The Ultimate Pruning Guide for Georgia’s Most Common Trees

Georgia is fortunate to have an array of native trees that are beautiful all on their own. But even the loveliest and hardiest species can use a little help sometimes, which is where expert pruning comes in.

Done either as a preventive or corrective measure, pruning eliminates dead, crowded, or hazardous branches, and makes way for new growth. And like many aspects of tree care, there’s a science behind the perfect pruning techniques. Here, we share some tips for pruning the species you’re most likely to have on your property in Georgia.

Pruning Your Pines

Pine trees are plentiful in our state, and these quick-growing evergreens call for careful pruning, especially when they’re young and vulnerable. As they age, they round out naturally, with many taking on an iconic cone shape and growing more robust. Virginia pines, white pines, and longleaf pines are among the most common species you’ll find.

Pine trees can sometimes achieve aesthetically pleasing forms without much shaping. But as they grow, you can encourage this even further by trimming any especially long or misshapen branches back by about one-third. Prune during late winter or early spring, when needles on new shoots are about half as long as more mature ones. (Longleaf pines are an exception, and can be pruned during any season except spring.)

Minding Magnolias

Like many Georgia native trees, mature Southern magnolias require little to no pruning, save for branches that have been impacted by storm damage, disease, or pests. But young magnolias can be pruned to produce bountiful blooms and grow in a desired direction.

After blooms have stopped and the weather is cooler, grab a pair of pruners and tend to brittle branches or those that interfere with your tree’s symmetry. Cut the branch about a quarter-inch above a healthy bud. Ideally, you’ll want to repeat this process each year until your tree reaches maturity, trimming just a few branches at a time to prevent stress.

Helping Along the Hickories

Pruning young hickories will set them up for robust growth and a greater yield of nuts. You’ll want to remove broken, brittle, or otherwise damaged branches when the tree is dormant — about six weeks before buds begin to open. Concentrate on the top fifth of the tree to spur new growth.

When making cuts, use an angle to force moisture away from the newly cut surface, which will prevent rot. Cut affected branches back to the nearest healthy node instead of shearing off a main stem.

Shaping Maples

While you could effectively trim your maple trees in early spring before leaves form, doing so will release a sticky mess of sap as it starts to rise. Not only is it unsightly, but sap will also attract insects and other pests. So if you have a maple that needs maintenance, consider waiting until late fall, when sap flow slows down.

Since maple saplings can be especially fragile, we also recommend waiting until the tree’s third year to begin pruning. Cut dead or damaged branches at this time, or those interfering with the tree’s natural growth pattern. Using pruning shears, make cuts parallel to the trunk. Avoid cutting too close to the base of the branch, as this can create wounds that may become infected or invite pest activity.

Schedule a Pruning Assessment With Premier Tree Solutions

With these tips and the right pair of shears, you can prune your young trees with confidence — but mature trees are a different matter. Our crews have the specialty knowledge and equipment to prune and trim trees of all sizes safely. To request a free assessment, use our contact form online or call 404.252.6448.

 

How to Protect Stored Firewood from Pests and Rot

Sitting by the fire on a crisp, cool night is one of life’s quiet pleasures. But when your firewood supply surprises you with an unpleasant discovery, it can turn your hygge upside-down, disrupting what could have been a cozy evening.

Unfortunately, firewood is prone to pests and rot. At best, these issues could be a nuisance — at worst, a serious hazard. The good news: We have some tips to keep your kindling in top-notch quality for a season of evenings by the hearth.

What Are the Risks of Pests or Rot in Firewood?

First and foremost, you can take comfort in the fact that most of the pests found in firewood are unlikely to cause direct harm to you or your family. (Though do be mindful that both black widows and brown recluses can make their homes in gaps between stacked wood.) But that’s not to say any insect can’t become a hassle.

Take termites, for one: while tracking a few in your home won’t cause major damage, if they’re found in wood piled close to your house, an infestation could ensue. And while wood-boring beetles and carpenter ants that hitch a ride indoors probably won’t take hold in your walls, you’d probably prefer to keep creepy crawlers outside.

Rot can also be a concern. Typically, firewood becomes rotten when it’s exposed to high moisture levels. While even well-seasoned wood contains at least some water content, higher-than-average moisture levels can lead to poor performance and buildup of creosote, a serious risk for chimney fires.

