Money Does Grow on Trees! (If You Plan to Sell Your Home)

Whoever said money doesn’t grow on trees never learned about the value of curb appeal. And trees are very appealing to those gawkers at the curb!

OK, yes, we may obsess a little more than most about the beauty of trees, but several studies back us up.

A study in Portland by the Pacific Northwest Research Station of the U.S. Forest Service (PDF) found that a tree in front of a house added an average $7,130 to the sale price. And houses with trees along their streets sold nearly two days faster.

Trees even helped out the neighbors of the families who planted them! Homes within a 100-foot radius of a tree saw their sale prices go up too. (Trees are the neighborly thing to do.)

In a separate study, economist Kathleen Wolf at the University of Washington concluded that “larger trees in yards and as street trees can add from 3% to 15% to home values.”

The Arbor Day Foundation also lists many additional benefits to planting and caring for trees around your home.

Maturity Matters

As with many things in life, maturity is worth a lot.

Even if you’re not planning to sell your home anytime soon, trees are a smart investment in your home’s value. When well chosen and placed on your property, trees will literally grow in value every year.

You’ll be able to enjoy your trees for as long as you live in your home, then fetch a higher price when you’re ready to sell. (The next family to enjoy your home’s shade, privacy, fruits, and colors will be grateful.)

As the old saying goes, “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.”

Grow Some Green with These Trees

Some trees do more for your home’s sale value than others.

Dense conifers provide privacy. Deciduous trees offer vibrant autumn colors. Flowering trees explode in bright blossoms. Fruiting trees drip with summer sweetness.

Looks do matter when you’re planting trees to enhance curb appeal. Just as you would with interior design choices, give thought to which trees potential buyers might prefer.

You’re also better off choosing trees that thrive in metro Atlanta, as recommended by Trees Atlanta. They’ll require less care and maintenance, and they’ll grow more robustly too.

Some of the eye-catching trees we like best for enhancing curb appeal in Georgia include… 

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) for its bright red buds in early spring.

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), a classic beauty of the South.

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), and several other species of magnolia too. Their oversized blossoms and lemony scent make a dramatic statement.

Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), a gorgeous, drought resistant conifer.

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.), another Southern classic that provides summer nectar for bees. (They’ll thank you by keeping your plants pollinated.)

Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea), which gets its name from the vibrant red autumn leaves that often stay on the tree deep into winter.

Baldy Cyprus (Taxodium distichum), an eye-catching cyprus with its feathery textures, it does well in urban environments.

Fruit trees can also add a sweet treat for the eyes and taste buds too! Check out our recent post for suggestions on which fruit trees will be most a-peeling. (We’ll show ourselves out now.)

What trees will grow well and look beautiful around your home? We’d love to help you decide! Reach out to us online or give us a call at 404.252.6448.

Do You Live in the City? Here Are Trees That Do Well in Urban Areas

Do you live in a city but still want to add a tree in your property? Choose from this list our experts curated! These species are tried and true when it comes to living in places with high stress, lots of pollution, and sometimes less than ideal conditions regarding sunlight and soil.

Great Trees for Urban Settings

Have any questions about which trees do well in urban areas? Feel free to reach out to us online or give us a call at 404.252.6448.

How Often Should I Water My Trees?

You likely know when to water your indoor plants and how often your outdoor garden should be replenished. But have you thought about how often to water your trees? Though they take up the most space and do so much for your outdoor area, sometimes it’s easy to forget to take care of your trees after you plant them.

Remember, they desperately need water to thrive and continue to do good things for your yard just like any other plant. We asked our experts how often you should be watering your trees.

The Best Tip: Consistency

You want your tree’s soil to consistently stay moist. In order to do that, you have to keep watering. Don’t let your tree dry out but also don’t let it drown in water. Keep up the good work to ensure your tree’s soil stays at the right moisture level.

Consider Your Tree’s Specific Information!

