Month: May 2023

It seems like only yesterday it was winter, and that meant we hardly spent time outdoors. But come Spring, the weather in New Jersey warms up to the point where we’re back outside, putting down new mulch around trees, planting flowers along our sidewalks, and looking around our yard for anything and everything that “needs to be done.”

Trees Looking a Little Shaggy

Have you noticed some of your tree branches are hitting your roof? Or are some of your tree branches just getting so big and long that they seem out of control? Big Foot Tree Service can trim your trees, but most people wonder, “How often should they be trimmed?”

How Often You Should Trim Trees

Generally, when a tree is trimmed (or pruned) about 25% of growth is removed. It’s kind of like a haircut. For shade trees, trimming typically occurs every two to seven years, while evergreens, if they’re not near anything, generally never need pruning.

Trimming generally involves removing any dead or dying branches from a tree, as well as thinning out its crown and raising lower limbs in order to open up the view for people so it’s not so “bushy.” Think of pruning as a “planned injury” to a tree– a good one. It’s essentially preventative maintenance.

Younger trees as well as older ones benefit from a trim now and then. Overgrown branches can detract from the looks of a property, so companies like Big Foot Tree Service can trim them down to look their best.

Big Foot Tree Service in New Jersey

As tree trimmers serving Paramus, New Jersey, as well as several areas throughout the northern part of the state (including Bergen County, Essex County and Passaic County), Big Foot Tree Service has built a solid reputation for expert, affordable tree trimming services. Now that the weather is warming up, it’s a good time to have your trees trimmed before summer arrives.

To schedule a visit for tree trimming, please call 973-885-8000 today or visit us online for more information!

The post How Often Should You Have Your Trees Trimmed? appeared first on Big Foot Tree Service.

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

Looking for the perfect fast-growing shrubs to plant on your property? Knowing which shrubs will thrive in your Marietta yard will help you plant and have a beautiful landscape.

toddsmariettatreeservices.com gathered the following species, growing, and care information to help you determine which shrubs are ideal for your yard.

1. Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia)

This deciduous shrub blooms bright yellow flowers in the spring. It grows to 6 to 10 feet with a similar spread and has a growth rate of about 2 to 3 feet annually. It is hardy in zones 5 through 8 and prefers a 6.0 to 7.5 soil pH. It requires moderate watering and prefers full sun to partial shade.

2. Glossy Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora)

This evergreen shrub features glossy green foliage that turns bronze in the fall. It grows 4 to 6 feet with a similar spread and has a growth rate of about 2 feet per year. It is hardy in zones 6 through 9 and prefers a 6.0 to 7.5 soil pH. It requires moderate watering and prefers full sun to partial shade.

3. Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

This deciduous shrub shows off bright purple berries in the fall, attracting birds. It grows 6 to 8 feet with a similar spread and has a growth rate of about 2 feet annually. It is hardy in zones 7 through 10 and prefers a 5.5 to 6.5 soil pH. It requires moderate watering and prefers full sun to partial shade.

4. Fastest Growing Privacy Shrub – Leyland Cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii)

This evergreen conifer is a stunning hybrid of two cypress species and has become a popular choice for privacy screens and hedges due to its fast growth and dense foliage. It can grow 3 to 4 feet annually and reach a mature height of 50 to 70 feet with a spread of 10 to 20 feet. It is hardy in zones 6 through 10 and can tolerate various soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline. It requires regular watering and prefers full sun.

5. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)

This deciduous shrub blooms bright yellow flowers in the winter. It grows 6 to 10 feet with a similar spread and has a growth rate of about 2 to 3 feet per year. It is hardy in zones 6 through 10 and prefers a 6.0 to 7.5 soil pH. It requires moderate watering and prefers full sun to partial shade.

6. Purple Leaf Sand Cherry (Prunus x cistena)

This deciduous shrub features purple foliage and pink blooms in the spring. It grows 6 to 10 feet with a similar spread and has a growth rate of about 2 to 3 feet annually. It is hardy in zones 2 through 8 and prefers a 6.0 to 7.5 soil pH. It requires moderate watering and prefers full sun.

7. Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora)

This deciduous shrub features white blooms in the summer, attracting butterflies. It grows 8 to 12 feet with a similar spread and has a growth rate of 2 to 3 feet annually. It is hardy in zones 4 through 8 and prefers a 5.5 to 6.5 soil pH. It requires moderate watering and prefers full sun to partial shade.

8. Dwarf Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’)

This fast-growing deciduous shrub features bright green foliage turning brilliant red in the fall. It grows 6 to 8 feet with a similar spread and has a growth rate of 2 feet per year. It is hardy in zones 4 through 9 and prefers a 6.0 to 7.5 soil pH. It requires moderate watering and prefers full sun to partial shade.

9. Fastest Growing Flowering Shrub – Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

This deciduous shrub or small tree is well-known for its crepe-papery flowers blooming in the summer months in pink, white, lavender, and red shades. It can grow 3 to 5 feet per year and reach a mature height of 15 to 30 feet with a spread of 6 to 25 feet. It is hardy in zones 7 through 9 and prefers slightly acidic soil with a 5.5 to 6.5 pH. It requires regular watering and prefers full sun.

Crape Myrtles are popular for their rapid growth and stunning blooms, making them a perfect choice for homeowners wanting a splash of color in their landscape without waiting too long. Crape Myrtles prefer well-drained soil and should be planted in locations with good air circulation to prevent fungal disease growth.

Fast Growing Shrubs

In this article, you discovered fast-growing shrubs, their growth habits, hardiness zone, soil, water, and sun requirements.

Understanding which shrub species will grow best in your Marietta, Georgia, yard will help you plant and develop a stunning, well-kept landscape that could significantly increase your home’s curb appeal.

Without hardy shrubs, your soil will more easily erode, look unappealing, and leaving your trees and home more susceptible to wind and storm damage.

Sources:
plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/euonymus-alatus-compactus/
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP001
clemson.edu/cafls/demo/plant_profiles/callicarpa-americana-american-beautyberry.html
plantfacts.osu.edu/tmi/Plantlist/fo_media.html
landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/jasminum-nudiflorum
uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-database/shrubs/purpleleaf-sand-cherry.aspx
dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=273
lsu.edu/departments/horticulture/plantmaterials/Plant%20Groups/Evergreen%20Trees/X%20Cupressocyparis%20leylandii/index.htm
apps.cals.arizona.edu/arboretum/taxon.aspx?id=152

Originally published on: https://www.toddsmariettatreeservices.com/9-fast-growing-shrubs-for-marietta-georgia/

Spring is here in full swing in the MidSouth and summer is peeking around the corner. This is the time of year when more and more people venture outside to start thinking about gardens, flowers, and trees. When it comes to trees especially, you can often benefit from waiting a little longer and planting them in the summer!

Summer is a great season for planting trees as we’ll explain more below, but we always recommend speaking to an expert at Red’s before you commit to a new tree in your yard. Depending on the kind of tree and the size and features of your yard, some trees are probably better than others. We will walk through all the biggest reasons below, so keep reading, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions! 

Why is Summer a Great Planting Season?

Heat Helps the Roots Grow

Did you know that warm temperatures are the ideal environment for root growth? We have plenty of that in the hot Memphis summer, don’t we? That’s why we like encouraging our clients  to plant during warmer months so that their roots will have plenty of months to grow strong while it’s warm.

There is Less Chance of Transplant Shock

Transplant shock is when the roots of a tree are damaged during the transplant process, sometimes due to stark changes in the temperatures of the ground. Planting in the warm months can reduce the chances of transplant shock and make it easier for your new tree to thrive. 

Get Blooms Sooner

If you have a flowering tree, then there’s no need to wait around for beautiful blooms. By planting in summer rather than the fall, you can expect a thriving tree to bloom faster, often by the very next summer! 

Lusher Foliage

Hot weather is the time when trees have their thickest foliage and grow more quickly. If you plant in the summer you have a greater chance of encouraging thick leaf growth early on. 

Some Trees We Recommend Planting in the Mid-South

Red Maple

Red Maples aren’t only found in Canada or up north where maple syrup is made. Red maples are native across the United States, including zones 7 & 8 where Memphis is located. They thrive in our warm temperatures and will reward you for planting with the signature 5-pointed leaf and bright red color in the fall. They can grow into quite large trees with plenty of shade, and are one of the easiest trees to care for, which is a huge bonus! Overall, we love recommending red maples to our clients who almost always are super satisfied when adding this tree to their yard and landscaping.

