Why Fall Is the Ideal Time to Plant Trees in Georgia

When should you plant trees in Georgia? The arrival of fall not only means leaves will change color, but the days get shorter, and temperatures become cozier. It’s also the ideal season for planting trees. The perfect combination of climate and biology makes for just the right conditions for root establishment, stress reduction, and long-term survival of newly-planted trees.

Why Is It Better to Plant Trees in the Fall?

You may ask: Why not plant trees in summer? According to an article published by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, cooler temperatures and rainfall during the fall combine to allow trees the opportunity to establish an extensive root system even during a plant’s dormancy. Throughout the majority of the state, soil temperatures remain warm enough to support root growth during most if not all of the winter months. This gives trees a bonus growing season before the stress of the extensive heat and potential drought found in the summer.

Consider the following fall tree-planting tips when digging in the dirt:

Location, Location, Location

Take a close look at the space where you’d like to plant a tree and make sure it’s a suitable spot once it begins to grow. Don’t plant it too close to nearby structures, and evaluate home much shade, sun, and moisture the tree will be able to receive. It’s crucial for a tree to have proper soil drainage. You can test it by filling a sample hole with water. If it drains at a rate of less than one inch per hour, you may want to consider a different type of tree or raise the planting site.

Prepping the Site

Experts suggest digging a planting hole measuring at least two to three times as wide as the tree’s root ball. The soil will compact over time, so don’t dig a hole deeper than the root ball. This will cause the tree to be planted too deeply, which can lead to its slow decline and eventual demise. Heavy clay soil is often found in Georgia. If that’s the case, score the edges of the hole, which will allow the roots to penetrate out of the planting hole. Always backfill the holes with native soil.

Preparing and Planting the Tree

Before planting the tree, carefully examine the root ball for girdling roots. These tree roots encircle and constrict the trunk of the tree or its other roots, which can cause the restriction of water flow and nutrients. Additionally, remove all wrapping, tags, and labels. When placing the tree into the hole, keep it straight and centered with the top of the root ball level with the soil surrounding it.

Give It Water and Food

After planting the tree, water it thoroughly, which helps settle the soil. Add a nice layer of mulch, about two to three inches, around the base of the tree. This feeds the tree, and it helps keep moisture and nutrients in the soil. However, don’t let mulch touch the trunk, which can suffocate the roots and build up moisture, causing wood decay.

Ask an Expert at Premier Tree Solutions

If you have questions regarding planting trees, or your trees are in need of trimming or pruning, call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

 

Georgia Tree Pests to Watch for This Fall and How to Stop Them

While fall is a great time to look at the vibrant, color-changing leaves on your trees, it’s also important to keep a watchful eye on potential tree pests. Many insects prepare for the winter and lay eggs during this time of year, some seeking refuge in trees and leaving damage in their wake. The key is to detect these pests early and properly identify them before the destruction is out of hand.

What Type of Bugs Come Out in the Fall?

There is an array of pests that descend upon trees during the fall, but several are more active or begin causing notable damage at that time. The following are three of the most common tree pests Georgians should take note of this fall, and how to best control them.

Ambrosia Beetles

Trees that are weakened or stressed, most notably oak, maple, and dogwoods, are prime targets for these little, wood-boring beetles. Although you’ll find them more active during the spring and summer, their destruction becomes more noticeable during the fall when trees are in decline. Watch for tiny, round holes in the tree’s bark and toothpick-shaped sawdust sticking out of the entry holes. The best way to stop them is by removing or destroying infested limbs or trees. Make sure not to cause stress to a tree, such as damaging its roots or overwatering. This can make the tree more susceptible to ambrosia beetles. Think ahead for next season by having preventative insecticides applied by professionals at the beginning of spring.

Fall Webworms

These creatures are known for creating white, web-like nests found at the ends of tree branches. They have a fondness for persimmon, sweetgum, pecan, and hickory trees. The caterpillars located inside these nests enjoy munching on leaves, which can cause extreme defoliation on young or stressed-out trees. If this becomes heavy or repeated, it can kill a tree by tapping out its energy reserves, which makes the tree more vulnerable to diseases and other pests. Although fall webworms rarely kill healthy trees, they can still weaken them, and the nests themselves are typically unattractive. Stop them by pruning out and destroying the nests as soon as possible. If applied early, insecticidal sprays can be effective as well.

Scale Insects

Scale insects, such as white peach scale and magnolia scale, can be especially troublesome tree pests in the fall. For example, the white peach scale can inflict significant damage to peach, plum or other trees and cause stunted growth, reduced fruit size, and even the death of the tree. The magnolia scale only attacks magnolia trees by sucking their sap, causing yellowing leaves, overall weakness, and the progressive death of their branches. Waxy spots or bumps on leaves and branches are telltale signs of scale insects. Applying horticultural oil in the late fall or winter is a good way to combat these pests. Experts also recommend pruning heavily infested branches and bringing in beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybugs to take out the more damaging critters.

Consult a Professional at Premier Tree Solutions

Remember, you don’t have to face these bugs alone. If you have questions regarding fall tree pests or your trees require trimming or pruning, call Premier Tree at 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

Pruning in August: What Can (and Can’t) Be Trimmed This Time of Year

With a mix of plentiful sunlight and periodic downpours, summer in Georgia often means an explosion of green. Trees and shrubs stretch out their limbs with the added fuel, and seemingly all at once, your once-tidy yard looks like a jungle. It’s tempting to grab the pruning shears, but hold that thought. 

