Mushrooms at the Base of Trees: When to Worry

A cluster of mushrooms popping up around a tree may have an air of magical, pop culture whimsy, conjuring images of gnomes, “Alice in Wonderland,” or Super Mario himself.

Instead of something fantastical, mushrooms can signal a hidden, real-world issue. While these fungi may be harmless, mushrooms attached to the tree or its roots are telling a story with a not-so-happy ending: internal decay.

Shroom Story: Harmless vs. Harmful

Not every mushroom situation near a tree can prove to be harmful. If you spot fungi growing in the grass or pine straw a few feet from a tree, the mushrooms are most likely breaking down dead organic matter such as buried roots or old mulch. In this case, the mushrooms are, in general, harmless to a living tree.

However, if you see mushrooms or conks directly attached to the trunk, buttress roots, or root flare of a tree, it means internal decay is already happening and has been for quite a while. According to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, the tree is in the advanced stages of decay and infection, and tree failure is a real possibility. 

Red Flag Fungi to Keep on Your Radar

Some wood-decay fungi have a reputation for causing serious destruction to living trees. The following are three that fit that bill and are among the most frequently found in Georgia and the Southeast. While an infected tree may look perfectly healthy from the outside, each of these types of fungi has the potential to create hazardous conditions such as out-of-the-blue tree failure or blow-over during extreme weather.

  • Armillaria: TCI Magazine calls this root rot worthy of note for several reasons. First, it kills tissue, which can stop the transportation of nutrients and water. Other reasons armillaria is especially challenging include the fact that its mushrooms can be difficult to identify, and it spreads rapidly underground through root contact and root-like strands called rhizomorphs.
  • Ganoderma: According to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, some species of Ganoderma are especially concerning because they break down essential elements that make up the primary structural components of wood. They can go after the tree’s lower trunk, root flare, and structural roots, resulting in the hollowing out of its internal support system. 
  • Weeping Conk: Another concerning fungus, according to TCI Magazine, weeping conk causes white rot in the heartwood of lower trunks and major roots, and it is difficult to judge the full breadth of internal decay without excavating the root system. Its appearance can change, from cream-colored to crusty, blackened, or blob-like. This makes it easy to overlook entirely or, at the very least, misidentify. 

Let Premier Tree Solutions Identify Funky Fungi

Have you seen mushrooms around your tree? Don’t wait for the next storm to put your tree’s stability to the test.

Contact Premier Tree Solutions for a root collar and tree health inspection. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

Q&A Recap

Are mushrooms around the base of a tree always bad?

No, mushrooms growing in the surrounding lawn or pine straw a few feet away are generally harmless fungi breaking down buried organic matter. However, mushrooms or shelf-like conks growing directly on a tree’s trunk, flare, or roots indicate internal wood decay and potential structural instability.

Which mushroom species indicate severe tree decay in Georgia?

Three of the more common wood-decay fungi found in Georgia and the Southeast are Armillaria, Ganoderma, and Weeping Conk. While an infected tree may look fine on the outside, each of these types of fungi has the potential to create hazardous conditions such as out-of-the-blue tree failure or blow-over during extreme weather.

What should I do if I find mushrooms attached to my tree?

If mushrooms or conks are growing directly on your tree’s bark or root collar, schedule a professional tree health and root collar inspection immediately to evaluate the extent of internal decay and prevent unexpected tree failure.

Planning Your Fall Planting: Why September is the Best Time to Choose Your New Trees

Come spring, bursts of blooming flora arrive as trees begin leafing out due to warmer weather. That sounds like the logical time to plant a tree in metro Atlanta, right? Well, not in all cases.

Depending on the tree species, Premier Tree Solutions suggests opting for autumn instead, which makes September the right month to start researching, selecting, and sourcing containerized stock or reserving field-grown trees.