How Do You Keep Pests Out of Firewood?

Take Things Up a Notch

Leaving firewood on the ground is essentially an open invitation for an insect house party. Fortunately, raising it is a simple solution. You can find firewood racks online and at many home improvement stores, though cinder blocks and lumber pallets work just as well.

Keep It Covered

Having your firewood elevated also makes it easier to tarp off, since you now have anchor points for bungee cords or rope. Not only will a cover help keep bugs at bay, but it can also prevent precipitation from seeping in.

Use Up Old Stock

If you continuously add to your firewood pile but take only from the top, that means the logs on the bottom will go unused. As wood ages, it decomposes and will eventually attract pests. It’s therefore a good rule of thumb to always grab your oldest wood. To avoid having to reshuffle your pile each time, add onto it by placing new wood width-wise.

How Can You Protect Firewood Against Rot?

Besides deterring pests, covering and rotating your firewood will also go a long way to reduce the risk of rot. Here are a few extra steps you can take to keep your wood from getting too damp.

Stack Strategically

Stacking logs might sound straightforward, but believe it or not, there are multiple methods to consider. No matter which you choose, the goal is to keep the pile level but still allow for ample airflow so moisture can’t get trapped.

Give Some Space

The placement of firewood on your property can also help or hurt when it comes to moisture. Ideally, you’ll want to keep your supply away from anything that could attract moisture, including outdoor rugs, nearby shrubbery, and soil.

Schedule a Consultation With an Arborist at Premier Tree Solutions

If you’re thinking of having a tree cut down for future firewood, turn to Premier Tree Solutions. Our arborists can assist you with your tree care needs through every season. Contact us online for an assessment or reach us at 404.252.6448.

When Autumn Is the Best Time to Trim and Prune Your Trees

When is the best time to prune your trees? It’s a question we encounter often, and it’s even been the subject of blog posts past. And though past advice may seem contradictory to this season, read on, because — as with many topics tree-related — there’s no single, one-size-fits-all answer.

In some cases, early spring can indeed be an ideal time for pruning, as it can encourage healthy growth throughout the summer. But when it comes to certain tree species, autumn trimming and pruning may be the better option.

Here’s a closer look at when fall trimming and pruning will work best for your trees.

Why Prune or Trim Your Trees in the Fall?

Pruning in late autumn has several benefits. For one, you’re better able to see branches when they’re bare, so waiting until after leaf drop may lead to more precise cuts. It’s also just easier: without thick foliage in the way, you’ll have less working against you as you position your shears.

Another important reason to consider fall pruning is to keep your property safe throughout the coming winter. If there are any large branches that are at risk of falling, the extra weight of snow and ice could be enough to send them crashing down. But even for smaller trees and shrubs, winter precipitation can bend and snap branches. Evergreens like junipers and arborvitae are the most vulnerable to winter weather, while deciduous trees like silver maples are also at risk because their wood isn’t as strong as other species.

Which Trees Benefit from Fall Pruning?

Deciduous trees shed their leaves in the fall, so pruning them this season is ideal for controlling their size, promoting growth, improving safety, and maintaining their overall vitality. Pruning earlier in the year presents a risk of delayed wound closure, since the pathogens that could be present on the tree may interfere with the healing process. But by late fall, these pathogens have typically died off. Waiting until winter could work too, but beware of the “bleed:” species like maples are known for weeping when their branches are cut, which can get messy.

Some deciduous trees native to Georgia that you might consider pruning in the fall include:

  • Maples
  • Birch
  • Flowering dogwoods
  • Ash
  • Sweetgum
  • Sassafras
  • Magnolia

This list isn’t exhaustive, so be sure to consult with one of our arborists if you’re unsure whether your trees and shrubs could benefit from a fall trim.

Tips for Pruning & Trimming Your Trees This Fall

While the words “trimming” and “pruning” are often used interchangeably, they’re actually two different activities. Pruning is the practice of removing dead or damaged parts to promote a plant’s health, while trimming is typically done to manage a plant’s appearance or size. You can certainly do both at the same time on small shrubs and low-lying branches, so long as you do so with care. Be sure to cut above any new growth — but not too close that you risk damaging it — at a 45-degree angle. Cut back any weak growth to also improve air circulation and thin out problem branches.

