Dogwood Blight & Why Dogwoods Have Been Dying in the South

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.

How to Manage Tree Heat Stress in Summer

Excessive heat can be stress-inducing for anyone. And while they may not have the level of consciousness we do, your trees can feel the effects of scorching summer in their own ways (though some argue that they’re sentient beings, too).

Most mature trees will survive high temperatures, but if you have young plants or the weather is especially brutal, here’s what you can do to help them handle heat stress.

What Are the Signs of Heat Stress on Trees?

In excessively high temperatures, periods of drought, or both, vulnerable trees may begin to exhibit signs of heat stress. In some cases, they’ll enter an unusual phase of summer dormancy to protect themselves by dropping their leaves. Rarely, trees may grow weak and become susceptible to pest infestations or diseases. Before that happens, however, there are usually signs that they could use a little extra help, including:

  • Reduced growth
  • Wilting or dead leaves
  • Premature blooming or fruit drop

Should you notice these signs of heat stress on trees in your yard, you’ll want to act quickly to prevent further damage.

How to Beat Tree Heat Stress

Pause the Pruning

While summertime pruning might be safe under some circumstances, you’ll want to avoid making any cuts on a tree experiencing heat stress. The last thing a vulnerable tree needs is additional trauma from any new cuts. We therefore advise against any trimming unless your tree is posing a hazard to your property — in which case you’ll want to call us for prompt tree removal.

Soak the Soil

Extreme heat will pose the greatest risk for both the oldest and youngest trees on your property, so focus your watering efforts on these in particular. Because water loss doubles for every 18-degree increase starting at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, your trees will lose moisture rapidly in high temperatures. Even the mid-90s can impede photosynthesis, but the greatest risks of damage emerge at 115 degrees.

Lend your trees a helping hand by replenishing the moisture they’re losing through accelerated transpiration. Water deeply at their roots about once a week, to the point that you’d be able to easily insert a screwdriver into the soil. Allow full drainage before you water again since soggy soil can introduce issues like fungi.

Embrace Shade

While sunlight is essential to tree health, too much direct sun can be damaging for young saplings. Ideally, your landscape will be laid out to strategically offer some shade for newly planted trees or shrubs. But if that isn’t the case, you can still set up temporary protection for cooling relief. Try a beach umbrella, bedsheets, or even cardboard in a pinch. Situate your shade so there’s still plenty of space for airflow.

Mind Your Mulch

Spring is ideal for mulching since it supports plants during their growth phase. If you haven’t gotten around to it this year (or if your mulch has eroded from high winds or rains), it’s a good idea to protect your tree’s base with a fresh layer now. Aim for a depth of three inches, which will help to lock in hydration at the roots, but leave a small space around the bark to keep pests and fungus at bay.

Schedule an Assessment With Premier Tree Solutions

From heat stress to pests and disease, there are lots of issues that can affect your trees’ health. If you have a tree that’s looking worse for wear, allow our specialists to assess its condition and offer a solution. Contact us for a free estimate by calling (404) 252-6448 or by sending us a message.

How to Take Care of Fruit Trees

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.

The Best Trees for Bees and Pollinators

Providing shade, beauty, noise dampening, and breathable air… the perks trees provide for us seem to go on and on. But if you’re planting trees to benefit wildlife — such as our precious pollinators — well, we think you’re the bees’ knees.

Bees support up to 75% of flowering plants and 35% of crops grown across the globe through pollination, but factors like pesticides and loss of natural habitats have become a looming threat to these essential insects. Choosing to incorporate bee-friendly trees into your yard is one of the best ways to support them.

Here’s a closer look at the relationship between trees and pollinators, and the most beneficial varieties you can plant to help them thrive.

How Do Trees Support Bees and Other Pollinators?

Trees provide some of the most basic needs pollinators have for survival: food and shelter. Certain flowering trees offer sustenance through nectar and pollen, as well as the materials bees need to produce honey — the food that helps them survive the winter. And while flowers and shrubs do produce some blooms, trees often hold more weight when it comes to supporting insects. Because trees provide so many buds in one concentrated area, bees  don’t have to travel far to get nourishment.

