The Dos and Don’ts of Composting Your Trees

Whether you have a small sapling that succumbed to a storm or you’ve had a large problem tree removed from your property, there’s almost always a way to repurpose bark, leaves, and branches from a tree that’s no longer thriving in your yard. One practical option for reusing a tree that has been removed or uprooted is to turn it into compost: an all-natural fertilizer that can nourish your healthy foliage. Let’s explore the ins and outs of this sustainable practice to give your trees a second life.

How to Compost Trees: Best Practices to Follow and Avoid

Don’t: Pick the wrong tree type.

There are countless plants that can enrich your soil when turned into compost, but a handful of species should be avoided.

What tree leaves should not be composted? Here’s a quick list:

  • Black walnut: This species secretes a chemical called juglone, which can hinder plant growth as it breaks down into the soil.
  • Poison ivy, oak, or sumac: Urushiol, the oil that fuels these notorious irritants, can remain active even after these leaves decompose. It’s best to remove these plants from your property completely (while fully covered in protective gear), then bag it up for disposal.
  • Oak, holly, and beech: While you don’t have to avoid these species altogether, know that their leaves are rich in lignin, an organic polymer that can slow the decomposition process. If you choose to include them, do so sparingly if you want your compost to be ready by next planting season.

Do: Break it down.

The purpose of composting is to break down organic materials to create sustenance for your garden, flower bed, trees, or shrubs. To expedite the process, you’ll want to start with small pieces —twigs will break down more quickly than trunks, for example. If you’re working with a large tree, professionally processing it through a wood chipper might be the most efficient method to turn it into useful compost material. Smaller stems, branches, and leaves can often be broken down manually using shears, axes, or even gloved hands.

Do: Mix it up.

There’s a scientific approach to creating an effective compost pile. It calls for the right a balance of:

  • Carbon-rich, “brown” materials, such as untreated wood chips, dry leaves, and twigs.
  • Nitrogen-rich “green” materials, like scraps of fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, egg shells, and grass clippings. (But make sure to avoid other animal products such as cheese or meat bones.)

Your pile should comprise a four- to six-inch layer of browns at the base to absorb moisture. Then, add a combination of browns and greens, making sure you have at least twice as much brown material as green scraps. Cover each new layer of green content with four to eight more inches of brown material.

Don’t: Neglect your pile.

Oxygen is essential to the decomposition process, so you’ll need to introduce air by turning your pile from time to time. The rule of thumb is to move things around every three to four days. Set up a reminder to come back and turn the materials using a pitchfork, shovel, or any other gardening tool you have handy in order to facilitate healthy oxygen flow.

Do: Check the moisture levels.

A compost pile that’s too dry won’t decompose. The pile should be damp but not sodden—similar to the consistency of a wrung-out sponge. If it’s on the dry side, add in some freshly cut grass or other damp greens, or water it lightly to reach your target moisture level.

Schedule a Consultation With Premier Tree Solutions

While composting is an excellent do-it-yourself gardening project, trimming mature trees is safest when handled by our experts. From precise pruning to efficient removals, our tree care services can keep your property well-maintained through every season. Message us online or call us at 404.252.6448 to set up an estimate.

 

 

How to Prepare Your Trees When Selling Your Home

When it comes to selling your home, curb appeal matters. Whether viewing your listing online or driving through your neighborhood, prospective buyers will notice your exterior before anything else, and this is one first impression essential to get right.

The good news? Most outdoor projects won’t cost much, and even if you do put some money out, landscape upgrades have among the highest potential for return on investment (ROI). Standard lawn care can yield a whopping 217% cost recovery!

As some of the most prominent features on your property, trees are a great place to start. Here, we walk you through some simple tree care tips for selling your home.

How Do Trees Help Sell a House?