Schedule Your Seasonal Tree Pruning with Premier Tree Solutions

If this sounds tricky or you’re unsure how to tell which branches should be trimmed and where, eliminate the guesswork and enlist the help of Premier Tree Solutions. In addition to hand pruning your trees, shrubs, and bushes with precision, we’ll also tackle your taller trees with our specialty trimming and pruning services and equipment. Request a free assessment by sending us a message online or by calling 404.252.6448.

 

How to Identify and Remove Deadwood from Trees

As trees age, their branches may naturally decay. Though seeing dead branches can be disheartening, it doesn’t necessarily mean your tree is beyond saving. The practice of removing dead spots from an otherwise healthy tree—also known as “deadwooding”— can help preserve its vitality while also eliminating the hazards of falling branches.

Here, we share everything you need to know about identifying and removing deadwood from your trees.

What Is Tree Deadwood?

The term “deadwood” may conjure images of a creepy fictional forest, and in fact, you can often find deadwood in densely wooded areas, though it can occur anywhere. But the real meaning of deadwood is exactly what it sounds like: the woody parts of a tree (usually branches) that have decayed. It’s more commonly found in forests, because more trees are competing for nutrients like sunlight. The branches that no longer receive enough nutrients to survive naturally die off, although the rest of the tree may remain in good health. Other causes of deadwood include natural aging, environmental stress such as drought, and disease.

What Does a Deadwood Tree Look Like?

You can tell an area of a tree has become deadwood if its branches lack buds or leaves while others have full foliage. Other signs include missing bark, a brittle appearance, or a branch that is severely bent or broken.

Some people use a “scratch test” to tell if deadwood is present, which involves using pruners or another sharp object to peel away the first outside layers of bark to check whether the wood beneath is living. We encourage you to get a professional’s opinion if you’re unsure, however, because this kind of DIY test  can create permanent injuries if your tree’s tissue is indeed still healthy.

In some cases, it’s possible for your entire tree to be dead and yet still remain standing (aptly named a “deadwood tree”). In such cases, signs of decay will be present throughout the entire tree, including bare branches, peeling bark, and fungi.

Why Should You Deadwood Your Trees?

Deadwooding has several benefits, including:

  • Increasing the tree’s lifespan: When deadwood is removed, the remaining, healthy parts of the tree can receive nutrients more effectively. Deadwooding can also help prevent the spread of pests and decay.
  • Enhancing the tree’s aesthetics: Decaying branches can be an eyesore that detracts from your tree’s overall appearance. Removing them can eliminate unsightliness while also allowing for a more uniform, visually appealing shape.
  • Keeping your property safe: Large, dead branches pose serious risks to your property. Removing them is therefore important not only for your tree’s health, but for the safety of your home and its occupants.

How to Deadwood Trees

Removing deadwood in smaller trees could be a DIY job. But in most cases, deadwood develops in mature trees in areas that are difficult to reach. Further, deadwooding calls for the utmost accuracy: you need to cut just enough to remove the decay without injuring any underlying healthy tissue.

Schedule a Tree Trimming Near You with Premier Tree Solutions

It’s safest for both you and your tree to call in the help of experienced professionals for deadwooding. This precision tree trimming service requires expertise as well as the right equipment to get the job done properly and safely. Our tree care specialists know exactly where to trim and how. For a free estimate, use our contact form online or call 404.252.6448.

 

Premier Tree Solutions Tackles Hurricane Debris with the PK135 Treemek

After Hurricane Helene, Jeff and the team at Premier Tree Solutions quickly got to work cleaning up debris using their new PK135 Treemek. This state-of-the-art knuckle boom crane, equipped with a grapple saw, has a remarkable reach of about 130 feet when fully extended. The ability to grab, cut, and lower tree limbs safely without requiring a climber makes it the perfect solution for dealing with dangerous storm debris. Jeff and his crew were able to remove hazardous trees efficiently, keeping both themselves and nearby residents out of harm’s way.

