Successful plant growth starts with the right type of soil. There are many factors that can impact the quality of soil, which in turn affects plant life. In December, the United Nations highlights the importance of soil preservation through World Soil Day. In honor of this holiday, here’s what you should know about your soil.

Why Is the Right Soil So Important?

Soil composition can vary drastically, and each state has its own unique soil “recipe.” The volcanic ash found in Hawaii’s soil acts as an excellent base for papaya and macadamia nuts, for example, while the decomposed prairie grass of the Midwest is ideal fodder for corn and soy. Most soil, however, is primarily composed of a combination of sand, clay, and silt.

Whether you’re growing a single potted houseplant or planning out your entire landscape design, knowing which soil to use can help your plants thrive. In general, soil provides five functions that support plant growth:

• Keeping the roots in place
• Oxygenation (as the spaces between soil particles hold air)
• Water storage and delivery
• Temperature control
• Nutrient supply

While it may seem odd to purchase soil when there’s already plenty in your yard, in many areas, the native soil isn’t ideal for supporting a given variety of plant life. The fact is that most plants can benefit from some soil modifications..

A Guide to Selecting the Right Soil Type

Visiting the soil section in any lawn and garden center can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for guiding your decision when purchasing soil.

If You’re Planting in the Ground

Start by determining where you’ll be planting. Garden soils contain minerals and organic matter, which works best when you’re planting directly in the ground. In such cases, a blend of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss may be best. These materials have been heated to destroy potentially plant-damaging pathogens. They’re also free from weed seeds, which makes them well-suited for starting plants from their own seeds, when they’re in their most fragile state.

If You’re Planting in a Container

While garden soils are well-suited for planting directly into your landscape, they can become too saturated and compacted when used in containers. For potted plants, use potting soil, which leaves plenty of space for air and also provides nourishment.

Typically, potting mix contains: an organic component, such as compost, bark, or peat moss; an agent to help retain moisture, such as vermiculite or perlite; and, a combination of sand, limestone, and other nutrients.

If You’re Planting Special Species

Garden soil will support most plants in the ground, and potting soil meets the needs of many annuals and vegetables. But certain varieties of vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers may call for specific soil conditions. In these cases, there are specialty soils available that can help to ensure the plants receive optimal blends of nutrients. For example, a soil with shredded bark may help to keep orchids growing strong, since traditional potting soil may hold too much moisture for the flowers. Cacti and succulents may also benefit from a plant-specific potting medium.

Here at Premier Tree Solutions, we understand all of the elements required to help trees thrive from the ground up. Whether you’re seeking removal for an at-risk tree, or pruning services to help your trees stay safe and beautiful, turn to our specialists. To request an estimate, call (404) 353-6448 or reach out to us online.

Since July of 2017, we’ve been assembling a list of trees found in Georgia, and it’s grown substantially since we debuted with the Sugar Maple!  As we settle into fall (one of the best times of year for new planting), we wanted to gather this veritable forest of features in one place for you.

Please note that not every tree here is a Georgia native, but we’ve taken care to ensure that they do well in our area. Here are some of the factors to consider when deciding what to plant.

Loveliness with Longevity

If you’re in it for the long-haul, the Southern Live Oak may be one of our region’s most signature and stately selections. Plan ahead when planting, as they command a great deal of space both above ground and below, and can take 70 years to reach their full circumference.

The Shagbark Hickory is another magnificent species that can also take a few decades to mature, but it’s extremely adaptive and requires little fuss. The American Sycamore could be a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for a hearty hardwood that will fill out much more quickly.

Providing A Fancy Flourish

When it comes to a brilliant shower of springtime blossoms, there’s a reason the South is decorated with the Flowering Dogwood. This popular tree is also lovely in nearly every season, with lush green leaves in summer, and red-tinted foliage in fall.

If you’re looking for a real showstopper, the Yoshino Cherry is not only gorgeous, but also tolerant of most soils, as long as you keep it well-watered. For a differently distinct aesthetic in your yard, the Paperbark Maple adds uniqueness in both texture and color.

Mixed with Fruits and Nuts

Looking for a tree that provides more than shade or showiness? The Butternut Tree yields uncommonly delicious nuts enjoyed by people and animals alike. (But consult with an expert before planting to choose the best location and transplant time in order to properly care for their rapidly developing root system.) If you’ve got room on your property to keep it away from vulnerable plants, the Eastern Black Walnut is another tree whose nuts will please both your family, and the squirrels.

Beyond the popular peaches and apples we see in our state, if a fruiting tree is what you want, consider the Persimmon! This tree comes in two varieties that produce fruits of quite different flavors, but both can punch up what’s in your pantry.

Evergreen Excellence

Going green can be practiced in your yard all year long with these beauties. The Leyland Cypress is often a popular choice for a Christmas tree look, while the Canadian Hemlock grows its own adorable little pinecone ornaments. If your land can get a bit waterlogged, the Spruce Pine will allow you to enjoy some bushy green boughs without getting bogged down.