We’ve shared our appreciation for trees in the past, and it turns out we’re not alone. Prospective homebuyers also find our leafy friends appealing for reasons such as:

  • Environmental benefits: Trees release oxygen to help offset carbon emissions and provide shelter and nourishment for local wildlife.
  • Boosted mental health: Being among trees can benefit your mood and cognition.
  • Reduced energy consumption: Trees’ cooling effects can reduce the need for air conditioning
  • Aesthetic benefits: From pastel spring blooms to lush summer greens and fiery autumn oranges, trees deliver year-round visual appeal.

What Tree Adds the Most Value to Your Home?

Serving as a majestic backdrop for any home, it’s no surprise that mature trees are coveted by homebuyers and have the potential to drive the value of a home as much as 10% (compared to properties without them). Not only are they striking in appearance, but many are already self-sufficient, requiring minimal maintenance outside of routine pruning. Plus, tall, leafy trees already offer the cooling (and hammock-hanging!) benefits homeowners seek.

The precise species that will fetch you the greatest return all depends on your location. Homebuyers in Southern Florida might gravitate towards citrus trees, for example, while residents of cooler climates might fawn over maples and oaks. In Georgia, you can’t go wrong with the Southern Magnolia, beloved for its fragrant blooms and broad, glossy leaves.

The Top Tree Care Tips for Selling Your Home

No matter the types of trees your yard is home to, there are some important steps to take when preparing your home for sale.

Troublesome Tree Removal

A tree that’s encroaching on structures or utilities will be a red flag for discerning buyers, as will dead or decaying branches. Assess your property for any at-risk trees or branches and schedule to have them removed before listing.

Picture-Perfect Pruning

Healthy trees and shrubs are an attractive selling feature, and you can boost their appeal even more with a little extra care. Professional pruning will accentuate your trees’ best features by shaping branches strategically, allowing prospective buyers to see the full potential of your landscape.

Mulch, the Finishing Touch

If there’s one final care tip to consider for your trees, it’s mulching. Along with trimmed trees and a neatly maintained lawn, this last detail helps your yard appear extra polished. Bonus points: Your trees will continue to thrive thanks to the insulation mulch provides — something new homeowners will appreciate long after the sale is finalized.

Schedule a Consultation With Premier Tree Solutions

Whether you’re preparing to list your home or you’re simply sprucing up your yard this season, Premier Tree Solutions is here to help. With state-of-the-art equipment and proven processes, our tree experts are prepared to get your property looking its best. Schedule an estimate by calling 404.252.6448, or contact us by sending a message online.

 

Essential Spring Tree Maintenance for a Healthy Growing Season

Watching your trees come to life after a season of slumber is an energizing sight. But to ensure they stay as vibrant as possible through the coming months, it’s important to treat them to a little TLC. Here, we share our top spring tree care tips to encourage healthy growth.

How to Care for Trees in Spring

Prune Like a Pro

Should trees be pruned in the spring? It’s a question we encounter often, so we’ve touched on it before. As a reminder, early spring pruning is ideal for most tree species since it allows you to eliminate dead or damaged branches affected by winter’s wrath. Prune your trees to thin out crowded branches or control its shape and watch its growth take off — or call in expert help if you’re feeling unsure.

Serve Up Some Sustenance

After a season of dormancy, your trees are hungry. Deliver nourishment via an all-natural fertilizer: trash! Collect organic waste like eggshells, coffee grounds, vegetable trimmings and fruit peels (no meat, dairy or shellfish products though) and pile them together to create your own compost. Spread a layer at the base of your tree, but avoid placing it directly against the trunk. With nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, the blend will give your trees beneficial sustenance to support healthy root development.

Quench Their Thirst

While many mature trees can survive on rainfall alone, most shrubs and younger trees will appreciate added hydration to help fuel their growth. Manual watering is one way to get the job done, but irrigation is a shortcut worth considering. For a DIY method, place drip lines around the base of your tree, about as far out as its canopy extends. Set your system to deliver at least three weekly watering sessions during the growth season, but check back to make sure the surrounding soil isn’t flooding. If so, cut back until it’s damp but not saturated.