Let’s dig into the details with three of the main reasons we believe you should fall for fall when it comes to tree transplanting:

Warm Soil Plus Cool Air Equals Maximum Root Growth

Summer may be slipping away, but the soil in your yard hangs onto seasonal warmth well into the fall. The result is an ideal biological environment. Warm soil helps encourage rapid root growth, while cool air tells the tree to stop growing top-side branches and leaves. Instead of the tree feeding its new foliage, it uses its stored energy and nutrients to establish a deep and sturdy underground root system. According to the University of Georgia Extension, a properly sited and planted tree in the fall will outperform a spring-planted tree. Planting a tree in the fall allows its roots a solid head start to establish themselves before those scorching summer temperatures draw moisture from the tree and stress it out.

Reduced Moisture Stress and Transplant Shock

When you transplant a tree in the spring, it can struggle with heavy transpiration, leaving it thirsty. Transpiration is the process where hot air causes water to evaporate from leaves quicker than unestablished roots can draw it up from the dirt. Metro Atlanta’s late-summer dry spells only make matters worse. A field report from the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences says fall’s cooler temps can lessen moisture loss, provided watering is adjusted for slower soil evaporation, allowing a tree to acclimate long before a heat wave ignites.

Prime Nursery Selection and Proper Site Preparation

Choosing a tree in September gets you ahead of the game. Once you determine the right species, you can be ready to shop as soon as the primary stock begins arriving at nurseries. This will likely give you access to a wider selection of nursery inventory before it thins out later in the season. Additionally, it provides plenty of time to properly prepare your site. The Clemson University Extension advises correct root ball preparation, wide digging width, and proper mulching depth for long-term tree health. If you get the ball rolling in September, there is room to breathe for tasks such as running local soil tests, checking for overhead power lines, and readying Georgia clay.

Let Premier Tree Solutions Guide Your Fall Tree Planting

Choosing the right species of tree for metro Atlanta’s soils and urban canopy space requires specialized care.

Contact Premier Tree Solutions for selection guidance and professional fall planting services. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

Q&A Recap

Why is September the best time to start planning fall tree planting in metro Atlanta?

The fall offers warm soil paired with cooling air temperatures. This combination stops top-side branch and leaf growth, allowing the tree to channel its energy into establishing a strong, deep root system before winter.

Why is fall planting better for a tree’s root system than spring planting?

Fall planting gives roots a head start to establish without competing against new foliage growth. Fall-planted trees develop sturdy roots before the heat of summer causes drought stress.

How does planting in autumn reduce transplant shock and water stress?

Cooler autumn temperatures lower the rate of transpiration, which is the process where hot air evaporates water from leaves faster than roots can absorb it. Reduced transpiration protects young trees from severe moisture loss and heat-related transplant shock.

What are the main preparation advantages of sourcing trees in September?

Planning early in autumn provides several advantages: a better nursery selection and enough time to prepare the site and follow correct planting practices.

Who provides expert fall tree selection and planting services in metro Atlanta?

Premier Tree Solutions offers professional guidance, site assessments, and tree planting services tailored to metro Atlanta’s local canopy and soil conditions.

The Facts About Bacterial Leaf Scorch

At first glance, browning tree leaves during warmer months might seem to be a symptom of drought stress. Look closer, because it could be something much worse: bacterial leaf scorch (BLS).

An incurable vascular disease, BLS is chronic, progressive and can be fatal to trees. In Georgia, BLS is most frequently found in red oak trees, but can infect almost all native oak varieties, as well as other trees including pecan, sycamore, red maple, and others.

The following are four of the key facts to keep in mind regarding BLS.

Fact 1: It’s Caused by a Microscopic Plumbing Blockage

According to the Penn State Extension, BLS is caused by a specific bacterium that is spread by certain insects, who use their piercing mouths to feed on trees. If roots of a diseased tree naturally fuse or graft with those of a neighboring tree, BLS can also spread underground.

Once inside the tree’s water-conducting tissue, the bacterium multiplies through the vascular system. The result is something akin to a clogged sink. The bacterium blocks the pathways that transport water from the tree’s roots to its leaves.