There are many more fantastic trees to grow and enjoy in Georgia, and our expert arborists can help you select and care for the ones that suit you best. Browse through all of our Georgia Tree Know-It All features, and then call (404) 252-6448, or request a consultation with us online.

• American Holly
• American Hornbeam  
• American Sycamore
• Black Cherry
• Black Locust Tree
• Butternut
• Canadian Hemlock
• Chaste Tree
• Dahoon Tree
• Devilwood Tree
• Eastern Black Walnut
• Eastern Cottonwood
• Eastern Hemlock 
• Eastern Redbud
• Eastern White Pine
• Evergreen Tree
• Flowering Dogwood
• Grancy Greybeard
• Green Ash
• Hawthorn Tree
• Honey Locust
• Japanese Cryptomeria
• Japanese Maple
• Lacebark Elm
• Laurel Oak
• Leyland Cypress  
• Loblolly Pine
• Longleaf Pine
• Ogeechee Lime Tree 
• Paperbark Maple
• Persimmon 
• Possumhaw
• Sassafras Tree
• Shagbark Hickory
• Slash Pine
• Sourwood Tree
• Southern Live Oak
• Southern Magnolia
• Spruce Pine
• Sugar Maple 
• Sugarberry Tree
• Sweetbay Tree
• Tulip Magnolia 
• Two-Winged Silverbell
• Umbrella Magnolia
• White Ash
• Willow Oak
• Yaupon Holly Tree 
• Yellow Buckeye
• Yellow-Poplar Tree
• Yellowwood Tree
• Yoshino Cherry

Spring tends to be the time of year when most homeowners start thinking about their landscape. But if you’ve spotted a problem tree during the winter months, there’s no need to wait for warmer weather to take care of it. In fact, there are a few compelling reasons why winter is an ideal time for tree removal, as long as you plan strategically. Here’s what you should know.

Why Have a Tree Removed in Winter?

Dormant trees have several characteristics which could make them easier to remove. For one, foliage is less of an issue, so it’s easier for tree care professionals to assess the structure of the tree and make precise cuts. Bare limbs are also lighter and easier to manage, making tree removal more efficient this time of year. With fewer leaves to worry about, post-removal cleanup is also less of a hassle.

Another reason to chop a tree in winter is that most homeowners’ lawns and gardens aren’t in bloom, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing surrounding plant life during its peak season. Plus, you can use the winter months to plan out how you’ll use your revised lawn space when it comes time for spring planting, whether it’s expanding your gardens, planting a new tree, or simply laying sod to add more grassy area.

There are also some circumstances for which tree removal simply cannot wait. Though many factors go into the decision to have a tree removed, according to experts from the University of Maryland, the following criteria could be considered dangerous and call for prompt attention:

• Leaning
• Proximity to power lines
• Severe trunk damage
• Damage to 50% or more of the tree
• Hollow trunk
• Many dead branches
• Trunk rot, fungus, or other disease that cannot be remedied
• Root system damage

If any of these factors are noticed or develop during the winter months, it’s best to schedule your tree removal from a certified arborist right away to minimize the additional risks that could be caused by any winter weather.

When Should You Cut Your Tree Down in Colder Weather?

Most deciduous trees are dormant in Georgia from late fall through the end of winter, between the months of November and March. Deciduous trees drop their leaves in fall and include certain varieties of maple, dogwood, magnolia, ash, gum, willow, cyprus, sassafras, birch, and walnut.

When it comes to evergreen trees, such as Virginia Pine, Loblolly Pine, Eastern Hemlocks, and Atlantic White Cedars, winter is still a good time of year for removal. Although these trees don’t have a seasonal leaf drop like their deciduous siblings, they still tend to have flowering seasons in the spring. Therefore their branches may be lighter and visibility may be greater in the winter months, when blooms aren’t a concern.

Whether it’s warm or cold outside, Premier Tree Solutions is here for all of your tree maintenance needs. To plan your removal this winter, contact us online or by calling (404) 252-6448.

Rainforest preservation may be a popular concern that crops up on your feed from time to time, but the significant role rainforests play in promoting life for all of Earth’s species isn’t always fully appreciated. Here’s a closer look at what these magnificent ecosystems do for the planet.

Where Are Rainforests Located?

The largest rainforests are located in the Amazon River Basin in South America, the Congo River Basin in western Africa, and in Nicaragua, Australia, and areas of Southeast Asia. In general, these areas of complex biodiversity are located in areas close to the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. But other “temperate” rainforests exist across the globe — including one in Alaska.

What Do Rainforests Do?

Regulate the Climate

In general, trees remove carbon dioxide and store it in their leaves, stems, and roots during photosynthesis. Due to their extreme density of trees and plants, rainforests absorb tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide from the earth’s atmosphere. This is important, because excess carbon dioxide is a heat-trapping gas that contributes to warming of the planet and resulting climate change. According to NASA, “Human activities have raised the atmosphere’s carbon dioxide content by 50% in less than 200 years.”