For certain bees, trees also offer up some buzz-worthy real estate. Cavity-nesting bees lay eggs inside the holes created by insect-chasing birds like woodpeckers, while tunnel-nesting bees drill directly into decaying branches. But even for the majority of bee species that live underground, having a windbreak in the form of thick tree screens can be helpful for staying on course.

As for other pollinators, trees offer habitats and sustenance for these species, too. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and beetles are just a few examples of the creatures who feed on nectar from flowering trees alongside bees. Bats and moths take refuge in shady trees as they rest by day, before their PM pollination begins after sunset. Another lesser known pollinator, ants, can also be found nesting in the nooks and hollows of mature trees. (Though sometimes, ant infestations are a sign that your tree is decaying — if that’s the case, give us a call, pronto!)

What Are the Best Trees for Bees and Other Pollinators?

An added bonus for planting bee-friendly trees: many of the species that attract these pollinators will bring added value to your property, too. For fewer trips to the farmer’s market, fruit trees like peaches, pears, cherries, and apples are an excellent landscape enhancement for drawing bees in. If aesthetics are your primary goal, flowering dogwoods and southern magnolia can add beauty and elegance while offering big perks for the pollinators.

Seeking a shady canopy? You can’t go wrong with a Japanese maple. Their large leaves will keep you cool all summer. And though their flowers won’t draw much attention (from the human eye — pollinators love them!), their spectacle of fall foliage is a sight to behold. Black Tupelo is another autumnal favorite, with flowers rich in the honey-making nutrients that will attract bees each spring.

Schedule a Pruning Service With Premier Tree Solutions

Any of the trees above will offer value for your yard and the surrounding wildlife for years to come, but maintaining them isn’t always easy. Many require precise pruning to support their shape and structural integrity, which is where our expertise comes in. Turn to Premier Tree Solutions for meticulous hand pruning, along with a host of other tree care and removal services. Request a free assessment today by sending us a message or by calling (404) 252-6448.

Do Cicadas Damage Trees?

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.

Pollen-Resistant Trees for Pollen Allergy Management

Achoo! Springtime is here, bringing beautiful blooms and fresh leaf canopies. But while seeing green can be an instant mood booster, the season can also send your sinuses into a tailspin. The likely culprit? Pollen.

If you’re among the lucky 24 million people in the U.S. with seasonal allergic rhinitis, pollen can trigger all kinds of fun symptoms, from sneezing to itchy eyes, congestion, and post-nasal drip. Although it may be impossible to avoid the allergen altogether, there are ways to reduce your exposure.

Tree Pollen: The Leading Cause of Springtime Allergies

Know that notorious yellow film lining the hood of your car during springtime? Yes, that’s the pollen we’re talking about. But to understand its role in tree health — and how it affects our own — let’s circle back to science class for a moment. This powdery collection of microspores is the substance seed plants use to reproduce. When caught in the wind or carried by insects, pollen makes its way to other plants to generate seeds (and apparently, gets everywhere else in the process).

Pollen comes from several sources: trees, grass, and weeds. Tree pollen is the first to arrive each year; in some states, it appears as early as December or January. Then, grass pollen takes over in the spring and early summer, followed by weed pollen later in the year. (No, you’re not imagining your year-round allergy symptoms.)

If you notice a spike in symptoms during the spring, however, your trees are likely to blame. Birch, elm, cedar, oak, pine, poplar, and walnut are among the most notorious offenders. Of course, these species are beautiful and beneficial in their own ways, so removing them because of a pollen allergy is probably a permanent solution to a temporary problem. In just a few weeks, it will be grass triggering your allergies instead! What you can do, however, is select low-pollen trees for your property moving forward.

What Are the Best Trees for Allergies?

Back to our science lesson: most trees produce seeds only when the pollen produced from male flowers reaches female flowers. But some species are dioecious, meaning they have only all-male or all-female flowers. Since the female flowers won’t produce pollen, female varieties will essentially be hypoallergenic trees.

You might need to special-order them from a nursery, but non-pollen-producing female trees can be found within the following species:

  • Cedar
  • Juniper
  • Mulberry
  • White ash
  • Swamp tupelo
  • Aspen
  • Boxelder

While hypoallergenic trees may be an attractive option, they may not be the best fit for your property. Being pollen-free doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be low-maintenance, and you’ll also have to consider geographic factors like soil type and hardiness zone.

