How Trees Affect Your Mental Health for the Better

We already know that trees are good for the environment, but Mother Nature isn’t the only one who benefits from them. For example, trees are magnificent air filters, absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants, and releasing restorative oxygen. But their advantages extend beyond the physical. Here are some of the impressive ways in which trees can boost your mental health, too.

Control Stress

It would certainly be nice if we could avoid stress altogether, but that simply isn’t a reality in our fast-paced world. What we can control is how we respond to it. And trees may be just the tool to help.

Australian research published in 2019 shows that residents in neighborhoods with an ample tree canopy had 31% lower odds of experiencing psychological distress. Experts suspect the shade that trees provide creates both a physical and mental cooling effect.

The same study showed that other, more subtle perks may also be at play. In cities especially, trees provide sensory relief that helps to alleviate stress that comes from the hard angles and glaring surfaces of urban landscapes.

Support Cognition

The Digital Age has provided more access to more information than ever before, but that also means our minds are more cluttered. Trees can channel our individual, restorative focus, and boost cognitive health.

Harvard epidemiologist Peter James has extensively studied the effects of greenness on health outcomes. According to his research and that of others, being in nature enhances performance on cognitive tests. About James’ findings, Alex Hutchinson wrote in a column for Outside, “The way a leafy promenade or a burbling brook tugs gently at our senses seems to restore our perennially depleted capacity to focus.”

Reduce Depression

In a study of 585 Japanese participants, individuals who spent even just 15 minutes walking in a forest reported fewer depressive symptoms than those in an urban setting. The mood-boosting benefits of being outdoors are so heavily touted in Japan that they prompted a movement in 1980 known as “forest bathing,” a practice of immersing oneself in nature. But you don’t have to go outside to reap the benefits: even just looking at images of trees promotes positive emotions.

While there’s certainly no replacement for qualified mental health services for those who need them, incorporating tree imagery into your home could be a good way to lift your spirits. If you’re fortunate enough to have trees on your property, consider keeping your windows open to take a glance at them every now and then.

Keep You Energized

Though being among the trees may not have the same energizing effect as a shot of espresso, hear us out. Trees can invigorate us in a way that encourages movement and keeps up energy levels. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they also deliver physical benefits which may also prompt us to be more active, including immune-boosting effects from their antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Provide Peace & Quiet

Trees have impressive sound absorbing qualities, which can promote a calming effect of peace and quiet. This is especially important in urban settings or communities where houses are grouped close together, and traffic noise can reach a high volume. While you may not be able to eliminate the barking dogs or clarinet lessons taking place next door, planting evergreens such as arborvitae, pines, spruces, and hollies can create a noise barrier that dampens nearby sound. The resulting peace and quiet may be just what you need to unwind after a stressful day.

Here at Premier Tree Solutions, we know the important role trees play in maintaining the overall aesthetics and safety of your property. Take the burden of tree maintenance off your shoulders and explore our pruning, removal, and other tree care services by calling us at 404-252-6448 or requesting an appointment online for our professional assistance.

Something Bugging Your Trees? Four Common Tree Pests To Lookout For This Spring and Summer

Many Atlantans consider spring and summer to be the best time of the year. Unfortunately, tree pests and bugs agree. These tiny critters can lead to big problems and can literally suck the life out of your trees if not addressed. 

Here are the four major suspects to look out for in your yard: 

Aphids

Also known as plant lice, these bugs are found together in groups and eat leaves and stems. There are several different species of Aphids and they can be usually spotted on tree trunks or underneath leaves.

While a moderate amount of them do not damage trees; a large group can cause yellowing leaves and stunt growth. Some Aphids inject a toxin into plants when they feed.

Spider Mites

Often found on the backs of leaves, these bugs are so small that they can barely be seen by the naked eye. They can be found in groups, clustered in a spider web.