Tulip Poplar

The Tulip Poplar isn’t only native to Tennessee–it’s actually our state tree! That’s how you know it will be a great fit into your yard. Tulip poplars are excellent shade trees and are often chosen for aesthetic reasons as they grow into tall and majestic mature trees. They love moist, rich soil, and are known as a honey plant because they attract bees and boost the local ecological environment. 

American Elm

The American Elm is one of the most commonly seen and iconic trees in American history. They make up a huge number of the trees in Central Park and are commonly seen throughout the Mid-South as well. We recommend them for residential planting because of how the branches grow away from the trunk, automatically creating some amazing shade, and look gorgeous stretched across a street. They like to be planted on hills and near rivers, another reason why they are a great fit for Memphis. 

Eastern Redbud

The Eastern Redbud is the smallest tree that we have listed and grows to be about medium size. Though not known for their shade, they are one of the stand-out stunners in springtime when they grow their distinctive pink blooms! They are a great local tree that is good for pollinators with their early blooms and their leaves turn dark and beautiful in the fall as well. If you are looking for a smaller tree that will make a splash, then the redbud might be the one for you!

Reach Out to Red’s Tree Service for Support!

After over 40 years of business in the Mid-South, our team at Red’s really knows a thing or two about trees. We are here to support you as you plant, prune, remove, and care for your trees across Memphis and beyond. Give us a call to get an estimate, or ask our professional advice for which types of trees would suit your yard and your dreams. We can’t wait to partner with you!

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

Need help figuring out why your tree is leaning? Understanding why trees suddenly lean will help you prevent catastrophic damages and them falling on your property.

72tree.com gathered the following information to help you accurately identify why your tree is leaning and what you can do to protect your property, home, and well-being.

Why Do Trees Lean?

Some trees lean, and you may have wondered why this happens. Consider the following reasons trees lean, what it means for their health and safety, and what you should do about it.

There are multiple reasons why trees lean. The most common cause is strong prevailing winds or heavy snow and ice loads pushing the tree from its vertical axis. Trees naturally tend to grow straight up towards the sun, but environmental factors like wind and snow can cause them to tilt. Over time, this tilt can become more pronounced, resulting in a leaning tree.

Another reason for tree lean is the uneven weight distribution on the trunk. Trees with a heavy canopy (on one side) or those growing on a slope may develop a lean towards the lighter side to maintain balance. This is common in deciduous trees that have lost multiple or heavy branches on one side.

Tree lean can also be a sign of root rot or damage. A tree’s root system is fundamental for providing a tree’s stability and anchorage. A tree may lean when roots rot or are damaged due to soil erosion or compaction. This is common in areas with a high water table or soil prone to erosion.

Note: Some tree species are more prone to leaning than others. Conifer trees, like pines, are more likely to develop a lean due to their shallow root system. While trees like oaks have deep taproots that provide greater stability and reduce the risk of leaning.

While some tree lean is natural and harmless, excessive leaning can indicate a severe health issue. A leaning tree may indicate root rot, a fungal disease that can cause a tree’s root system to weaken and ultimately fail.

Tip: If you notice a tree leaning significantly, it’s crucial to have it inspected by a professional arborist quickly to determine the cause and assess the risk of the tree falling.

When to Worry about a Leaning Tree

For property owners, a leaning tree can be an alarming cause for concern. While some tree lean is natural and harmless, excessive leaning can indicate a health issue that must be quickly addressed. Here are some factors in determining whether a leaning tree is a cause for concern:

Degree of Lean – If your tree is leaning at an angle greater than 15 degrees, it may be a sign of a significant problem. Trees severely leaning can be dangerous and may need to be removed to ensure people’s and property’s safety.

Leaning Speed – If you notice the tree has started to lean suddenly or at a fast pace, it may indicate an advanced health issue. This could result from root damage or other underlying problems that must be addressed quickly.

Tree Condition – If your tree has dead or broken branches, signs of decay, or other visible damage, it may be more likely to lean. A weakened tree may not withstand strong winds or other environmental factors, leading to a more significant lean.

