Appalachian Tree Service

Everything You Need to Know about Caring for a Live Christmas Tree

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 15:13:00 GMT

But there are a few things to know when choosing a live tree for the holidays. It’s important to know how to care for the tree, warning signs to look for and how to dispose of the tree at the end of the season. Consider our tips for caring for your live Christmas tree this holiday season:

How to Care for Your Christmas Tree

After making a fresh cut, be sure to find a spot in your home that not only shows off your tree, but is away from heat sources such as a fireplace or wood stove. Also, make sure your tree doesn’t block any HVAC vents.

Immediately, set up your tree stand and fill the base with water to ensure your tree lasts the whole season. When it comes to decorating your tree, use only UL-approved electrical decorations and extension cords, and check to make sure no cords have frayed since last year.

It’s important to monitor your tree’s water intake each day. A fresh cut tree could absorb a gallon of water the first 24 hours and often a quart a day after that. Maintaining a steady water level prevents the tree from drying out.

How to Look for Warning Signs

Though beautiful and fragrant, live Christmas trees do post a risk if they become dry. Be on the lookout for dry needles, drooping boughs and a loss of fragrance. These are all warning signs that your tree has become too dry. When you water your tree, ensuring that the water level doesn’t go below the tree base will help to mitigate dryness.

Because trees are highly flammable, especially when dry, it’s important that you only use UL-approved electrical lights on your tree. It’s also a good habit to unplug your tree when you leave your home or when you go to bed at night.

How to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree

It’s important not to burn your Christmas tree in your fireplace or a wood stove after the season ends. The sap in many trees can flash or create a chimney fire. It’s best to recycle your live Christmas tree.

Appalachian Tree Service of Atlanta will pick up your tree at your curb for a cost of $75. Simply call us at 404-409-9926 to schedule a pick up day.

Also, many city works programs will pick up trees curbside, some boy scout troops will pick up trees and many Home Depot stores allocate certain live tree drop off dates in January. If you live in Georgia, check out your options for recycling, broken down by city, zip code or county: www.pickyourownchristmastree.org/GeorgiaTreeRecyclingDisposal.php . Or, if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, consider these ways to safely recycle your live tree on your own: www.pickyourownchristmastree.org/disposing.php#other .

From all of us at Appalachian Tree Service of Atlanta, we wish you and yours a merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season.

Tree Care Tips for Upping Your Curb Appeal

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 11:03:00 GMT

The housing market in Greater Atlanta is on the uptick as interest rates have lowered. Whether you’re looking to buy a new house, sell your home or simply stay put, upping your property’s curb appeal adds long-term value.

Here are our tips for upping your property’s curb appeal:

With proper tree care and landscape maintenance, you can not only increase your home’s curb appeal, but also increase the value of your property and help you to sell it faster.

As always, if you need any expertise when it comes to your trees, contact Appalachian Tree Service of Atlanta at 404-409-9926.

Review this Tree Checklist before Buying a New Home

Wed, 01 May 2019 19:21:00 GMT

If you’re currently house hunting, you need to think about more than just the home itself before putting an offer on a property. The last thing you need to worry about after closing day is problem trees.

If you’re out looking at houses this spring and summer, run through this checklist as you inspect your potential property’s trees.

Tree Checklist for a New Property

If you answer yes to any of these red flags, it’s a good idea to have a tree professional walk the property to inspect the trees. Besides pointing out potential problems, a tree expert can also show you which trees are healthy and thriving. If the property you’re considering purchasing has healthy trees in the yard, it will give the property greater value by providing more shade, saving on energy costs and increasing curb appeal.

As a buyer or a seller, if you need professional help with trees, contact Appalachian Tree Service of Atlanta at 404-409-9926.

How to Prep Your Trees for Spring Growth

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 19:38:00 GMT

Now that you’ve taken the time to check on the health of your trees , it’s time to set them up for optimal growth this spring. As you’re preparing your property for spring, be sure to clean the area around the base of your trees. Rake away dead leaves, pick up sticks and pull up weeds.

