Ever heard the phrase “More money, more problems”? Yeah, we thought so. But how about “Less money, more problems”? Hmm … not as common. Yet just as true, especially when it comes to bids for tree care on your residential or commercial property.

Quite frankly, when you get a bid that seems too good to be true, it almost always is. There are several reasons a tree removal company may low-ball you, but take our word for it: None of them are good. Here are four of the most common.

1. The Company Is Just Starting

Many companies just starting out figure they’ll have an easier time picking up work if they charge less. And maybe they will, but do you really want a newbie removing the limb that hangs over your living room? Probably not.

2. They Won’t Back Their Work

When a company bids low, it usually means they plan to make up for it in volume. Unfortunately, that kind of ethic often means they don’t have time to come back to your home and fix any problems or care for trees that need help after the job they did. You’ll find you have a very hard time getting a company like this to clean up their mess … which, let’s face it, is really your mess.

3. They Don’t Have Insurance

Some companies don’t do the right thing. Hiring a company without insurance might be cheaper … until a tree branch falls on your shed. Don’t let that happen to you.

4. They’re Just a Pine in the Rear

Here at Premier Tree, we like to say we take care of the pine in your rear. Sadly, though, some companies just are a pine in the rear. You can feel pretty safe in assuming that any company with a low bid falls into this category. Honest, effective, efficient companies charge what they’re worth, so look for a middle-of-the-road bid that you can afford, but that doesn’t signal more problems in future.

The Premier Tree Promise

Premier Tree Solutions is a growing tree removal business based in Atlanta, Georgia. We specialize in tree removal, trimming, pruning, cleanup, stump grinding, debris removal, storm cleanup and Bobcat work. Call us at 404-252-6448 for all your tree-related needs, and you’ll discover the Premier Tree difference. We guarantee it.

Some dissension exists in the arborist community as to whether trees need fertilization deeper than the surface of the soil. While it’s true that you may not need to go that deep in your fertilization to help trees live the fullest and healthiest possible life, a smart approach does help. Let’s talk about root structure, fertilization practice and how best to get your trees the nutrition they need.

Root Architecture

A tree’s roots, while we never see them, are fairly impressive. Think of the canopy of the tree, reflected downward into the soil. Most trees, believe it or not, really do have a root system as big as their canopies, leading most people to believe that to have a healthy tree, they must fertilize this entire system… Hence the question of deep root fertilization.

How Low Should You Go?

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, however, you don’t need to get all the way down there to the bottom-most roots of the tree. In actuality, you only need to dig about 1 to 1.5 feet using a soil auger. That’s because most of the tree’s absorbent roots, where it takes in water and nutrients, are located in the top 8–12 inches of soil, so you don’t need to worry about what’s down lower. The roots that dig really deep are already tapping into water and nutrients located underground, and they don’t need your help.

Plus, it’s always important to be environmentally responsible. Putting fertilizer much deeper than 1.5 feet or so makes it more likely the fertilizer will get into the groundwater, which is bad for fish and wildlife. Potassium, nitrogen and phosphorous, while good for trees, can wreak all sorts of environmental havoc, so stick to the top layers of soil during your fertilizer application to keep your yard and the world happy.

Call  Premier Tree Solutions, a growing tree removal business based in Atlanta, Georgia. We specialize in a number of areas, including trimming and pruning, tree removal, storm damage control, and cleanup. We’re always here to help.

If you’d like help caring for your property, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 404-252-6448.

Would you like beautiful trees all year round? Do you want to get rid of mites, scales and other insect pests? You can tell bugs to take a hike by using dormant oils, and protect those trees you love so dearly.

What Is Dormant Oil?

Dormant oil is usually fabricated from petroleum products although according to the University of Illinois Extension cottonseed oil is also sometimes used. The name comes from the fact that you are supposed to apply it while trees are dormant, though you should not confuse this with applying it in the depths of a cold snap as you must have temperatures above freezing for at least 24 hours to apply it. Otherwise, the oil can damage tree bark. Dormant oil is especially effective in orchards.

How Does It Control Insects?

Dormant oils typically kill pests by using oil to block the apertures through which they breathe, or by disrupting their metabolisms. It is especially effective during times when trees are dormant because insects are in egg or larval form and are particularly susceptible, though it is also effective against adult insects. Best of all, it doesn’t kill beneficial insects or harm birds, both of which can help contribute to natural pest control on your trees. Plus, the insect pests you’re targeting won’t build up a chemical resistance to these oils, so they’re considered very safe for continued use.