Location – If the leaning tree is growing near a building or other large structure, it could pose a significant risk. In such cases, it’s crucial to have the tree inspected by a professional arborist to assess the tree’s health and risk and determine the best course of action.

If you notice a leaning tree on your property, don’t delay in deciding when to remove it. Taking prompt action is crucial because waiting can significantly increase the risk of it falling and causing catastrophic or life-threatening injury.

Tip: An arborist can inspect the tree, determine the cause of the lean, and recommend the best course of action, whether pruning, cabling, or removal. Protecting your tree is paramount to ensuring your family and property’s safety.

What is Phototropism

Phototropism is a plant’s natural response to light. It’s a process in which a plant’s cells respond to the direction and intensity of light, causing the plant to grow, lean, or move toward the sun or light source.

Trees also utilize phototropism to grow toward the sun. When a tree’s leaves or branches are shaded by other trees or structures, the tree will instinctively grow towards the light source to ensure maximum exposure to sunlight. This allows the tree to produce maximum energy through photosynthesis.

The phototropic response in trees is controlled by hormones called auxins. Auxins are produced in the growing tips of the tree’s shoots and are transported down the stem, where they promote cell elongation (on the tree’s shaded side). This process causes the tree to bend towards the sun, resulting in positive phototropism.

Positive phototropism is crucial for a tree’s healthy growth. Without it, trees may be stunted or malformed from inadequate exposure to sunlight.

Note: Phototropism allows trees to adjust growth patterns in response to changing light conditions, like the sun’s shifting angle during different seasons.

Leaning Trees

In this article, you discovered several reasons that trees lean and what you can do to keep your property, home, and loved ones safe.

Knowing what causes trees to lean will help you take swift and appropriate action to save or remove your tree.

Failing to quickly identify and properly address the potential cause of your leaning tree may result in catastrophic damages to your property or injury to a person.

Sources:
extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/sp573.pdf
extension.umd.edu/resource/how-do-you-decide-when-remove-tree
extension.psu.edu/what-to-do-about-leaning-trees
bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/General_Biology_1e_(OpenStax)/6%3A_Plant_Structure_and_Function/30%3A_Plant_Form_and_Physiology/30.6%3A_Plant_Sensory_Systems_and_Responses

This article was first published on: https://www.72tree.com/why-do-trees-suddenly-lean/

It’s that time of year, again… time to mulch around trees. Oftentimes, you see landscaping companies dumping foot-tall mounds of mulch around trees– well that’s not good, because it suffocates the tree(s). Ideally, a 2”-to-3” layer of mulch works best. It should extend far enough to reach out to a tree’s “drip line,” which is defined as the area where the outermost circumference of a tree canopy drips water from and onto the ground.

The Advantages of Mulching in the Spring

Why add mulch each Spring? Mulch not only gives your landscaping a more “finished” look, but it also helps prevent weeds at the base of the tree, while helping maintain consistent soil temperatures and retaining moisture there. Meanwhile, mulch also acts as a good buffer between the base of a tree and things like weed wackers and mowers.

If you have old mulch from last year or years prior, it tends to get matted, which can prevent air and water from getting to the tree’s root system as needed. Therefore, take a rake and break it up/spread it out.

Getting the Mulch

For those of you who want to buy “new” mulch this year, shredded bark or wood is the most common landscape mulch. While it’s cheap and easy to apply, it doesn’t add as many nutrients to the soil as other mulch materials do. Did you know it’s fine to include grass clippings in your mulch? Grass adds nutrients! Ideally, use sun-dried clippings as mulch, avoiding grass that has been treated with chemicals and/or pest controls. Besides grass clippings, other nutrient-rich, organic mulch options include leaves that have been aged at least nine months, as well as straw, compost, pine needles and even cardboard/newspapers. Should you want to go the inorganic mulch route, some of those materials include plastic, polyester garden fabrics, stone, and carpet remnants.

Finally, what are the best two times each year to mulch? First, you want to mulch in the spring after the ground has thawed. Then, later on during the year, apply another two inches of mulch in the fall, after the ground has frozen. Mulch helps insulate and protect trees (and plants) year-round.

If you need help with the trees on your property, contact Big Foot Tree Service today.

The post Keep These Things in Mind When Mulching Around Your Trees appeared first on Big Foot Tree Service.

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