Month: December 2017

Holiday traditions vary from family to family, but the Christmas tree has been a long-standing symbol in American culture. Of course, that wasn’t always the case. Most of the first settlers would have thought it was strange to have an evergreen tree inside!  There are a lot of different stories surrounding this history, though a few things are for certain. For one, today it doesn’t matter what kind of tree you decorate in your home. Whether you’re loyal to live pine trees or you keep things easy with a decorative faux tree, the story of Christmas tree history is pretty interesting when you take a closer look.

Origins of the Tradition

Decorating homes with evergreen boughs has been customary since ancient times. From the early Romans using evergreens to Ancient Egyptians hanging green palms, the symbol has long held meaning for various cultures. Families would often celebrate the winter solstice with this type of greenery. Hanging boughs in the home and around entryways was meant to be an inspiring reminder that spring and summer would return once again.   Although wintertime greenery was popular in many areas around the world, the country with the biggest role in the tree as we know it today is Germany. Known as the Tannenbaum, the Christmas tree story for Germans typically dates back to the 16^th century. It was during that time that Christian families started associating the decorative trees with the birth of Christ.

Coming to America

From Germany, the Christmas tree was eventually brought to America. Though it did take some time to catch on. Some accounts suggest that German settlers in Pennsylvania had a tree on display in the 1830s. Another story also dates to the mid-1830s. But in that version, the tree was set up by a Harvard professor in his Cambridge, Massachusetts home. Both sound likely enough since the tradition was common in Germany. The rest of the nation just needed a little more inspiration before adopting the tradition as their own.

Growing Acceptance

Fast forward to 1846. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are often credited with popularizing the Christmas tree to those outside of Germany. The spark was pretty straightforward. Because Albert was German, the royal family posed for a sketch in front of a decorated tree at Windsor Castle. That image was later published in the Illustrated London News. As the news spread, it helped popularize the tradition both in Britain and in the fashion-forward society in New England.

Current Popularity

As time progressed, another trend started to emerge. While Europeans preferred having a Christmas tree that was smaller (around 4 feet tall), Americans tended to like trees that were bigger. By the 1890s, it wasn’t unheard of to have trees that stretched all the way to the ceiling. It’s a decorating style that we still see today!  Size does vary according to personal taste from home to home, but the bottom line is that the Christmas tree enjoys near universal popularity.  Almost every home (and some businesses too) in America will have a Christmas tree this year.

As you tend to your Christmas tree inside, don’t forget to peak at your blue spruce, pine, and fir trees outside. If you start to have problems with your outdoor trees, be sure to give Ping’s Tree Service a call at 317-298-8482. Our crew would be happy to consult with you on any tree issues you might notice. With our residential tree care services, your trees can remain healthy and beautiful all year long—even through winter.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

Whether you see trees interfering with power lines on your property or in the public right-of-way, it is important that you do not take matters into your own hands. When trees come in contact with power lines, they may break or bring the power lines crashing down. 72 Tree has seen this cause power outages in Alpharetta and notes these scenarios should be taken very seriously.

The trees are treated as seriously as the potential electrical hazard. The City of Alpharetta Tree Ordinance protects the city’s trees (both alive and dead) and imposes heavy fines for the unlawful cutting or removal of them.

Trees Interfering With Power Lines in the Public Right-of-Way

Alpharetta residents should report any tree on public property which poses a hazard to power lines by visiting Georgia Power or calling (888) 891-0938 and press option #2 – dangerous condition.

If storm-damaged limbs or a diseased tree has fallen and is obstructing the roadway, dial 9-1-1 (day or night) and provide as much information as possible for a swift and accurate response by emergency services. For occurrences in or on all other public property, contact the City of Alpharetta Arborist – David Shostak at (678) 297-6229.

Tree Branches Are Touching My Power Lines

When tree branches make contact with power lines, do not take any measures to correct the situation. Keep any and all ladders, equipment, and hands away from the tree and the power lines to avoid electrical shock.

In this situation, there are two options to safely have the situation mitigated:

Contact a tree professional properly licensed and trained to trim or cut the tree. Most professional tree services will make sure that the proper permits are acquired before starting any work.