You can tell if a tree has fallen victim to these pests if you can see stippling on the upper sides of leaves on deciduous trees and the needles browning on evergreen trees.

Cicadas

You don’t even need to spot one to know they’re there. With an iconic, drum-like song that rings all summer long, these bugs can usually be found on the tree trunks.

Their beak is used to suck fluids from trees, causing the leftover bark to cling in place and split right down the middle.

Caterpillars

Before they blossom into butterflies or moths, these slinky creatures can defoliate an entire tree with their little army. They create large communal nests in deciduous trees.

Warning signs include leaves with ragged edges or defoliated branches, followed by the entire tree being defoliated.

There are hundreds of types of tree pests that could make a home in your trees. Thankfully, identifying their symptoms can help you figure out the culprit and stop them before real damage is done.

A chemical-based solution is not always necessary. A certified arborist can help determine what’s best for this situation.

Premier Tree Solutions specializes in tree care in Atlanta, Georgia, and in the removal of dead,
dying, or infested tree limbs and specimens and plant health care. If you’d like help caring for your property, please
don’t hesitate to give us a call at 404-252-6448.

Get Ready for Spring and Peak Home Selling Season with These Tree Care Tips

Spring has arrived and, with it, the time of year when home sales are at their highest — even in an already fast-paced market. If you’re looking to sell your home or want to keep your current home in selling shape for the future, you’ll want to make sure your greenery is looking its best. According to a study led by the Arbor Day Foundation, “Homes with trees in their yard have higher property values in the United States than those without any tree cover” — totalling up to an additional $31.5 billion in value nationwide.

For assistance caring for your trees this spring season, we’re here to offer some tips that should help make this task easier.

Prepare for Pests and Protect the Planet

Summer will see the reemergence of many new pests, so you’ll want to prepare during springtime so that you aren’t caught unaware. While pesticides are effective, you may prefer to use a substance that can help ward off insects without harming another part of the environment.

An alternative is to combat insects with more natural substances, including soaps, essential oils, and even other garden plants to ward off pests without harmful components. You can also attempt to lure other species that devour invasive critters by installing birdhouses or encouraging the presence of insect-eating insects.

Mulch is a Must!

Mulching is a great practice to protect your trees’ roots from the effects of intense heat or cold. While beneficial to your trees all year round, there are a few key times when refreshing your mulch is advised.

During the spring months, you’re typically coming out of the coldest time of the year, but are in the period before trees need to be protected from more intense heat. Spring is also notable for its rainfall, so you’ll want to refresh your mulch when it has some time to settle before heavy rain washes it away. Now is when you must spring into action!

Stay Sharp, and Check for Pruning Possibilities

The best time for pruning will be either in late winter or early spring, with early spring being the better of the two. The goal of pruning is to improve the health of your trees as well as their visual appeal. Tree trimming addresses several different concerns, including the height or weight of the tree, removing signs of decay, or thinning the tree to promote healthier growth.

The pruning you can do yourself would include things like removing smaller dead and decaying branches (this is great to prevent them from falling and damaging things during a storm). You can also reasonably trim small branches with shears and do some minimal shaping if you are comfortable. For anything else, you’ll want to contact a professional provider to ensure you don’t accidentally damage your tree.

Need a Professional Hand to Help?

These tips should help you manage basic tree care on your own. However, if you want to make sure that your trees receive the best care, you should find a professional partner to assess their health and provide the necessary solutions.

Contact us at Premier Tree Solutions, where we provide pruning, cleanup, clearing, and other services that can keep your trees looking their best. Check out the rest of our website to take a look at our services and give us a call at 404-252-6448 to set up an appointment, or 404-569-8897 for any emergencies.

 

Celebrating Earth Day the Georgia Way!

We’re enthusiastic Earth Day supporters at Premier Tree Solutions, and this year we’re using April 22, 2022 as an inspirational launchpad. From home state resources to international influence, here are some tips for keeping trees in mind on Earth Day — and every day! 