Mulching

Adding mulch around a tree not only helps to keep weeds at bay, but the mulch also helps to hold water in, which is important going into hot summer months. When mulching your trees, lay down 3-4 inches of mulch spread out toward the base of the tree canopy. Be sure the mulch is level and does not touch the base of the tree.

Watering or Irrigation

Though the greater Atlanta area has had much rainfall the past few months, it’s important to make sure your trees get ongoing water as we head toward summer weather. Many commercial properties and some homeowners use irrigation systems to keep trees and plant-life nourished. If you are watering yourself, make sure you water younger trees closer to the trunk and older trees farther from the trunk since the root system is expanded.

Pruning

Strategic pruning is crucial for new tree growth. Early spring is great for pruning because you can get a better feel for the shape of the tree without full leaf canopy getting in the way. For smaller trees, cut off old or diseased branches, as well as any limbs that are rubbing against each other. For larger trees, call a professional such as Appalachian Tree Service of Atlanta. We can help to stabilize your tree as well as shape future growth.

Deep Root Fertilization

Fertilizing your trees in the spring will give them a boost to help with new growth. The process of deep root fertilization helps strengthen tree health by applying nutrient-rich fertilizer directly to tree root systems to encourage growth and provide greater stability.

Prepping your trees for spring growth is important for their overall health as well as aesthetics. If you need any help getting your trees into spring shape, contact Appalachian Tree Service of Atlanta at 404-409-9926.

Tips for Spring Tree Care in Georgia

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 16:32:00 GMT

On March 20, it’s officially spring! Look around you and you’ll notice more green sprouts and budding flowers and trees. Though spring is a time for regrowth, there are a few things you need to watch out for when it comes to your trees. Check out Appalachian Tree Service of Atlanta’s tips for spring tree care in Georgia:

Inspect Trees for Dead Branches

Now is the time to check to make sure your trees and their limbs have leafed out. Look out for dead branches, which are not only hazardous to your tree but also anyone or anything that may be beneath your trees.

Check Soil Beneath Your Trees

Georgia has seen a tremendous amount of rain this year and we know that springtime is also a big rain and storm season for our area. Be sure to check the soil beneath your trees to ensure it is stable and that you trees’ roots are secure.

Inspect Trees for Disease

Early spring is the time to check your trees for insects, fungi and diseases, which can cause stress for your trees. Be sure to even inspect tree roots to ensure your trees are strong and secure.

Consider Deadwooding

Spring is a great time to begin preparing your yard for summer. You start landscaping by thinning or removing deadwood. Just be sure avoid pruning any spring-flowering trees.

If you’d like professional help with your trees, contact Appalachian Tree Service of Atlanta for a free quote at 404-409-9926.

Finance Your Tree Job with Monthly Payments

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 16:10:00 GMT

If your property needs tree work but you’re apprehensive about the costs, Appalachian Tree Service of Atlanta Inc. now offers financing for tree projects of $1,000 or more. Instead of postponing the essential tree work your property needs, you can get it all done at once and pay for it over time with low, fixed monthly payments.

The good news is that pre-qualification doesn’t affect your credit and you can get pre-qualified in minutes and funding in as soon as 24 hours. And if you have a little more cash in your spending budget for the month, you can pay off your tree job early and there are no prepayment penalties.

Want to learn more? Visit www.appalachiantreeservice.com/financing .

3 Reasons Why Winter is the Best Season to Prune Trees

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 19:37:00 GMT

Winter can make for long cold dark days, but it also provides some benefits when it comes to your trees. Trees are dormant in the winter—meaning they aren’t actively growing—and the leaf canopy is bare, which makes it easier for tree service companies such as Appalachian Tree Service of Atlanta to better assess the state of your trees.

The goal of pruning is to create strong, healthy trees. And believe it or not, pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. At Appalachian Tree Service, we partner with our customers to create a holistic tree care approach that balances structural integrity and aesthetics.

If you’re wondering why we always encourage our customers to have tree pruning done in the winter, here’s our top 3 reasons:

1. Stimulates New Growth

Winter is the perfect time for tree pruning if you want to see a burst of new growth in the spring. Not only will your trees experience growth, but the grass and shrubs surrounding your trees will benefit from additional sunlight as well.

