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.

Be a Georgia Tree Know-It-All: Yoshino Cherry

Each month, we feature some of the most popular trees in the state, including the Paperbark Maple, Sugarberry Tree, and Eastern Redbud. 

Today, we are shining a spotlight on the crown jewel of flowering cherry trees, the Yoshino Cherry (Prunus × yedoensis), also known as the Japanese Flowering Cherry.

Characteristics

The Yoshino Cherry tree is known for its elegance and splendor. Of all the flowering cherry trees, this one is surely the standout, boasting an abundance of white-pink blossoms that bloom during a memorable two-to-three-week period in springtime.

In fact, the Yoshino is often the star of National and International Cherry Blossom Festivals, including some in Macon! On top of their beautiful appearance, they are also known to produce a light almond fragrance.

Yoshino Cherry trees typically grow to 40-50 feet, at a rate of around 13 to 24 inches a year. Meanwhile, their spread can reach around 25 to 40 feet. These trees are chosen for their spectacle, so if you want to turn heads, consider this for your next landscaping project.

Since they are highly ornamental, you can make the most out of these trees by placing them as the main spotlight of your yard, or along streets or decks where they can provide shade as well as knockout beauty.

Growing Conditions

The Yoshino Cherry accepts a variety of soil conditions, including acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils. This soil-forgiving tree does, however, prefer moist soil.  

The Yoshino tree can also reliably grow in Hardiness Zones 5-8 (North Georgia is in Zone 7). Although partial shade is permissible, they grow their best in a setting with full sun. At the very least, your Yoshino Cherry tree should receive four hours of direct sunlight a day.

Tree Care

Heavy pruning isn’t necessary to maintain the Yoshino, but if you notice dead or crowded branches, hand pruning may help. It is best to prune during the summer months after the tree has reached full bloom, so that you don’t risk trimming away any flower buds.

Even though relatively easy to grow, the Yoshino and other ornamental cherry trees are known for their relatively short lifespan. You can expect them to thrive for approximately 15-20 years, though some have much longer lifespans. The cherished and well-protected Yoshino Cherry trees in Washington D.C., for example, were originally gifted by the Mayor of Tokyo in 1912, and are thriving to this day! 

Signs of Distress

While Yoshino Cherries have some drought resistance, it is best to keep them in moist soil. Avoiding extremely hot or cold weather is also important for the health of your Yoshino, and they generally do not do well in cold climates.

Insects — including scale, aphids, and mites — can be a large problem for these lovely trees. Neem and horticultural oil, as well as insecticidal soap, are all great options to help keep these pests at bay. Tent caterpillars and cankerworms may also prey upon your Yoshino Cherry, but luckily there are some organic pesticides that can help treat these issues.

In the case of more intense infestations, consult with a tree professional before administering a heavier pesticide, to make sure you don’t damage the tree, surrounding soil, or the rest of your lawn. 

You can also prevent insect predators by minimizing the amount of mulch touching the trunk of your tree. Though mulch is good for helping to lock moisture in the surrounding soil, it can contribute to disease and infestations if improperly placed.

Contact Us

To ensure your Yoshino is ready for the spotlight, you can call Premier Tree Solutions at 404-252-6448. You may also schedule maintenance through our website.

How Trees Protect Wildlife

Aside from providing shade and greenery on warm days, trees are constantly busy at work benefitting our ecosystem and environment, in part by converting carbon dioxide to oxygen, and removing pollutants from the air we all breathe. 

But trees aren’t only beneficial to humans — they’re also vitally important to wildlife. No matter their place in the ecosystem, there is a multitude of species that depend on trees for survival. Here we’ll get to the root of why, and explain how. 

Trees Keep Animals Cool

There are many examples of how people enjoy and appreciate a tree’s cooling shade. But animals also have to use trees to stay cool, particularly as the temperatures in their environment rise. 

Combined in a forest environment, trees’ leaves and branches create an insulating canopy and protect the ground below from excessive heat by absorbing and reflecting solar radiation. This keeps animals safe from extreme hot or cold temperatures. Koalas (and possibly other tree-dwelling animals) also directly use trees to keep their body temperatures lower. 

Trees may also be a means by which some species can better adapt to the increasing temperatures of climate change. According to a 2018 study published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, mountainous forests may allow tree-climbing animals “to bypass temperature constraints imposed by geography by virtue of where they live, which could lead to broader distributions and greater resilience to climatic change and variability as compared with ground-dwelling species.”