Help Tree Organizations Grow

There are many amazing organizations dedicated to helping trees every day, and we’re lucky to have several right here in Georgia. Trees Atlanta and the Georgia Tree Council are two specific organizations you can support in a variety of ways, including by volunteering! Other organizations — including the Arbor Day Foundation, One Tree Planted and The Canopy Project — extend their fruitful branches of conservation work across the nation and the planet.   

Celebrate Earth Day Heroes

The Sierra Club heralds John Muir as “perhaps this country’s most famous and influential naturalist and conservationist.” Even though he lived and worked in the mid-1880s, his involvement in creating national parks at Mount Rainier, the Petrified Forest, and the Grand Canyon still impact us all today. Use Earth Day as a reason to explore some of his writings, which have inspired thousands to turn a new leaf when it comes to taking care of the environment. 

Wangari Maathai is another tree hero to celebrate on Earth Day and beyond. “[T]hrough the Green Belt Movement,” her Nobel Peace Prize biography explains, “she has assisted women in planting more than 20 million trees on their farms and on schools and church compounds.” 

If you’re more a comic book fan than a real-world historian, there are several earth-friendly heroes you can emulate — or even draw your own! 

And whether they are making large-scale environmental contributions to our community, or saving the world in smaller ways, we all know a hero or two. Take Earth Day to plant a tree in their honor like Mercedes-Benz stadium did in 2020. Or use the My Hero Project to post about them. 

Take a Tree Tour

Your own backyard or a local park can be a great place for a tree celebration. Take a stroll while keeping an eye out for a new leaf, blossom, branch or bit of bark you haven’t given much attention to before. Snap a photo and use online tools such as LeafSnap or the Plant.id website to learn more about them. You can also browse our library of Be A Georgia Tree Know-It-All posts to gain further knowledge on how to care for your own!   

If you’re up for a farther sojourn, plan a trip to visit the oldest tree in Georgia: The Big Oak in Thomasville, GA. This magnificent tree has a limb span of over 165 feet, and a trunk circumference almost 27 feet around. 

Stay On Top of New Tree News

Our knowledge of trees is ever-growing — just like they are. The Arbor Day Foundation, Georgia Forestry Commission, and Science Daily are three organizations that share tree news and opportunities for community involvement throughout the year. We keep on top of tree news in our own blog as well, including posts on whether trees can really talk to each other, how to care for them in each season, and how trees impact the environment. 

Our experts will continue to share new insights, care tips, and best practices with you, whether online or in person. Call us at 404-252-6448 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation and have your questions answered. 

Be a Georgia Tree Know-It-All: Tulip Magnolia

Each month, we feature some of the most popular trees in the state, including the American Hornbeam, Leland Cypress, and Sugar Maple.

Today, we will be highlighting the spring spectacle that is the Tulip Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana), also known as the Saucer Magnolia.

Characteristics

The name “Saucer Magnolia” will be clear once you view the spring blooms of these gorgeous trees. During early to mid-spring prepare to drink in a view of large blooms (up to 10 inches across!) in a variety of shades including white, pink, purple, and reddish-purple. The petals tend to cup around the center of the bloom, giving them a goblet or saucer-like appearance that inspired their name.

Magnolias are well known for their scent, and the Tulip Magnolia is no different. This special version has a lemon scent when blooming.

Tulip Magnolias can be expected to grow to around 20 to 30 feet tall. Their growth rate is considered medium, with height increasing typically around 13 to 24 inches per year. With their distinctive blooms and a spread of around 25 feet, the Tulip Magnolia is a tree that is sure to draw attention. Though they don’t provide much shade, for landscaping accents with memorable imagery and a tantalizing scent, the Tulip Magnolia is among your best options.

Growing Conditions

When deciding where to plant a Tulip Magnolia, there are some soil conditions to consider. Tulip Magnolias specifically prefer soils that are acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, and well-drained. Clay soils can also be tolerated.