2. Prepares Trees for Winter Weather

Pruning trees in the dormant season also helps prepare your trees for winter weather. Historically, Georgia experiences the harshest winter weather in February. So having your trees pruned now to remove dead, diseased or damaged wood will help ensure they hold up during snow or ice storms.

3. Helps to Prevent Diseases

Winter pruning is also safer for your trees. Pruning during cold season allows tree wounds to close up faster with less risk of the invasion of fungal or insect-carrying diseases.

Remember, taking care of your trees now will help ensure they remain healthy for decades.

Contact Appalachian Tree Service of Atlanta for a free quote at 404-409-9926.

When Should I Call a Tree Service Professional?

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 18:40:00 GMT

Call a tree service company when trees are:

Appalachian Tree Service of Atlanta is a company you can trust with years of experience and a great track record for customer service. Call us today! 404-409-9926

5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tree Service Company

Thu, 20 Jul 2017 10:59:00 GMT

If you’re looking for a local tree service company to meet your needs, request a free quote online or call us today for a free estimate: 404-409-9926.

Soil compaction and tree health

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 03:27:00 GMT

Soil compaction can be devastating to trees. An ideal soil for root growth and development is about 50% pore space. These pores, the spaces between soil particles, are filled with water and air. When soil is compacted, the pore space between soil particles is greatly reduced. This reduces oxygen availability to roots and causes the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other gases. Root growth may be diminished, and the ability to absorb water and minerals could be decreased. Beneficial micro-organisms and associations such as mycorrhizae can be harmed. Soil compaction reduces water infiltration (movement of water into the soil) and percolation (movement of water through the soil) and impairs drainage. The ability of roots to grow and expand into compacted soils is also reduced.

(From the International Society of Arboriculture)

Many times when Appalachian Tree Service is called for arborist intervention

it is too late. The tree may be in an irreversible state of decline due to a combination of several factors including the soil condition. Only in some cases is it possible to correct these issues.

Call us for a certified inspection.

Should I fill in the cavities in my trees?

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 03:31:00 GMT

Treatment options to strengthen decay cavities or hollows are limited. Past practices involved removing the decayed wood and filling the cavity with various rigid fillers.

Currently, it is believed that filling cavities may do more harm then good. In addition, the fill material may not strengthen and support the tree as much as the new growth that develops around the wound.

If a tree has good vitality, it may maintain structural integrity by producing new wood around the injury. Removal of decayed wood from a cavity has little effect. However, if healthy wood tissues are damaged in the attempt to remove the decay, the tree’s ability to control the spread of decay may be reduced. In most cases, it is better to leave the cavity alone. If the cavity is large enough to compromise structural strength and there are targets present, the tree may need to be removed or pruned to reduce the size and weight supported by the weak area.

Production of new wood is important to tree stability, so ensuring favorable growing conditions for the tree is an important component of management. Ensuring good soil health, moisture, and aeration, and applying organic mulch are examples of good management practices to which trees may respond favorably and improve in condition

Should I fill in the cavities in my trees?

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 03:31:00 GMT

Treatment options to strengthen decay cavities or hollows are limited. Past practices involved removing the decayed wood and filling the cavity with various rigid fillers.

Production of new wood is important to tree stability, so ensuring favorable growing conditions for the tree is an important component of management. Ensuring good soil health, moisture and aeration, as well as applying organic mulch are examples of good management practices to which trees may respond favorably and improve in condition.

If you’re unsure of whether your hollowed tree is structurally sound, call us today for a consult: 404-409-9926.

My tree has decay, how do I know if it is going to fall?

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 03:31:00 GMT

Although arborists have tools available to measure how much sound and decayed wood is present in a tree, it is often less clear how much decay a tree can tolerate while still remaining a stable structure. Decay in trees is common, but not all decay is a reason for action. There are many variables that influence the stability of trees with decay. Some of these variables include tree and pathogen species; tree age and health; canopy architecture, height, and weight distribution; exposure to wind, snow, and ice; wood strength and toughness; root structure; and soil conditions.

