Month: April 2019

What if you could plant trees that take care of themselves, need little to no maintenance, and stay beautiful all year long?

Large deciduous trees can drop an overwhelming amount of leaves and leave you with hundreds of twigs, limbs, and branches to prune. By planting smaller evergreen trees, you’ll save time and energy that you can spend on other activities.

toddsmariettatreeservices.com gathered 5 of the best low-maintenance evergreen tree species to plant in your Marietta yard.

Marietta Georgia and the USDA Hardiness Zone Map

The city of Marietta, Ga is situated in zone 7b on the USDA Hardiness Zone Map. The city boasts a wide variety of deciduous and evergreen tree species comprising its incredibly robust canopy.

The following species were selected based on their ease of care, hardiness to zone 7b, and their flexibility of use in landscaping.

American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

This tall, pyramid-shaped elegant species is a common choice for windbreaks, accents for entryways, hedges, or single specimens. The American arborvitae requiring almost no care can reach heights of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet.

Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7, this species grows at a rate of 12 to 24 inches per year and adapts well to most well-drained soil types including loamy, sandy, and clay.

Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii)

This hybrid of Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and Alaskan cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) is a valued landscape tree as well as being one of the most sought after Christmas trees in the southeastern states. The Leyland cypress is a fast-growing pyramid shaped species that can reach heights of more than 60 feet with a spread of 15 to 25 feet.

Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 10, this species can grow more than 24 inches per year until reaching maturity and adapts perfectly to well-drained, moist, rich, alkaline, acidic, loamy, sandy, and clay soils.

Fully mature Leyland cypress trees typically grow a shallow root system and when planted in unsheltered conditions may topple in severe weather conditions.

Green Velvet Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Velvet’)

This broadleaf evergreen hybrid has the hardiness of Korean boxwood with the English boxwood’s deep green foliage. Commonly used as a low hedge, border, specimen, or accent, the green velvet boxwood is a slow growing, oval or round-shaped species that reaches 4 feet in height and width at maturity. This species is common in topiaries as it can be easily sheared into any form.

Well-adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, this species grows at a rate of under 12 inches per year and can thrive in a wide range of soil types but is intolerant of wet soil conditions.

The green velvet boxwood requires a location with full sun or partial shade and protection from strong wind, heavy snowfall, and winter sun.

Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)

With ground-sweeping branches, this graceful species grows exceptionally well on landscapes with water features. The weeping willow is a fast-growing low-maintenance species requiring occasional pruning and reaching upwards of 40 feet in height and a 35-foot spread.

This iconic species thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 8, the weeping willow is capable of growing at an annual rate of 2 feet and adapts to well-drained, moist, rich, alkaline, acidic, loamy, sandy, and clay soils.

While this species grows extremely well near water, it is drought tolerant and can be planted in most mid-sized and large landscapes.

Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

An ideal windbreaker, the Norway spruce is the fastest growing of the spruces. This species requires little to no maintenance and is capable of reaching heights of over 60 feet with a 25-foot spread at maturity.

The Norway spruce thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7 and can grow at an incredible rate of up to 2 feet per year. This species prefers full sun and is well-adapted to acidic, loamy, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils. With some drought tolerance, the Norway spruce can survive extended dry seasons with little to no harm.

While the Norway spruce grows in a compact pyramidal shape, it can take on an unkempt appearance as it ages.

Low-Maintenance Evergreen Trees

Spend less time maintaining your yard and more time enjoying its beauty by planting low-maintenance trees.

In this article, you discovered the growing traits and characteristics for the American arborvitae, Leyland cypress, green velvet boxwood, weeping willow, and Norway spruce species.

If you want to spend less time raking leaves, pruning trees, and managing soil pH levels, plant trees that take care of themselves and require minimal care.

Sources:
https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/
https://www.arborday.org
http://extension.uga.edu

The post 5 Best Low-Maintenance Trees for Your Marietta Yard appeared first on http://www.toddsmariettatreeservices.com.