To expand your options, an alternative would be to consider a monoecious tree. These species have both male and female flowers, meaning the pollen doesn’t have to travel far to reach female flowers. The pollen is therefore thicker and heavier — and less likely to get picked up with a breeze.

Some examples of these low-pollen trees include:

  • Magnolia
  • Dogwood
  • Spruce
  • Fir
  • Ornamental pear tree
  • Fir
  • Crabapple
  • Flowering cherry and plum
  • Eastern redbud

Need A Pollen-Heavy Tree Maintained? Call Premier Tree Solutions

Allergy symptoms are just one problem your trees can cause. Without proper maintenance, fallen limbs and trunks can be much more of a headache. No matter which species you have on your property, be sure to schedule professional pruning to keep your yard safe through springtime and beyond. Send us a message to schedule an appointment with our tree experts online, or call (404) 252-6448.

Five Warning Signs Your Tree is About to Fall

If a tree falls on your property but you didn’t see it coming, does it still spell disaster? Of course — but the good news is that there are almost always signs ahead of time. At-risk trees have several ways of telling us there’s a problem. The key is to watch for the following warning signs so tree removal can be a planned, proactive event.

Is My Tree About to Fall? Five Signs to Watch For

1. A Significant Lean

Trees should be mostly vertical, although a slight lean isn’t usually cause for alarm. Some species are just more bendy than others. The Cook pine, for instance, has an average lean of 8.05 degrees towards the equator — the species is always pining for more sunlight! But Cook pines are native to the South Pacific, so your native Georgia tree is likely leaning for a different reason.

The further a tree leans, the more strain it puts on its root system. Any lean greater than 10 degrees poses a risk of toppling. Wondering if your tree is leaning too far? No need for a protractor; most smartphones have an app that can measure angles!

2. Visible Roots

It’s great to be proud of your roots, but we prefer when trees don’t show them off. Exposed roots can’t anchor a tree as effectively as buried ones can. Beyond that, they pose a trip hazard and make lawn maintenance a nuisance. If you have a tree that’s raising the roots, allow our tree care specialists to step in with an assessment.

3. Cracks or Splits

Deep cracks and splits along a tree’s trunk are telltale signs of serious damage. From disease to rot and old age, there are many reasons for these visible changes. In most cases, they indicate the tree has reached the end of its lifespan and will need to be removed. If the damage is concentrated on one limb, you’ll need to eradicate that section, at the very least.

4. Fungi & Pests

Trees support life in many ways, from providing oxygen-rich air to offering shelter for small species. But as soon as fungi or insects begin to take over, a tree probably won’t survive much longer. Mushrooms, for one, usually indicate decay. Even if the entire tree isn’t dead, a sudden patch of fungi could suggest rot that may spread.

Pests are likewise concerning. From boring beetles that destroy tree tissue to ants that go marching in hollow tunnels, an infestation is always worth investigating. Unsure whether your tree is suffering either? A free assessment from our team can identify the culprit.

5. Dropped Limbs

Dead branches are a clear sign that a tree isn’t faring well. A tree that’s dying or damaged will often shed leaves on its outermost branches to conserve nutrients. When a limb falls off entirely, it may be time for your tree’s removal. A heavy branch can cause serious property damage in itself — it’s not hard to imagine what an entire trunk might do!

Concerned Your Tree About to Fall? Call Premier Tree Solutions Today

Having to get a tree removed can be disappointing, but it’s far better to act now and save your property — and your tree —from serious damage. If you have any of the signs above or other unusual tree developments, consult our experts during an assessment. We’re happy to help you save a healthy tree, but we’re also committed to keeping your home and its surroundings safe. Schedule an appointment with our team by calling 404.252.6448, or request a consultation here.

When Do Leaves Grow Back After Winter?

Falling leaves are a welcome sight when accompanied by crisp autumn air. But months of staring at bare branches can start to feel a little dreary… and at a certain point, we might find ourselves wanting those leaves back. As winter recedes and warmer weather approaches, we can’t help but wonder: When will the leaves return?

If you’ve busted out your binoculars looking for the first sign of buds, we have good news. The wait will soon be over — here’s when you can expect to see green again.

What prompts leaves to come back?

There are two signals trees need to “wake up” for springtime. The first is a pattern of warmer days after a stretch of cooler temperatures. The next is changes in light duration: like us, trees notice as the days grow longer and brighter. Leaves need sunlight to survive, after all! This happens due to a term you may recall from science class – photosynthesis –  the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.