How big is your tree? What type of soil is it planted in? What species is it? Knowing all of this information is pertinent to figuring out when to water it. For example, a newly planted large oak tree needs much more water than an established Japanese Maple.

Once you know all of this information, check your soil. The soil needs to be moist, or slightly damp, but not dripping wet or soggy. Use your finger if the soil is soft enough or dig down two inches with a tool to check on the soil there. If it’s dry, then your tree needs water.

What’s the Best Time of Day to Water Your Trees?

This depends on the season. If it’s a warmer day, water your trees in the morning or in the evening before the sun evaporates whatever you provide. If it’s a colder day, it’s best to water during the afternoon when the soil isn’t frozen.

How Should I Water My Tree?

While spraying the soil around your tree with a water hose will certainly work, it’s best to use a slower approach so you can ensure all of the tree’s roots have a chance at water. Drip lines are a favorite method of ours for that reason!

Have any questions about how often you should be watering your tree? Feel free to reach out to us online or give us a call at 404.252.6448.

BE A GEORGIA TREE KNOW-IT-ALL: POSSUMHAW

Get to know Georgia’s beautiful array of trees and how you can take care of your own! Each month, we feature some of the most popular trees in the state. This month, we are showcasing the Possumhaw. Learn all about the Possumhaw below!

Possumhaw information

BE A GEORGIA TREE KNOW-IT-ALL: GRANCY-GREYBEARD

Get to know Georgia’s beautiful array of trees and how you can take care of your own! Each month, we feature some of the most popular trees in the state. This month, we are showcasing the Grancy-Greybeard (Chionanthus virginicus). Learn all about the Grancy-Greybeard below!

Grancy Greybeard tree of the month.

Timing is Everything: When To Plant a New Tree

If you’re hoping to add new trees to your property, there are many considerations to keep in mind. 

You’ve likely started thinking about what type of tree to select and where it should be planted on your property. But did you know you should also be thoughtful about WHEN you plant your new tree?

Our experts dive into this important topic below.

When Should I Plant a New Tree?

  • WHEN YOU’RE IN A DORMANT SEASON. The dormant season is the best time to plant a new tree. This means either during the spring before blossoms begin to bloom or the fall right after leaves have dropped.
  • WHEN THERE IS CLEAR WEATHER. Keep an eye on the weather in the days and weeks leading up to planting your new tree. Heavy rains on a freshly planted tree can make it harder for the roots to establish. Aim for a day and week where there is not much rain in the forecast.
  • WHEN THE WEATHER IS MILD. You should also keep temperature in mind! If it’s at or near freezing, it will not only be difficult to dig, but you also run the risk of the tree being damaged when exposed to the extreme cold. The same is true with blistering hot summer days in which the soil can dry out too quickly for the tree to take water. 

Have any questions about when to plant a new tree? Feel free to reach out to us by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-252-6448.

The Delicate Balance of Tree Pruning: Common Pruning Mistakes To Avoid

Pruning is an important and necessary step in caring for your trees. When you prune correctly, you’ll keep the yard looking polished, protect your property from falling dead branches, and keep your tree healthy for years to come. 

That being said, pruning should be done carefully and thoughtfully! In many cases a professional touch is needed. Not many homeowners realize that it is possible to prune too much or incorrectly. 

Keep reading to learn more about common pruning mistakes you should be aware of and avoid.

Common Pruning Mistakes

  • Open wounds on trees are easy targets of disease and pests. Unprofessional, rushed, or uneven cuts on a tree can leave open marks that invite disease and pests in.
  • Similarly, if a limb is not removed properly it can cause damage to other limbs or even the trunk of the tree as it’s coming down. This increases the risk of tree or property damage, or even worse, personal injury. 
  • Poorly pruned trees are also more likely to get damaged from storms or winds. You want to be sure that your trees are made stronger by pruning, not weaker.
  • Cutting the wrong branches or limbs can actually shorten the lifetime of a tree. If too many healthy branches are removed, this can impact a tree’s access to sunlight and water, making it impossible for the tree to create energy or food. Additionally, over-pruning can trigger a tree’s stress response.
  • Injuring a tree’s bark in the process of pruning is also a common mistake we see. While this isn’t always a big issue, larger wounds to the tree’s bark can kill them.