Tulip Magnolias have a fairly wide range where they can reliably grow: across Hardiness Zones 4 – 9. Zones 6 – 9 are found across Georgia, so the Tulip Magnolia is right at home here.

In terms of sun exposure, the Tulip Magnolia is a tree that needs a full amount. Ideally, six hours of direct unfiltered sunlight are required for this tree each day.

Tree Care

One benefit to Tulip Magnolias besides their beauty and fragrance is their ease of maintenance. Not much intensive care will be required, and pruning will be limited to dead or crossing branches. More pruning can be done for aesthetic reasons, but in terms of upkeep, not much should be necessary.

Another reason Tulip Magnolias are so highly regarded is that they are a hardy species. They are found to be mostly pest-free and are even known for their pollution tolerance. While not a hyperbolically drought-resistant species, they can tolerate moderate droughts. With regular weekly watering to keep the soil moist, plus covering the rooted area with mulch to seal in moisture, Tulip Magnolias are a durable as well as a beautiful tree.

Signs of Distress

One important thing to note with Tulip Magnolias is their thin bark. Consider this when doing other yard work in the area, as even weed cutters could do significant damage to the tree.

Another recurring issue to look out for is frost. The delicate blooms of Tulip Magnolias are highly susceptible and will blacken if frosting occurs.

Also, during more extreme bouts of heat, watering should be increased from weekly to more frequently to combat the rising temperatures.

Contact Us

For assistance with maintaining these lavish landmarks, you can call Premier Tree Solutions at 404-252-6448. Alternatively, visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Be a Georgia Tree Know-It-All: Yoshino Cherry

Each month, we feature some of the most popular trees in the state, including the Paperbark Maple, Sugarberry Tree, and Eastern Redbud. 

Today, we are shining a spotlight on the crown jewel of flowering cherry trees, the Yoshino Cherry (Prunus × yedoensis), also known as the Japanese Flowering Cherry.

Characteristics

The Yoshino Cherry tree is known for its elegance and splendor. Of all the flowering cherry trees, this one is surely the standout, boasting an abundance of white-pink blossoms that bloom during a memorable two-to-three-week period in springtime.

In fact, the Yoshino is often the star of National and International Cherry Blossom Festivals, including some in Macon! On top of their beautiful appearance, they are also known to produce a light almond fragrance.

Yoshino Cherry trees typically grow to 40-50 feet, at a rate of around 13 to 24 inches a year. Meanwhile, their spread can reach around 25 to 40 feet. These trees are chosen for their spectacle, so if you want to turn heads, consider this for your next landscaping project.

Since they are highly ornamental, you can make the most out of these trees by placing them as the main spotlight of your yard, or along streets or decks where they can provide shade as well as knockout beauty.

Growing Conditions

The Yoshino Cherry accepts a variety of soil conditions, including acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils. This soil-forgiving tree does, however, prefer moist soil.  

The Yoshino tree can also reliably grow in Hardiness Zones 5-8 (North Georgia is in Zone 7). Although partial shade is permissible, they grow their best in a setting with full sun. At the very least, your Yoshino Cherry tree should receive four hours of direct sunlight a day.

Tree Care

Heavy pruning isn’t necessary to maintain the Yoshino, but if you notice dead or crowded branches, hand pruning may help. It is best to prune during the summer months after the tree has reached full bloom, so that you don’t risk trimming away any flower buds.

Even though relatively easy to grow, the Yoshino and other ornamental cherry trees are known for their relatively short lifespan. You can expect them to thrive for approximately 15-20 years, though some have much longer lifespans. The cherished and well-protected Yoshino Cherry trees in Washington D.C., for example, were originally gifted by the Mayor of Tokyo in 1912, and are thriving to this day! 

Signs of Distress

While Yoshino Cherries have some drought resistance, it is best to keep them in moist soil. Avoiding extremely hot or cold weather is also important for the health of your Yoshino, and they generally do not do well in cold climates.