Don’t accept a dull and monochromatic yard. Trees are awakening from their winter slumber and certain species will put on a stunning show of vibrancy and color.

Located in USDA hardiness zone 7b, Alpharetta, Ga is the perfect location for some of the most beautiful flowering trees the South has to offer. If your Alpharetta or Roswell yard doesn’t have one of these trees, you are missing out.

72tree.com gathered care and technical information for flowering dogwood, eastern redbud, and Carolina silverbell blooming tree species perfect for hardiness zone 7b.

Flowering Trees in Alpharetta

The following species are well adapted to the climatic conditions found in Roswell and Alpharetta, Ga. Before choosing a location and breaking ground, read this tree planting guide 72tree.com/tree-planting-guide/

Flowering Dogwood – Cornus Florida is a beautiful tree native to northeastern America, it is hardy in Zones 5 through 9 and flourishes as far west as Texas.

Mature specimens can reach heights of 30 to 35 feet with a crown wider than it is tall. This specimen is considered to be an understory tree with a year-round appeal as it flowers in the spring, maintains attractive foliage throughout summer and fall, and even has an appealing winter appearance.

• Flowering period is April through May with flowers lasting 10 to 15 days.
• Colors include white or pink flowers in spring, bright red fruit in late summer and fall, and light green (spring) dark green (summer) or reddish-purple (fall) foliage.
• Soil should be acidic and well-drained with considerable amounts of organic material.
• Mulch regularly to maintain cool, moist soil.
• Pruning activities should occur either in early or late winter while the tree is in a state of dormancy.
• Susceptible to boring insects, leaf spot, and anthracnose.

When a flowering dogwood must have 25%, or more of its crown pruned to remove an infestation or signs of disease, a certified arborist should be called to evaluate the tree and suggest the best course of action.

Eastern Redbud – Cercis canadensis is noted for being one of the first tree species to flower in the spring. Also native to northeastern America, like the flowering dogwood, it is hardy in Zones 5 through 9 and flourishes as far west as the lower great plains and Texas.

At maturity, the Eastern Redbud reaches heights of 15 to 30 feet with a crown that spreads 25 to 30 feet in diameter. Considered an understory tree, this deciduous specimen provides an incredible show when in bloom.

• Flowering period is March through May before leaf growth. Flowers bloom over the entire crown, creating a “tree of flowers.”
• Colors include pink to reddish-purple flowers, giving way to dark green heart-shaped foliage in late spring.
• Soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline and well-drained for best-growing conditions.
• Pruning activities should occur either in early or late winter while the tree is in a state of dormancy. Pruning helps to strengthen the tree’s structure and promotes its overall health.
• Susceptible to boring insects, redbud leaffolders, grape leaffolder, Japanese weevil, verticillium wilt, Botryosphaeria canker, and leaf anthracnose.

Wildlife tends to leave the Eastern Redbud as a last resort or emergency food source. The tree is fire tolerant, and roots typically sprout after a wildfire or fire-related disturbance.

Carolina Silverbell – Halesia carolina is a flowering understory tree which flourishes in Zones 4 through 8 and is popular for its clusters of white bell-shaped flowers

This species reaches a mature height of 30 to 40 feet with its crown reaching up to 35 feet in diameter, and has a rounded or vase-shape.

• Flowering period is April through May with flowers best observed from below as they hang from pendulous stalks in clusters of 2 to 5.
• Colors include white and sometimes rose flowers in spring, green fruit in late summer turning light-brown in fall, and dark green foliage that turns yellow before falling in autumn.
• Soil should be acidic and well-drained with considerable amounts of organic material.
• This species flourishes when grown in light shade and a protected environment.
• Pruning activities should occur either in early or late winter while the tree is in a state of dormancy.
• Susceptible to tree scale when stressed. Healthy Carolina silverbells are otherwise pest-resistant.