Fact 2: Symptoms Peak in Late Summer and Progress Annually

While tree leaves may look perfectly fine once spring has sprung, things can go south by summer. Symptoms typically materialize late July through September. Keep an eye out for scorched leaves, which can appear yellowed or browned, a telltale sign of BLS. The University of Maryland Extension explains that depending on the species, scorched leaves sometimes have a yellow halo around them. Premature leaf drop can be another signal of BLS. Symptoms first appear on lower branches and on the older interior leaves of the tree and will occur annually, eventually finding their way through the top of the tree.

Fact 3: BLS is Incurable but Manageable

While BLS remains incurable, the disease spreads slowly and proper management can help extend the life of the tree. The Virginia Cooperative Extension reminds us that injecting antibiotics in trees with BLS can delay the progression of disease. However, this approach can be costly and compromise the tree, making it susceptible to wood decay fungi. Minimizing stress factors and keeping a BLS-infected tree as healthy as possible allows it the opportunity to better withstand the progressive effects of the disease. Be sure to water the ill tree during hot and dry weather spells and during periods of drought. Additionally, proper mulching can assist a tree in avoiding water stress.

Fact 4: Professional Guidance is Essential

Are you unable to decide if a tree is diseased or simply thirsty? It’s best not to guess. Reach for a professional to diagnose your tree and guide you through the appropriate solution.

Premier Tree Solutions is an expert in assessing BLS. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

Q&A Recap

What Is Bacterial Leaf Scorch (BLS)?

BLS is a chronic, fatal plant disease caused by a certain bacterium that multiplies inside a tree’s water-conducting tissue, creating blockages that prevent water from reaching the leaves.

What Are the Main Symptoms of BLS?

The most common signs include leaf yellowing or browning (often separated from green tissue by a yellow halo), premature leaf drop, and dieback that begins on lower, older branches in late summer (July through September) and recurs annually.

Can BLS Be Cured?

No, BLS is incurable. However, you can manage the disease and extend the tree’s lifespan by reducing environmental stress through supplemental watering during hot weather or drought and proper mulching.

How Does BLS Spread Between Trees?

BLS is spread above ground by sap-feeding insects with piercing mouthparts and underground through natural root fusion or grafts between neighboring trees.

 

Managing Invasive Kudzu and Chinese Tallow

Invasive flora can be like a mixed martial artist with an overwhelming move. If it gets a prominent grasp on your property, your vegetation might just tap out in submission.

Both kudzu and Chinese tallow, two common culprits, have the ability to smother native trees and block sunlight. With their deep root systems and lightning fast growth rates, they easily deflect knee-jerk tactics such as simple mowing or surface cutting.

Premier Tree Solutions has a handful of tips to help keep these opponents at bay.

Ways to Combat Kudzu

Kudzu may be the Southeast’s reigning champ in the invasive plant category. This climbing vine is known to cover landscapes and just about anything in its path, and it can grow as much as one foot per day. Simply pruning or trimming kudzu won’t provide a long-term solution. Repeated cutting and mowing can work, but it can take years and require weekly maintenance each summer.

To stop new kudzu growth, the Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities Extension advises cutting just below the bulbous root crown, which stores energy and can be found right beneath the surface of the soil. This works well, because kudzu is unable to regrow below the root crown and doesn’t sprout from lateral roots.

Larger areas can call for mechanical removal and tactical herbicide application. The UGA Extension (Towns/Union County) suggests chemical control. Chemical products with active ingredients glyphosate or triclopyr can control kudzu, either as a spray or after cutting back the vines. For the latter, cut the plant two inches above the ground and then soak the remaining base of the vines with the herbicide. Carefully read the herbicide instructions before using.

Wrestling with Chinese Tallow

A Chinese tallow may look like just a small to medium-sized ornamental tree, but it can lay the smack down with its aggressive growth. Similar to the case with kudzu, eradicating Chinese tallow can be tricky. The Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities Extension explains that while practices such as physical removal and mowing are common, they can worsen the problem. It can trigger stump and lateral root sprouting, which can result in dense thickets. If a Chinese tallow isn’t thoroughly removed, its leftover roots will eventually grow more trees.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension credits chemical management as a reliable way to control Chinese tallow. Herbicides such as triclopyr, glyphosate, and imazapyr work well. They can be used in tandem with methods such as cutting down the tree and treating the stump; cutting a wedge in the tree and treating that spot; or spraying herbicide directly on the leaves.

