Month: May 2022

Trees have many environmental and aesthetic benefits for your yard. However, there may come a time when the removal of a tree becomes necessary. Such trees should be removed especially before a severe weather situation flattens the trees and causes irreversible damage. At Red’s Tree Service, we want you to have a beautiful yard without the risk of damage. To help you out, here are some things to look out for when deciding whether it’s time to remove a tree from your property.

Check for signs of damage or decay

When a tree is damaged or decaying, its structural integrity is compromised. Keeping the tree around longer may prove risky, especially if the tree is near your home. Some signs of damage or decay in a tree may include::

• Vertical cracks in the trunk
• Abnormal bark peeling
• Dead branch stubs
• Visible wounds or open cavities
• Severe damage to the trunk
• Broken wood from a lightning strike

If your tree was damaged during a storm, it may be time for our team to inspect it. One of our experts can determine the extent of the damage and decide whether to remove the tree. 

Check if it’s in a hazardous location

If a tree is close to your home, power lines, or other structures, we may recommend its removal. The last thing you want is a hazardous tree crashing through your roof or knocking out your power.

If the tree is very close to your home, its roots could uplift the foundation. Even if the tree isn’t right up against your house, branches touching the siding can encourage mold to grow. Keep up your tree care routine and regularly trim to avoid any trouble. Trees can block the sun from reaching a portion of your home and cause other mold problems, which can be expensive to fix.

Check if there are any weak or dead branches

A few dead branches are part of a tree’s natural growth cycle. However, if there are a concerning number of dying portions of your tree, this is a bad sign. Large, dead branches near the crown of a dying tree are especially dangerous, as these can fall hard and damage property or injure someone standing below. 

As a general rule, if over half of the tree is in bad shape, then it’s time to take it down. Large, dead branches can prove hazardous in the landscape, as a gust of wind can easily send them crashing down. A heavy layer of snow can snap off dead branches like a toothpick. Dead branches are a problem that can easily lead to or be indicative of other problems, so it’s important to allow our expert to give the tree an inspection.

Check for root decay

The roots of a plant or a tree are the biggest indicators that it should be removed. A tree’s roots could be decaying or damaged and need an urgent inspection in both cases. If the roots appear to be severed or the ground around them appears lifted, then these are clear signs that you should call up a tree removal service. The overall health of your tree is a general indicator that the roots are not healthy and that they will affect the tree’s condition in the long run.

Check if the trunk is hollow

Noticing cavities or hollowness in a tree trunk usually means the tree is on the decline. These could be signs of problems with the tree’s structural integrity. A weak trunk can’t support all its limbs properly, which could spell danger for your home or your family. Branches or even large limbs could fall at a moment’s notice.

Check if the tree is dead or dying

A dead tree should not remain on your property, even if it appears structurally sound. Dead trees can become easily infested with bugs and other critters. More often than not, the constant feeding from the bugs will eventually take the tree down. Our team has the expertise to inspect your tree and check for vital signs (or lack thereof). 

Check for fungal disease

If you see mushrooms growing on the base of your tree, it could be a hazardous sign. Fungi growing on your tree is a common sign of disease. While some diseases can be treated, they can be fatal to the infected tree or the surrounding healthy trees. Besides visible fungi, some other signs of disease include: 

• Wilting, falling, or discoloration of leaves or needles
• Scabs in the fruits
• Depressions in the wood
• Stunted growth
• Bleeding cankers
• Tiny, pimple-like spore-producing structures 

These kinds of ecological problems can spread, so it’s important to bring our experts to the scene so we can keep your yard healthy.

Check if the tree is leaning or at risk of falling

It’s natural for your tree to have a slight lean, with one side heavier than the other. When it’s a severe lean that comprises the tree’s integrity and architecture, then the health of your tree may be compromised. When a tree starts to gradually lean to one side, or just change its shape, there’s a chance it could fall, which can lead to all kinds of damage depending on where it lands. Since this can do some severe damage to your home, it’s best to be cautious and let us get rid of it.