The PK135 Treemek operates entirely by remote control, allowing us to handle even the largest, most unstable trees from a safe distance. This cutting-edge technology is a game changer in storm recovery efforts, especially in hazardous post-hurricane conditions where climbing would be too risky. With the Treemek’s precision and extended reach, Premier Tree Solutions has been able to streamline their cleanup operations, restoring safety and order to the communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

Are you looking for tree clean up after Hurricane Helene? Give us a call at 404-252-6448 or visit our website chopmytree.com.

Premier Tree Solutions cleaning up someone's property after Hurricane Helene
Premier Tree Solutions cleaning up someone's property after Hurricane Helene
Premier Tree Solutions cleaning up someone's property after Hurricane Helene
Premier Tree Solutions cleaning up someone's property after Hurricane Helene
Premier Tree Solutions cleaning up someone's property after Hurricane Helene
Premier Tree Solutions cleaning up someone's property after Hurricane Helene
Premier Tree Solutions removing branches that fell due to Hurricane Helene
Premier Tree Solutions removing branches that fell due to Hurricane Helene

Fall Tree Care To-Do List

Many trees go dormant in the winter, offering a reprieve from rapid spring and summer growth — not to mention the upkeep that comes with it. But before maintenance falls to a minimum, there are a few to-dos you’ll want to tackle to ensure your trees come back as healthy as possible next year. Use the following checklist to prepare your property for the cool season.

Five Fall Tree Care Tips

1. Straighten & Support

While mature trees are usually strong enough to survive storms, young saplings may need some extra support to withstand winter weather. Now is also the time to address any leans in young trees by straightening their trunk during early growth. The solution for both these issues is support anchoring. Before the season ends, implement a stake and rope system to support your tree’s trunk or encourage linear growth.

2. Ease Up on Irrigation

Small trees and shrubs need more water in warm weather, but sticking to the same watering pattern through the winter could lead to flooded soil. For foliage that goes dormant, less supplemental water will be needed because moisture from the soil won’t evaporate as quickly. You’ll therefore want to cut back on watering by altering your irrigation schedule so the soil stays moist, but never floods.

One exception would be your evergreens; since these species won’t go dormant, the water loss they experience during winter can be dangerous to their health. Help them hydrate before freezing temps set in by giving them a deep, weekly watering, which can also help prevent winter burn.

3. Clean It Up

A fall lawn cleanup can feel like a significant undertaking, but becomes more approachable when broken up into a couple of smaller tasks.

Start by trimming your shrubs and trees first. Prune dead or diseased branches before they fall during winter storms. For any large or inaccessible branches, enlist the help of our arborists, who can perform professional tree trimming while keeping your home and property safe.

When most of your trees have dropped their leaves, rake them into piles. Leaf removal can be time-consuming, but it’s important for keeping your lawn healthy and preventing mold development. Gather them onto a plastic tarp to make removal easier. As an added bonus, dead leaves are the perfect material for composting, which can be added to your shrub beds and gardens next fall. Just be sure to flip the leaves monthly for aeration.

4. Protect with Mulch

We’ve hailed the praises of mulch in the past, but we’d be remiss not to mention it in your fall tree care checklist. As a reminder, mulch holds the following merits:

  • Insulation
  • Locks in hydration
  • Weed prevention
  • Protection against lawn equipment

We advise applying a two- to four-inch-thick layer of mulch, three to ten feet around your trees and shrubs. Leave a small space around trunks to allow airflow. While mulch can be made from many materials, a nutrient-rich variety will deliver the greatest benefits to your plants.

5. Perform a Visual Check

After you’ve pruned your trees and their leaves have dropped, hidden hazards may reveal themselves. Now is a good time to inspect your trees for signs of pests, decay, and other risks. If something looks off, don’t hesitate to get a professional opinion before winter’s arrival.

Schedule a Tree Care Assessment With Premier Tree Solutions

From tree assessments to professional pruning, Premier Tree Solutions can assist you with many fall tree care tasks. Schedule an appointment by calling 404.252.6448, or contact us online.

 

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All the Trees that Turn Orange and Red in Georgia During Fall

Leaf peeping has long been a favorite activity among fall aficionados, with some trekking many miles to catch glimpses of the season’s vibrant foliage. Although Georgia isn’t as famous for its striking autumn leaves as some other states, you needn’t make a great journey to get your fix— in fact, some species can put on a show right in your own front yard.