Mulch for a Magic Touch

We’ve sung the praises of mulch in the past, but as one of the most effective spring tree care activities you can do, it bears repeating. Mulch locks moisture in, keeps weeds out, and keeps your yard looking polished at the same time. Spread a layer two to four inches thick around your tree’s base, taking care to avoid the area directly against the bark.

Make It Fun

Trees benefit your property in many ways, from improving air quality and energy costs to assisting in stormwater management. Caring for them is work, but we believe having trees can be rewarding in other ways, too. Here are just a few ideas for making the most of your trees through the springtime and beyond:

  • Set up feeders to invite Georgia’s backyard bird populations for a visit. From sparrows and finches, to mockingbirds and cardinals, you never know who might show up.
  • String lights around or between your trees to enjoy an ethereal outdoor glow after the sun sets. Just be sure to avoid using nails, which could injure your trees’ bark tissue — tree straps or electrical tape are safer alternatives.
  • Hang a hammock to get ready for warm afternoons spent swaying in the breeze.

Schedule a Service With Premier Tree Solutions

Getting your yard spring-ready can be a major endeavor. From stump grinding to tree trimming, our professional tree care services can set you up for a smooth and successful growth season. To request an estimate, call 404.252.6448 or send us a message online.

Spring Cleaning Your Pruning Toolkit

As buds turn into blooms and the buzz of spring draws nearer, you might find yourself growing eager to get back into the swing of yard work. But before you start your first trims of the season, take some time to assess your pruning toolkit. From the handheld essentials you’ll need for pruning flowering trees to maintenance tips to keep them in top condition, we’re covering all the basics of pruning hardware here.

Your Spring Pruning Tool Checklist

Hand Pruners

Also known as pruning shears, pruners, clippers, or secateurs if you’re feeling fancy, these tools allow you to snip branches up to ¾ of an inch in diameter with ease. They feature handles and blades that move on a fixed axis and come in several styles:

  • Bypass: Scissor-like pruners that are ideal for trimming live branches
  • Anvil Pruners: Tools with a straight blade that can split dry branches or stems
  • Ratchet Pruners: Similar to anvil pruners, but with an added mechanism that allows you to cut in stages to prevent wrist strain

Reach for hand pruners when you’re deadheading flowers, shaping small shrubs, trimming back perennials, or making any other small, precise cuts on delicate plants.

Loppers

Think of loppers as the next step above hand pruners. Like their smaller cousins, they’re available in bypass, anvil, and ratchet styles, but come with extended handles for a broader reach. With their added size, they can make their way through branches of up to two and a half inches in diameter, such as those found on fruit and nut trees, as well as thick vines. Some even have telescopic handles, granting you access to especially hard-to-reach places when you’re pruning flowering trees this spring.

Pruning Saws

For thicker branches or vines that can’t easily squeeze between the blades of loppers, call in the pruning saw. With a serrated blade and either a fixed or folding handle, these tools should get through branches up to five inches thick.  

Pole Pruners

For even harder-to-reach branches at extended heights, pole pruners allow you to make cuts with your feet planted safely on the ground. Many are battery or gas-operated, so they’ll do the sawing work all on their own.

How to Care for Your Pruning Tools This Spring

If you’re retrieving pruning tools from a shed or garage for their first use of the season, sharpen their blades first for easier, more precise cuts. Here’s how:

  • Clean the blades using warm water and dish soap, scrubbing away any debris with a wire brush. If needed, disassemble the tool to clean between the blades.
  • Dry the tool thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
  • Use gentle motions to stroke the blade against a sharpening tool, such as a diamond file or carbide sharpener, maintaining a consistent angle. If you feel uncertain, there are professionals who can do the job for you. 

Once your blades are sharp, you’re ready to get pruning. Just be mindful to clean them when moving between different plants: Wiping them down with an alcohol-soaked cotton pad will eliminate bacteria that could otherwise spread between trees, potentially transferring diseases.

Lastly, make sure your tools are free of any sap, wood, or other debris before putting them away. Prevent rust by storing them in a dry place.  