So when will my leaves grow back?

As with most things tree-related, your region plays a role in how trees behave, and that includes spring leaf regrowth. Known as “leaf-out dates,” each region has its own time frame, which corresponds with its unique weather patterns. For instance, in the Midwest, the chance of a frost persists until later in spring, so trees won’t sprout new leaves until mid-April. The Northeast is especially likely to see a late-season freeze, so some areas may not see leaves until late April or even early May. Dates can vary significantly in the West: mountainous Colorado may have a later leaf-out than moderate regions of California, for instance.

Here in the South, we’re spoiled by the fact that our mild temperatures often mean native trees don’t have to stay dormant for long. Don’t be surprised if your trees start sprouting leaves as early as mid-March!

But what if my tree’s leaves aren’t coming back in spring?

Aside from temperature and light exposure, there are a few other factors that can influence leaf-out dates. For one, the severity of winter can impact when leaves regrow: a season that’s cooler and longer than usual will make trees a bit more hesitant to bud. The National Phenology Network provides an annual breakdown of the current season compared to springs past — you can consult their maps for a more precise forecast of leaf and bloom dates.

With that in mind, some trees are simply late bloomers – and that’s okay! Their beautiful displays will be worth the wait. If you have any of these species in your yard:

  • Ash
  • Mulberry
  • Sassafras
  • Oak
  • Elm
  • Walnut

Don’t panic if they’re lacking leaves when other species are in full bloom. Instead, look for buds at the ends of their branches (grab those binoculars), which means leaf growth won’t be far behind. And resist the urge to compare them to birch, willow, cherry, or maple trees: these early bloomers just can’t wait to show off each spring.

But what if spring is fully underway and your leaves still aren’t making an appearance? In that case, there could be an underlying issue with your tree. Anthracnose, a fungal disease, is one common culprit. It rarely causes permanent damage, and trimming affected areas may help to encourage leaf development.

Another issue could be overcrowding. Sometimes, trees planted too close together have insufficient space to thrive at maturity. Tree pruning can optimize branch distribution so each canopy gets the nutrients it needs to fare well.

If your leaves are slow to grow this year or you have any other tree concerns, allow our experts to weigh in. During a free assessment, our tree care specialists will determine if your tree has damage that needs to be addressed. To schedule an appointment, call 404.252.6448.

How to Choose the Best Trees for Your Yard

If you have open space and you’re looking to enhance your property, we’d argue that there’s no better way to do so than by planting new trees. Yet, with roughly 73,000 known species to choose from, deciding on the right tree can be a little daunting. Here, we help you narrow down your options to find the right one in just a few steps.

Stay in the Zone

First and foremost, you’ll want to consider which tree species can not only survive in your location, but will actually thrive. Your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone is a great place to start. This will help you pinpoint which species are best-suited to reach their potential based on factors like weather patterns and soil in your region.

Georgia has four zones, along with specific tree species that perform best in each:

  • 7b: Green Giant arborvitae, Murray cypress, and white dogwoods
  • 8 (a and b): Pine trees, juniper trees, sassafras, weeping willows, and dogwoods
  • 9a: American sycamore, silver maple, sassafras, and peach trees

Know Your Native Species

After narrowing things down based on your zone, you can go a step further by considering native tree species. A tree that’s native to your area will already have everything it needs to do well in its environment. Native species also tend to produce more fruit, flowers, or overall healthy growth. For Georgia, popular native varieties include magnolias, red maples, cherry trees, dogwoods, Southern magnolias, and American hollies.

Think About Placement

With your shortened list, you can now start weighing where and what you’ll be planting. For starters, steer clear of any obstructions, like utility lines, sidewalks, driveways, and nearby structures. Remember: root systems can spread as wide as a tree’s canopy!

Next, think about what you’re hoping to achieve in your selected planting zone. Here are some common goals when considering the best trees for yards in residential areas.

