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.

BE A GEORGIA TREE KNOW-IT-ALL: SUGARBERRY TREE

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 Sugarberry Tree (Celtis laevigata). Learn all about the Sugarberry Tree below!

Infographic for Sugarberry Tree.

What To Do if Your Tree is Dying

If you have trees in your yard, chances are you love them for their beauty, the shade they produce, and the value they add to your home. The last thing you want is to see one of them start to wilt and die! 

Our experts explain what to do if your tree is dying or if you sense your tree is unwell. 

First Things First: Identify if Your Tree Is Dying 

Spotting a dying tree can be trickier than you think! Here are some tell-tale signs that a tree is dying:

  • There’s a long crack on the trunk. 
  • The tree appears to be extremely dry and the branches crack easily under pressure. 
  • The tree isn’t standing upright. 
  • Little or no leaves grow on the branches. 
  • Fungi and mushrooms have made a home on the tree. 

Figure Out What’s Killing Your Tree

This step might require outside help, as it can often be difficult to determine for yourself what’s harming your tree. The potential culprits include pests, diseases, and weather damage. If you need assistance in monitoring the health of your trees, our experts would love to help! Reach out to us to schedule an appointment today with one of our Certified Arborists and ask about our Plant Health Care Program to learn more. 

Try Out Different Tree Saving Methods 

If you know your tree is dying and it’s not because of the major health issues mentioned above, try some of these tactics to bring life back into your tree. 

Water More or Less 

Issues with watering are hands-down one of the biggest reasons trees meet an untimely end. The key to doing it right is to find the middle ground between not watering too much or too little. You want to stick to somewhere between one minute to two minutes of watering per day and stop before water puddles on the ground. You also want to ensure you have proper drainage around your tree, so your soil doesn’t retain too much water. 

Boost with Fertilizers

Sometimes all your tree needs to bring it back to life is a boost with fertilizer. Grab a trusted brand and then use it on your tree following the instructions on the packaging. You might see a difference in just a few weeks! 

Mulch Can Help! 

Mulch is a fantastic tool for trees, as it can provide extra nutrients. Again, the trick is to use the perfect amount for your tree, not too much and not too little. You want to ensure that you dig close enough to your roots to allow the mulch to touch them, but you don’t want to bury the roots so much that they can’t breathe. Usually, somewhere around 1.5 inches of mulch works perfectly. 

Pruning Can Give Your Tree a Second Chance at Life

We talk about pruning in most of our tree-of-the-month infographics, and for a very important reason! Pruning a dying tree has the potential to bring it back to life. 

How does it work? If the trunk is still alive, you can cut off any dead branches or areas you notice have died. Doing so will prevent the dead cells from spreading anywhere else on the tree. 

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