Insects — including scale, aphids, and mites — can be a large problem for these lovely trees. Neem and horticultural oil, as well as insecticidal soap, are all great options to help keep these pests at bay. Tent caterpillars and cankerworms may also prey upon your Yoshino Cherry, but luckily there are some organic pesticides that can help treat these issues.

In the case of more intense infestations, consult with a tree professional before administering a heavier pesticide, to make sure you don’t damage the tree, surrounding soil, or the rest of your lawn. 

You can also prevent insect predators by minimizing the amount of mulch touching the trunk of your tree. Though mulch is good for helping to lock moisture in the surrounding soil, it can contribute to disease and infestations if improperly placed.

Contact Us

To ensure your Yoshino is ready for the spotlight, you can call Premier Tree Solutions at 404-252-6448. You may also schedule maintenance through our website.

How Trees Protect Wildlife

Aside from providing shade and greenery on warm days, trees are constantly busy at work benefitting our ecosystem and environment, in part by converting carbon dioxide to oxygen, and removing pollutants from the air we all breathe. 

But trees aren’t only beneficial to humans — they’re also vitally important to wildlife. No matter their place in the ecosystem, there is a multitude of species that depend on trees for survival. Here we’ll get to the root of why, and explain how. 

Trees Keep Animals Cool

There are many examples of how people enjoy and appreciate a tree’s cooling shade. But animals also have to use trees to stay cool, particularly as the temperatures in their environment rise. 

Combined in a forest environment, trees’ leaves and branches create an insulating canopy and protect the ground below from excessive heat by absorbing and reflecting solar radiation. This keeps animals safe from extreme hot or cold temperatures. Koalas (and possibly other tree-dwelling animals) also directly use trees to keep their body temperatures lower. 

Trees may also be a means by which some species can better adapt to the increasing temperatures of climate change. According to a 2018 study published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, mountainous forests may allow tree-climbing animals “to bypass temperature constraints imposed by geography by virtue of where they live, which could lead to broader distributions and greater resilience to climatic change and variability as compared with ground-dwelling species.”

Wildlife’s Bountiful Buffet

As humans, we depend on a wide variety of food from trees like apples, oranges, bananas, coconuts, avocados, and pears. Birds, squirrels, deer, and many other wildlife also enjoy the plentiful nuts, fruits, and berries provided by trees. But trees provide other kinds of food for wildlife that we might not even consider, including twigs, leaves, and even bark! 

Even after a tree’s lifetime, they continue to be an important part of the food chain. Decaying logs provide food for decomposers, such as worms, snails, millipedes and fungi who, in turn, provide food for larger animals like birds. The process of decomposition also provides essential nutrients to the soil, which fosters growth for more trees — and more food for wildlife.

Home Sweet Home

Many mammals, including spider monkeys, flying lemurs, squirrels, sloths, orangutans, and raccoons are lifelong tree-dwellers or depend on trees for shelter. Several birds also build their nests high up to stay safe from predators, protect their unhatched eggs, and take care of their offspring before they are ready to fly. Cavity nesters, such as woodpeckers and bluebirds like to form nests in holes that they find or make inside trees themselves — even those that have fallen or are dead. Trees are also sources of food and shelter for several insects, reptiles, and amphibians — including and especially Georgia’s state amphibian: the green tree frog.

The caring relationship between wildlife and trees goes both ways, however. As trees provide animals with food and shelter, wildlife also helps trees survive by spreading seeds, pollinating flowers, and keeping tree-destroying pests in check!

You can help your own trees thrive with Premier Tree Solutions. Honor all that your tree does for the environment and wildlife by calling 404.252.6448 or reaching out to us for quality care and a free assessment.