Before you start snipping, it’s important to know which plants can handle an August trim and which should be left alone for now.

Pruning Trees in August: What You Should Know

First, Is It Okay to Trim Trees in August?

The short answer is sometimes — but with caution. Pruning is more than a cosmetic fix. When you cut a branch, you’re creating a wound. In the right conditions, your plant will respond by sealing it up and redirecting energy into new growth. But during the heat of late summer, this healing process may be delayed. Add in humidity, and it creates the perfect storm for pests, fungi, and disease.

In general, trees and shrubs that bloom in spring or early summer are best pruned in the dormant season (usually late winter). Pruning too late in the growing season can stress plants, making them vulnerable to cold-weather damage. Our beloved peach trees are an example, along with other fruit-bearing varieties that need time to recover and set buds for the next season.

Of course, not all trees follow the same rules. Some woody ornamentals like azaleas, dogwoods, and magnolias can be safely pruned shortly after they’ve finished blooming. But even with these species, August is pushing it — instead, try to wrap up any trims by mid-summer to avoid disrupting next year’s flower production

When Is Pruning Trees in August Okay?

Despite the risks, there are some situations where a little late-summer trimming is necessary:

  • Storm Prep: August is prime storm season in the Southeast, and the peak of hurricanes is not far behind. If you notice damaged limbs that could become hazardous in high winds, it’s smart to have them removed now. Think of it as proactive protection for your home.
  • Signs of Disease or Decay: If a tree is clearly suffering — whether from pests, fungi, or rot — targeted pruning may be needed to prevent the issue from spreading. Just be sure to disinfect your tools between cuts to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Certain Species: Some fast-growing trees like certain evergreens can handle light shaping this time of year, especially if you’re just tidying up wayward shoots.

No matter the reason, if you must prune in August, be sure to keep it light. This time of year, the goal is to correct any immediate issues, not to overhaul. Limit cuts to one or two branches, and avoid making major structural changes.

Schedule a Consultation With Premier Tree Solutions

August may not be the ideal time for pruning, but our phone lines are always open if you’re looking to consult with a professional arborist. From pruning for cosmetic purposes to strategically trimming problem branches, our team at Premier Tree Solutions brings expertise to every job we take on. If you have a tree project to tackle, contact our specialists for an evaluation: Call 404.252.6448 or send us a message online.

Essential Late Summer Tree Care for Georgia Homeowners

As the last lazy days of summer unfold, yard work may take a back seat to soaking up the final stretch of the season. Luckily, summer tree care isn’t quite as intensive as the work you’d do during other times of year, but there are still some important ways to tend to young saplings, towering oaks, and everything in between.

Late Summer Tree Care 101

Assess for Damage

Summer might feel like an easy, breezy season to us, but a number of seasonal stressors can leave our trees suffering in silence. As fall nears, take a walk around your yard to look for these telltale signs of trouble:

  • Drought Stress: Georgia’s summer rains can be hit or miss, and when the dry spells linger, trees start showing symptoms. Keep an eye out for curling leaves, wilting, or premature leaf drop. If you suspect drought stress, deliver water slowly and deeply at the root zone, especially to young or newly planted trees. 
  • Diseases: Humidity is the perfect catalyst for fungal foes like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Check for oozing sap or unusual bark texture, and consult a professional for guidance if you discover any abnormalities.
  • Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and scale insects often rear their heads this time of year. Check the undersides of leaves for tiny invaders, sticky residue, or fine webbing. A gentle spray of water from your hose may be enough to dislodge them, but be sure to call for backup if an infestation is widespread.

How to Care for Trees in a Heatwave

As summer heaves its last steamy sigh, extreme heat can still take a toll — especially on younger trees. Help them beat the heat by:

  • Watering in the early morning or evening to minimize evaporation
  • Laying mulch at a depth of about three inches to retain moisture
  • Holding off on fertilizing, which can stress heat-weary roots.

Get Storm Ready

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to get your property storm-ready. Georgia’s hurricane season peaks in late summer and early fall, so be sure to follow our tips for storm preparation. As a refresher, these include:

  • Checking trees for signs of instability
  • Having dead, weak, or overhanging limbs trimmed
  • Calling in a professional to evaluate large or leaning trees

Keep in mind that while pruning is possible this time of year, it’s best to only do it on an as-needed basis. Shaping for cosmetic purposes is better left for the dormant season, when your trees can handle it with less stress.

Plan for Fall Planting

Once the heat breaks, it’s the perfect time to plant new trees. Cooler temperatures and rainfall will help any newly planted trees and shrubs establish strong root systems. While it’s wise to wait out the hottest weeks, many native species can handle being planted a little early — just keep them well-watered and mulched.

What Trees to Plant in Late Summer or Early Fall

  • Magnolia: An iconic Southern beauty with glossy leaves and fragrant blooms
  • Crape Myrtle: A colorful favorite that thrives in Georgia’s climate
  • Southern Live Oak: Majestic and long-lasting; a staple of Southern landscapes
  • Flowering Dogwood: An ornamental with delicate spring blooms and vibrant fall foliage

Schedule an Assessment With Premier Tree Solutions 

While it doesn’t have to be a major undertaking, a little late summer tree care goes a long way toward healthy trees come fall (and beyond). Whether you need assistance with pruning or a professional opinion on any at-risk trees, call in experts for an assessment. Send us a message online or give us a call at 404.252.6448.