Here, we’ve rounded up some of the state’s best trees with vibrant fall leaves.

Everything You Need to Know About Fall Foliage in Georgia

What Type of Tree Changes Colors in the Fall?

It’s a guarantee that most trees in the U.S. will experience some lower winter temperatures, and while their branches and trunks are usually hardy enough to handle the chill, fragile leaves are often too tender. Though evergreen needles have a protective wax coating, other species need to shed their fragile leaves before the cooler season sets in.

For some tree types, that means producing a wondrous spectacle of fiery fall foliage beforehand. As nights grow longer and cooler, trees receive the signal to go dormant. They then stop the flow of chlorophyll to and from their leaves (more on that below).

Some species’ leaves will shrivel up and depart without much to-do. Whether leaves will or won’t become ablaze depends on their concentration of the following chemicals:

  • Carotenoids: Found in bananas, carrots, and buttercups, these nutrients produce yellow, orange, and some red pigments.
  • Anthocyanin: Thank anthocyanin for the shades of red you see in strawberries, as well as the purples and blues visible in blueberries, grapes, and plums.
  • Chlorophyll: You can probably recall this word from science class, but here’s a quick refresher. During the growing season, chlorophyll enables plants to use sunlight for food, and gives leaves their green hue. But as they die, chlorophyll dissipates, revealing the colors from carotenoids and anthocyanin.

Certain species exhibit specific colors, but in general, the following Georgia trees change colors in the fall:

  • Oaks
  • Dogwood
  • Beech
  • Black Tupelo
  • Hickories
  • Aspen
  • Yellow-Poplar
  • Maples

What Tree Turns Orange in Fall?

Sugar Maple

If it’s a fiery orange-red you’re after, turn to the sugar maple. The official state tree of both New York and Vermont, the sugar maple thrives in the Northeast, but it can survive as far south as Georgia and will still produce vibrant foliage. There is a trade-off, however: in southern states, its branches may retain dead leaves throughout most of the winter.

Black Tupelo

For a stunning burnt orange that follows a show of scarlet, consider the black tupelo. Also known as the black gum tree, this ornamental species tolerates a wide range of soil and moisture conditions, including drought and heat.

What Tree Turns Bright Red in Fall?

American Red Maple

The marvelous maple is perhaps the best species for a striking cardinal red. True to its name, the American red maple will stun with crimson before its leaf drop. Preferring moist soil, this maple is often found along Georgia’s wetlands.

Japanese Red Maple

Available in a variety of subspecies, the Japanese red maple typically has delicate, narrow leaves which turn a deep, berry red or burgundy during the fall. In addition to upright varieties, some species take on a more shrub-like form, including weeping Japanese maples with branches that grow in a waterfall pattern.

Schedule a Tree Pruning Session with Premier Tree Solutions

No matter their species (or the colors they turn), the best way to keep your trees looking vibrant and healthy is with routine care. We’re approaching prime time for hand pruning, a service Premier Tree Solutions is happy to perform on your trees and shrubs with professional tools and expertise. To schedule an appointment, send us a message online or call (404) 252-6448.

 

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Best Trees for Year-Round Shade and Privacy

It’s a conundrum many homeowners have encountered: the tree that offered plenty of privacy or shade in the warm weather suddenly leaves gaping holes when bare-branched and skeletal. The cooler months come around, and your property is on full display where it was once cloaked by thick foliage. If this situation sounds familiar, we have the solution for you: a list of the best trees for privacy and shade, no matter the season.

Best Trees for Privacy in Georgia Year-Round

Arborvitae

There’s a reason the arborvitae has earned a reputation for being the best tree for privacy. With their neat, conical shape and rapid growth, these evergreens make for the perfect hedges. Leave enough space between each as you plant them, since they can spread ten to 15 feet wide. One species we love is the Green Giant, which lives up to its name with a mature height of up to 40 feet.

Japanese Cedar

Known for its fragrant wood, the Japanese cedar is an excellent privacy screen. Most will grow 30 to 40 feet tall with a spread of 15 to 20 feet, but especially well-maintained trees could become even larger. Tight quarters could leave these trees susceptible to leaf blight, so aim for ample air circulation by spacing them out adequately.