Let Premier Tree Solutions Be Your Muscle

When you step into the figurative ring and take on invasive trees and vines, timing, persistence, and the combination punch of chemical and mechanical tactics are everything. However, you can skip the DIY method entirely and utilize an expert like Premier Tree Solutions to do the job.

Premier Tree Solutions can help you take care of any kudzu or Chinese tallow-related problems. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

Q&A Recap

What Is the Most Effective Way to Eliminate Kudzu Permanently?

The most effective way to stop new kudzu growth is to cut the vine just below its bulbous root crown. For larger infestations, combine mechanical cutting with systemic herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr.

Why Shouldn’t You Just Chop Down a Chinese Tallow Tree?

Chopping or mowing a Chinese tallow tree without treating it with herbicide triggers aggressive root and stump sprouting. It can cause the leftover lateral root system to produce dense thickets of new trees, making the infestation worse.

What Herbicides Kill Kudzu and Chinese Tallow?

  • Kudzu: Herbicides with active ingredients glyphosate or triclopyr applied as a foliage spray or directly to freshly cut vines.
  • Chinese tallow: Herbicides containing triclopyr, glyphosate, or imazapyr applied via cut-stump, wedge treatments, or direct spraying.

Lightning Strikes and Tall Oaks: What to Do When Your Tree Takes a Hit

The metro area’s collection of oak trees remains one of our cultural calling cards. Yet when summer thunderstorms bring lightning flashes, our treasured tall oaks can also become natural lightning rods.

When lightning hits an oak, the moisture inside the wood instantly superheats into steam, causing bark to explode off the trunk or causing severe internal splitting. The Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities Extension says lightning carries up to 100 million volts and reaches temperatures of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is five times the temperature of the sun.

While a strike is scary, it isn’t always an immediate death sentence. Here are three of the critical action items to take right after a strike to protect your property and your tree.

Safety First and Triage Second

Safety is always the number one priority. Just after the storm, make sure you keep yourself and others, including pets, away from the tree. Immediately call a tree service company to assess the tree as soon as possible. In the meantime, from a safe distance, give the tree a visual inspection. According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, the most noticeable symptom of a lightning strike on a tree, besides bark damage, is leaf wilting from disrupted water transport in the stem or roots. Additionally, do you spot any immediate hazards such as dangling branches or a split trunk that could fall on your home? Did the strike cause power lines to come down or do you see signs of a fire? If either of the latter proves true, contact emergency responders.

Provide Immediate Moisture

Obviously, lightning can cause a shock to the tree’s system, literally. It disrupts the tree’s ability to move water from the roots to its canopy. Once any emergency hazards are cleared, you can give the tree a slow, deep soak with water. Use a hose to water around the tree’s drip line to prevent tissue dehydration.

Schedule a Professional Evaluation

After a lightning strike, a tree’s internal vascular system can collapse, and its roots may go into shock. However, this can take weeks or even months to fully appear. This means what looks like a surviving tree just after the strike could become structurally compromised by the following season. Additionally, pests, such as bark beetles, are known to take advantage of weakened oaks. A member of the Premier Tree Solutions team can evaluate the tree from top to bottom and customize a long-term recovery plan.

Premier Tree Solutions: Here to Help in a Flash

A lightning strike requires swift, cautious action. By prioritizing safety, providing immediate moisture, and securing expert guidance, you give your majestic oak the best possible chance at recovery.

If a storm has recently impacted your property, contact Premier Tree Solutions for a comprehensive risk and health assessment. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

Q&A Recap

What happens physically when lightning strikes an oak tree?

When lightning hits an oak, the moisture inside the wood instantly superheats into steam, causing bark to explode off the trunk or creating severe internal splitting.

Should you call emergency services if a tree on your property is struck by lightning?

Call emergency services (911) only if the strike causes an active fire or downs power lines. For general health, risk, and stability assessments of the tree, contact a professional tree service company.

What is the most noticeable visual symptom of a lightning strike on a tree?

