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.

If you have acres of land, it might make sense to keep some portions of your property wooded. But for most moderately sized lots, clearing away vegetation is the best way to care for your landscape. Here’s what vegetation clearing can do for you.

Keep Pests at Bay

Thick patches of overgrown weeds and shrubs, plus dead trees, stumps, and logs all make for the perfect pest hideaway. From gypsy moths to wood borers, these unwanted insects can spread across your property and target your healthy trees next. Destructive rodents like voles and rats are also more likely to inhabit overgrown areas, but clearing away vegetation can prevent them from taking up residence in your yard.

Prevent Disease

Overgrown vegetation often retains moisture, creating a breeding ground for fungi and other microbes that can harm your lawn. By clearing away excess foliage, you’ll increase air circulation, allowing plants to dry thoroughly. Vegetation clearing also eliminates any unwanted foliage that may already be infected with disease, to preserve the healthy trees and shrubs around the area.

Maintain a Safe Property

A well-manicured yard is safer for several reasons. For one, it provides fewer places in which to stay concealed, helping to deter would-be trespassers. For another, it’s easier to navigate. Whether your little neighbor’s ball rolls into your yard, or you’re retrieving a wayward pet, having full accessibility throughout your property can promote safety for everyone.

Give Plants Resources to Thrive

Every living thing on your lawn needs resources like moisture, nutrients from the soil, and sunlight. The more vegetation you have, the fewer resources are left for the rest of your lawn. For hardy trees, blooming shrubs and flower gardens, and a lush lawn, eliminate unwanted vegetation so there are more resources for the plants you do want to thrive.

Provide More Functional Space

Many homeowners feel they could benefit from having a larger yard, but without moving to a new house, that’s rarely a possibility. If you have overgrown vegetation, however, you’re in a unique position to add more functional space to your yard. Whether you’ve always envisioned having a bigger backyard barbecue space or you’re thinking of testing out your green thumb with a garden, there are endless possibilities for transforming wooded areas so they add more value to your home.

Enhance the Aesthetic

Even if you don’t foresee a new outdoor feature going in where your vegetation once was, clearing it out can still deliver value from a visual standpoint. Overgrowth tends to be messy and unkempt, whereas open space can make your yard appear neater—and larger. If privacy is a concern, hedges like arborvitaes can still serve as a natural barrier while looking tidy. And should you ever consider putting your home on the market, this boosted curb appeal can be an attractive feature that helps your property get noticed.

Schedule Land Clearing With Premier Tree Solutions

From routine pruning to larger land clearing projects, Premier Tree Solutions can handle all of your tree care needs. Our tree specialists have the tools and techniques to make quick work of land clearing while maintaining the safety and integrity of your surrounding property. To request a free assessment, send us a digital message or call 404.252.6448.

Trees are meant to add aesthetic value to your property. When they start to become more of an eyesore than an enhancement, however, it’s time to do some investigating. What could be making your trees look unhealthy? Our certified arborists can provide an accurate diagnosis, but here are some possible causes to consider first.

What Are the Signs of Poor Tree Health?

Leaves are a strong indicator of tree health. If they’re missing or distorted, it can point to a bigger problem. The absence of fruit or flowers is likewise concerning.

Of course, there are obvious signs a tree isn’t faring well. Dropped limbs, noticeable rot, large cracks or splits, and a severe lean are all evidence that a tree probably can’t be salvaged. In these cases, removal is the safest option for your home and property.

There are other ways to determine whether a tree needs help, but you may need to look a little closer. For instance, examine for mushrooms at the base of the tree or growing up its sides at least once a year. Since fungi love decay, this is a telltale sign of rot. Lesions, cankers, and other abnormalities on the bark can also be indicative of problems like pests or disease.

Possible Reasons Your Trees Aren’t Looking So Good

Now that you know what to look for, here are some other possible reasons behind poor tree health.

Pests

Insects like pine borer beetles can wreak havoc on your trees and shrubs. While these particular pests like to feed on trees that produce cones, other pests like Ambrosia Beetles prefer freshly trimmed branches. Wilted or discolored leaves, nests or webs, and the presence of small insects are all signs of an infestation. Since each species calls for a unique approach, you’ll want to call in the experts for pest problems.

Disease

Like humans and animals, your trees can be affected by disease. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all enter your tree’s system and cause illness. In addition to the signs described above, some other symptoms of disease include peeling or missing bark and misshapen blooms. One fungus in particular, Armillaria, can kill trees quickly by attacking their roots. It’s drawn to dead trees and stumps, which is why prompt tree and stump removal are vital to keeping your living trees healthy.

Weather Damage

Most trees are resilient enough to withstand major storms. But even the healthiest limbs and trunks may not survive direct lightning strikes. Some such incidents will only leave a scar, but don’t be surprised if your tree shows signs of poor health several months later. Even if there’s little to no visible damage, lightning can fry a tree’s root system, leading to catastrophic damage and eventual decay.

Lightning isn’t Mother Nature’s only weapon: dry spells can leave trees looking lackluster, while extreme droughts and deep freezes can take out saplings and other vulnerable trees. Mulching around your tree’s base is an easy way to protect it by locking in moisture and warmth for protection during seasonal changes.

Stress

We ourselves tend to not look our best when we’re feeling stressed, so we shouldn’t expect anything different from our trees. Factors like improper installation, insufficient watering, and incorrect pruning can all harm trees. They’ll eventually begin to show signs of stress, from slowed or stunted growth to dead leaves and branches.

With so many possible causes for sad trees, the best way to know for sure what’s affecting them is to enlist professional help. Give us a call at 404-252-6448 or contact us by sending us a direct message.