How Do You Apply It?

Typically, you apply dormant oil in the winter months (though you can use it at diluted rates in summer as well) from November through March. Use it after leaves have fallen and before trees leaf out again. Spray evenly on tree surfaces, ideally on a sunny, windless day when temperatures are expected to rise as the day goes on.

Need a little help? Premier Tree Solutions specializes in tree care in Atlanta, Georgia, and in the removal of dead, dying or infested tree limbs and specimens. We specialize in helping homeowners keep their trees and shrubs as healthy as they can possibly be. We also help with regular trimming and pruning, branch removal, storm cleanup, Bobcat work, stump grinding and debris removal. If you’d like help caring for your property, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 404-252-6448.

When deciding which trees best suit your home and garden, there are multiple factors to consider. Below we’ll walk through a few of the most important to help you ensure that your trees are happy now and for years to come.

Hardiness Zone

For one thing, you have to make sure those trees will grow in your climate. You can check this by looking at the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to determine which zone you live in, then buying trees that will thrive there. If you’re not sure what a tree’s USDA hardiness zone is, you can look the information up using the Missouri Botanical Garden website. For instance, the Chinese dogwood grows to between 20 and 30 feet and thrives in the Georgian climate.

Height

It’s also crucial you determine the final height of a tree before planting. Many people put in trees that look good when they’re young, only to discover later that they’re too big for the space … sometimes long before they reach their full height. Take the tulip poplar, which is a gorgeous tree with giant lime-orange flowers in spring. While it’s beautiful, you can’t plant it just anywhere, as it can grow to more than 100 feet! Talk about tree trouble.

Rate of Growth

If you’re trying to dress up a commercial property or home before a sale or grand opening, sometimes you need a quick-growing tree. Sycamores grow quickly to 80-100 feet and provide lovely shade, while sweetbay magnolias offer beautiful cream-colored blooms in springtime.

Width

Though typically less a consideration than height, width is also important. Some trees stay short, but grow with considerable sideways branching. Consider a Japanese maple, for instance, or a crabapple tree. Both are beautiful, but if they extend into the house or walkway, they may be more of a pain than it’s worth. Always keep in mind that some trees litter, too, so if their branches are over trafficked spaces they may become seriously annoying.

Premier Tree Solutions is a growing tree care and removal business in Atlanta, Georgia. We specialize in tree, trimming and pruning, storm and debris cleanup, stump grinding, and branch removal. We also advise our clients about the health of their trees to ensure your garden is the loveliest and healthiest it can be. Get in touch to learn more about our services. Don’t hesitate to call us (404-252-6448) when you need help!

With spring just around the corner, many homeowners are ready for fresher, better yards. This all starts with trees, the most impressive element of yard scenery. You can prepare for gardening and landscaping all through the summer and fall with these spring tree care tips.

Inspect Landscape Plants

Start by inspecting your plants, foremost among them trees and shrubs. Make sure spring rains aren’t causing water to pool around the base of plants, which can drown them. Check for signs of damage from pests or disease, and call a professional arborist if your trees or shrubs look sick, so you can take care of the problem right away.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Depending on the specimen, trees and shrubs like to be pruned in spring or summer. You should remove dead branches and any that look diseased. Start by checking for new growth. Any branches that show no signs of development where others are blooming or leafing out are probably dead, and should be removed. Also check for holes, weeping sores or malformed leaves/twigs, which are signs of infection or pests.

Plant New Specimens

Spring is also the ideal time to plant new shrubs and trees. Do this early so the plants have time to get established before hot summer weather hits, which most plants find stressful. Mulch and fertilize your new plants to give them a fresh start. Now is also the time to fertilize trees and apply a new layer of mulch in the rest of the yard – but avoid mulch volcanoes!

Care for Your Lawn … Gently!

A well-tended lawn is important for healthy trees. Lawns with a lot of debris on them for many months can harbor disease, which can be passed to trees. Therefore when spring arrives, it’s time to clean up the green. Pick up sticks and branches, gently rake up leaves and, if it’s dry enough and grasses have started growing again, do a light mow. The key word here is gentle, because until the ground dries out and firms up, grasses are susceptible to being uprooted.

Need help? Premier Tree Solutions is a rapidly expanding tree-care business in Atlanta, Georgia. We specialize in a variety of services, including pruning and trimming trees, removing trees, cleaning up after storms, clearing debris, grinding stumps and Bobcat work. Don’t hesitate to call us (404-252-6448) when you need help!