Contact Georgia Power to advise of the tree and its potential danger. Georgia Power doesn’t attend to a single request on private property, typically they will cut and trim entire rows of trees. However, depending on the severity of the situation, they may respond or direct you to who can resolve the situation.

City of Alpharetta Ga Tree Ordinance

Specimen Trees – In the City of Alpharetta, specimen trees are provided special protection under the law. The damage, destruction or removal of these trees (dead or alive) without a permit may incur severe fines and penalties. There are also heavy replanting requirements when a specimen tree is lawfully removed. Contact the City arborist for further details regarding specimen trees at (678) 297-6229 or via email: [email protected]
 
Specimen tree size criteria is as follows:

Understory Trees – 8 inches DBH and greater

Overstory Trees – 24 inches DBH and greater

Pine Trees – 30 inches DBH and greater

DBH – “Diameter at Breast Height” is a standard measurement method of the diameter of the trunk of a standing tree. The diameter of the trunk is typically measured 4.5 feet above the ground (unless otherwise specified).

Tree Density Requirements – Tree density for single family residential property owners. The City of Alpharetta requires a minimum tree density on the property’s plantable area. Homes built prior to 1992, have a required minimum density of 20%. If built after 1992, a 30% minimum density is required.
 
For the determination of coverage for both understory and overstory trees, the City of Alpharetta provides a worksheet to accurately calculate the percentage. Questions on this matter should be directed to the City arborist at (678) 297-6229 or through email: [email protected] 

For complete tree removal requirements in Alpharetta Ga, visit www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/community-development/tree-removal

Seek Professional Advice Before Cutting or Trimming Your Tree

Before taking any action regarding trees in Alpharetta, seek the advice of an ISA Certified Arborist, tree cutting and removal service, or the City of Alpharetta’s Arborist Division. The potential cost of acting alone or out of haste is too great.

Always remember that when trees pose a hazard to life, taken down power lines, or have fallen and obstructed the road, stay clear of the affected area, do not drive over the power lines, and dial 9-1-1 for an immediate response.

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/power-line-interfering-trees-city-alpharetta-ga-ordinance/

Five Good Children’s Books About Trees

Giving gifts to children at Christmas-time can be a source of joy for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even family friends.  If you are considering what to give the kids in your life, books always make good gifts.  Even before they can read, children love to have books read to them.  Kids will often latch onto favorite books and request that parents read them over and over.  We’ve compiled a list of some good children’s books about trees that kids will enjoy and learn from.

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf  by Lois Ehlert

Kids love to learn about the world around them.  This book is perfect for teaching kids about trees and how they grow and change.  The simple words and brightly colored pages of Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf are appealing even to toddlers and small children.

Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall and Sheri Halpern

Books help kids make connections between themselves, the world, and other books.  Kids will gain a greater understanding of the nature they experience every day through this book.  The complex ecosystem of trees, plants, and animals will come to life as kids point and listen.  A recipe for apple pie is included in this book and offers an engaging activity to extend the opportunity to learn.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault

Kids can’t help loving Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.  And it’s as fun to read as it is to listen to.  The prominently featured coconut tree provides the background for an interesting way to review the uppercase and lowercase alphabet.  Don’t tell the little ones that this book is educational – its sing-song wording will have them chanting along and learning without even knowing it.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Books have the ability to teach more than just facts.  They can also teach listeners and readers about values.  The Giving Tree illustrates the value of sacrifice and selflessness is a very vivid way.  This book gives you an opportunity to shape the character of the kids in your life.

The Legend of the Three Trees by Catherine McCafferty

Making sense of the world is not always easy for adults, and it can be even more difficult for kids.  Great books can bring make the complexities of the world more easily understood.  The Legend of the Three Trees presents a vivid picture of God’s loving care for the world He created.  The message of this classic is timeless and comforting to kids growing up in a world that doesn’t always make sense.

Trees positively impact our lives in so many ways.  These books can help kids start to appreciate trees and all they provide for us.  We hope you have found this list helpful and that it gives you some good gift ideas for the kids in your life.  All of us at Ping’s wish you a Merry Christmas.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com