Give your yard the best from Red’s Tree Service

With Red’s Tree Service’s all-inclusive commercial tree service, your yard will be completely transformed. Whether you are interested in beautifying your yard, cleaning up after a storm, or requiring emergency tree service, our commercial tree service covers everything you need. 

With over forty years of experience, our family-owned and operated tree service delivers you the best results. We have the tools, experience, and equipment to take care of your trees and leave your yard safe, healthy, and beautiful for years to come. If you or someone you know needs a professional eye, contact Red’s Tree Service in Memphis, Collierville, and the Mid-South area for your free estimate today!

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

Prevent thieves from gaining easy access to your home’s windows using certain shrubs and an intentional landscape design. Knowing which bushes with thorns to plant in your yard will help take your home’s defense to another level.

toddsmariettatreeservices.com gathered the following species, growing, and care information about thorny bushes that can enhance your property’s security system.

1. Rose (Rosa)

A rose bush is a woody perennial flowering plant named for the flower it bears. There are more than three hundred species and thousands of cultivars. They form a group of plants that can be full-bodied shrubs, climbing, or trailing, with stems often armed with sharp thorns.

Sun – Roses bushes thrive on direct sunlight and will perform their best when planted in locations that provide a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight.
Soil – This species requires good drainage and rich, moisture-retentive soil, preferably with a 6.5 to 7 pH.
Water – In temperate climates, two inches of weekly watering is often all that is needed.
Thorns – You may be interested to know that roses do not have thorns. They do have prickles. Thorns are defined as modified leaf stems or parts of leaves, while prickles grow from the stem’s epidermis. Rose prickles grow to keep away predators.

2. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea)

Bougainvillea is a vigorous and chaotic plant producing long, trailing stems covered in sharp spines. This species can be grown as a climber or pruned into a free-standing shrub reaching up to 10 feet in height.

Sun – This species needs a minimum of six hours of daily sun.
Soil – This flowering, thorny bush grows thin roots, making a well-drained soil essential to its survival.
Water – You can help this species avoid fungal diseases and root rot by providing deep waterings every three to four weeks.
Thorns – This plant’s thorns are sharper than rose thorns and will easily scratch or prick. Unlike roses and other thorny plants, bougainvillea thorns have a coating at the tip designed to cause irritation.

3. Pyracantha (Pyracantha)

Appearances can differ depending on the species, but the shrub typically has brilliant evergreen foliage, white flowers that produce clusters of orange-red berries, and needle-like protective thorns. The bush’s size can range from 5 to 12 feet high and 6 to 8 feet wide.

Sun – This species prefers six to eight hours of daily sun.
Soil – Planting this bush in highly fertile, well-drained soil will produce rampant growth.
Water – One inch of water per week or more during hot and arid periods provides enough moisture for the bush.
Thorns – Also referred to as firethorn (due to its flame-colored berries and prickly stems), this is a beautiful, easy-going, wildlife-friendly thorny shrub suitable for most gardens.

4. Blackberry (Rubus)

Blackberry is most typically a shrub-like wildflower, measuring 5 to 7 feet tall. The species can be identified by its juicy, black, clustered berries and compound leaves. The radially symmetrical, white flowers bloom atop the bush’s terminal shoots of very thorny, robust stems.

Sun – This species prefers eight hours of daily sun.
Soil – Blackberries perform best in well-drained sandy or loamy soil types with a 5.5 to 6.5 pH.
Water – Blackberries require 1 to 2-inches of water per week in the growing season and 4-inches per week during harvest.
Thorns – Thorns are woody and relatively stronger and tougher than those of other species. Also, this bush’s thorns are difficult to break.

5. Holly (Ilex)

Holly can be grown as large shrubs or trees, many of which have thick, spiky leaves, small white flowers, and yellow, orange, black, or red berries.