  • Privacy: Arborvitaes, pine, and spruce trees are conifers known for their ability to provide privacy. Creating a screen-like effect, they’re well-suited for sectioning off clearings between two yards. Just be sure to keep your trees well away from any property lines — neighbor disputes are not the goal here!
  • Shade: Situating trees near the southwest corner of your house will offer the most shade on summer days. You’ll want to select a species that produces an ample canopy as it matures. Oaks and maples are known for throwing shade (in a good way).
  • Aesthetics: If your only goal is to beautify your property, there are dozens of varieties to choose from. Ornamental trees produce stunning blooms in the spring and eye-catching autumn leaves. The flowering dogwood is a standout option, with spring blossoms, bountiful summer leaves, and red fall foliage.

Consider Upkeep

A final but important consideration for your tree selection is maintenance, and what you can realistically keep up with. Most species will require some tree pruning to encourage healthy growth and shaping as they mature, while others may call for more frequent tree trimming and attention. While there’s no argument that willow trees are gorgeous, for instance, they need a lot of water to grow, and their aggressive root system can spell trouble for landscapers. Fruit-bearing trees may also require more pruning, since they can draw quite a crowd of pests when left unattended. In general, arborvitaes, Japanese maples, and American hollies are solid choices for hassle-free trees.

Choose the Best Trees for Your Yard With Premier Tree Solutions

Whether you’re looking for professional advice for planting new trees, or the ones you already have need some maintenance, Premier Tree Solutions can help. Set up an appointment with our team by calling (404) 252-6448, or request a consultation online.

Tree Care Checklist: How to Maintain Your Trees in Winter

Trees and winter weather can pair well together, making for a postcard-perfect backdrop on your own front lawn. But while icicles and snow-covered branches may look pretty, the season can bring trouble for your trees, too. To keep your trees healthy through this winter and beyond, here are some winter tree care basics to bear in mind.

How Can Winter Damage Trees?

Trees can experience several types of winter-related trauma, but the extent of the damage depends on their species, location and conditions, and the timing of weather extremes. While low temperatures can cause damage on their own, more often tree damage is caused by temperature fluctuation, not the frost itself. Unfortunately, as weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, our trees are becoming more vulnerable to trauma caused by quick sequences of hot- and-cold extremes.

For one, rapidly plummeting temperatures can cause frost cracks. The freeze/thaw cycle can also lead to sunscald, which occurs when a plant freezes at night and is then exposed to warm air and sunlight during the day. Frost alone can also damage certain tree and shrub species that are unable to withstand winter freezes. Finally, dry winter conditions can hinder tree health due to reduced moisture levels in the soil.

Here’s a bit of good news: In most cases, snow isn’t damaging to your trees. In fact, it can be a natural insulator that protects them against the stress of freeze/thaw cycles. But heavy snow accumulation  — and ice — can still snap vulnerable branches.

Physical Signs of Tree Stress: A Checklist

If you’re concerned about winter trauma affecting your trees, here’s a checklist of warning signs to watch for.

Vertical Cracks

Look for vertical cracks in the trunk on the side of the tree facing the sun (the south or southwest side). This is a telltale sign of sunscald or frost cracks, caused by rapid temperature changes.

Bark Discoloration

In addition to visible cracks, sunscald can result in bark discoloration. Avocado, citrus, and fig trees are among the species most susceptible to this condition.

Browning Tips or Needles

The needles or tips of trees can brown in a phenomenon known as winterburn. Often, it’s caused by a combination of winter weather factors, including loss of water, high winds, and rapid temperature drops.

How to Address Winter Tree Damage

The best approach to take when it comes to winter tree damage is a preventive one. This means enlisting the help of our winter tree services before bad weather approaches. We’ll professionally prune your trees in the winter months, when growth is dormant so the risk of tree injury is minimal. This will also help to offset the stress of varying temperatures. Plus, by removing any at-risk branches at this time, we’ll help prevent property damage during or after a winter storm.

Aside from scheduling winter tree services, you can protect your trees against harsh winter conditions by mulching around their bases. Mulch is a great insulator that can help protect their roots while also retaining moisture. But if you have any young trees, fragile shrubs, or species that are vulnerable to frost (like citrus), consider going a step further by laying a breathable fabric over top to protect them against freezing conditions.

Schedule Tree Maintenance With Premier Tree Solutions

If you’ve already noticed signs of winter tree damage, our experts can help there, too. With a team of certified arborists, we excel not only in tree removal, but also tree care and maintenance. Schedule your winter tree services by calling 404.252.6448, or send us a message here.