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Trees are beneficial in so many ways. One of the most direct ways we see their benefits is when they bear us fruit to eat. You not only save a little money by producing food, but there’s nothing tastier than produce fresh from your backyard.

Let’s take a look at some of the keys to caring for a fruit tree.

If you’re looking to plant a new tree, spring is the ideal time, so as of the writing of this blog, you may want to be a little patient. Planting them in spring gives your tree time to establish itself before the winter arrives.

Watering Fruit Trees

While you can water the tree less often when it has an established root system, early on make sure you provide water anytime you see the top couple inches of the surrounding soil is dry. We usually get a lot of help with rain here maintaining fruit trees in Portland, but you need to be extra vigilant in the summer months when we can go through some dry spells.

A juicy fruit crop will depend on regular watering, which means deep soaking. Providing mulch around the base of your tree will help retain moisture as well.

How much watering do you need to do? The water needs to reach about 18 inches below the surface around the drip line (where the branches end). So, shoot for about 30 to 45 minutes of watering, 2 to 3 times a month during growing season, taking into account how much rainfall we are getting.

Pruning Fruit Trees

For the first three years or so, your fruit tree needs to develop structurally. As it matures and you start to see fruit, pruning is all about striking a balance between encouraging fruit development and maintaining the structural integrity of the tree itself.

The optimal time to prune your deciduous fruit trees is in the winter when it’s dormant, which makes it less prone to stress. This should be done annually.

Fertilizing Fruit Trees

How you fertilize your fruit tree largely depends on what fruit it’s bearing. However, just before the buds break on your tree is the best time to fertilize. The amount of fertilizer and frequency of application depends on what tree you’re dealing with. Don’t overdo it, as excess fertilizer can stress your tree.

You can start by locating the previous year’s growth rings on the branches. Measure from that spot to the end of the branch, doing so on several different branches. Take the average length you come up with and compare it to the target growth for the species. The amount of fertilizer, if any, that will be applied depends on the annual growth and species.

This article from Colorado State University provides charts that help calculate the amount of fertilizer you need for your particular tree. If you prefer some personalized attention to your tree care needs or need help selecting the best fruit trees to grow in Portland, give us a call today, we’d be happy to help.

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

Do your fruit trees have holey leaves with discolored patches? Do you notice insect exit holes on fruit? If so, there’s a good chance your fruit trees are battling a pest invasion. Worms, squirrels, moths, and other pests can damage fruit trees and destroy crops.

While many homeowners resort to pesticide sprays for preventing/fighting fruit tree pest infestations, we do not recommend this approach. Pesticides kill multiple species, including important pollinators such as bees. They poison our natural resources while putting your family’s health at risk. Pesticides have been linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other health problems. For all these reasons, many Portlanders are prioritizing organic pest control solutions. Yes, it is possible to enjoy delicious, homegrown fruit without spraying pesticides.

Portland Certified Arborists’ Tips on Organic Pest Control for Fruit Trees
• Get in contact with an arborist who specializes in diseases and pests. Urban Forest Pro’s arborists can recommend earth-friendly solutions for organic pest control, such as barriers around the base of trees to prevent squirrel entry. In our experience, the best squirrel prevention devices look like an upside down bowl; however, keep in mind that they will not work if squirrels can jump to the tree from a nearby fence or tree. Metallic streamers and hanging CDs can also deter squirrels, but they must be taken down after harvest season. Otherwise, the squirrels will become accustomed to these shiny objects, and their deterrence value will evaporate.
• Prune your fruit trees yearly. Annual Portland tree pruning is ideal. Trimming away dead wood prompts the growth of healthy new tissue and buds, while also decreasing the amount of food available for pests. Moreover, pruning increases light penetration through the tree’s canopy. The extra sunlight minimizes pest proliferation. Our arborists can expertly prune your fruit trees for a reasonable price.
• Keep the earth below fruit trees tidy. Rake regularly to remove leaves, which can harbor leaf-borne diseases.
• Connect with Portland Fruit Tree Project (PFTP). This unique Portland non-profit organization is dedicated to increasing access to healthy food. They gather fruit that would otherwise rot and go wasted, and distribute it to those in need. PFTP also has knowledgeable volunteers who are educated on the best pesticide-free ways to grow great fruit. Finally, PFTP will prune your tree for a share of the fruit. Some of Urban Forest Pro’s ISA-certified arborists teach pruning classes for Portland Fruit Tree Project.