Wildlife’s Bountiful Buffet

As humans, we depend on a wide variety of food from trees like apples, oranges, bananas, coconuts, avocados, and pears. Birds, squirrels, deer, and many other wildlife also enjoy the plentiful nuts, fruits, and berries provided by trees. But trees provide other kinds of food for wildlife that we might not even consider, including twigs, leaves, and even bark! 

Even after a tree’s lifetime, they continue to be an important part of the food chain. Decaying logs provide food for decomposers, such as worms, snails, millipedes and fungi who, in turn, provide food for larger animals like birds. The process of decomposition also provides essential nutrients to the soil, which fosters growth for more trees — and more food for wildlife.

Home Sweet Home

Many mammals, including spider monkeys, flying lemurs, squirrels, sloths, orangutans, and raccoons are lifelong tree-dwellers or depend on trees for shelter. Several birds also build their nests high up to stay safe from predators, protect their unhatched eggs, and take care of their offspring before they are ready to fly. Cavity nesters, such as woodpeckers and bluebirds like to form nests in holes that they find or make inside trees themselves — even those that have fallen or are dead. Trees are also sources of food and shelter for several insects, reptiles, and amphibians — including and especially Georgia’s state amphibian: the green tree frog.

The caring relationship between wildlife and trees goes both ways, however. As trees provide animals with food and shelter, wildlife also helps trees survive by spreading seeds, pollinating flowers, and keeping tree-destroying pests in check!

You can help your own trees thrive with Premier Tree Solutions. Honor all that your tree does for the environment and wildlife by calling 404.252.6448 or reaching out to us for quality care and a free assessment.

Be a Georgia Tree Know It All – Canadian Hemlock

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, including the Devilwood tree, Butternut, and Two-Winged Silverbell tree. This month, we’re showcasing the Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis). This is a tree the Arbor Day Foundation describes as “handsome and graceful,” and we couldn’t agree more!

Characteristics

This evergreen is a good addition to your landscape in groups or to provide privacy when planted two feet apart to form a hedge. Also known as the Eastern Hemlock, this medium sized tree was traditionally used by Native Americans to brew a tea high in vitamin C, then first cultivated by European gardeners around 1736. It typically grows between 40 to 70 feet at a rate of 12-24 inches per year. Mature trees reach an average spread of 25 to 35 feet, but these evergreens vary in height — the tallest reaching 100 feet!

Canadian Hemlocks can be trimmed and shaped to any formation or height, but naturally grow in a pyramid-like Christmas tree shape. The forest green needles are soft and feathery, and the small brown seed cones are 1/2 to 1 inch long, hanging like ornaments from the boughs. The trees serve as a perfect habitat for deer, songbirds, and species of warblers who use them for nesting.

Growing Conditions

The Canadian Hemlock survives in various conditions, growing well in hardiness Zones 3-8 (Atlanta, GA is in Zone 7). This tree is relatively robust, but it’s intolerant to pollution, so plant it away from any street traffic.

In general, this stately tree prefers moist, well-drained acidic soil, but will tolerate alkaline sod. It is not resilient in drought conditions, wind, or soggy soil, however; so be sure to protect it from flooding, heavy wind, and provide extra watering in dry seasons.

Once established, seedlings will overshadow invasive pioneer species and become dominant.

Tree Care

It’s best to place these stately trees in a site with a mix of shade and sun exposure. A healthy tree needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day.

Thanks to its robust structure, however, the tree requires little to no pruning. With the right amount of sunlight, properly drained soil and protection from pests, its durability allows it to live up to 300 years and in some cases could even live up to 800 years.

Signs of Distress

Sun scorch is possible when temperatures climb above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or if your tree suffers too much harsh sun exposure. Winter burn is also possible after strong, bitterly cold winds or ice storms.

When it comes to intruder infestations, spider mites can be a major potential threat. Look for bleached-out or discolored needles, and treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. A tree expert can help with these destructive mites, as well as bagworms, needle blight, and hemlock scale — all which may impact your Canadian Hemlock.

In overly wet environments, root rot can also be a common problem. Slowed growth is a major symptom, as well as discolored needles and branch dieback. Once infected, many evergreens die from this condition, but a tree specialist may advise on antifungal treatment or soil transplants. To prevent root rot, be careful not to overwater, and provide ample drainage when planting.

Contact Us

To give your Canadian Hemlock (or any of your other trees) the life they deserve, call Premier Tree Solutions at 404.252.6448 or visit our website to schedule regular maintenance.

