular weekly watering to keep the soil moist, plus covering the rooted area with mulch to seal in moisture, Tulip Magnolias are a durable as well as a beautiful tree.

Signs of Distress

One important thing to note with Tulip Magnolias is their thin bark. Consider this when doing other yard work in the area, as even weed cutters could do significant damage to the tree.

Another recurring issue to look out for is frost. The delicate blooms of Tulip Magnolias are highly susceptible and will blacken if frosting occurs.

Also, during more extreme bouts of heat, watering should be increased from weekly to more frequently to combat the rising temperatures.

Contact Us

For assistance with maintaining these lavish landmarks, you can call Premier Tree Solutions at 404-252-6448. Alternatively, visit our website to schedule an appointment.