Your Carolina silverbell should flourish with minimal seasonal maintenance. However, in the event of drought or changes in the soil pH, the tree may become stressed and appear to droop or wilt. In these cases, call a certified arborist to evaluate the tree, environment, and soil to suggest the best course of action.

After you select some flowering trees for your yard, visit 72tree.com/3-evergreen-species-alpharetta-roswell-yard/ for some perfect evergreens species, 72tree.com/5-popular-alpharetta-ga-shade-trees/ if you need to add some shade to your yard, or 72tree.com/4-shrub-species-alpharetta-georgia-yard/ for the perfect shrubs that can balance your landscape out.

Southern Blooming Trees

As you drive through the streets this spring, you can marvel at some of the most beautiful flowering trees in the South!

In this article, you discovered important information about the beautiful flowering dogwood, eastern redbud, and Carolina silverbell tree species.

Without one of these flowering trees in your yard, you are passing up the opportunity to provide curb appeal and make your yard captivating.

Sources:
https://plants.usda.gov
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ceca4
http://www.uky.edu/hort/Flowering-Dogwood
http://www.uky.edu/hort/Carolina-Silverbell

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/3-flowering-trees-alpharetta-roswell-yard/

Do you have a tree on your property that has seen better days? There’s a good chance that it could be decaying. What’s more, it could potentially put you and your family, your home, and your entire property in danger in the future. It can be tough to tell whether or not a tree is decaying since trees tend to decay from the inside out. Nevertheless, there are certain signs to look for that indicate potential problems. Here is how you’ll know a tree is decaying.

The appearance of a tree’s bark has changed dramatically.

One of the first things you’ll notice when a tree starts to decay is changes to its bark. The bark that used to look so healthy will suddenly have cracks and holes in it. This is a pretty clear-cut indication of decay in most cases. It’s a good idea for homeowners to inspect the bark on their trees every now and then to see what kind of condition it’s in.

A tree has a lot of dead branches on it.

Are you finding tons of dead branches scattered throughout your yard every week or two? It’s not uncommon to find one or two dead branches every now and then, but if you’re seeing them fall in your yard consistently, it’s a bad sign. The branches on trees that are decaying will often dry out and break before crashing down to earth during storms and on windy days. Look out for them in your yard.

The leaves on a tree look discolored.

During the spring, summer, and most of the fall, the leaves that grow on a tree should look healthy. If you notice discoloration on them or if they have spots on them, it could show that you have a decaying tree on your hands. It’s good to call on an expert for help to see if you need to be worried about the way your leaves look.

If you’re concerned that a tree in your yard might be decaying, Big Foot Tree Service can come out and take a look at it for you. We can also provide tree trimming and tree removal services if we find that a tree is, in fact, dying on you. Call us at 973-885-8000 today to obtain a free estimate on our services.

This post first appeared on https://www.bigfoottreeservice.com

5. Time Of Year

Trees that are still living and do not pose an immediate risk should preferably be removed during their dormant season. This mainly applies to deciduous trees that have a seasonal cycle. The dormant season normally occurs at the end of winter just before new leaf shoots arrive in the spring.

The reason that this is the best time of year is because the tree carries less foliage and is therefore much easier to cut down, cut up and remove. In addition, it is far less messy to remove the tree at this time. The ground has also just begun to thaw at the start of spring making it soft enough to remove the roots while ensuring that it is hard enough for any surrounding trees and plants to remain stable and in place.

The ground factor means that this is also a good time to remove evergreen trees or trees that do not lose their leaves in the fall and sprout new ones in the spring.

6. The Cost

Tree fellers, an arborist and other type of tree removal expert will charge more to remove trees during the busy season which is between winter and spring. Opting to have the trees removed a little earlier, out of this peak season, can save you some of the expense of having the tree expertly removed. Earlier in the winter months is ideal if you are looking for a more cost-effective professional tree removal service.

Always keep in mind that tree removal is a hazardous process and the task is best left Portland Tree Service experts.

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