Sun – Holly trees thrive in full sunlight. However, they can easily tolerate partial shade.
Soil – Holly species thrive in loamy, well-drained soil kept evenly moist, with an acidic 5.0 to 6.0 pH.
Water – Established bushes should receive at least 2-inches of water per week.
Thorns – The edge of the leaves on this popular bush is wavy with spiny teeth.

6. Barberry (Berberis)

This shrub species has leathery leaves that turn red or orange in the fall and tiny yellow springtime flowers. The species doesn’t produce fruit and has sharp thorns that can help keep deer and people away.

Sun – This species prefers four to six hours of daily sun.
Soil – These robust bushes can tolerate various soil types but will thrive in loamy, well-drained soil with a 6.0 to 7.5 pH.
Water – Once established, this species is extremely drought tolerant and low maintenance, requiring only occasional watering.
Thorns – This evergreen bush has extremely sharp, thorny branches.

Thorny Bushes

In this article, you discovered multiple bush species that grow with thorns and can provide a very effective security barrier around your home’s perimeter.

Planting thorny bushes in your landscape can add definition and style to it while providing an additional layer of security against unwanted stalkers and intruders.

Not planting deterrent bushes around your property can leave you vulnerable to crooks and thieves trying to gain from your lack of security.

Sources:
gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/shrubs/holly.html
hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/growing-roses/
plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/bougainvillea/
landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/pyracantha
heritagegarden.uic.edu/blackberry
extension.umd.edu/resource/japanese-barberry

Keep boredom and lack of exercise from creeping into your lifestyle. Knowing where to go in Alpharetta, Georgia for fun outdoor activities, nature walks meandering alongside rivers and lakes, or simply time to play, you can get out more often and fight to preserve your health.

72tree.com gathered the following location and history information about several open air parks in the City of Alpharetta, Ga

1. Winward Community Park

Photo Credit: alpharetta.ga.us

Location – 6435 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Description – Windward Community Park is a three-acre space nestled along the Windward Parkway corridor close to McGinnis Ferry Road. This new community park opened in June 2020 and features a multi-element playground. You will also find picnic pavilions, walking/jogging paths, swings, restrooms, and open green space.

Hours – This park is open during daylight hours.

Contact Number – 678-297-6123

2. North Park Park

Photo Credit: mapquest.com

Location – 13450 Cogburn Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Description – This 97-acre park includes five tennis courts, two multi-purpose synthetic turf fields, eight softball fields, two playgrounds, Adult Activity Center, a lake, Arts Building, a reflection garden, and a walking trail. Two picnic pavilions can be used for gatherings or celebrations (one is first-come, first-serve and the other is available for rental).

Hours – Sunrise to 10pm

Contact Number – 678-297-6130

3. Webb Bridge Park & Arboretum

Photo Credit: tripadvisor.com

Location – 4780 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Description – With nearly 110 acres, this gorgeous park is located off Kimball Bridge Road bordering the city limits. The park’s many amenities include three grass soccer fields, a multi-purpose synthetic field, four baseball fields, four tennis courts, a 1-1/2 mile trail, outdoor fitness equipment, lake, concession stands, playground, and arboretum. The park also features three picnic pavilions for family gatherings and celebrations (both pavilions are available on a first-come, first-serve basis).

Hours – 8:00am to !0:00pm daily

Contact Number – 678-297-6123

4. Rock Mill Park

Photo Credit: tripadvisor.com

Location – 3100 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Description – This 20-acre park is situated on Kimball Bridge Road at the access for Alpharetta’s Big Creek Greenway. There are nicely paved, shaded pathways that are great for walking, biking, picnicking, etc. The park also features a small group pavilion for family gatherings and celebrations (the pavilion is available on a first-come, first-serve basis).

Hours – Sunrise to 10pm

Contact Number – 678-297-6123 or 678-297-6130

5. Cogburn Road Park

Photo Credit: mapquest.com

Location – 12825 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Description – Cogburn Road Park is an Alpharetta neighborhood park offering a playground, a .02 mile paved walking path, parking, restrooms, water, and pristine open green space.