A Year-Long Guide to Taking Care of Your Trees

Once again, it’s time for your New Year’s Tree Solutions, for 2022 and beyond! This year-long guide provides a general list of tree care chores to keep your trees healthy and regal. For more specific information on certain species, visit our Georgia Tree Know-It All series, to give unique types the individualized attention and care they deserve.

As you get into a routine with your trees, this list of seasonal maintenance duties will come in handy.

Winter

Tree pruning should be completed from November through March when tree growth is dormant. Proper tree pruning involves several different methods:

  • Cleaning requires you to cut off branches that are dead, dying, or ready to fall off the tree.
  • Thinning involves cutting some branches back to the trunk.
  • Reduction decreases the tree’s height or weight.
  • Structural pruning is a combination of the other three methods.

In the case of extreme cold snaps, you may also want to protect younger saplings with burlap or flannel coverings — so be sure to have a supply ready.

Spring

Mulch during the spring season to protect your tree and plant roots from the sun and drought. Do so by May or June with layers that are 3 to 4 inches thick.

Other spring efforts involve creating new homes for insects, birds, and bats among your trees. Birdhouses, bat boxes, beetle banks, and flower gardens all create attractive habitats for natural pest-eaters.

If you choose not to mulch or haven’t blocked out time for it, remember to thoroughly weed around your tree roots. This keeps other plants from stealing your tree’s nutrients.

Summer

When there’s ample rain- and snowfall, watering isn’t necessary for trees most of the year. But droughts can be a major detriment to your tree’s health. During these dry periods, both your lawn and trees need a reliable supply of water. For prime moisture conservation on warm days, water in the early morning or after twilight.

Drip lines are an effective, slow approach to watering. But, a good old-fashioned water hose or bucket can also do the job. Keep in mind that different trees can have different moisture needs, so make sure to research each one before hauling out your equipment.

Fall

Mulch again on a dry day in October or November to protect your trees from the cold chill of winter winds, snow, and ice. Adding the right fertilizer to your tree’s soil during this time can also boost root health and provide nutrients for the spring.

Keep in mind that early fall is a great time to plant more trees, as it gives roots a chance to stabilize before they go dormant and prepare for a burst of spring activity. If you’re considering a new addition, now is the time to make it!

Premier Tree Solutions specializes in tree removal and pruning, branch clearing, debris removal, storm damage response and cleanup, stump grinding, and more. We are your partner in keeping your trees healthy and safe in every season of the year. Give us a call at 404.252.6448 to schedule a service or 404.569.8897 for an emergency.

How to Give a Present to Your Trees This Year

Just as every child wishes for a special present during the holidays, every tree has its own unique needs. If you can gift them with these five things, they will feel like they’ve gone on a re-tree-t for the holidays!

Fertilize Correctly

A growing tree needs food to thrive, just like people do. But use the correct type and amount, applied in the right way. Baby trees, for example, do not need fertilizer, as the harsh chemicals could kill them. A healthy, mature tree planted in rich soil might not need heavy fertilizing, either. Rather, add nutrients based on your tree’s environmental needs and progressive growth, with an emphasis on nitrogen.Trees showing abnormal leaf size or color, or a lag in growth rate, may be telling you they could use an extra boost in this department. 

The best time of the year to apply fertilizer is late August through September, when temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold. If you miss late summer fertilizing, the second-best time for this feeding is in early spring. You can also help your trees out by fertilizing when there is drought or signs of water stress.                                            

Shield Them From the Wind

Many trees (especially evergreens) are beloved for their effective ability to shield people and structures from the wind. But some trees need a bit of a windshield themselves! Grow your trees in sites that are guarded from gusty winds in winter, or where they have protection from another, bulkier tree. 

Give Them Adequate Water

Every plant needs thorough watering to survive, but especially trees. Before watering, test your soil with a trowel, finger, or soil probe to determine if it is dry. Water-deprived soil is difficult to penetrate, while moist soil is easy to turn. When necessary, water your trees deeply once a week, by leaving a garden hose slowly running around the tree’s drip line. If operating at medium pressure, your hose can produce 10 gallons of water in five minutes. 

Provide Proper Planting Space

Tree-planting novices aiming only for aesthetics might be tempted to plant trees too close together or too close to homes. In these cases, trees aren’t given the room they need to spread their branches. Note that planting a tree which typically grows to a 20 to 30-foot spread only 10 feet from your house will position it a little too close for comfort, so research how big your tree type might grow. Then give it that amount with some room to spare.   

Stay in your Region/Location

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Guide provides gardening enthusiasts and farmers with a quick reference that helps them know which crops and plants will grow best in their area. It takes into consideration key factors such as minimum temperatures, average soil pH, and climate moisture levels. Paying attention to these environmental elements, and the needs of your trees will help both you and your trees thrive. 