Be a Georgia Tree Know It All – Canadian Hemlock

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, including the Devilwood tree, Butternut, and Two-Winged Silverbell tree. This month, we’re showcasing the Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis). This is a tree the Arbor Day Foundation describes as “handsome and graceful,” and we couldn’t agree more!

Characteristics

This evergreen is a good addition to your landscape in groups or to provide privacy when planted two feet apart to form a hedge. Also known as the Eastern Hemlock, this medium sized tree was traditionally used by Native Americans to brew a tea high in vitamin C, then first cultivated by European gardeners around 1736. It typically grows between 40 to 70 feet at a rate of 12-24 inches per year. Mature trees reach an average spread of 25 to 35 feet, but these evergreens vary in height — the tallest reaching 100 feet!

Canadian Hemlocks can be trimmed and shaped to any formation or height, but naturally grow in a pyramid-like Christmas tree shape. The forest green needles are soft and feathery, and the small brown seed cones are 1/2 to 1 inch long, hanging like ornaments from the boughs. The trees serve as a perfect habitat for deer, songbirds, and species of warblers who use them for nesting.

Growing Conditions

The Canadian Hemlock survives in various conditions, growing well in hardiness Zones 3-8 (Atlanta, GA is in Zone 7). This tree is relatively robust, but it’s intolerant to pollution, so plant it away from any street traffic.

In general, this stately tree prefers moist, well-drained acidic soil, but will tolerate alkaline sod. It is not resilient in drought conditions, wind, or soggy soil, however; so be sure to protect it from flooding, heavy wind, and provide extra watering in dry seasons.

Once established, seedlings will overshadow invasive pioneer species and become dominant.

Tree Care

It’s best to place these stately trees in a site with a mix of shade and sun exposure. A healthy tree needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day.

Thanks to its robust structure, however, the tree requires little to no pruning. With the right amount of sunlight, properly drained soil and protection from pests, its durability allows it to live up to 300 years and in some cases could even live up to 800 years.

Signs of Distress

Sun scorch is possible when temperatures climb above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or if your tree suffers too much harsh sun exposure. Winter burn is also possible after strong, bitterly cold winds or ice storms.

When it comes to intruder infestations, spider mites can be a major potential threat. Look for bleached-out or discolored needles, and treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. A tree expert can help with these destructive mites, as well as bagworms, needle blight, and hemlock scale — all which may impact your Canadian Hemlock.

In overly wet environments, root rot can also be a common problem. Slowed growth is a major symptom, as well as discolored needles and branch dieback. Once infected, many evergreens die from this condition, but a tree specialist may advise on antifungal treatment or soil transplants. To prevent root rot, be careful not to overwater, and provide ample drainage when planting.

Contact Us

To give your Canadian Hemlock (or any of your other trees) the life they deserve, call Premier Tree Solutions at 404.252.6448 or visit our website to schedule regular maintenance.

A Year-Long Guide to Taking Care of Your Trees

Once again, it’s time for your New Year’s Tree Solutions, for 2022 and beyond! This year-long guide provides a general list of tree care chores to keep your trees healthy and regal. For more specific information on certain species, visit our Georgia Tree Know-It All series, to give unique types the individualized attention and care they deserve.

As you get into a routine with your trees, this list of seasonal maintenance duties will come in handy.

Winter

Tree pruning should be completed from November through March when tree growth is dormant. Proper tree pruning involves several different methods:

  • Cleaning requires you to cut off branches that are dead, dying, or ready to fall off the tree.
  • Thinning involves cutting some branches back to the trunk.
  • Reduction decreases the tree’s height or weight.
  • Structural pruning is a combination of the other three methods.

In the case of extreme cold snaps, you may also want to protect younger saplings with burlap or flannel coverings — so be sure to have a supply ready.

Spring

Mulch during the spring season to protect your tree and plant roots from the sun and drought. Do so by May or June with layers that are 3 to 4 inches thick.

Other spring efforts involve creating new homes for insects, birds, and bats among your trees. Birdhouses, bat boxes, beetle banks, and flower gardens all create attractive habitats for natural pest-eaters.