The best thing for a homeowner or property owner to do is set up a tree hazard/tree risk assessment with an ISA certified arborist to give them a better idea of the tree’s structure. However, any tree can fail given the right conditions.

Tree health and structure-not the same!

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 03:30:00 GMT

When Appalachian Tree Service is called to look at a property, sometimes a tree will still have green leaves and the client assumes it is healthy. In realty, the tree has major structural weaknesses.

To keep a tree alive, often only a few thin layers of active xylem and phloem are needed; however, structural soundness requires a greater wood volume. Green, full-crowned, and essentially healthy trees can still fail due to structural defects

When is the right time to have my trees pruned?

Tue, 01 Dec 2015 03:30:00 GMT

This is definitely not a simple question and research can be conflicting. In many parts of the world pruning is done throughout the year. When making a decision regarding the care of valuable trees on your property, make sure to always consult a professional tree care company with an ISA certified arborist .

New research is starting to demonstrate that contrary to old methodology of pruning during tree dormancy, it may be better to do pruning on live branches in the late spring and early summer following a flush of growth after leaves harden and turn dark green. Research in Europe is suggesting that less stem decay occurs when pruning in the summer as compared to dormant season pruning.

However, during the initial flush of growth in the early spring trees have allocated a lot of energy to growth and may have depleted energy stores. This is especially true for trees that are already stressed. Bark and Cambium are easily damaged and separated from wood when pruning takes place during a growth flush during this spring growth because early xylem is gelatinous and slippery.

*Avoid pruning at times of low energy reserves, when a tree is stressed, and when soil is uncharacteristically dry or flooded. (An Illustrated Guide To Pruning-Gilman)

It seems that pruning during this time allows trees to seal wounds from the drying effects of air better due to active defense substances that depend on cell growth. Parasites have a hard time colonizing fresh-wounds when these defense compounds are active. Woundwood and callus wood are also formed during this time further slowing decay. An exception to this rule might be in desert climates where trees have low moisture content in the summer. This might also apply to late-summer or early-fall pruning where wood water content is low and disease causing fungal spore counts are high. This spore count remains high in warmer areas of the world even in the winter so the popularity of pruning during this time to reduce fungal infection may not be effective. This principle applies at anytime of the year if the area is experienced severe drought conditions.

Heavy pruning in the late summer or early fall can initiate a late season flush of growth and delay dormancy. This new growth has not been hardened off to the cold and can be damaged by early frost. In addition the cambium layer around pruning cuts at this time of year is more susceptible to dieback and the pruning wounds are more prone to cracking.

When heavy pruning is done in the late winter just before the spring growth flush, the tree is defense systems are activating but the large associated energy expenditure has not happened making it a good time.

As far as growth control, non-pruned trees grow the fastest. By removing live branches you are removing photosynthetic capability and energy reserves causing a dwarfing effect. If your pruning objectives are mostly pertaining to growth control, pruning trees just before the spring growth flush will encourage growth while pruning after this growth flush will slow growth.

“Only healthy, vigorous, young, or medium-aged trees should be pruned using this strategy. Pruning live branches from unhealthy old trees, including those impacted by construction activities, at a time of low energy reserves, during or just after the growth flush, could deplete them further of much-need energy reserves and energy producing tissues” (An Illustrated Guide To Pruning-Gilman)

Light pruning (removing less then about 10% of the foliage on medium-aged trees or 20% of the foliage of young trees) can be done most of the year as long as the branches being cut are small diameter.

Pruning in the dormant season is recommended on certain trees susceptible to diseases and insects (such as borers) in certain areas of the country. During the dormant season there is an overall reduction of inoculum. Avoiding pruning in wet conditions can lessen the change of fungal infection by reducing the vulnerability of freshly cut wood. Pruning during times when insect vector numbers are not as active is advised but varies by climate. For example, an insect vector may still be active in Georgia in November but in Wisconsin the insect vector and fungal pathogen is inactive. If pruning a tree that is already infected by a disease such as fire blight, avoiding wet conditions and pruning during the dormant season can reduce the spread of disease to other plant parts and other plants. In the growing season, pruning can open wounds that can start other infections. Avoid wet and warm weather when pruning infected trees. Pruning often by making small cuts is also a way to reduce the chances of infection.