For a gift that keeps on giving, contact Premier Tree Solutions to show your trees that you care! We offer quality tree services from removal and pruning, to storm damage and cleanup. Call us at 404.252.6448 or book an appointment online to find out how we can help.

Be a Georgia Tree Know It All: Japanese Cryptomeria

Each month, we feature some of the most popular trees in the state, including the American Yellowwood, American Holly, and Honey Locust.

For our final tree of 2021, we are showcasing the Japanese Cryptomeria, commonly known as the Japanese Cedar — a splendid tree that is well-suited for the Southeast.

Characteristics

This tree makes quite a dramatic appearance, thanks in part to its reddish-brown bark that peels in long, attractive strips year-round. The blue-green needles are glossy and short, with a foxtail arrangement that in winter turns to a bronze color.

Young Japanese Cedars have a Christmas tree shape. The trunk is straight and tapered, reaching a diameter of three feet. Its branches are wide-spreading, drooping with branchlets that can extend all the way to the ground. 

When well cared for, a Japanese Cedar grows an average of 50 to 80 feet tall, and 20 to 30 feet in width. Some trees can reach heights up to 100 to 125 feet, but they won’t shoot up overnight. Japanese Cedars have a slow to medium growth rate, achieving an average of 20 feet in 20 years.

This handsome tree is well used as a windscreen, border, or a statement grouping on large tracts of land. It is a perfect lawn specimen in a small yard, due to its narrow canopy.

Numerous available cultivars also provide gardeners a range of varieties, including:

  • Yoshino – A fast-growing tree with green winter foliage. It reaches 30 to 40 feet tall and might have more leaf blight resistance than other variants.
  • Elegans – Dense and bushy, this one grows about 15 to 25 feet tall. 
  • Globosa Nana – Mounded and compact, this small specimen reaches three to four feet tall and three feet wide. Its needles are dark green.

Growing Conditions

The Japanese Cedar thrives on acidic, moist, and well-drained soil. It can adapt to dry climates but will need irrigation under drought conditions. These trees can tolerate partial shade, but they prefer full sun. Your planting site should provide good air circulation, but also adequate protection from high winds.

The tree is capable of growing in USDA zones 6 through 9a, but it is not very hardy in dry, cooler climates. (North Georgia is in Zone 7.) Warm to hot summers that supply plenty of moisture —coupled with cool winters— will suit this lovely tree best. 

Tree Care

Thanks to its adaptability to the climate and beautiful form, this is an outstanding tree for Southern gardens. Just take note of drought potential in your area, and supply steady watering all year. 

In early spring, fertilize with one pound of a slow-release 8-8-8 fertilizer for every inch of trunk diameter. Broadcast the fertilizer under the tree canopy just past the drip line.

Pruning is generally not required for the Japanese Cedar unless you must remove shoot dieback. Unlike many evergreens, this one fills in well after it’s properly trimmed.

Signs of Distress

Mites can infest foliage, leaving mottled needles that turn yellow and then bronze. Severe infestations can end in twig or branch dieback. Foliage burn is also a potential problem in the winter, when evergreens lose water more quickly than it is replaced. In these cases, the best cure is to prune dead branches and await regrowth.  

If the tree remains too damp, it can also suffer from leaf mold and leaf spots. To avoid this possibility, plant these trees where they have an occasional breeze.

In its native home of Japan, this majestic tree has lived for as many as 650 years. To keep your own specimen maintained for this kind of longevity, contact us online or call (404) 252-6448.

5 Reasons to be Thankful for Trees

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and people are taking stock of what they are thankful for. Are trees on your list? Trees are everywhere in our daily lives and can be easy to look past, but we can help show you how in-tree-guing they can be! If you’re stumped regarding gratitudes, we’ve got 5 reasons why we should be thankful for trees.

1. They Help the Environment 

With the atmosphere being continuously polluted with CO2 and fossil fuels, we need trees to help clean it up! Trees use photosynthesis to grow, by taking in sunlight and CO2 and turning it back into vital oxygen. By the time a tree reaches 10 years of age, according to the Urban Forestry Report, “They release enough oxygen back into the atmosphere to support two human beings.” 

Air pollution is also a culprit of some health effects like respiratory and cardiovascular disease, which trees can help lessen. A tree’s roots also help clean up water pollution, as the roots soak up some of the toxins in water, clearing it of some contaminants. 