Even the world’s largest rainforest in the Amazon has now potentially become a carbon producer, due to factors like wildfires purposely set to clear land for industry and agriculture. But research indicates natural climate solutions such as rainforest conservation and restoration could still provide up to a third of the global climate mitigation needed to reduce global warming.

Store Freshwater

Rainforests essentially act like a huge sponge, and are suspected to store more than half of the earth’s rainwater. But they also give that water back to us. All trees draw water from the ground to sustain themselves, and release excess back into the atmosphere. By this process, the vast number of rainforest trees actually create clouds, resulting in rain that falls all across the globe. Scientists have discovered that even rainfall in the U.S. Midwest is influenced by the Congo’s rainforests, and moisture that cycles through the Amazon can become rainfall in Texas.

Provide Habitat for Wildlife

Although rainforests cover just three percent of the earth’s surface, they contain more than half of the planet’s terrestrial species. They are home to a staggering 30 million species of animals and plants, and at least two-thirds of the entire species of all life on Earth. Many of these animals are endangered, including jaguars, giant otters, Amazon river dolphins, and hyacinth macaws. Preventing extinction is critical to keeping the ecosystems of the rainforest within balance.

Supply the Global Pharmaceutical Market

While more than 40,000 plants have been scientifically classified in the Amazon rainforest, many remain yet unknown. Of those that have been studied, several have important medicinal properties. For example, the Quechua people — an indigenous group living in Peru and Bolivia — discovered quinine in the bark of rainforest trees. Though you may think of quinine as just an extra ingredient in tonics for G&Ts, it’s actually a muscle relaxant and also the first medicine used to effectively treat malaria.

The rainforest is also home to vincristine and vinblastine, which are derived from flowers found in Madagascar. These anti-cancer drugs were first used to treat diabetes and were later found to help stop cancer cells from dividing.

With so many yet-undiscovered species in the world’s rainforests, who knows what other medical miracles we may continue to find?

While the trees that scatter our lawns don’t have the ability to grow wild like those in the rainforest, they still deserve careful tending. If your property needs tree maintenance, request a free assessment from us online or by calling (404) 252-6448.

We know trees are great for wildlife and improve your home property value in more ways than one. We also know that pollinators (especially bees) support Earth’s ecosystems in essential ways. But what’s behind the relationship between bees and trees (aside from the fact that they rhyme)? And how do trees beneficially impact our famously busy friends?

Trees Provide Food and Nutrients

Perhaps most importantly, the nutrients in the nectar and pollen of some trees’ flowers provide the food bees need, as well as the raw materials for making honey.

Though many people focus on planting flower gardens to attract these pollinators, trees provide an abundance of blossoms in one place. In fact, bees may be able to gather as much food from a single tree as they could from an entire field of wildflowers. Especially for those with minimal yard space, trees will have the honeycombs humming with five-flower reviews from all of your block’s bees.

If you want to set up a bountiful buffet for your neighborhood buzzers, here are some bee-friendly trees that you can consider:

• Red or Japanese Maples
• Fruit trees, including
  • Apples
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Cherries
  • Crabapples
• Crepe Myrtles
• Sourwood
• Summersweet
• Flowering Dogwood
• Southern Magnolia

Give Bees Shelter

When asked the question, “Where do bees live?” most of us may leap to answer, “Beehives, of course!” After all, that’s where Winnie the Pooh went looking for his honey. (And yes, bears really do love honey, though they feast on the rest of what’s inside the hives too.)

But in truth, over 70% of North American bees actually nest underground.

For those that live above ground however, trees are essential for shelter — particularly after the trees are dead. When birds go after insects that have burrowed into dead wood, the holes they create make perfect little shelters for cavity-nesting bees to lay their eggs. Many tunnel-nesting bees bore directly into the dead wood, which means you may consider leaving dead branches or logs alone, unless they become a safety hazard. Tree hollows also provide excellent homes for bee colonies, as their thick walls shield against extreme heat and cold.

But the trees in your yard can protect bees even if they aren’t living there. Strong winds can easily blow foraging bees far from home. Evergreen conifers like the Canadian Hemlock can provide an excellent windbreak, keeping your bees where they belong.

Besides directly providing housing or protection, trees help bee colonies stay healthy in another way. Sap and resin from trees supply important ingredients for propolis: a material bees make to secure, waterproof and sterilize the inside of the nest — shoring up the shelter to protect their eggs.

Bees are one of the most important pollinators when it comes to producing our food. In fact, one out of every three bites of food we eat is the result of pollination. For help maintaining your trees — or guidance on planting new ones — in order to support your neighborhood bee population, call (404) 252-6448 to speak to one of our experts. You can also schedule a consultation with us online.