Winter feels like a great time to hunker down and hibernate, especially if you live in an area that sees chilly weather. But braving the outdoors to give a little attention to your landscape can lead to vibrant blooms in the spring and summer. Even if your trees are dormant in the winter, here’s what you can do now to keep them healthy and happy year-round.

Prime Time for Pruning

There are several reasons why cooler winter weather is the best time to prune your trees. For one, bare branches are easier to trim since visibility is better, and tree professionals get an unobstructed view of what needs to be removed. For another, winter is a lull in the growth cycle for most trees, so pruning them now when they’re dormant means you’re unlikely to cause damage to the vulnerable new growth.

And speaking of new growth, wintertime pruning lays the foundation for spring abundance in that department. Pruning facilitates heartier growth for the spring season, because it gives new branches and leaves more sun exposure and space in which to spread.

Unsure when or where to start? Deciduous trees like maples and beeches can benefit from late-winter February pruning, along with fruit trees and evergreens, when the threat of a destructive freeze has largely passed. The best time to prune oaks is December or January.

There are several pruning methods to use, including removing dead or at-risk branches, and thinning that controls your tree’s shape, size, and growth pattern. If you have the know-how and equipment for proper pruning, feel free to tackle small shrubs on your own. But if there’s any uncertainty on your part, or you have larger trees that require heavy-duty equipment, be sure to leave it to the pros. We know precisely how to remove at-risk or dead branches without causing injury to the rest of your tree.

Bundle Up with Burlap

Most established trees can withstand cold fronts. But in southern climates when it comes to young saplings or sensitive plants, a burlap covering may be in order. This material can lock in warmth while still being breathable enough for sufficient air flow. Drape the burlap over your plant all the way to the ground, and secure it with twine. Only leave this covering on for the duration of the cold snap, as keeping it on any longer could cause excessive heat to build up. Some of the plants that need the most protection from a frost include jasmine, citrus, bougainvillea, and hibiscus.

Fertilize Before Frosts

Although you may not see much growth on branches throughout the winter, the roots below are busy expanding. Fertilizing before a frost delivers a hefty dose of nutrients to hungry roots so they can grow stronger throughout the winter.

Insulate with Mulch

We often think of springtime as the ideal season for mulching, but it doesn’t hurt to freshen up your mulch in the fall, too. Doing so can add an extra layer of insulation to your tree’s roots, which can protect them against cold weather. If you tend to experience dry winters, having mulch will also help the roots retain moisture throughout the season.

For expert pruning services to support your trees’ health, rely on Premier Tree Solutions. Our arborists specialize in tree care and removal to keep your property safe and attractive. Call 404-252-6448 to request an estimate, contact us online for an assessment, or reach out immediately at 404-569-8897 for emergency service.

Recent climate changes have made it clear that no community is free from the threat of severe weather. In high-density urban communities, storm damage like flooding can be particularly problematic. While there are many tactics that can be used to address urban flooding and runoff, one important but often overlooked solution is strategic tree placement.

How Do Trees Prevent Flooding and Runoff in Urban Communities?

Trees have compelling advantages for urban environments, including increased shade and noise control. Of course, tree-lined avenues also add beauty and visual interest to communities, helping to restore a natural element that balances out heavily developed areas. Beyond these perks, however, trees can also offer some “re-leaf” during heavy rains.

In natural watersheds, streams and rivers offer a place for runoff water to go, which helps to control flooding. Yet, most urban communities lack these natural features and instead rely on drains, gutters, sewer pipes, and other manmade infrastructure. While these features can redirect storm water to some degree, heavy rains can overwhelm these systems and lead to urban flooding. This is complicated by the fact that concrete and asphalt prohibit the ground from soaking up water.

Trees can be an effective and economical solution for cities looking to control rainfall, as their canopies and root systems can manage runoff in several ways. For one, their leaves capture falling rain, creating a surface area where water can land and then evaporate. In fact, their canopies can intercept as much as 50 to 60% of rainwater (thousands of gallons a year), helping to prevent the flash flooding effect that often takes place in urban communities.

Tree roots also soak up water that enters the ground, keeping soil in place and reducing erosion. Both tree roots and the soil surrounding them have a sponge-like effect, allowing water to slowly seep into permeable surfaces and minimize the demand on storm water drains.

What’s the Best Approach to Using Trees to Control Flooding in Urban Communities?

Using trees for flood prevention does require some careful planning. There are several factors to consider, including:

• Soil composition
• USDA hardiness zone
• Tree species
• Space limitations
• Maintenance needs
• Exposure to pollutants like chemicals and salt
• Access to shade and sunlight

While finding the perfect trees calls for attention to detail, for urban planners, the payoff may be well worth the initial effort. From amending the soil to strategically choosing the right tree species and placement, navigating these steps properly could yield meaningful results — including up to an 80% greater reduction in surface water runoff compared to asphalt alone. As always, native trees will have the best chances of thriving. The American Sycamore and Eastern Cottonwood are some of the trees in Georgia which can help with drainage. But there are a variety of other species which your local tree expert can help you select.

Of course, prolonged exposure to standing water can also take its toll on trees. Dealing with dead or downed trees isn’t ideal in urban environments either, so while trees may help to prevent flooding, they shouldn’t be planted directly in the heart of flood zones. The right tree placement can make all the difference in helping urban trees thrive.

Tree planting and maintenance don’t have to be complicated, but they can be made easier with some professional help. Whether you have a problem tree or you’re planning a new project, consult Premier Tree Solutions for assistance. Learn more about our services or call 404.252.6448 to get in touch.a