2. They Give Animals a Home

Trees help the ecosystem by giving all kinds of animals a home. They give a place for squirrels and birds to keep their nests, along with bats, insects, mice and raccoons. Animals can take a break from the sun by using a tree’s shade, can shelter in trees as a safe place to reproduce and raise their young, and mature trees provide nuts and fruit for food! 

3. They Improve Mental Health 

We often focus on the physical benefits that trees have to offer, but also they help improve mental health. The presence of trees encourages people to spend time outdoors, which can help them relax.  People living in urban areas tend to be more stressed out, but even limited exposure to trees and nature can improve mental health. 

4. They Benefit the Economy

Trees contribute to the economy when they are cut down and used in different products, like building materials or paper goods. However, trees can also stand tall and proud while still providing economic benefits. 

You have probably stepped into a tree’s shade to block the sun and get some relief from the heat, but their shade also helps cool your house as a whole. If trees are placed on the west and south sides of your home, they can help you save on air conditioning costs. 

Tree-lined neighborhoods and well-landscaped homes are also more welcoming to potential buyers. Trees can increase curb appeal and the value of the home by 10%. Businesses also thrive in tree-filled areas, as people are drawn to shop and enjoy the nice foliage. 

5. They are Beautiful and Help the Community 

We can’t forget how wonderful trees are to look at! From their still beauty against the snow, their springtime buds and flowers, to their luscious summer green and changing autumn leaves, they are aesthetically pleasing all year round. Trees also can help their community by absorbing sound, making things a little quieter. And trees have a positive effect on a community-wide level, by lowering aggression and criminal activity, and encouraging people to drive slower — making the community safer. 

There are many more reasons that we at Premier Tree Solutions are thankful for trees! We offer quality tree solutions and are here to answer any and all of your tree-related questions. Call us at 404.252.6448 or book an appointment online for our expert assistance.

Be a Georgia Tree Know It All: Paperbark Maple

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, including the Black Cherry, American Yellowwood, and Sassafras tree. 

This month, we are showcasing the Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum) — perhaps the South’s most beautiful maple! 

Characteristics

Home gardeners can count on the Paperbark Maple. With its height between 20 and 30 feet tall, it is sure to be a stately ornamental tree, as its canopy spreads anywhere from 15 to 25 feet. The green flowers are subdued, but its magnificent fall color can include orange, bronze, purple, or russet red. 

Two prized attributes are its unique trifoliate leaves, and a dense growth habit. But one of its finest ornamental features is its peeling, cinnamon-brown bark, which stands out with particular brilliance should you experience some winter snow. The Chicago Botanic Garden assures this is “a superb small maple with wonderful bark.”

Paperbark Maple is both a multi-trunked and low-branched specimen. Its showy, oval-shaped brown fruit grows between 1 – 3 inches, but does not attract wildlife. Overall, this lovely tree will  not create a litter problem for your yard!  It is commonly used as a dramatic specimen for landscaping, with the suggestion to light it from below at night.

Growing Conditions

The Paperbark Maple thrives within a mix of full sun and partial shade. It tolerates multiple soils so long as they are well-drained, including those that involve a mix of clay, sand, or loam, and pH levels ranging from acidic to slightly alkaline. It is moderately drought tolerant. While the tree is hardy, propagation can be difficult and expensive, as many of the seeds are sterile. 

Partial shade is the best choice for growing Paperbark Maple in the South, according to the University of Florida Extension. The tree can be grown in zones 4-8 (Atlanta and North Georgia are in zone 7) and it blooms from March through May.

Tree Care

These trees should be pruned after the blooms are spent in late winter to early spring. Monitor for pests, diseases, and other problems regularly, protect the trunk against extreme winter freezing, and from damage by mowing and other maintenance during warmer seasons. But in general, the Paperbark Maple shares similar issues with pests and diseases that can afflict other maple varieties, such as Verticillium Wilt, Crown Gall, and Anthracnose.

Signs of Distress

Extended drought and poor soil can be a stressor for the Paperbark Maple, especially in the South.  It must be given ample irrigation in a dry summer, to prevent leaves from scorching. Leaf scorch is a general classification for numerous problems that can befall maple trees, but tell-tale signs include light brown or tan dead spaces along leaf edges and between veins. Verticillium wilt is another common problem in maples and is sometimes referred to as “maple wilt.” While caring for the Paperbark Maple, also stay on the lookout for powdery mildew and lichen.

Whether your trees are stately specimens or ornamental shade trees, we want to keep them healthy for years to come. When you need quality pruning and trimming service for your Paperbark Maple and other trees, contact us online or call us at 404.252.6448.