Five Ways to Show Your Trees Some Love This Valentine’s Season

Unless you’re a squirrel, bird, or beaver, trees may not be the first thing that leap to mind when you think of love, but they’ve certainly been the subject of adoration among many poets, painters, and other artists throughout history. And while we may be biased, we think English artist Reverend William Gilpin was onto something when he said, “It is no exaggerated praise to call a tree the grandest, and most beautiful of all products of the earth.”

From shade to sustenance, fresh air to flowering canopies, trees shower us with love in their own ways year-round. As Valentine’s Day approaches, here’s how we can return the favor.

Five Tree Care Tips for Valentine’s Day 

Check for Pests

No, we’re not talking about love bugs (they’re unlikely to cause tree damage). Now is the time of year to look for signs of pests that can cause bark damage, stunted growth, and defoliated branches. Beetles, borers, and other insects may not be active this season, but they’ll leave behind hints like pinholes and egg masses. Break up with any bad bugs before spring arrives with a targeted treatment, such as a dormant oil spray.

Watch for Winter Damage

Don’t let the cold, harsh winter break your heart — or damage your beloved trees. Ahead of a particularly harsh cold snap, protect young saplings by wrapping them in breathable fabric. Burlap works best, but even a set of old sheets will do in a pinch. Just be sure coverings are loose enough to allow air to pass through, and remove them once warm weather returns.

Make Use of Mulch

Surround your trees with a layer of love by mulching a three- to ten-foot radius around their base. Not only does it serve as a layer of insulation to protect root systems, but it also hinders weed growth and locks in moisture. Feel free to lay it on thick: A covering that’s two to four inches deep will work best.

Treat Them to a Drink

Before toasting to your loved one and clinking glasses this V-Day, check to see if your trees need a drink, too. Especially young or newly planted trees may need water during dry spells. You can assess moisture levels in the surrounding area using a soil probe, but a screwdriver or stake will work, too. If the tool slides in easily, there’s likely adequate moisture. If the soil is dry, water near the tree’s base until the ground is damp, but not flooded.

Prune to Prime for Spring

If there’s only one act of TLC you can show your trees this season, make this your priority. Pruning eliminates dead, diseased, or damaged branches before they create more issues. It also allows for shaping to encourage a desired growth pattern just in time for spring. And although we’ve said it before, just like “I love you,” it bears repeating: Winter is the best time of year for pruning. Dormant trees are better able to withstand cuts, and having little to no leaf coverage makes for a cleaner workspace.  

While you may find pruning small trees and shrubs manageable enough to handle on your own, be sure to call in the pros for mature trees. Not only is there a precise science to proper pruning, but larger trees introduce safety hazards.

Schedule a Service With Premier Tree Solutions 

Allow our team of arborists to help give your trees all the love they need to thrive for years to come.  From tree pruning to trimming, Premier Tree Solutions is well-equipped to handle all of your tree care needs. Request an estimate online or by calling 404.252.6448.  

Preventing Storm Damage: Why Late-Winter Pruning Is Key

Each year, Georgia sees its share of severe storms bringing damaging winds, large hail, and sometimes, even tornadoes. While bad weather can happen any time of year, the most severe storms tend to take place in the spring. And though we can’t control the frequency or intensity of these weather events, we can prepare our properties to better withstand their impact.

One of the most important ways to safeguard your home against storm damage is pruning your trees. Here, we explain the importance of late-winter pruning in preparation for spring storms and help you identify at-risk branches in your yard.

Why Prune in Winter to Prevent Storm Damage?

Tree pruning is the removal of damaged or undesirable limbs. While it can be performed to control or direct new growth, it’s also one of the best tools we have to protect against property damage caused by trees. In fact, broad-leaved trees that have been pruned properly have a 73% survival rate when faced with hurricane-force winds, compared to 47% for unpruned trees. By eliminating hazards proactively, we can reduce the risk of large branches and limbs falling on your home or surrounding structures.

Pruning can be done any time of year if necessary, but winter is ideal because:

  • Most trees are dormant, and cutting is less stressful for them when they’re inactive.
  • Insects and diseases are also less active. In other seasons, they might target trees that are vulnerable from fresh cuts.
  • Branches are bare, giving tree care professionals a better line of sight for precise cuts.
  • Spring storms are just around the corner, making winter an ideal time to prepare.

How to Identify Trees that Need Pruning

Look for Dead, Dying, or Diseased Branches

In many cases, you’ll be able to identify at-risk trees even with a quick inspection. Dead branches often have peeling bark, brittle wood, and lack of leaf growth during the growing season. Disease, on the other hand, usually manifests as discoloration, cankers, or unusual spots on your tree’s bark.

Scope Out Structural Issues

In addition to the obvious signs of branch issues above, some structural problems could cause limbs to become weak or imbalanced, making them more vulnerable to storm damage. Look for branches that are crossed or rubbing against each other, which can create wounds. Sharp angles are also more likely to form splits, as are branches with weak or narrow crotches. Lastly, significant leans are a sign of an already-strained root system, which could become further compromised with flooding or high winds.

Consider Other Safety Hazards

Branches that are broken, hanging, or otherwise hazardous should be removed during seasonal pruning. Additionally, consider each tree’s proximity to key features on your property, including utility lines, structures, driveways, or walkways. Even healthy trees may need pruning (or potentially relocation, if possible) when high-value structures are within close reach.

Schedule a Tree Pruning Service With Premier Tree Solutions 

As specialists in emergency services, Premier Tree Solutions is here to help you prepare your property for the worst. From pruning to complete tree removal when necessary, our arborists can assess your trees and recommend the best solution for your needs. And since Mother Nature can be unpredictable, we’re here to assist you with post-storm cleanup, too. To get in touch, call 404.252.6448 or send us a message online.