Schedule a Tree Pruning With Premier Tree Solutions

While small plants may be no match for your pruning tools, mature trees need large-scale equipment and expertise for safe and proper pruning. And if you’re scratching your head wondering, “When should flowering trees be pruned?” let alone how to do it or what tools to use, allow Premier Tree Solutions to assist you with all of your tree pruning needs through the springtime and beyond. We can take care of your trees, shrubs, and bushes with our professional hand pruning services easily arranged by an appointment scheduled online or by calling us at 404.252.6448.  

Five Ways to Show Your Trees Some Love This Valentine’s Season

Unless you’re a squirrel, bird, or beaver, trees may not be the first thing that leap to mind when you think of love, but they’ve certainly been the subject of adoration among many poets, painters, and other artists throughout history. And while we may be biased, we think English artist Reverend William Gilpin was onto something when he said, “It is no exaggerated praise to call a tree the grandest, and most beautiful of all products of the earth.”

From shade to sustenance, fresh air to flowering canopies, trees shower us with love in their own ways year-round. As Valentine’s Day approaches, here’s how we can return the favor.

Five Tree Care Tips for Valentine’s Day 

Check for Pests

No, we’re not talking about love bugs (they’re unlikely to cause tree damage). Now is the time of year to look for signs of pests that can cause bark damage, stunted growth, and defoliated branches. Beetles, borers, and other insects may not be active this season, but they’ll leave behind hints like pinholes and egg masses. Break up with any bad bugs before spring arrives with a targeted treatment, such as a dormant oil spray.

Watch for Winter Damage

Don’t let the cold, harsh winter break your heart — or damage your beloved trees. Ahead of a particularly harsh cold snap, protect young saplings by wrapping them in breathable fabric. Burlap works best, but even a set of old sheets will do in a pinch. Just be sure coverings are loose enough to allow air to pass through, and remove them once warm weather returns.

Make Use of Mulch

Surround your trees with a layer of love by mulching a three- to ten-foot radius around their base. Not only does it serve as a layer of insulation to protect root systems, but it also hinders weed growth and locks in moisture. Feel free to lay it on thick: A covering that’s two to four inches deep will work best.

Treat Them to a Drink

Before toasting to your loved one and clinking glasses this V-Day, check to see if your trees need a drink, too. Especially young or newly planted trees may need water during dry spells. You can assess moisture levels in the surrounding area using a soil probe, but a screwdriver or stake will work, too. If the tool slides in easily, there’s likely adequate moisture. If the soil is dry, water near the tree’s base until the ground is damp, but not flooded.

Prune to Prime for Spring

If there’s only one act of TLC you can show your trees this season, make this your priority. Pruning eliminates dead, diseased, or damaged branches before they create more issues. It also allows for shaping to encourage a desired growth pattern just in time for spring. And although we’ve said it before, just like “I love you,” it bears repeating: Winter is the best time of year for pruning. Dormant trees are better able to withstand cuts, and having little to no leaf coverage makes for a cleaner workspace.  

While you may find pruning small trees and shrubs manageable enough to handle on your own, be sure to call in the pros for mature trees. Not only is there a precise science to proper pruning, but larger trees introduce safety hazards.

Schedule a Service With Premier Tree Solutions 

Allow our team of arborists to help give your trees all the love they need to thrive for years to come.  From tree pruning to trimming, Premier Tree Solutions is well-equipped to handle all of your tree care needs. Request an estimate online or by calling 404.252.6448.  

Preventing Storm Damage: Why Late-Winter Pruning Is Key

Each year, Georgia sees its share of severe storms bringing damaging winds, large hail, and sometimes, even tornadoes. While bad weather can happen any time of year, the most severe storms tend to take place in the spring. And though we can’t control the frequency or intensity of these weather events, we can prepare our properties to better withstand their impact.

One of the most important ways to safeguard your home against storm damage is pruning your trees. Here, we explain the importance of late-winter pruning in preparation for spring storms and help you identify at-risk branches in your yard.