Have any questions about what pruning your tree wrong can do to them? Feel free to reach out to us by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-252-6448.

BE A GEORGIA TREE KNOW-IT-ALL: GREEN ASH

Get to know Georgia’s beautiful array of trees and how you can take care of your own! Each month, we feature some of the most popular trees in the state. This month, we are showcasing the Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). Learn all about the Green Ash below!

Green Ash Tree Infographic

Could Your Tree Benefit From Fertilizer?

If you’re a homeowner, you likely understand the importance of caring for the trees on your property. While many people are good about checking for pests and keeping their trees pruned, many others don’t know that using fertilizer can also be a great step in their tree-care routine.

First Things First, Do You Need Fertilizer?

Some trees may not have a need for fertilizer, because the soil around them is already packed with all the necessary nutrients. Consider these factors when deciding if you could boost your tree’s health with fertilizer.

 

  • Is your yard regularly fertilized? If so, there’s no need to add additional fertilizer around your trees. 
  • Do your trees show signs of poor health? If your trees exhibit any of these symptoms, it’s possible fertilizer could help.
  • Test your soil! You can order your own kit to do just that. This process allows you to see first-hand the elements in your soil and if your trees might need some extra nutrients.
  • Are your trees not fully grown yet? Using fertilizer is an amazing way to ensure they grow to be as full and large as they can possibly be. 

Pick the Right Kind

Since there are many different brands and types of fertilizers out there, it can be a pain to figure out what type is right for you. Luckily, we’ve put together this guide on the best and worst types of fertilizers for your trees. Check it out to get a head start on the sometimes-overwhelming processes of selecting the best option!

So, When Should I Apply Fertilizer? 

The best time to apply fertilizer for your trees is during the early spring, when they aren’t facing times of overwatering or drought. It’s also the time when their roots are growing the most and when your soil has the most nutrients available. 

Have questions or need to talk to our Plant Health Care specialist about fertilizing your trees or yard? Feel free to reach out to us by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-252-6448.

Different Ways to Remove Trees

If there’s a tree on your property that needs to be removed, you might be wondering about the best way to get it down safely. Believe it or not, there are several different approaches!

That being said, remember to always consult with a professional before making a removal plan to ensure you and your property remain safe. We’re explaining the different ways to remove trees below! 

The Old-Fashioned Way

If you have a very small tree on your property that can be safely removed without professional help, then it could be as simple as cutting it down with an axe or chainsaw yourself. This approach should only be taken if you’re familiar with using these types of tools. Even then, we recommend checking with a professional before proceeding.

Professional Climbing, Rope System 

Most trees that need to be removed are close to or above homes or other property elements. This is where a professional touch is needed!

In these situations, tree removal specialists will often use a complex rope system in which an expert securely scales the tree and then proceeds to cut branches off section by section. Each removed piece of tree is then caught and lowered safely to the ground via the rope system. 

As you can imagine, this is not something you should ever try yourself. 

Our Favorite Approach? JAWS! 

In recent years, a new, cutting-edge tree removal approach has developed: a Palfinger PK40002 Knuckle Boom Crane with a Mecanil SG280 Grapple Saw we fondly call JAWS. We know, that sounds really complicated! 

Essentially, JAWS is an innovative crane system that enables tree removal professionals to cut down entire trees without having to climb them. Workers use remote control operations from the ground, which eliminates the dangerous possibility of falling from trees during the removal process. We were the first in Georgia to offer this new innovative, safe technology for tree removal!

Learn all about this service we’re proud to offer our customers in Atlanta! 

Pondering your tree removal needs and have further questions about the different ways to remove trees? Feel free to reach out to us by clicking here or by giving us a call at 404-252-6448.