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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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.

When you’ve worked hard to maintain your landscape, few sights are as sad to see as a failing tree. The death of a dogwood can be especially heartbreaking. Native to the eastern U.S., these ornamental trees produce beautiful springtime blooms when they’re healthy. But the species is also susceptible to a common condition known as dogwood blight.

If your tree is suffering, don’t lose hope. There’s a chance the plight of dogwood blight can be reversed — here’s what you need to know.

What Is Dogwood Blight?

Officially known as anthracnose, dogwood blight is a fungal disease that was first discovered in the late 1970s in the Northeast. While the exact origins are unknown, researchers suspected climate-related factors like droughts made the earliest affected dogwoods susceptible to the infection. The condition spread rapidly, taking hold all throughout Appalachia and killing a significant portion of the dogwood population in its path. Today, it remains especially prevalent in the South.

Anthracnose attacks leaves, including those that have fallen, but it can also infect the branches and trunk of a dogwood. While some species appear to be more resistant to the fungus, they can still incur damage when infected. One of the most notorious signs of the condition is leaf damage, including yellowing, curling leaves, and brown spots. Left untreated, dogwood blight can also affect the long-term health of the entire tree.

Unfortunately, anthracnose spreads easily since the fungi’s spores can be carried by the wind to new leaves. Because it may be impossible to avoid the infection altogether, the best approaches are to strengthen your dogwood’s resistance and to treat them quickly if signs of an issue do emerge.

How to Protect Your Trees Against Dogwood Blight

Avoid Overwatering.

Most established dogwoods don’t need to be watered regularly unless there’s a severe drought. Though newly-planted dogwoods will need extra water to thrive, overwatering could create a breeding ground for the fungus that causes anthracnose. In general, watering to a depth of about six inches once per week should promote healthy growth.

Prevent Damage.

Dogwoods that are in good health are better able to fight off infection. Avoid stressing your tree by keeping a safe distance when mowing and using other yard tools. Consider mulching around the tree’s base to prevent weed growth and to help keep the surrounding soil nourished.

Remove Affected Leaves.

If you begin to notice discolored or curling leaves on your dogwood, remove them promptly to contain the spread. Similarly, rake up any leaves soon after they’ve fallen, since the fungus can continue to live and migrate from the ground.

Apply a Fungicide.

Leaves affected by anthracnose can’t be remedied, but you can apply a fungicide in attempt to salvage the rest of the tree. Unfortunately, a fungicide will only work for the next growth cycle. That means if the infection takes hold in summer, you’ll still have to wait until the following spring to apply a treatment. Typically, fungicide treatments should be initiated starting at bud break and may need to be administered at routine intervals.

Speak With a Certified Arborist at Premier Tree Solutions

Whether it’s dogwood blight or another condition that’s keeping your trees from looking their best, our arborists can diagnose the issue and present the best options for your property. For a free estimate, send us a message or call (404) 252-6448.

There’s nothing like biting into a fresh Georgia peach, but grabbing one from your own backyard is sure to take the sweetness up a notch. If you’re fortunate enough to live in an area where fruit trees thrive, it’s more than possible to enjoy your own home-grown peaches, berries, and other fresh fruit — as long as you provide the right fruit tree care from the start. Here are our top tips for a fruitful harvest, fresh from the branch!

How to Care for Fruit Trees

Start Out Strong

Proper fruit tree care begins with strategic planting, and there’s a lot you can do before and during the process to encourage healthy growth. First and foremost, make sure you’ve selected the right species for your hardiness zone.

Aside from our state fruit, other stone fruits like nectarines, apricots, cherries, and plums seem to love the climate here in Georgia. Set these trees up for success by placing them in loamy, well-draining soil in an area that gets full sun (think eight to ten hours of direct light per day). These conditions are also great for fig trees, certain apple and pear varieties, and olives.

Next, make sure you’re planting at the right time of year. Spring is ideal for planting flowers, but when it comes to fruit trees, late fall is usually best. Planting a fruit tree just before it goes dormant will give it ample time to establish a strong root system — a factor that will be key to its vitality.

Watch Your Watering

Once you’ve planted your tree, the next step is to practice proper watering. Like many plants, this can be challenging for fruit trees: they need just the right amount of water to thrive, especially when they’re young. The soil should be moist while your tree is growing, but never so wet that it’s completely flooded.