Besides visible bark damage, the most noticeable symptom is leaf wilting, which happens when the strike disrupts the tree’s ability to transport water through its stem or roots.

How should you immediately treat an oak tree after a strike?

Once emergency hazards are cleared, give the tree a slow, deep soak with a hose around its drip line to help prevent tissue dehydration caused by disrupted water transport.

Why is a professional evaluation necessary even if the tree looks fine?

A tree’s internal vascular collapse and root shock can take weeks or months to fully appear. A tree that looks fine initially can become structurally compromised or vulnerable to pests like bark beetles by the following season.

How to Prepare and Protect Your Trees for Hurricane Season

 

Portions of metro Atlanta’s tree-lined geography often feel the smack of hurricane season. Tropical systems can send pounding rain and blustery winds our way, even leaving uprooted trees andfallen limbs in their wake.

Just the right pre-storm preparation can help keep your trees and budget safer. The following are three main ways you can protect your trees before hurricane-induced weather comes to town.

Check for Deadwood

When winds prove heavy, deadwood is not your friend. Dead branches can snap with ease and have the ability to transform into heavy, falling debris.

How do you know if an area of a tree has become deadwood? During the summer, look for leafless branches within a fully leafed canopy. Pay close attention to branches that may be hanging over the roof of your home or near power lines.

Sometimes you can remove deadwood in smaller trees yourself. However, you’ll typically find deadwood in mature trees, and the spots are tough to reach. When it comes to deadwooding, accuracy is key, because you want to leave healthy tree tissue intact. Play it safe and lean on an expert to do the job.

Spot Structural & Root Defects

A tree’s roots serve as its natural anchor and a healthy overall structure keeps the tree strong. However, if either are compromised, it can make a tree seriously susceptible to storm damage. Be on the lookout for telltale signs around the root zone, soil line, and trunk.

Do you see trunk cracks? Is the tree leaning? What about any decay on the tree itself or shelf-like mushrooms at the tree’s base? Is the ground lifting around the roots? Say “yes” to any of those questions, and you should call a professional to assist.

First, make sure people and vehicles are out of the potential fall zone. Avoid trying to hold up a dangerous tree using DIY braces like ropes, wooden posts, straps, or metal poles.

 

Snap photos of your concerns and share them with Premier Tree Solutions as soon as possible. One of our professionals can make a tree risk assessment and suggest the appropriate action steps. This can range from supporting the structure to pre-storm tree removal.

Schedule a Pre-Storm Evaluation With a Specialist

Whether you have one or 100 trees on your property, it’s always a smart move to have a seasoned eye assess your trees before hurricane season. A qualified professional, such as those on the Premier Tree Solutions team, can give your landscape a thorough evaluation.

A property health check inspects your trees’ total health and structural integrity. Inspectors aim to catch early signs of disease, pests, decay, or structural weaknesses before severe weather creates safety hazards or irreversible damage. A Premier Tree Solutions inspection provides homeowners with an actionable care plan that promotes long-term tree longevity and prevents costly property hazards.

Jaws removing tree from roof

Help After the Storm

If a storm hits and you’re in need of tree removal, don’t hesitate to call Premier Tree Solutions and request the latest in tree removal technology. The company was the first in Georgia to own and use JAWS, a massive knuckle boom crane and grapple saw, which simplifies and provides maximum control of the entire tree removal process.

Before or After the Storm, Reach for Premier Tree Solutions

Premier Tree Solutions can advise you on how to best safeguard your trees before hurricane season hits. If you need help after the fact, we can help provide some calm after the storm. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

Q&A Recap

How can I prepare and protect my trees for hurricane season in Atlanta?

Focus on three main steps: check for and remove heavy deadwood; inspect your trees for structural and root defects; and schedule a comprehensive pre-storm evaluation with a qualified professional like Premier Tree Solutions.

How do I identify deadwood on my trees before hurricane season?

During the summer, look for leafless branches within a fully leafed canopy. Pay special attention to dead branches hanging over your roof or near power lines.

What are the warning signs of structural and root defects in a tree?