Spiny Greek Juniper

With dense, spiky foliage, the spiny Greek juniper forms a fantastic natural barrier. Reaching 15 feet at maturity, it’s shorter than some other privacy trees, making it manageable for most homeowners to prune on their own.

Leyland Cypress

Another species ideal for forming hedges, leyland cypress trees can reach heights of 60 to 70 feet with a width of up to 15 feet. Fast-growing and large, you’ll want to leave these trees well enough away from any property lines, as they can quickly encroach on nearby structures. Space them at least ten feet apart, even if you’re creating a hedge.

Year-Long Sources of Shade

Many areas of Georgia see high temperatures year-round, so it makes sense if you’re craving shade well beyond the spring and summer. Keep your property cool through every season with these perennial shade-throwers.

Weeping Willows

Breathtaking and immediately recognizable, willows are deciduous trees with small, flexible branches that descend the trees’ length, creating a waterfall effect. While they can deliver year-round shade from their soaring heights, be mindful of placement: their root system spreads far and wide, so plant them far away from utility lines and other underground structures.

Southern Magnolia

The Southern Magnolia can grow up to 80 feet tall, offering year-round shade. While it will drop some old leaves during spring and summer, its large canopy will continue to provide cooling effects. The magnolia’s large, leathery leaves are accented by the creamy-white flowers, which typically bloom in the same seasons.

Southern Live Oak

With majestic limbs and heights of up to 50 feet, the southern live oak is unique in the fact that it retains its leaves through the winter, unlike most other oaks. Its canopy can span up to 100 feet wide, so expect lots of shade on warm afternoons no matter the season. The official state tree of Georgia, the southern live oak has an extensive root system that calls for ample space.

To grow to their fullest potential, many of the trees on this list need strategic trimming to ensure healthy branches have a chance to thrive. For professional pruning and trimming services performed by experienced tree specialists, turn to Premier Tree Solutions. Schedule an appointment by calling 404.252.6448, or contact us online.

 

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Can You Recover Your Trees from Heat Stress?

Can You Recover Your Trees from Heat Stress?

If your trees are native to your region, they’re innately equipped to handle normal weather patterns. But with 2023 having been the hottest year on record, and 2024 seeing further record-breaking temperatures, the heat waves we’re experiencing are exceeding normal ranges by a long shot. Consequently, heat stress may become a growing problem for our precious plant life.

But can your trees be revived after the temperature climbs sky-high? Let’s find out.

Signs of Heat Stress in Trees

Whether due to extreme heat, periods of drought, or a combination of the two, at-risk trees may present signs of heat stress in the summer months. One telltale sign to watch for is leaf damage: you may notice dead or wilting leaves long before they’re due to drop. The same goes for off-season fruit drop or premature blooms. These symptoms could mean your tree is going into a self-protective dormancy mode, which can also be marked by slowed growth.

Here’s the good news: even trees that appear scorched to a crisp may have a chance at making it.

Recovery Tips to Beat Heat Stress in Trees

New trees planted within the last few years face the highest risk of dying off after a heat wave. But if the signs of damage have already appeared, it’s still worth trying to revive them. Try these tips to bring your trees back from the brink.

Skip the Sprinkler

Many homeowners make the mistake of delivering water to their trees via sprinklers. While they work well for plenty of other plants, the spray falls short when it comes to trees. Instead, aim for a deep soaking directly at your tree’s roots, where the water can penetrate the soil before it evaporates. The goal is to hydrate without flooding your tree’s base, which can lead to other issues like fungi growth. To further prevent this problem, you’ll also want to leave plenty of time between watering sessions. In most cases, weekly watering will suffice.

Another option is to install a drip line to hydrate your trees. Ideal for smaller trees, shrubs, and ornamentals, these irrigation systems can deliver water directly to the plants’ roots on a regular basis.

Of course, you’ll want to hold off on using the hose if there are watering restrictions in place due to droughts. In that case, you might consider using “graywater” to hydrate your vulnerable trees in a pinch. Common sources are water left over from baths or washing dishes, and if you have a dehumidifier in your basement, the extra water it collects can be put to good use in your lawn. Just know that the added bacteria in previously used water could attract pests, so rely on this method for emergencies only.