Each pest will require its own management approach, so identifying pests is a first step. For identification assistance and recommendations on how to eliminate problematic pests, call us. Our arborists have decades of experience with fruit trees in the Portland area. They can suggest the most effective approach for pests in your fruit trees.

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

It’s that time of year again. Fall is right around the corner. Thankfully there will be some pretty leaves to look at on the trees. Oh wait– they’re falling off the trees. Now they’re on the ground. Your lawn is covered in them. Maybe the kids want to jump in them. Might the wind blow them all away? Or is it time to rake and mow?

Potential Mold Problems

Why is it important to remove fall leaves and debris from your yard? Well, if you leave that stuff on your lawn, guess what could form? Mold! Do you want a moldy lawn that’s ruined for next year? No, you do not.

Ensuring Your Grass Can “Breathe”

If you choose to not rake up and remove the leaves on your lawn, problems like snow mold and brown patch could happen. Meanwhile, your grass won’t be able to “breathe” as the layer of leaves blocks both water and air flow. The more matted down the lawn gets, thanks to heavy, wet, moldy leaves, the harder it is for grass blades to pop up in the spring. Furthermore, clumps of old leaves on the lawn invite pests and disease.

It’s Good For Your Soil

It’s a good idea to rake leaves because this helps aerate the lawn and soil. Think of it as a refreshing thing to do– kind of like running a comb through dirty hair. You can also use your lawn mower to shred leaves — and when the leaves are cut up into tiny little pieces, they’ll serve as free fertilizer for your lawn.

Tree services can be difficult to take care of when you have so many Fall chores to get done. Having Big Foot Tree Service come out to take care of tree and stump removal will allow you to eliminate any damages that your trees may cause.

If you have any questions about leaves and trees, contact New Jersey’s Big Foot Tree Service today at 973-885-8000.

The post Why You Should Remove Leaves and Debris From Your Yard appeared first on Big Foot Tree Service.

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

Wood-boring insects are among the most destructive pests of trees and shrubs. They can tunnel and feed under the bark in living wood, destroying important tissues. This causes girdling, branch dieback, structural weakness, and decline and eventual death of the tree. At Red’s Tree Service, we want to help you protect your trees from any critters that may pose a threat. To help you out, let’s take a look at common insects that may cause damage to your property’s greenery. 

Gypsy Moth 

The exotic gypsy moth is one of the most notorious pests of hardwood trees in the Eastern United States. The gypsy moth larvae have damaged nearly a million or more forested acres each year. The insect lays visible buff-colored egg masses as leaves emerge in the spring. These masses hatch into hungry larvae that quickly defoliate trees. Several deflorations can frequently kill trees under stress.

Emerald Ash Borer

The emerald ash borer is a wood-boring beetle discovered in Michigan in 2002. This insect is known for killing millions of ash trees annually and forcing regional quarantines on exporting firewood and tree nursery stock in several states. This ash borer could potentially decimate arboricultural ash plantings, and natural ash stands in the eastern United States. The larvae of this borer feed on the cambial bark. These S-shaped feeding groups will kill limbs and can ultimately girdle the tree.

This insect has several common symptoms in trees. You may see cracks on the canopy’s main branches in the early stages. As the infestation develops, you’ll find thin, 2-5-inch vertical slits in the bark and D-shaped holes in the bark, and the canopy will begin to thin.

Locust Borer

The locust borer can be found anywhere black locust trees are found. Black locusts are native to many eastern and southern states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

One indicator of a locust borer infestation is a swell on the trunk or a branch that looks like a knot. Other symptoms include:

• Several broken branches.
• Thinness in the top part of the tree.
• Exit holes in the bark.
• Sawdust at the base of the trunk.

Longhorn Beetles

found around the world. One example is the invasive Asian longhorned beetle, which has destroyed trees in isolated populations in eastern states like Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio that have been subject to eradication. Other species like the red oak, linden, and redheaded ash borers are native to the United States. Longhorned beetles have a few common symptoms, including discolored leaves, sawdust at the base of the tree or on branches, and round holes throughout the tree’s trunk.

A variety of trees are susceptible to longhorned beetles, which generally colonize only severely stressed trees. Examples include oak, linden, maple, poplar, willow, elm, and ash.