Telltale signs of instability include deep trunk cracks; a sudden lean; decay on the trunk; shelf-like mushrooms at the base; and soil heaving (ground lifting around roots). If you spot these signs, clear people and vehicles from the fall zone immediately, take photos, and contact a professional such as Premier Tree Solutions for a tree risk assessment.

Can I prop up a leaning or unstable tree with ropes or posts?

No. You should avoid trying to hold up a dangerous tree using DIY braces like ropes, wooden posts, straps, or metal poles. Clear the area and call a professional immediately.

What is included in a Premier Tree Solutions pre-storm evaluation?

A property health check inspects your trees’ total health and structural integrity to catch early signs of disease, pests, decay, or structural weaknesses before severe weather hits. Premier Tree Solutions provides homeowners with an actionable care plan.

How to Water Mature Trees During a Heatwave

We know Georgia summers have a scorching reputation. In 2025 alone, news sources reported summertime temperatures hitting the triple digits with Atlanta experiencing the fourth hottest July on record.

When sweltering days roll around again, many homeowners will be quick to provide their lawns and flower beds with heatwave-ready hydration. Unfortunately, established and mature trees aren’t always on the top of the list. However, they should be as trees remain the cornerstone of a home landscape. The Purdue University Extension reminds us of their countless benefits, from helping to clean our air to increasing property values, to providing shade and saving energy, and more.

Here at Premier Tree Solutions, we want to share the critical importance of watering mature trees during a heatwave and drought conditions, and the best way to do it.

Why Water Mature Trees During a Heatwave?

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences says without proper water to make food or cool themselves, trees can overheat. A majority of a tree’s active roots can be found within the top 12 inches of soil and spread past the tree’s canopy. The University of Missouri Extension explains how excessive, long-lasting heat and drought basically bakes the soil. These conditions can have a devastating effect on the roots responsible for water and nutrient uptake by killing or damaging them in the process. Additionally, the Purdue University Extension shares other ways a drought can have a negative impact on trees. This includes slowing and reducing tree growth, lessening carbohydrate production, lowering energy reserves for survival through winter, increasing its vulnerability to pests, and even causing the tree to die.

When is the right time to water a tree? The University of Missouri Extension suggests checking soil moisture by trying to push the head of a screwdriver six to eight inches into the ground located around the tree root zone. If you experience resistance, that means the tree needs water.

Where and How to Water a Mature Tree

When it comes to established trees, avoid pouring water at the base of the trunk, which can cause decay and disease. Since the roots that absorb water and oxygen are spread across a wide area, it’s best to focus your watering on the tree’s outer root zone. As a general rule, apply water in a wide circular band that starts halfway between the trunk and the dripline, spans across the dripline, and extends several feet beyond it.

Experts suggest watering trees in the early morning or late evening to lessen the possibility of water evaporation. According to the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, the best way to water a mature tree is slowly and deeply. It suggests using an irrigation bubbler, multiple drip emitters, or a hand-held hose when watering the tree’s root zone. It’s ideal to moisten the soil two to three feet deep during each watering session and allow the surface to dry between waterings.

The University of Missouri Extension suggests watering deeply every six to seven days during dry weather. If a heatwave or drought increases or when temperatures shoot above 95 degrees, increase watering to every four to five days.

Call Premier Tree Solutions for Tree Watering Advice

Do you have any questions about the best way to water your trees during summer heat? Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

Summer Pruning vs. Winter Pruning: What Your Fruit Trees and Crape Myrtles Need Now

Fruit trees and crape myrtles may seem different on the surface, but they have more in common than you might think. While the former bears juicy, edible goodies, the latter is known for its vibrant, crepe paper-like flowers. Yet, since they have several botanical and structural similarities, fruit trees and crape myrtles share similar approaches to pruning.

Pruning crape myrtles and fruit trees can involve two phases: winter and summer. As Premier Tree Solutions has shared before in a previous blog, dormant winter pruning helps revitalize and shape these trees. Active summer pruning manages overgrowth, and bolsters fruit and bloom quality.

Premier Tree Solutions is here to share both strategies for each tree and the best way to turn over a new leaf.