Reassess Your Mulch

We typically recommend mulching in the spring and fall to protect your trees’ roots against extreme weather in the seasons ahead. But if you didn’t get a chance to mulch this spring (or if a good portion of the mulch you laid has already eroded), you can still protect your trees’ roots now. For the best results, apply a three-inch thick layer around your tree’s base, leaving a small gap immediately around the bark. This will lock in moisture and help the soil stay cool.

Leave the Dead Leaves

Decaying leaves can be an eyesore, but resist the urge to prune any damaged patches. This creates wounds on your tree, which isn’t ideal when it’s already stressed from the heat. Plus, it could stimulate new growth, which will only die off if the heat wave persists.

Watch for Future Damage

As your tree heals, watch for signs of damage including increased pest activity, fungi, and disease. Should these signs appear, contact us for an evaluation to see if your tree is salvageable.

Schedule an Assessment With Premier Tree Solutions

If you’re uncertain whether one of your trees has died off after recent heat waves, allow our arborists to perform an assessment. From reviving vulnerable trees to removing at-risk branches, we’ll help keep your landscape on track through any weather. Call (404) 252-6448 or contact us online for an appointment.

 

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The Best Trees for Hammocks and Swings

A gentle breeze and a shady spot on a warm summer afternoon… The only thing left to round out this backyard bliss is the relaxing back-and-forth sway of a hammock or swing. If you’re ready to recreate this retreat in your own outdoor space, tree selection will be a key element for success. While many trees can bear the extra weight of a swing or hammock safely, there are certain qualities to look for when selecting the right trunks and branches.

Here’s our roundup of what makes the best trees for hammocks, tire swings, and other suspended seats.

Sturdy Species: The Best Trees for Swings & Hammocks

First and foremost, a mature, healthy tree is a must for anything that swings. Not only could a newer tree fail to provide adequate support, but the strain could hinder its long-term growth. You’ll therefore want to select a sturdy, well-established tree with horizontal branches that meet the trunk in a U-shape. This setup will serve as a stable system for attaching swings and hammocks.

Most hardwood species will fit the bill. Here are a few varieties in particular to consider:

Oak

Towering up to 100 feet tall, oak trees have strong, elevated branches that are well-suited for swings. Many species are resilient against a variety of weather patterns and can thrive in diverse soil conditions. If you’re planting a sapling for future swing support, we’re partial to the southern live oak, the official state tree of Georgia.

Maple

Known for their vivid displays of fall foliage, the majestic maple can grow upwards of 90 feet at its tallest. Steer clear of smaller, ornamental varieties when choosing a swinging spot, since their branches won’t offer enough strength or stability.

Beech

A mature American Beech tree can climb over 100 feet and will produce strong, horizontal branches perfect for soaring and swaying alike. Their beechnuts also attract a host of wildlife, so you may wind up sharing your space with critters like squirrels and birds, too.

The best trees for hammocks will also bear these features, but the added challenge is that you’ll need two within close proximity, but not so close that they could harm each other. A pair of sturdy trunks roughly 10 to 15 feet apart will provide stable points for fastening your hammock’s suspension system. Situate the ropes at a 30-degree angle on each side: this tends to be the sweet spot for creating just enough tension.

Additional Swing Spot Considerations

In addition to selecting the right tree type, there are a few final qualities to look for when setting up your swing. For one, choose a clear patch in your yard with a soft landing zone. This is especially important for tire and seat swings, but hazards can happen in hammocks, too. Avoid boulders, jagged surfaces, steep hills, and other potential hazards for the safest experience.

Lastly, inspect your tree for signs of damage before suspending your swing. Cracks, splits, pests, rot, and hollow sections are a few red flags to avoid.

Schedule a Tree Check-Up With Premier Tree Solutions

Sometimes, signs of a tree problem can be sneaky. If you’d like a checkup for any of the trees on your property, message Premier Tree Solutions for a free evaluation. Our experts can assess the structural integrity of your mature trees to see which are safest for swinging — and which, if any, could pose a hazard. You can also reach us by calling (404) 252-6448.

As an Amazon Associate, Premier Tree Solutions earns from qualifying purchases.