If you choose not to mulch or haven’t blocked out time for it, remember to thoroughly weed around your tree roots. This keeps other plants from stealing your tree’s nutrients.

Summer

When there’s ample rain- and snowfall, watering isn’t necessary for trees most of the year. But droughts can be a major detriment to your tree’s health. During these dry periods, both your lawn and trees need a reliable supply of water. For prime moisture conservation on warm days, water in the early morning or after twilight.

Drip lines are an effective, slow approach to watering. But, a good old-fashioned water hose or bucket can also do the job. Keep in mind that different trees can have different moisture needs, so make sure to research each one before hauling out your equipment.

Fall

Mulch again on a dry day in October or November to protect your trees from the cold chill of winter winds, snow, and ice. Adding the right fertilizer to your tree’s soil during this time can also boost root health and provide nutrients for the spring.

Keep in mind that early fall is a great time to plant more trees, as it gives roots a chance to stabilize before they go dormant and prepare for a burst of spring activity. If you’re considering a new addition, now is the time to make it!

Premier Tree Solutions specializes in tree removal and pruning, branch clearing, debris removal, storm damage response and cleanup, stump grinding, and more. We are your partner in keeping your trees healthy and safe in every season of the year. Give us a call at 404.252.6448 to schedule a service or 404.569.8897 for an emergency.

How to Give a Present to Your Trees This Year

Just as every child wishes for a special present during the holidays, every tree has its own unique needs. If you can gift them with these five things, they will feel like they’ve gone on a re-tree-t for the holidays!

Fertilize Correctly

A growing tree needs food to thrive, just like people do. But use the correct type and amount, applied in the right way. Baby trees, for example, do not need fertilizer, as the harsh chemicals could kill them. A healthy, mature tree planted in rich soil might not need heavy fertilizing, either. Rather, add nutrients based on your tree’s environmental needs and progressive growth, with an emphasis on nitrogen.Trees showing abnormal leaf size or color, or a lag in growth rate, may be telling you they could use an extra boost in this department. 

The best time of the year to apply fertilizer is late August through September, when temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold. If you miss late summer fertilizing, the second-best time for this feeding is in early spring. You can also help your trees out by fertilizing when there is drought or signs of water stress.                                            

Shield Them From the Wind

Many trees (especially evergreens) are beloved for their effective ability to shield people and structures from the wind. But some trees need a bit of a windshield themselves! Grow your trees in sites that are guarded from gusty winds in winter, or where they have protection from another, bulkier tree. 

Give Them Adequate Water

Every plant needs thorough watering to survive, but especially trees. Before watering, test your soil with a trowel, finger, or soil probe to determine if it is dry. Water-deprived soil is difficult to penetrate, while moist soil is easy to turn. When necessary, water your trees deeply once a week, by leaving a garden hose slowly running around the tree’s drip line. If operating at medium pressure, your hose can produce 10 gallons of water in five minutes. 

Provide Proper Planting Space

Tree-planting novices aiming only for aesthetics might be tempted to plant trees too close together or too close to homes. In these cases, trees aren’t given the room they need to spread their branches. Note that planting a tree which typically grows to a 20 to 30-foot spread only 10 feet from your house will position it a little too close for comfort, so research how big your tree type might grow. Then give it that amount with some room to spare.   

Stay in your Region/Location

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Guide provides gardening enthusiasts and farmers with a quick reference that helps them know which crops and plants will grow best in their area. It takes into consideration key factors such as minimum temperatures, average soil pH, and climate moisture levels. Paying attention to these environmental elements, and the needs of your trees will help both you and your trees thrive. 

For a gift that keeps on giving, contact Premier Tree Solutions to show your trees that you care! We offer quality tree services from removal and pruning, to storm damage and cleanup. Call us at 404.252.6448 or book an appointment online to find out how we can help.