Hours – Sunrise to 10pm

Contact Number – 678-297-6106

6. Garrard Landing Park

Photo Credit: roswellgov.com

Location – 8000 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Description – The Garrard Landing Park Loop has a smooth gravel/dirt surface. The impressive half-mile segment along the Chattahoochee River is fully shaded and has a wooden observation deck. The rest of the trail finds its way through an open meadow and features a man-made lake, cascading stream, covered bridge, and pond. This loop trail is generally considered an easy route and takes an average of 40 min to complete. This trail is exceptional for bird watching, fishing, and hiking.

Hours – 7am to 9pm

Contact Number – 770-641-3727

7. Big Creek Greenway

Photo Credit: ajc.com

Location – 3104-3122 Kimball Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Description – This concrete trail is nearly 9 miles long and gently borders Big Creek parallel to North Point Parkway, from Windward Parkway at Marconi Drive on the north end of the trail to Mansell Road on the south end. This greenway presents the perfect setting for walking, jogging, inline rollerblading, and biking.

Hours – Sunrise to 10pm

Contact Number – 678-297-6123

Backyard Landscaping

While not an official city park, you can create your own private getaway in your own backyard by installing water features, pathways, planting fragrant shrubs and fruit trees, or even building a treehouse. You will need to hire an arborist to evaluate the health of your trees and assess your landscape’s potential to be your private getaway.

Alpharetta City Parks

In this article, you discovered several places in the City of Alpharetta to escape from the hustle and stress of traffic, work, and never-ending responsibilities.

By taking time to visit, walk, or play in one of the many exceptional green spaces in the City of Alpharetta, you can supplement your daily exercise quota, relax and bond with nature, breathe fresh air, and increase your health and wellness.

Choosing to ignore your need to get out in nature and maintain regular physical activities can contribute to weight gain, chronic illnesses and other preventable conditions.

Sources:
alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/recreation-parks/facilities
tripadvisor.com
yelp.com

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/parks-in-alpharetta-georgia/

Did you know it has been said that trees can add so much to a home’s value?

If you’re thinking of planting a tree or a series of trees in your yard this year, when’s the best time of the year to plant trees? Basically, the best time is when it’s not too hot or too cold and they’ll get plenty of water. In other words, you wouldn’t want to plant them in the middle of the summer during a drought season.

Planting Trees for Success

In much of the U.S., the ideal time for tree planting is late summer/early autumn. In the wintertime, roots typically stay active, as the tree acclimatizes to the soil it’s in. Springtime comes around and you’re likely to notice bursts of leaves and/or flowers coming from your fairly new tree!

The country is divided into several zones to make up a “hardiness zone” map. It’s the standard by which gardeners and growers determine which plants are most likely to thrive in certain locations. New Jersey is in zones 6 and 7, indicating that the last frost of winter is usually in mid-April, while the first frost comes around in mid-October. Ideally, you’d want to plant trees, then, in May or in late August.

Already Growing Trees

If you’re buying trees that have already been growing in a container, whereas their roots are covered with soil, they’ve already established themselves. Therefore, plant these trees in spring or fall to give them a couple of months before the ground gets really hot or really cold.

As for deciduous trees- the ones with leaves- plant them in early autumn, and keep them well-watered during the winter. Evergreens can be planted in early autumn, as well, or in late spring. Keep in mind that evergreens don’t do well in extreme heat.

If you wish to transplant a tree, moving it from one location to another on your property, do so after the ground has warmed up in the springtime or else right after leaves have fallen– so the month of October works well (before the ground freezes). Basically, the best time to plant trees is when the weather isn’t involved in extremes.

At Big Foot Tree Service, we specialize in tree removal and other landscaping services. If you’re looking to replace a dead or dying tree, we can help you out. Contact Big Foot Tree Service at 973-885-8000 today or visit us online for more information!

The post When is the Best Time to Plant a New Tree? appeared first on Big Foot Tree Service.

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