Most fruiting trees are best pruned in the late winter just before bud break. This reduces the chances of winter related damage. However, Pears, apricots, and peach trees among other trees that are susceptible to bacterial canker should be pruned in late fall to avoid infection through pruning cuts.

For the desired multi-stemmed form on young ornamental trees, is is best if they are left un-pruned for 2-3 years to allow for rapid growth. Pruning lower limbs directly after planting can slow growth. If the tree is severely headed, the new shoots will be vigorous yet the overall growth of the tree will be slowed. To avoid having to head these trees to induce a fullness of crown, wait the recommended 2-3 years before pruning. After the third year, they can be pruned to their desired shape.

In conclusion, pruning recommendations have changed due to ongoing research, which includes conflicting research. This makes sense due to the fact that arborists deal with so many species of trees with different susceptibilities in different climates and environmental conditions. Arborists also work with trees of varying health and vitality. An arborist must use his expertise, and understanding of these factors while trying to meet their client’s expectations. This involves making the decision of whether or not the client’s needs can be met while maintaining a healthy tree.

Pruning Basics and why NOT to top trees!

Sun, 01 Nov 2015 03:29:00 GMT

Because each cut has the potential to change the growth of a tree, no branch should be removed without first establishing clearly defined objectives. Several pruning methods can be used to meet the desired objectives.

Removing the correct stems and branches to accomplish specific goals is as important as making correct pruning cuts. If the wrong branches, or too many branches removed, even if proper pruning cuts are used, nothing of merit has been accomplished.

Pruning goals must consider tree growth and development and the effects on the tree over the long term.

Objectives include:

Heading cuts are used on the trunk and/or large-diameter branches of trees to reduce height or spread. This substandard practice, called heading or topping, is not recommended because it damages trees permanently. Heading large-diameter branches causes many problems, including massive decay in many species and many dead branch stubs (Gilman and Know, 2004)

Here are some major problems directly related to heading (topping) trees in the landscape:

“If a tree needs regular pruning to keep it small, perhaps the wrong species was selected for the site” (An Illustrated guide to pruning third addiction, Edward F. Gilman)

Why leaves change

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 03:26:00 GMT

Why Leaves Change Every autumn we revel in the beauty of the fall colors. The mixture of red, purple, orange and yellow is the result […]

What is arboriculture?

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 03:29:00 GMT

The science of arboriculture studies how these plants grow and respond to cultural practices and to their environment. The practice of arboriculture includes cultural techniques such as selection, planting, training, fertilization , pest and pathogen control, pruning , shaping, and removal.

Risk management , legal issues, and aesthetic considerations have come to play prominent roles in the practice of arboriculture.

Arboriculture is primarily focused on individual woody plants and trees maintained for permanent landscape and amenity purposes, usually in gardens, parks or other populated settings, by arborists , for the enjoyment, protection, and benefit of human beings. It is therefore related to, but distinct from agriculture , horticulture , urban forestry , forestry , dendrology , and silviculture .

Should I fertilize my newly transplanted trees?

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 03:28:00 GMT

Because the root system of a newly planted tree is limited, fertilization is not always recommended at the time of planting. Excessive fertilizer salts in the root zone can be damaging and can lead to increased water stress. If fertilizer is used in the first growing season, application of a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer is suggested. Nitrogen stimulates root growth and may be beneficial when applied in conjunction with proper watering practices. Contact Appalachian Tree Service for an evaluation of your newly transplanted trees along with the other trees and plants in your landscape.

Diagnosis of Yoshino Cherry in Marietta, Georgia

Sat, 01 Aug 2015 03:28:00 GMT

Today Appalachian Tree Service was called out to look at a cherry tree that seemed to not be doing well and the homeowner was very concerned that they might lose the tree. Jesse Milton from Onebark, LLC . was with me today to help in the diagnosis process.