Fruit Trees: Balancing Growth and Southern Heat

The Winter Strategy: The University of Georgia Extension says in most cases pruning temperate fruit trees such as peach, pear, and apple should take place during the winter dormant period. The later dormant season is best since trees can be more vulnerable to freeze damage after pruning, and pruning stimulates growth. Pruning and training fruit trees improves airflow, which sets the trees up for success in advance of the more humid months. Recommended pruning techniques vary from tree type. You can consult the Gwinnett County Extension Service’s fruit tree pruning guide compiled from various University of Georgia publications.

The Summer Strategy: Mid-summer is a good time for fruit tree maintenance. It controls the tree’s vigor instead of encouraging it. The first step is to remove any diseased, dead, or damaged wood. Next, remove leafy shoots, which actually slows down vegetative growth and opens up the canopy, allowing the tree to focus its energy toward fruit development. According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, summer pruning helps keep trees manageable, results in better fruit, and allows for an easier harvest. The University of Georgia reminds us to skip pruning in the late summer or early fall as it can increase the probability of winter injury.

Crape Myrtles: Proper Pruning and Avoiding ‘Crape Murder’

The Winter/Early Spring Strategy: While the most aesthetically pleasing crape myrtle trees typically result from limited or no pruning, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences says crape myrtle pruning can be important. This is due to the fact that blooms only form on new growth. It’s best to prune crape myrtle trees during the dormant season, from late winter to early spring. Proper pruning can give way to stems that are strong enough to carry the weight of summer blooms. However, keep in mind that crape myrtles don’t require pruning in order to flower. This misconception has spawned aggressive pruning practices known as “crape murder,” which involves topping the tree or cutting off big limbs. When pruning crape myrtle trees, it’s important to follow correct techniques.

The Summer Strategy: When it comes to early-blooming crape myrtle cultivars, you can remove spent flower blossoms after they fade. The University of Georgia says this helps stimulate new growth and another blossom flush in late summer.

Premier Tree Solutions: Your Crape Myrtle and Fruit Tree Pruning Pros

Are you contemplating pruning crape myrtle or fruit trees? Premier Tree Solutions have the professional equipment and expert knowledge to properly prune these trees, be it winter or summer. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

Why is My Tree Dropping Leaves in May? All About Anthracnose

The scene can be shocking. In the midst of spring, right when your tree canopies should be getting lush, you notice leaves littering your lawn.

The problem? It could be anthracnose, a group of fungal diseases. While this seasonal dilemma is more of an annoyance than a serious issue, Premier Tree Solutions can provide suggestions on how to pinpoint anthracnose and stop it in its tracks.

What is Anthracnose?

The North Carolina State Extension explains how cool and rainy spring weather is the prime condition for anthracnose. The fungi endures and survives winter in places such as diseased buds, plant debris, fallen leaves, and twigs. Come spring time, they produce and release spores, and the wind and splashing rain allow the spores to spread to trees. If the chilly and wet weather continues, spores can form within the leaves of an infected tree and spread all over its canopy.

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, anthracnose can cause a variety of tree troubles, including premature leaf drop, dark spots on leaves, cupping or curling of leaves, and blisters or banding on young branches.

Can Anthracnose Kill My Tree?

Anthracnose symptoms may look dramatically nasty, but its bark is worse than its bite. The good news is anthracnose rarely causes serious damage or death to healthy, established trees. In fact, it’s usually a temporary problem heavy on unappealing aesthetics.

Since the spring weather helps drive the disease, a warm and dry summer calms the storm. Once mid-summer rolls around, trees typically push out a fresh, healthy flush of leaves.

How to Manage Anthracnose

While the problem can go away on its own, you can take steps to manage the issue and lessen the risk of it happening again.

Throughout the growing season, reduce stresses on trees by properly watering them. The University of Georgia Extension suggests making sure trees get the right amount of hydration, not too much or too little. Follow Premier Tree Solutions’ guide to watering trees. However, keep in mind that wet conditions can promote anthracnose, so redirect sprinklers that could potentially splash water on the tree’s leaves.

Make sure and rake up and destroy fallen leaves, which helps stop the fungus from surviving and invading trees the following spring.

