5 Medicinal Shrubs for Your Marietta Georgia Landscape

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

If the trees around your property appear shaggy, or if there’s a few precariously hanging branches, it may be time to give them a touch-up. There are many safety and aesthetic advantages to giving the trees around your property a proper trim and pruning. You may be tempted to grab a ladder and some shears and try to finish the job yourself. However, there are a few complications to consider before you start tree trimming yourself. Keeping your trees in pristine condition not only helps protect your home and property from hanging or falling tree limbs, but also boosts the curb appeal of your home. At Red’s Tree Service, we want to help you keep your home safe and beautiful. Here’s everything you need to know about tree trimming and pruning.

What’s the Difference Between Trimming and Pruning?

Tree trimming helps trees, shrubs, and hedges grow in a healthy way. Commercial clients often trim trees to make their property more attractive to potential clients. A cleaner appearance helps draw in more visitors. At Red’s Tree Service, our team prefers to focus on removing green shoots, which helps encourage healthier growth overall. On top of environmental growth, trimming also improves the appearance of the tree or shrub itself.

Pruning is not just for tree maintenance. The term is often associated with the removal of unnecessary branches and sometimes even roots. These branches and roots may be dead and need to be cut away for the health of the tree. In some cases, branches grow in the wrong direction. They may push towards electrical utility wires or structures, which can prove to be a safety hazard. Pruning helps keep unwanted growth in check so you can have better control over your greenery.

Why You Should Trim Your Tree

Whether your home is surrounded by a smattering of trees or you have just a few small hedges that need a makeover, you may be wondering about the benefits of regular tree trimming. Pruning or trimming a tree allows you to reduce the possibility that dead or decayed material in the branches could be shifted to healthier trees. Another reason many people trim the trees on their property is to allow more sunlight to filter through to the ground. This helps to reduce the possibility of mold and mildew by drying up the ground. In turn, this allows the plants underneath the tree to receive the nutrients that they need to grow successfully.

Your safety and the security of your property, as well as that of your neighbors, is a major reason why people schedule a quick trim for their trees. If you notice that a tree has a decayed or dying limb, there is always a possibility that the limb could fall during a storm and cause damage to your home or your neighbor’s property. A quick trim can be a bit costly, but it will be worth avoiding a limb falling into your neighbor’s home or ruining your expensive roof. 

Lastly, aesthetics are another reason why tree trimming is a worthwhile project. If you’ve recently upgraded your home’s exterior, such as adding new siding or decor for your yard, you may find that cutting back some extra tree growth will add to your home’s curb appeal and really showcase your new upgrades. 

Tips for Trimming and Pruning

There are many different methods and strategies for trimming and pruning, and it’s important to know the best approach. A poor pruning job can damage your tree for the rest of its lifetime, so it is important that you consult a professional who understands your trees and how to properly care for them. To help you out, our team has a list of tips for keeping your trees looking pristine after their trim:

• Don’t remove foliage too frequently. Allow time for the tree to naturally grow before making too many gratuitous cuts. Cutting too much can damage the tree’s health.
• Don’t tackle a pruning job yourself that requires you to go within ten feet of a power line
• Always sharpen your tools before use. Dull cutting implements can needlessly damage trees
• Maintain a solid tree structure by reducing co-dominant leaders, or branches that grow near the top of the tree that both grow upwards
• Prevent storm hazards such as low limbs that extend over a walkway or garage
• Before making a cut, look for the branch collar, which grows from the stem tissue at the bottom base of the branch. Look for the branch ridge, which is on the upper surface and is parallel to the branch angle at the stem.
• Always cut outside the branch bark ridge and angle your cut down and away from the stem. Be careful not to injure the branch collar.

If you follow these tips, you can better maintain the health of your tree and the aesthetic of your property. This important maintenance project allows you to boost the curb appeal and frame your home with lovely greenery.

Get the best at 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. 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 nosy neighbors from watching your every move and create privacy for your yard. Knowing how to grow a bamboo screen will help preserve your privacy while contributing to the ecosystem.

toddsmariettatreeservices.com gathered the following pros, cons, and growing information about bamboo for privacy screens.

What is Bamboo?

Bamboo species are a part of the grass family and are typically fast-growing evergreen flowering perennials, with some species growing an astounding 12 to 35 inches per day. The woody ringed stems (culms) are often hollow between the rings (nodes) and tend to grow in branching clusters from a thick underground stem (rhizome). When bamboo is harvested and properly processed, it can be used to make things like flooring, paper, fabrics, chopsticks, and more.

Note: In traditional Chinese culture, bamboo symbolizes longevity and beauty because of its durability, strength, flexibility, and resilience. It survives in the harshest conditions of the most challenging environments, standing tall and staying green year-round. When storms come, bamboo gracefully bends with the wind.