Elm Bark Beetle

The native elm bark beetle, also known as the European elm bark beetle, is critical for the overland spread of Dutch elm disease (DED) and is worthy of being included in this “worst” list. This beetle does not harm a tree with its boring but by transporting a deadly tree disease.

The DED fungus is transmitted to healthy trees in two ways: First, this bark beetle sends spores from diseased to healthy trees. Secondly, root grafting can also spread the disease when elms are tightly spaced. None of the native North American elms are immune to DED but the American elm is especially susceptible.

Tent Caterpillars

Tent caterpillars are typically first seen in the spring in eastern U.S. forests. However, they can be found anywhere with plenty of greenery! Two common types are the eastern tent caterpillar and forest tent caterpillars. The eastern tent caterpillar makes its nest in the fork of branches. The forest tent caterpillar builds no tent but is the most destructive of the two. The common territory of tent caterpillars is wild cherry but oaks, maples, and many other shade and forest trees are attacked. The forest tent caterpillar can strip extensive stands of trees of all leaves. The attacked tree’s growth can be severely affected by this.

There are a few of the most common types of wood-boring insects that may threaten the health of your trees. When you need to inspect for pests, it helps to have the right experts to help you out. Red’s Tree Service has the experience and expertise to keep your trees and shrubs healthy and critter-free.

Give your property the best with Red’s Tree Service

With Red’s Tree Service’s all-inclusive commercial tree service, your property will be safe from any potential threats. No matter what your trees and shrubs need to stay healthy and vibrant, 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. 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

Avoid the embarrassment of a dead-looking yard in the fall and winter months. Knowing which pine trees to plant in Marietta, Georgia, will help you grow a yard full of color and life.

toddsmariettatreeservices.com gathered the following species information and growing tips for five pine tree species perfect for Marietta, Georgia’s climate, and your yard.

What is Special about Pine Trees?

Pine trees are evergreens, and they keep their needles for about 2 years. When old needles fall, new needles quickly replace them. Pine tree needles can measure from one to eleven inches long, depending on the species. Both male and female pine trees produce pine cones. Consider the following species hardy to Marietta’s zone 7b.

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

The Scots pine is a tall, straight pine tree with distinctive orange-brown bark. Its blue-green needles appear in pairs and can be up to 7cm long. Male cones are yellow while female cones are green, maturing to grey-brown.

Size at Maturity – This species can reach a height of 60 feet with a spread of 40 feet
Soil Requirements – Scots pine trees thrive in acidic (4.5 to 6.0 pH), loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, and even dry soils. The species has some drought tolerance.
Sun Requirement – This pine tree thrives in full sun (minimum 6 hours daily)
Needle Length – Scots pine trees feature blue-green needles that vary in length (from one to three inches). Needle color frequently changes to a yellowish-green in the winter.

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

This pine has slender, greenish-blue needles that are two to five inches long and grow in bundles of five. It has long, narrow yellowish-brown cones six to eight inches long. The bark of the Eastern white pine is smooth and gray on young trees, becoming gray-brown and deeply furrowed as the tree ages.

Size at Maturity – This species can reach a height of 80 feet with a spread of 40 feet
Soil Requirements – The eastern white pine grows in acidic (5.5 pH), moist, well-drained, and dry soils. While it grows best in moist soil, the tree can tolerate everything from dry, rocky ridges to bogs.
Sun Requirement – This pine tree species thrives in full sun and partial shade (minimum 4 hours of daily unfiltered sunlight)
Needle Length – Commonly cut down and used as Christmas trees, this species features long, slender, blue-green needles, often reaching five inches in length, in bundles of 5 that are soft and flexible.

Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)

Blue spruce, also known as Colorado spruce, is a conical-shaped evergreen tree with stiff horizontal branches and short, stiff needles. It is a commonly used tree in Midwest landscapes, although the species struggles with fungal infections as it ages.

Size at Maturity – This species can reach a height of 75 feet with a spread of 20 feet
Soil Requirements – This species can adapt to and thrive in moderately acidic (5.5 to 7.0 pH), loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained, and even clay soils. It requires regular moisture with moderate tolerance to both flooding and drought.
Sun Requirement – This pine tree thrives in full sun (minimum 6 hours daily)
Needle Length – The Colorado Blue Spruce features stiff, prickly, and roughly 1 to 1½ needles. This species provides privacy and an efficient windbreak when planted in a row.

Japanese White Pine (Pinus parviflora)

The Japanese white pine has long, narrow yellowish-brown cones six to eight inches long. The bark of the white pine is smooth and gray in its youth, becoming gray-brown and deeply furrowed as it ages.