The tree was a 14” Yoshino cherry and was severely stressed. 50% of the stems were dead (2 out of 4). We identified ambrosia beetles in the trunk and possible evidence of Fire Blight. Infection was found (dead leaves, small splits in trunk around branch unions and lesion like bark splits along stems). We made a small cut into an old pruning cut on a suspected dead stem and found that the cortex was not green. There were brown leaves still attached to a few twigs and although it was tough to look for other symptoms of fire blight due to how dead the leaves were, we noted shepherd’s crook shape on the petioles.

Our recommendations:

1. Remove prune/remove the dead stems since the customer really wanted to keep the tree.

2. Water both trees with soaker hoses and use a pie pan to measure water application to accomplish 1” of water per week.

3. Mulch around the tree using wood chips

4. We will apply a trunk wash of Bifenthrin 23.1%, per label instructions, to both trees, once per year.

How does a tree defend itself?

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 03:27:00 GMT

Trees cannot actively fight or move away from harm, but that does not leave them defenseless. Trees have a number of features that serve as protection: thick bark, thorns, leaf hairs, thick cuticles, and any others. In addition, certain cellular materials may resist decay or may be indigestible by insects. Another defense mechanism is the production of chemicals that resist insect feeding, pathogen infection, or decay.

A developmental process unique to trees is the ability to compartmentalize, or “wall off,” decay. Compartmentalization is the process by which trees limit the spread of discoloration and decay. After a tree has been wounded, reactions are triggered that cause the tree to form boundaries around the wounded area. (From the International Society of Arboriculture)

www.isa-arbor.com

www.appalachiantreeservice.com

A couple tips to kill ivy on your trees

Fri, 01 May 2015 03:27:00 GMT

1. Use loppers to cut the big vines-once about a foot off the ground, and again about 2 to four feet higher. This ensures killing the ivy and reducing the chance of re-grafting.

2. Use a hand saw to remove the smaller sections of ivy

3. Let the ivy die and dry

4. Pull the ivy out of the tree-it might even fall out on it’s own.

If you follow these steps, you may reduce nutrient competition between the ivy and your tree along with reducing other problems associated with ivy. Also, you may reduce the chance of having to contact a tree service like Appalachian Tree Service in the event of a tree dying.

What is a stressed tree?

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 03:26:00 GMT

The basic factors that promote plant health include sufficient water, air movement, drainage, optimal temperature and light, and nutrient availability. Too much or too little of any of these elements can cause stress. Tree stress is a term used to describe any condition that causes a decline in tree health.

Early symptoms of stress might include reduced growth, abnormal foliage color, vigorous water-sprouting, or premature leaf drop. The most common causes of tree stress are related to site and/or environmental conditions.

(From the International Society of Arboriculture)

Lightning Protection For Trees

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 03:25:00 GMT

A bolt of lightning can destroy a tree in less than a second. Trees can be blown apart, stripped of their bark, or set on fire by lightning strikes. People or animals standing under a tree can be killed when lightning strikes the tree.

It has been observed over the years that some trees are more likely to be struck than others. Trees that stand alone in open landscapes, the tallest trees in an area, or trees standing on a hill have a higher probability of being struck by lightning.

Many circumstances warrant protecting a tree from lightning. Historic trees, trees of great economic value, or large trees within 10 feet of a structure are all candidates for lightning protection. Trees on a golf course or in a park where people seek refuge during a storm should be equipped with lightning protection systems.

A lightning protection system works by creating an alternate path (of lower resistance) for the electrical charge of a lightning strike to follow.

( From the International Society of Arboriculture )

www.appalachiantreeservice.com

Why and how to mulch for the health of your trees

Sun, 01 Feb 2015 03:25:00 GMT

Mulching is one of the most beneficial things that can be done for the health of a tree. Mulch can reduce water loss from the soil, […]

The Importance of Trees

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 03:23:00 GMT

Trees are one of our most important landscape features. They beautify and enrich our lives throughout the year with their variety of forms, flowers, fruits, […]