Careful pruning can be helpful. First, make sure and remove any infected twigs. Strategic pruning improves light penetration and air circulation throughout the canopy. Thinning the foliage allows an increase in wind movement and lessens leaf moisture, which decreases the likelihood of anthracnose.

When to Get Professional Help with Anthracnose

While the problem often resolves on its own, it helps to get expert assistance. If a tree doesn’t refoliate or if an anthracnose infection takes place a few years in a row, you should definitely consult a professional. No matter what, it’s always best to play it safe when it comes to fungal diseases such as anthracnose. Call Premier Tree Solutions at 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

The Invasion Check: Protecting Your Maples and Oaks from 2026’s Top Pests

Georgia has a strong reputation for its gorgeous tree canopies. Oak trees, with their sprawling, regal crowns, and lush maples, boasting vibrant red, yellow, and orange foliage, are both iconic varieties among the state’s treasured flora. And countless homeowners display them with pride.

However, early 2026 has seen an increase in invasive pests moving throughout the Southeast, threatening the livelihood of these trees. To help protect your prized timber from pesky invaders, Premier Tree Solutions offers the following tips and which critters to look out for this season.

The Big Three Threats to Maples and Oaks

According to experts, a trio of pests are arguably rising to the top as being the most troublesome in the Southeast.

Asian Longhorned Beetle

According to Clemson University, South Carolina is currently experiencing an Asian longhorned beetle infestation. With its close proximity, this issue could potentially move its way into Georgia. These insects are problematic for hardwoods, especially maple trees. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) explains that Asian longhorned beetles attack and kill trees by growing inside them and feeding on the living tissues that carry nutrients. Infested trees become hollowed out and are unable to heal, which can increase the risk of a fall.

These creatures are approximately the size of an almond, and have black and white antennae, which are longer than the insect’s body. Their bodies are shiny and black with white spots, and they have six legs and bluish-colored feet.

Evidence of Asian longhorned beetles include round exit holes in tree trunks and branches, measuring as large as the size of a dime. Look for oval-shaped egg sites or round wounds chewed into the bark. At the base of the tree, you may see sawdust-like material. If you expect an infestation in a tree, contact Premier Tree Solutions immediately.

Spotted Lanternfly

Don’t be charmed by this invader’s jumbo, eye-catching wings. The brown forewings feature black spots, while its hind wings are deep red with black spots, and black and white stripes. Spotted lanternflies have yellow abdomens with black bars. They’re approximately one inch in length.

Colorful looks aside, these insects continue to cause trouble in the Peach State. After detecting them in 2024, the Georgia Department of Agriculture is now identifying them as a major statewide threat in 2026. The PennState Extension reports that while spotted lanternflies do not generally kill healthy, established hardwood trees, they drain vital nutrients from trees, including maple, which can cause branch dieback and plant health decline.

According to the USDA, when feeding, they excrete a sticky, sugary liquid called honeydew, which has a vinegar-like smell. The residue encourages the growth of sooty mold, which blocks sunlight and can lead to additional damage. Spotted lanternflies are typically found in large groups when feeding. Be on the lookout for egg masses that resemble smears of gray mud.

Spongy Moth

In the late spring, you might find huge clusters of fuzzy caterpillars gathering on trees, including oak. That could be a sign of a spongy moth infestation. Although they’re usually found in the Northeast, Midwest, and Appalachian regions, spongy moths are now considered a serious potential threat to our forests by the Georgia Invasive Species Task Force.

Spongy moths are known to defoliate entire forests. The USDA says a heavily infested forest can have a barren, wintry look even during peak summer.  If untreated over multiple seasons, spongy moths not only strip leaves, but can kill trees. Persistent defoliation can weaken even the sturdiest of oak trees, opening the door to secondary diseases such as root rot.

Call Premier Tree Solutions for a Pest Inspection

If any of the aforementioned signs are apparent, reach out to Premier Tree Solutions for a tree inspection. Our experts have a knowledgeable eye for problematic insects and can help guide you through potential next steps, including reporting any infestations to the Georgia Forestry Commission. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.