Size at Maturity – This species can reach a height of 50 feet with a spread of 40 feet
Soil Requirements – Japanese white pines flourish in well-drained, moderately acidic (5.6 to 7.0 pH) soil is the main requirement for success with Pinus parviflora. It is even tolerant of poor soil as long as drainage is good.
Sun Requirement – This pine tree thrives in full sun (minimum 6 hours daily)
Needle Length – Pinus parviflora grows slender, greenish-blue needles that are 2.5-5 inches long, growing in soft bundles of five.

Marietta, Georgia Pine Tree Species

In this article, you discovered information and planting tips for several pine trees hardy to Marietta, Georgia’s zone 7b climate.

Knowing which evergreen pine trees will flourish in your Marietta yard will help you avoid the embarrassment of a dry and lifeless-looking fall and winter landscape and give you an extra outdoor holiday decorating opportunity.

Not planting pine trees in your Marietta yard will leave you with a landscape appearing to be desolate and dead.

Sources:
hort.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/PINPARA.pdf
arboretum.harvard.edu/plant-bios/colorado-blue-spruce/
plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pinus-strobus/
landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/pinus-sylvestris
extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6815

Originally published on: http://www.toddsmariettatreeservices.com/perfect-pine-trees-for-your-marietta-georgia-yard/

Avoid losing your trees to a tree-boring beetle infestation. Knowing how to identify tree-boring beetles and prevent them from destroying your trees will help you preserve and strengthen your landscape’s ecosystem.

72tree.com gathered the following information to help you identify tree-boring beetles, the damage they do to trees, how to treat them, and how to prevent beetle infestations.

Tree-Boring Beetle Damage

Borers tunnel into trees to feed on their inner wood. Symptoms can be slightly different depending on the borer, but in general, these critters create holes in tree bark, leave behind sawdust or sap and cause leaf discoloration and branch dieback, and can ultimately kill the tree. Consider the following:

Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is an exotic beetle discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The adult beetles feed on ash foliage but cause minor damage. The emerald ash borer’s larval stage is responsible for the damage that leads to the host tree’s death. The larvae’s feeding under the tree bark eventually interrupts the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients from the roots to the tree’s foliage, causing ash tree decline and death.

The emerald ash borer has decimated over 40 million ash trees in Michigan alone and tens of millions throughout other states and Canada. Small (younger) trees can die as soon as one to two years after an EAB infestation, while more mature infested trees can survive three to four years. Without intervention and preventative measures, an EAB infestation is 100% fatal to the host.

Vulnerable Tree Species – All eastern North American ash species are susceptible to EAB, including green, white, black, blue, and pumpkin ash trees.
Infestation Signs – Thinning and yellowing leaves, D-shaped holes in the bark, and severe canopy and bark loss
Treatment – Injection by a professional pesticide applicator (or a certified arborist) is the best option for trees greater than 48 inches in circumference (15 inches in diameter). Sprayed and poured insecticides are not as effective.
Prevention – It is challenging to prevent an initial EAB infestation of an individual tree. But you can prevent EAB from spreading to other trees. The only way to prevent your ash trees from falling victim to EAB is to treat them. Untreated ash trees are a significant contributor to EAB’s spreading.
Information/Reporting – If you suspect you’ve seen the emerald ash borer or ash tree damage caused by a potential infestation, report it immediately by calling 1-866-322-4512. You can also report your findings online at aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/hungry-pests/Pest-Tracker

Note: You can also report an EAB sighting or infestation by reaching out to your county’s Extension office or a designated state representative found at emeraldashborer.info/reporting-eab.php

Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae)

The mountain pine beetle (MPB) is a bark beetle species native to the forests of western North America from Mexico to central British Columbia. It has a hard black exoskeleton and measures approximately 1/4 inch (the size of a grain of rice). MPB is the most aggressive, persistent, and destructive bark beetle in the western United States and Canada. MPB affects pine trees by laying eggs under the bark. The beetles introduce blue stain fungus into the sapwood preventing the tree from repelling and killing attacking beetles with tree pitch (sap).