Why Prune in Winter to Prevent Storm Damage?

Tree pruning is the removal of damaged or undesirable limbs. While it can be performed to control or direct new growth, it’s also one of the best tools we have to protect against property damage caused by trees. In fact, broad-leaved trees that have been pruned properly have a 73% survival rate when faced with hurricane-force winds, compared to 47% for unpruned trees. By eliminating hazards proactively, we can reduce the risk of large branches and limbs falling on your home or surrounding structures.

Pruning can be done any time of year if necessary, but winter is ideal because:

  • Most trees are dormant, and cutting is less stressful for them when they’re inactive.
  • Insects and diseases are also less active. In other seasons, they might target trees that are vulnerable from fresh cuts.
  • Branches are bare, giving tree care professionals a better line of sight for precise cuts.
  • Spring storms are just around the corner, making winter an ideal time to prepare.

How to Identify Trees that Need Pruning

Look for Dead, Dying, or Diseased Branches

In many cases, you’ll be able to identify at-risk trees even with a quick inspection. Dead branches often have peeling bark, brittle wood, and lack of leaf growth during the growing season. Disease, on the other hand, usually manifests as discoloration, cankers, or unusual spots on your tree’s bark.

Scope Out Structural Issues

In addition to the obvious signs of branch issues above, some structural problems could cause limbs to become weak or imbalanced, making them more vulnerable to storm damage. Look for branches that are crossed or rubbing against each other, which can create wounds. Sharp angles are also more likely to form splits, as are branches with weak or narrow crotches. Lastly, significant leans are a sign of an already-strained root system, which could become further compromised with flooding or high winds.

Consider Other Safety Hazards

Branches that are broken, hanging, or otherwise hazardous should be removed during seasonal pruning. Additionally, consider each tree’s proximity to key features on your property, including utility lines, structures, driveways, or walkways. Even healthy trees may need pruning (or potentially relocation, if possible) when high-value structures are within close reach.

Schedule a Tree Pruning Service With Premier Tree Solutions 

As specialists in emergency services, Premier Tree Solutions is here to help you prepare your property for the worst. From pruning to complete tree removal when necessary, our arborists can assess your trees and recommend the best solution for your needs. And since Mother Nature can be unpredictable, we’re here to assist you with post-storm cleanup, too. To get in touch, call 404.252.6448 or send us a message online.

Why Winter Is the Best Time to Inspect Your Trees for Pests

During winter, bare branches give homeowners a break from many of the tree and shrub care activities that can keep you busy in other seasons. And while you can mostly kick back while the weather is cool, there are a couple of exceptions to stay on top of — one of which is pest inspection.

Even if your trees appear healthy, this thorough look-over is worth your time. Here, we explore why winter is the best time of year to check for common tree pests in Georgia.

Why Check for Common Tree Pests in Georgia This Winter?

Get a Good Look Without Any Leaves

Thick canopies and lush blooms look lovely in the spring and summer, but they do create barriers if you’re sneaking a peek at your tree’s bark and branches. When trees are dormant and leaf-free, you won’t have to fight your way through thick foliage to get a good glimpse.

Without leaves and flowers obstructing your view, you’ll also have a clear sight of any signs of pest problems. Specifically, you’ll want to watch for:

  • Tiny pinholes used as entryways, caused by boring insects like pine borer or ambrosia beetles
  • Peeling or flaking bark (also known as “bark scaling”), is a notorious sign of beetles, spider mites, aphids, and other common tree pests in Georgia
  • Egg masses
  • White spots (sometimes caused by powdery coatings found on mealybugs)
  • Scale-like bumps that boring insects create as they tunnel through bark

Spot Signs of Pests Without Actually Encountering Them

While a colony of live insects may indeed be the most surefire sign of an infestation, stumbling upon them can be an unwelcome surprise. Catching their clues without actually coming into contact with the creepy crawlers is much preferred, which is why winter — when many are inactive — is a great time to scope things out.