Planting Bamboo Privacy Screens

Bamboo is a stunning plant species for visual privacy screens or evergreen hedges because it has a small initial footprint, it grows incredibly tall, it grows fast, produces oxygen, and sequesters carbon. Consider the following for planting:

Planting Bamboo with a Root Ball (Root Mass) – First, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and mix composted manure into the base of the hole before putting the bamboo in place. The root mass should sit level with the ground. Finally, mix the topsoil with more compost and fill the hole.

Pros of Bamboo Privacy Screens

Besides serving as a stunning conversation topic, a live bamboo privacy screen offers the following benefits:

• Bamboo is incredibly fast-growing and will quickly fill in any gaps between culms
• Bamboo grows fast (really fast); one species holds the world record for the fastest-growing plant
• While species-dependent, bamboo can reach 100 feet at maturity
• Bamboo has a greater tensile strength (28,000 per square inch) than steel (23,000 per square inch) and withstands compression better than concrete
• Bamboo is evergreen and will provide screening year-round

There are approximately 1,000 bamboo species. The more popular varieties for hedges or privacy screens include:

Arundinaria funghomii (Runner) – Thin, straight canes of running bamboo grow close together with lots of leaves
Bambusa multiplex (Clumper) – 10 to 20-foot upright poles
Bashania fargesii (Runner) – Long, sturdy culms have earned this species the name of “Wind break bamboo,” and its leaves are long and thick
Fargesia dracocephala (Clumper) – This bamboo has thick culms growing to about 10 feet, with a dense and “weeping” canopy that makes an excellent privacy hedge
Phyllostachys bissetii (Runner) – This variety can reach up to 40 feet tall with 2-inch culms
Phyllostachys bambusoides (Runner) – Smooth, beautiful culms can reach 50 to 70 feet tall, with up to a 5-inch culm diameter
Pseudosasa Japonica (Runner) – Ideal for shorter screens and hedges with culms growing 15 to 20-feet tall

Bamboo species are among the fastest-growing plants on the planet. Some varieties can reach full maturity in just 90 days, while most other varieties only take a couple of years. One bamboo species can grow an astounding 35 inches per day (that’s 1.5 inches per hour).

Cons of Bamboo Privacy Screens

While there are many positive aspects of using bamboo as a privacy hedge or screen, there are some significant disadvantages. Consider the following:

• Pruning or cutting bamboo stems (culms) will stop their growth
• Bamboo does not tolerate drought (regular watering can only be interrupted on rainy days)
• Bamboo species prefer secluded or protected locations
• Running bamboo species can aggressively cross property lines and invade yard space
• Once bamboo is established, it can be extremely challenging to entirely remove

Running bamboo does precisely what the name portrays; it runs. Running bamboo species must be controlled with rhizome barriers to prevent them from spreading beyond their intended location.

Non-invasive, clumping bamboo has short roots, generally forming discreet clumps requiring only a 3’ to 10’ circle of space to expand. Clumping bamboo root structures are dense and can apply significant pressure on foundations, walls, and fences.

Planting Bamboo

In this article, you discovered species and growing information and some of the pros and cons of planting bamboo as a privacy hedge or privacy screen.

Planting bamboo as a privacy screen can give your yard a lush and fully developed screening in a fraction of the time typical landscape trees would take.

When planting bamboo, you risk a “running” species crossing your property line and growing out of control, requiring costly professional removal.

Sources:
extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1357&title=Growing%20Bamboo%20in%20Georgia
extension.tennessee.edu/publications/documents/W220.pdf
heritagegarden.uic.edu/bamboo
depts.ttu.edu/plantresources/Pages/Landscape_Information_Sheets/Woody_Info/Bambusa_spp.php
guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/fastest-growing-plant

Avoid planting trees that produce awful aromas. Knowing which trees smell bad will help you cultivate a beautiful landscape without the horrific wafting odors of urine or excrement.

72tree.com gathered the following information about five tree species that emit a repugnant smell through their bark, foliage, or fruit.

1. Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

Bradford Pear is a variety of pear trees native to Korea and China called Pyrus calleryana. This species was introduced into western horticulture in 1908 and has been causing a stink ever since.

Pyrus calleryana is one of the first tree species to flower in the spring and typically one of the last trees to have colorful foliage in the fall. The tree’s white blossoms are about a half-inch in diameter and fill its canopy. Bradford pear fruit is small, round, and hard until softening after the first frost.

When Bradford pear trees are in bloom, they will unleash a canopy of beautiful white blooms but will also emit a stench that’s often likened to rotting fish.

Bradford pear trees are hardy to zones 5 through 9, and at maturity, this tree species can reach heights of 40 feet and a spread of 20 to 30 feet.

2. Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

Closely related to the Bradford pear, the Callery pear is a small to medium-sized tree with a compact, symmetrical, or columnar shape that spreads to become oval with maturity. Many cultivars exist with slightly different characteristics, but all of them contribute to the species’ invasiveness.

If you see this tree in bloom, you may want to keep your distance (or take an out-of-town vacation). The aroma produced by these pretty Callery pear flowers have been compared to the smell of human male semen and vomit.

Callery pear trees are hardy to zones 4 through 8, and at maturity, this tree species can reach heights of 40 feet and a spread of 20 to 30 feet.

3. White Spruce (Picea glauca)

This species of spruce is native to North America, and its timber is principally used in general construction. Its uses also include timber for cabin construction, musical instruments, paddles, furniture, cabinets, pallets, boxes, and food containers. Picea glauca is also commonly used as a Christmas tree.

The tree’s needles are a stunning bluish-green color but give off a horrid aroma when the needles are crushed. Other names the tree goes by include cat spruce and skunk spruce due to the foul odor.

White spruce trees are hardy to zones 2 through 6 and, at maturity, will often reach 60 feet in height and 10 to 20 feet in diameter.

4. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Known as one of the most distinct and beautiful of all deciduous trees, the ginkgo certainly stands out. With its unique, fan-shaped leaves that turn a stunning yellow in the fall, it is a tree that can tolerate many unfavorable urban conditions, including heat, air pollution, and salt. This tree also takes root easily.

For all of its majestic traits, there is one that stands out – its hideous odor. When the females of the species drop their leaves and fleshy fruit, when crushed by vehicles or pedestrians release a distinct stench that has been likened to rotten butter, vomit, dirty gym socks, or dog excrement.

Ginkgo trees are hardy to zones 4 through 9 and, at maturity, will often reach 25 to 50 feet in height and 25 to 35 feet in diameter.

5. Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

This towering tree species is often identified by its smooth and brownish-green bark when it is young, eventually becoming light brown to gray in its maturity, resembling cantaloupe skin. This tree’s scientific name, Ailanthus (sky-tree), and its common name, tree-of-heaven, both refer to its ability to quickly grow towards the sky.

Even with such a celestial name, you cannot get by its terrible smell. The leaves of male trees smell like rancid peanut butter or well-worn and musty gym socks.

Tree of Heaven is hardy to zones 4 through 8 and, at maturity, will often reach 60 to 70 feet in height and 80 feet in spread.

Stinky Trees

In this article, you discovered several tree species that most people deeply regret ever having planted on their property due to the horrible odors that they emit.

Knowing which tree species smell bad will help you avoid embarrassing moments when trying to explain the foul stench in the air.

Planting trees that smell bad will leave you with an unenjoyable landscape riddled with off-putting aromas.

Sources:
naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/rosaceae/pyrus-calleryana/callery-pear-tree-33
extension.umd.edu/resource/bradford-pear
realchristmastrees.org/education/tree-varieties/white-spruce/
landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/ginkgo-biloba
extension.psu.edu/tree-of-heaven

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/5-trees-that-smell-bad/

Now that the weather is warming up, people are paying more attention to their yards and what’s in them. Many are considering the addition of some bushes or trees to their property for aesthetic reasons.

Planting Trees Near Your House

Have you ever noticed a tree that was planted too close to a house? Its branches are constantly hitting the roof, especially in the wind, making noises and scattering messy dirt and leaves around the roof and sides of the house. And eventually the leaves end up clogging the roof’s gutters, which can lead to a mess not only on the ground, but in a person’s basement when water sneaks inside.

If you look at a tree, notice how big it is, and then consider its root system looks about the same size underground. Now do you want a huge tree’s roots interfering with your home’s pipes, cables and other buried items? Oh no, you don’t.

Ever notice lots of cracks in a buckled sidewalk leading up to a house? That’s probably because tree or bush roots messed it up.

And as for bugs: they love shrubs and trees, and when you have them within a foot or two of your house, the bugs are going to use them as bridges to get both on and in your walls. Yuck. Do you want termites? Heck no.

Give Your Tree Some Space

When you’re choosing on where to plant your tree, give it some space from your house. You’ll avoid the hassle of damages or problems down the road to your property or home if the tree is too close to it. If a storm comes roaring through, you won’t have to worry too much about your tree or the branches falling on power lines or even your house.

If insects and pests infest your tree for some reason, you can solve the problem without having to worry about disease spreading or an infestation moving into your house.

Big Foot Tree Service can remove any bushes, shrubs or trees that you think are too close to your house, and even grind away and get rid of stumps. Better yet, if you’re thinking of planting or moving trees on your property, give us a call at 973-885-8000 so we can help you determine the best location for them so as not to disturb your house, driveway and sidewalks.

The post How Close Should I Plant a Tree Near my House? appeared first on Big Foot Tree Service.

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

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/