Vulnerable Tree Species – Ponderosa, lodgepole, white bark, limber, sugar, blue spruce, bristlecone pines, and several other pine species.
Infestation Signs – Signs of MPB infestation include white pitch tubes, running pitch, “sawdust” at the base of the tree, and multiple small emergence holes in the bark. During warmer months, these beetles can kill a tree in two to four weeks.
Treatment – Removal. Cut and destroy infested trees along with a wide buffer strip of healthy trees.
Prevention – The only treatment that can be applied to the tree is preventative. This will protect the tree by killing the beetles before they infest it. Insecticides containing the active ingredients permethrin or carbaryl and labeled for bark beetle control should be done by early June to protect trees from MPB.
Information/Reporting – If you suspect an MPB infestation, hire an arborist to confirm the infestation, begin treatment and removal efforts, and contact local authorities to help contain the beetle’s spreading.

Metallic Wood-Boring Beetle (Buprestidae)

Buprestidae, also called Jewel Beetles, comprise any of some 15,000 beetle species (insect order Coleoptera). These beetles are primarily distributed in tropical regions and are among the most brilliantly colored insects. Buprestidae adult beetles feed on their host tree’s foliage, resulting in little damage to the tree. The larvae of these beetles burrow through the bark, roots, and stems of multiple tree species and woody plants to reach the cambium (water and nutrient delivery system of the tree).

Vulnerable Tree Species – Pine (Pinus), spruce (Picea), fir (Abies), hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), ash (Fraxinus), beech (Fagus), hazelnut (Corylus), apple (Malus domestica)
Infestation Signs – Partially consumed foliage (leaf notches), chlorosis of foliage in sections of the crown, dieback of foliage and stems, frass (sawdust) found on the bark from burrowing activities, D-shaped exit holes in tree bark, suckers and water sprouts growing in the crown, on the trunk, and/or from the roots, woodpecker damage (woodpeckers hunt beetle larvae), squirrel activity (some squirrel species feed on beetle larvae)
Treatment – Due to their larvae’s hidden feeding activities, treating a metallic wood-boring beetle infestation is not always possible and should be evaluated by a certified arborist.
Prevention – Select well-adapted tree species not commonly attacked by wood-borers in your region. Select and prepare suitable planting sites to avoid tree stress, freeze damage, sunscald, windburn, and other common tree stressors.
Information/Reporting – If you suspect a metallic wood-boring beetle infestation, hire an arborist to confirm the infestation, begin treatment and/or removal efforts, and contact local authorities to help contain the beetle’s spreading.

Note: Read more about metallic wood-boring beetles at 72tree.com/metallic-wood-boring-beetles/

Can Trees Recover from Borers?

Sometimes. Tree-boring beetles are attracted to trees that are already stressed and injured (pruning wounds are common entry points for first-generation borers). Adding mulch around your tree and providing it with consistent waterings and seasonal fertilization can help it fight off or resist borers while recovering from previous damages.

Note: When you see signs of decline or bark damage (entry/exit holes or woodpecker damage), call a certified arborist to evaluate the situation and recommend a course of action.

Tree-Boring Beetles

In this article, you discovered essential information on identifying a wood-boring beetle infestation, the damages they can cause trees, how to treat and prevent infestations, and who to call for help.

Knowing how to identify, treat, and control tree-boring beetles will help you prevent or stop severe infestations from killing stands of trees on and around your property.

Ignoring beetle infestations can result in the quick death of your trees and property damage if said tree falls on your home.

Sources:
agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/landscaping/wood-boring-insects-of-trees-and-shrubs/
nrs.fs.fed.us/disturbance/invasive_species/eab/biology_ecology/host_preference/
fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5187520.pdf

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/tree-boring-beetle-description-and-prevention/

Trees and big bushes on your property add beauty, charm, privacy and shade, but sometimes they need a trimming or to be removed if they get too close to your house and its roof. Now that we’re in the middle of the summer season, everyone is enjoying the outdoors while they can before the cold weather returns. Many homeowners are maintaining their yards and landscape.

Overgrown Trees Should Be Trimmed

One of the things you should keep an eye on are the trees and bushes around your yard, and especially take notice of any next to your house. Are their branches hitting your walls, gutters or roof? If so, Big Foot Tree Service of Wayne, New Jersey, can come trim the branches down so they don’t damage your home.

Also, do you have any trees leaning over, looking like they could hit your house if a storm were to blow them down or snap them in two? Big Foot Tree Service can install “cabling and bracing” to stabilize trees that look like they’re tipping awkwardly to one side. The Big Tree team can also remove any branches high atop the tree that have gotten too long for their own good.