Depending on the species and maturity of the pest, juvenile insects may overwinter deep inside dormant trees, while some adults can outlast chilly weather. In any case, you’re likely to see reduced activity — especially as eggs lie in wait for springtime hatching.

Set Yourself Up for a Successful Spring

Spotting signs of an infestation can be unsettling. Still, it’s better to discover an issue now — when you can treat it promptly — than to wait until the spring, when eggs have hatched and there’s an active infestation to cause damage. If you do suspect pest activity, you’ll want to apply a dormant oil spray. These petroleum-based solutions are toxin-free contact insecticides, meaning they kill pests that come into contact with the solution. Be sure to apply the product on a non-windy day to prevent it from spreading to sensitive species (such as evergreens), when the temperature will be above freezing for at least 24 hours. Target only the areas where pest damage is present to keep the rest of your ecosystem thriving.

Concerned About Tree Pests? Call Premier Tree Solutions

When caught early enough, most pest damage can be contained. But if you find a widespread insect issue and need professional help, turn to Premier Tree Solutions. Our team can assess your trees to determine the best steps for keeping your property pristine. For a free consultation, call us at 404.252.6448 or send us a message through our website.

Evergreen Trees in Georgia: Care Tips to Keep Them Thriving All Winter

From the Green Giant Arborvitae to the American Holly, Georgia is rich with native evergreens. While some are similar to the classic Christmas tree, not all evergreens are cone-shaped, nor do they all have needles! Some have a pyramidal shape, broad leaves, and other characteristics similar to those seen in deciduous trees.

What sets evergreens apart is their shedding pattern: Instead of dropping their foliage all at once, they lose it gradually year-round. Staying active through all seasons in this way calls for special care — especially during the cold, dry winter. Here are some ways to help your evergreens thrive this time of year.

How Do You Protect Evergreen Trees in the Winter?

Defending Against Desiccation

Also known as “winter burn,” desiccation is a common issue in evergreens. It’s characterized by needle or leaf discoloration, often manifesting as orange, brown, or purplish hues after a particularly harsh winter. Desiccation occurs when the water your tree loses through its needles or leaves (known as transpiration) exceeds the amount of water it can pick up through its roots. Factors such as harsh winter winds and long periods of direct sun can amplify this effect.

How do you maintain evergreen trees despite dry, windy winters? There are two key strategies for protection: watering and wrapping them.

Knowing When to Water

As tree specialists, one question we encounter often is, “Should I water my evergreens in the winter?” Like most aspects of tree care, it depends. Unlike deciduous trees, evergreens don’t go dormant during the winter and therefore need moisture year-round. But because they can no longer pick up additional water when their root system is frozen, you can help them out ahead of time.

Ideally, you’ll have given your evergreens ample water during the fall — a task that should be on your annual autumn tree care checklist. Watering their roots so they stay hydrated but never saturated is key, as is mulching around their base, which can help lock in moisture. But if precipitation has been lacking and you’re concerned that your tree’s roots are still getting too dry during the winter, try this trick: stick a long stake or screwdriver near the tree’s base, and see if it slides in easily. If so, your soil is likely hydrated enough to deliver continuous moisture. If not, you may need to replenish the water supply.

Wrapping for Wind Protection

Since harsh winds can accelerate transpiration, it doesn’t hurt to give your evergreens an extra layer of protection against particularly powerful gusts. Young saplings are the most fragile, so protect new trees by wrapping them when winds are expected to be intense. Breathable burlap is a safe bet — the material allows for ample airflow but still helps shield sensitive plants. Be sure to remove the covering once cold winds cease, as leaving it on too long could cause overheating.

Book a Service With Premier Tree Solutions

Even with minimal intervention, most evergreens are hardy enough to make it through harsh winters. But if you notice signs of damage on these or any other trees, allow our team to help. From tree trimming services to pruning and removal, we’re here to assist. Request an estimate by sending us a message online or by calling 404.252.6448.

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.