If you have an irrigation system in place already, you might consider adding a line for your fruit tree. Most orchards use irrigation for consistent hydration at the roots. But if this option isn’t feasible, direct watering with a garden hose works, too. You can also help your tree’s roots retain moisture between waterings by surrounding its base with mulch, which will deter weeds, too — a win-win, if you ask us!

Prune to Perfection

The most important time to prune a fruit tree is shortly after planting. Known as formative pruning, this will determine your tree’s shape as it grows. Start as early as the day of planting by carefully removing the ends of any wayward limbs, focusing on areas directly above the space where you’d like a new limb to grow. These trims will then encourage growth among lower branches for a full, even shape — and a bountiful harvest.

Get Picking!

Once your tree has blossomed, the flowers have fallen away, and new fruit has had a chance to develop, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! But believe it or not, there’s a science to harvesting, too. Aim to pick at peak ripeness, since removing fruit too early won’t give it a chance to ripen. Keep in mind, however, that leaving it too long can reduce flavor and eventually attract pests. There’s no universal best time that works for all trees, as factors like fruit type and climate determine the best time for picking. Instead, keep an eye out for signs of ripeness — most fruit is at full color, and slightly soft but not mushy when it’s at its peak.

Schedule a Service With Premier Tree Solutions

Fruit tree care can be fairly simple, but it never hurts to call in the experts when you’re dealing with vulnerable young saplings. Here at Premier Tree Solutions, we’re well-versed in hand pruning and will tend to your trees and shrubs with the utmost level of care. Contact us for a free estimate on these and any other tree care services by sending us a message or by calling (404) 252-6448.

Cicadas have long been synonymous with early summer. Once soil temperatures reach 64 degrees, these unique insects emerge from their underground slumber, marking their arrival with their telltale mating sounds. And while cicada swarms can indeed be piercing, they’re short-lived: just several weeks later, the insects die, leaving a mess of shells in their wake.

This year marks a special occasion for cicadas: both Brood XIX, which emerges every 13 years, and Brood XIII, which appear every 17 years, will come out together. It’s the first time since 1803 that these specific broods will co-emerge — so what can we expect from such a significant event?

Is There Potential for Cicada Tree Damage?

While they can certainly be a nuisance in other ways, cicadas are unlikely to cause any lasting damage to your trees. Aside from the boisterous buzzing, the main headache they’ll bring is a flurry of carcasses. After emergence, these hibernating insects take to the trees to lay eggs in late spring or early summer, but most established plants can withstand the added weight. Minor physical damage known as “flagging” may occur in small or weak branches, which can interfere with water delivery to the tips of the affected branches. In most cases, though, this is only a concern for newly planted trees and shrubs.

The good news is that the overlap of these two emerging broods is unlikely to cause much of a stir here in Georgia. You’ll probably only notice the same signs of cicadas you do each year, as the biggest overlap of the two broods will mostly be concentrated in the Midwest. (Sending our best to central Illinois!)

How to Protect Vulnerable Plants from Cicada Damage

Although cicada tree damage isn’t a concern for established plants, you may want to treat your fresh plants with some TLC before cicada season. Fertilizing your soil and watering young plants are smart, proactive ways to promote resilience, regardless of impending cicada visits. And, to make sure saplings get all the nutrients they need, spread a three-inch layer of mulch around their base. This will keep pesky weeds out and lock moisture into the soil.

What To Do with Cicada Shells on Trees

Like any dead insects on your property, you could simply leave cicada shells on trees if they aren’t bothering you. But many people find their pungent odor to be off-putting, and their visible presence isn’t exactly a comforting sight, either.

If scattered cicada carcasses aren’t in line with your landscape vision for this season, you could collect and discard them once you notice an accumulation. But for a better, more sustainable approach, consider using their shells to nourish your garden. Their exoskeletons are rich in potassium and nitrogen – nutrients that can give your soil a healthy boost. Mix them into your compost bin, and throw in some newspaper or sawdust to cut the odor.

Schedule Your Service With Premier Tree Solutions

Keep your trees healthy long after cicada season with our professional tree care services. From pruning to stump removal, we can help keep your property attractive and safe year-round. Request an appointment with our specialists by sending us a message online or by calling (404) 252-6448.