Keep Your Home Safe from Damages

In your yard, do you notice a tree with several dead branches? It may be time to have it cut down and removed if it can’t be saved. To have a beautiful yard and one ugly, dying tree in it is something that bothers most people. Also, now is a good time to have tree stumps removed by professionals, so you don’t have to look at them all summer long.

Big Foot Tree Service has a team of professionals who maintain and improve the trees of many Northern New Jersey residential properties. Taking great care to get jobs done with efficiency, Big Foot Tree Service can be reached at 973-885-8000.

The post Protect Your Home From Overgrown Branches appeared first on Big Foot Tree Service.

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

What if the shrubs you planted were not only visually appealing, but also had medicinal and therapeutic properties. Knowing what medicinal shrubs to plant on your landscape can offer additional benefits and be utilized when needed.

toddsmariettatreeservices.com gathered the following species and growing information for 5 medicinal shrubs that should be planted in your Marietta, Georgia landscape.

What are Medicinal Shrubs

Medicinal shrubs, also called medicinal herbs or plants, are used for their scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicines are one type of dietary supplement sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plant parts. People have used herbal medicines to maintain or improve their health for generations. Consider planting the following medicinal shrubs in your Marietta, Georgia yard and garden:

1. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Peppermint is a hybrid mint. It is a cross between watermint and spearmint and is indigenous to Europe and the Middle East. Nowadays, the plant is grown and cultivated in many regions around the world.

Mature Size – Peppermint can reach heights of 3 feet and a width of 2 to 3 feet.
Sun Requirements – This species thrives in a part shade to full sun location.
Preferred Soil and pH – Peppermint is an adaptable plant but prefers well-draining, loose, organically-rich soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.0.
Water Requirements – Water this species 2 times per week, keeping soil evenly moist without saturating it.
Medicinal Value – Peppermint oil is promoted for topical use (applied directly to the skin) for headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching/skin irritation. In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is used to treat coughs and colds, improve mental function, and significantly reduce stress.
Hardiness Zone – 5 through 10

2. Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is a genus of 47 known species in the mint family. It is native to the Mediterranean’s hot, dry climate and can currently be found growing in most temperate climates worldwide.

Mature Size – Lavender can reach heights of 2 feet and a width of 2 to 3 feet.
Sun Requirements – This species thrives in a full sun location (6 hours or more).
Preferred Soil and pH – Lavender prefers well-draining soils with a pH ranging from 6.7 to 7.3.
Water Requirements – Water mature lavender plants every 2 to 3 weeks until buds form, then once or twice weekly until harvest.
Medicinal Value – Aromatherapists utilize lavender for inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Herbalists use lavender oil to treat skin ailments like fungal infections, wounds, eczema, and acne. This species is also used in healing baths for joint and muscle pain.
Hardiness Zone – 5 through 9

3. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Since antiquity, neem has been renowned for healing. The earliest medical writings refer to the benefits of its fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, roots, and bark. Each of these elements has long been used in Indian medicine, and over thousands of years, millions of Asians have used neem medicinally.

Mature Size – Neem will typically grow as a tree reaching 50 to 65 feet tall with a well-rounded crown.
Sun Requirements – This species thrives in full sun – 6 hours or more.
Preferred Soil and pH – Neem will adapt to nearly any soil type and can tolerate pH values up to 8.5.
Water Requirements – Water mature neem specimens once weekly without overwatering.
Medicinal Value – Neem’s medicinal values are principally found in its foliage. Neem leaves exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-ulcer, anti-malarial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Hardiness Zone – 10 through 12 (Marietta’s winter temperatures will likely cause this species to lose its foliage in the colder months)

4. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

This species bears clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers in springtime, becoming small, dark purple fruit that smells like cinnamon. However, the spice is made from the species’ bark.

Mature Size – Cinnamon will typically grow as a tree reaching 50 feet tall with a well-rounded crown.
Sun Requirements – This species requires full sun. Plant your cinnamon in a location that gets at least twelve hours of daily sunlight.
Preferred Soil and pH – Cinnamon thrives in well-drained sandy soil with a 4.5 to 5.5 pH.
Water Requirements – Water mature cinnamon specimens once or twice weekly without overwatering.
Medicinal Value – Cinnamon Lowers Blood Sugar Levels and Has a Powerful Anti-Diabetic Effect. Cinnamon is well known for its blood-sugar-lowering properties.
Hardiness Zone – 9 through 11 (this species will require protection/shelter from Marietta’s winter temperatures)

5. Echinacea or Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea purpurea is a perennial herb native to the midwestern region of North America. It has tall stems that bear single pink or purple flowers with a central cone that is usually purple or brown. The large cone is a seed head with sharp spines resembling a stiff comb.

Mature Size – This species can reach heights of 4 feet and a width of 1 to 3 feet.
Sun Requirements – Echinacea thrives in full to partial sun, needing at least four hours of sunlight per day.
Preferred Soil and pH – Echinacea purpurea is adaptable to most soil types but prefers a sandy, well-drained loam and thrives in a 6.0 to 7.0 pH.
Water Requirements – Purple coneflowers require regular watering – about 1-inch per week.
Medicinal Value – Use echinacea to shorten the common cold and flu, and reduce symptoms, like sore throat, cough, and fever. Herbalists also recommend echinacea to help boost the immune system, helping the body fight infections.
Hardiness Zone – 3 through 9

Medicinal Shrubs in Marietta, Georgia Landscapes

In this article, you discovered species, growing, and medicinal information for several species that can thrive in Marietta, Georgia, landscapes.

Knowing which medicinal plant, shrub, or tree species to grow in your Marietta, Georgia, yard will help you grow an eclectic and intriguing landscape.

Without knowing shrubs can serve more than landscaping purposes, you would miss the therapeutic and healing advantages that some offer.

Sources:
plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/mentha-x-piperita/
heritagegarden.uic.edu/lavender-lavandula
nap.nationalacademies.org/read/1924/chapter/8
uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/Cinnamomum-cassia-Cinnamon-09-08-2017.aspx
hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/echinacea/

Avoid planting a tree species that’s not well suited for your yard. Knowing the pros and cons of eucalyptus tree species will help you make informed decisions about what to plant in your yard.

72tree.com gathered the following information, pros, and cons of eucalyptus trees and how they affect their surroundings.

Eucalyptus Trees

Eucalyptus globulus Labill is an evergreen aromatic tree in the Myrtle Family (Myrtaceae). This tree species commonly reaches 150 to 180 feet in height and has a diameter of 4-7 feet. This tree has a straight trunk up to two-thirds of its total height and boasts a well-developed crown.

Eucalyptus Tree Foliage

Eucalyptus tree species are evergreens. Unlike other northern hemisphere trees that are deciduous in harsh fall and winter periods, eucalypts have leaves all year. These trees are described as ‘sclerophylls,’ meaning ‘hard-leaved.’ The species’ leaves are thick, leathery, and tough due to lignin and do not easily wilt. When eucalyptus trees are used for privacy screening, this attribute is their greatest pro.

Eucalyptus Tree Stands

A properly functioning watershed has a forest or tree stand with three canopy levels; a lower (understory), middle (middle story), and top or (overstory). With all three canopy levels, the trees can better trap water by slowing rainfall, trapping mist from the air on leaves, which drips into the soil and naturally replenishes the water table below. However, when the stand or forest is composed of eucalyptus, there will only be an overstory canopy level, and the ground will be practically devoid of understory trees and plants.

The leaves and roots of eucalyptus trees inhibit other plants from growing under them due to naturally-occurring chemicals. Having no middle or lower canopies causes soil to easily dislodge and wash downslope through streams and rivers, which can rapidly increase land and soil erosion.

Note: Many plants produce compounds that will inhibit or stop the growth of nearby plants to better compete for nutrients, sunlight, and other vital resources. This is known as allelopathy, and black walnut, maple, pine, and eucalyptus species are some of the better-known examples of tree species that employ this. Allelopathy is a severe con to planting eucalyptus trees on your property.

Invasive Eucalyptus Roots

Since a eucalyptus tree’s lateral roots spread up to 100 feet outward, they are known to grow into ditches, plumbing pipes, and septic tanks, damaging, clogging, and cracking them. In fact, eucalyptus roots penetrating or lifting foundations is a common complaint when this species is planted too close to a home.

If you choose to plant eucalyptus trees, you can limit or prevent some of the dangers associated with its shallow root system by placing root barriers and with proper planting and maintenance. Plant eucalyptus trees so the distance away from utilities, structures, driveways, sidewalks, and roadways is equal to two-thirds the potential mature height of the tree.

Note: Eucalyptus roots will typically encroach on a structure’s foundation only when there is an active water source like a burst pipe or poorly connected drain. This attribute of the eucalyptus species is a severe disadvantage to its planting.

Eucalyptus Tree Dangers

While there are many attractive advantages to the eucalyptus species, there are some downright terrifying disadvantages to having the species anywhere near your property. Consider these eucalyptus species’ cons:

Water – Eucalyptus trees have a terrible reputation as extensive water users and significant contributors to soil depletion. While they do need copious quantities of water, their colossal taproot can find moisture even in the most barren areas. This voracious appetite helps maintain their incredibly rapid growth.

Toxicity – Some homeowners place eucalyptus leaves around their homes for their aroma or will plant eucalyptus in their landscapes. However, eucalyptus plant foliage is toxic to animals and humans if ingested.

Toppling – Eucalyptus trees are prone to falling because of their shallow spreading roots that don’t do an efficient job of anchoring or steadying the tree in loose soil or when an external force places overwhelming pressure against the trunk and branches.

Exploding – Eucalyptus oil gives off flammable fumes, and these fumes can be ignited by lightning, flying sparks, and cinders, causing the tree to explode.

Fireballs – During brush or forest fires, the eucalyptus species releases great quantities of flammable gas that mix with air to produce fireballs full of sparks and embers exploding out in front of the fire.

Note: According to North Carolina State University, eucalyptus foliage and bark are considered poisonous in large amounts. If too much is ingested, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can result.

Eucalyptus Tree Uses

Knowing the dangers posed by growing eucalyptus trees, it is difficult to believe that anything good can come from this species. Consider the following (surprising) benefits:

• Eucalyptus oil Is naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal
• Eucalyptus vapors can decrease and clear mucus
• Eucalyptus is used for household cleaning
• Eucalyptus soothes and refreshes dry skin on contact
• Eucalyptus is an efficient insect repellant

Note: Topically applied, eucalyptus can offer you a break from everyday aches and pains.

Eucalyptus Trees Species Pros and Cons

In this article, you discovered essential information, pros, cons, and unusual species traits for the incredibly robust eucalyptus tree species.

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of planting a eucalyptus tree on your property will help you make informed decisions about planting distances and tree safety.

Planting a eucalyptus tree without knowing how to care and its potential for invasive roots can unintentionally cause costly damages to your property.

Sources:
nps.gov/places/eucalyptus-trees.htm
science.org.au/curious/earth-environment/story-our-eucalypts
kqed.org/science/4209/eucalyptus-california-icon-fire-hazard-and-invasive-species
plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/eucalyptus/

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/eucalyptus-tree-information-pros-cons/

Storms damage trees. Chain saws cut them down. And what remains? The hard-to-remove stumps.

Why are stumps so hard to get out of the ground? Well, underneath the stump are strong roots. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, good luck digging and chopping with your shovel and axe. After all that hard work, how are you going to actually remove that heavy stump—by hand? No. You could attach a rope to it, and try to pull it out using your lawn mower or truck. It can get pretty dangerous, especially if the rope snaps. Once it’s out of the hole, where do you put the monstrosity?

Professional Stump Removal

Save yourself the time and frustration of stump removal by hiring a professional company like Big Foot Tree Service to do the work for you.

It’s a smart idea to remove stumps so they don’t get in the way of mowing your lawn. Stumps also trip people up, especially when they’re covered with weeds and a person doesn’t realize they’re there. In addition, old stumps attract a variety of pests who want to call them home. Termites, roaches, ants, squirrels and snakes are attracted to stumps.

Safety and Efficiency

A professional stump removal company has the proper equipment and know-how to remove stumps safely and efficiently. Since they do the job often, they become experts at getting stumps out without making a giant mess in the yard. Furthermore, with the right machinery, stump grinding can occur on the property, turning the stump into wood mulch—a good way to “recycle” these days.

Most importantly, getting rid of stumps makes a yard look nicer to passersby and the people who see it every day. If you were looking to buy a house with a nice yard, and two were exactly alike—same price, same layout—but one had seven stumps awkwardly scattered across  the front yard while the other had no stumps—just lush green grass—which would you prefer?

In Northern New Jersey, Big Foot Tree Service can and will get rid of your stumps professionally. Call the company at 973-885-8000 today and ask for a free estimate.

The post Why You Should Have a Professional Remove Your Tree Stump appeared first on Big Foot Tree Service.

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