|
News and Blog Articles
|
 If the storm drops limbs on your roof, please don't try to climb up there yourself to get them down! We aren’t exactly known for getting lots of winter precipitation here in Athens. The occasional snow flurry, and if we’re lucky, maybe a half-inch that sticks around for long enough to make a small snowman. But sometimes, Georgia’s fickle weather likes to catch us off-guard, and sends us things like freezing rain, sleet, snow, and even hail. Such events, though few and far between, can be incredibly dangerous for a multitude of reasons, including the increased likelihood of tree failure. What happens if a tree fails in a winter storm?The first thing to do in any tree failure or partial tree failure situation is to get to safety. If a tree falls on your home, evacuate that area. If it falls on your car, keep a safe distance. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Once everyone is a safe distance away from the impact zone, it’s time to assess the situation to determine how severe the emergency is. The following are some of the criteria that both emergency responders and local tree service companies consider emergencies that should be prioritized: Someone is in danger.For example, if a tree fell onto your car while someone was in it, or fell into their bedroom, trapping them inside. Access for emergency medical attention is blocked.For example, a tree fell across your driveway, and an ambulance wouldn’t be able to get to your home if needed.  If a tree falls on powerlines, you should keep your distance, as the lines are still active and can electrocute you. Power lines are involved. If a falling tree or limb impacted power lines, call 911 to alert them so the lines can be inspected, and ALWAYS assume the lines are still active and capable of electrocuting you. Further danger is expected. For example, if a tree has started to fail but hasn’t fully fallen, say because it gets caught in another tree. Or, if a tree loses a limb and starts cracking down the trunk, suggesting it might fail entirely. If you meet any of the above criteria, first call 911 to alert them of the situation, and then a tree service company. If your situation doesn’t meet the above criteria or isn’t an emergency, you can still call a tree care professional to get your job on their radar. Just know that, while your project will likely take priority as storm-related over regular work, there may be other emergency situations that take precedence. Be patient and know that all the tree companies in your area are doing the best they can to get to every job in a timely manner while keeping their community and employees safe. What tree company should I use?There are plenty of tree service companies local to our area, and during severe storms when there is lots of emergency work, we all work together to make sure everyone’s trees are taken care of as quickly as possible to minimize damage and danger to persons and property. That said, there area few things you should confirm before allowing any tree service professional to step on your property: Liability Insurance Make sure the company you choose maintains liability insurance, and make sure that insurance is up to date. Any reputable company will be more than happy to provide you with a copy of their insurance for your records, which will include both the monetary amount their insurance covers up to, as well as the dates the insurance is valid for.  If a tree falls on your house, get out safely, call your insurance agent, then call a Certified Arborist. Worker’s Compensation Insurance You also want to ensure the company has up-to-date worker’s comp. If one of their employees gets injured on the job, this kind of insurance ensures you aren’t liable for their medical care. Again, any reputable company will provide you with a copy of this insurance for your records. Arborist Certification It’s always best to have a Certified Arborist assess your situation. They’re trained and experienced in emergency situations, and will know how best to remove the fallen tree as safely as possible, while also minimizing further damage to your home and property. How can I prepare for a storm?While there’s not much you can do in the way of preparing your trees for a storm (you can’t cover them with a tarp or park them in the garage, like you can with your car, for example), there are still some things you can do to be prepared.  Park any vehicles away from high-risk trees before a storm to prevent a tree from falling on your car. Park cars away from high-risk trees. Broadleaf and needleleaf evergreens are more susceptible to damage and failure during freezing rain and ice accumulation. If you’ve got some tall pines near your driveway, you might want to consider parking your car in your front yard, or even on the street. If you’ll be parking on hardscape, like concrete or pavement, avoid parking on steep inclines. Bring decorations inside. High winds can cause even heavy patio furniture to blow away, or worse – to crash into a window. If you can, bring loose items like this inside, or put them in a shed. If you can’t do that, consider tying them down. Get a secure water supply. Severe storms in our area tend to knock out the power, sometimes even for a few days, so it’s important to make sure you have access to fresh water. Fill a bathtub (or two, if you have them!) with water. This can be used to refill toilet tanks for flushing, brushing your teeth, or even for drinking. Having a case of bottled water on hand is also a smart idea. Remember, adults need 2-3 liters of water a day, and children need 1 liter per day, so keep that in mind as you plan ahead. And don’t forget pets! Keep warm. With freezing temperatures, things can get very cold very quickly, so it’s important to know how you’re going to stay warm in the event of a power outage. It’s easiest to keep one room at a safe temperature, rather than trying to keep an entire house warm without central heating. If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood and pull out the sleeping bags – it might be time to have a sleepover in the living room! If you don’t have a fireplace, a small camp stove or gas grill can also generate heat. If you don’t have anything that can generate heat, gather everyone into one of the smallest rooms of the house. Bundle up with lots of layers and blankets, and use extras to cover windows for added insulation. Your combined generated body heat can help keep a smaller room warm. Keep an eye on your perishables. If the power goes out, try to open your fridge and freezer as little as possible to hold in the cold air. Fridges can keep meat, dairy, and eggs safe for about 4 hours if the door remains closed, so eat those items first if possible. Your freezer, on the other hand, can keep things safe to eat for a day, maybe even two, if the door stays shut and the freezer is full. Stock up on non-perishables. If you know in advance a storm is on the way, stocking up on non-perishable foods is always a smart move, especially foods that don’t need any kind of cooking. Crackers, bread, peanut butter, beef jerky, and canned fruits are all great options. In the event of tree damage in a winter storm, Classic City Arborists prioritizes emergency work, so don’t hesitate to give us a call! If you’d like to have us check out your property for any high-risk trees, consider scheduling a tree assessment. AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has worked with Classic City Arborists for the last 5 years. In addition to handling administrative tasks and customer communication (she’s the voice you’ll hear on the phone!), Emily is an experienced copywriter, editor, and storyboard consultant. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.
0 Comments
 If you’ve lived in the southeast, you’ve definitely seen a few hickory trees in your time. In Georgia, the most common hickory is the Carya ovata, more commonly known as the shagbark. Other names include shellbark hickory, scalybark hickory, and upland hickory. The word ‘hickory’ comes from an Algonquian language, a shortened version of powcohiccora, which was likely the name of the tree’s nut, or possibly a milky drink made from the nuts. The colloquial “shagbark” part of their name comes from their most striking visual aspect: the loosely-plated bark that peels away in large plates, giving their trunks and branches an overall ‘shaggy’ appearance. Did You Know?President Andrew Jackson was nicknamed “Old Hickory,” because he was ‘tough as a hickory tree!’ The shagbark hickory is a medium-sized deciduous tree, reaching average heights of 70 to 80 feet. Their crowns mature into an oval shape and can spread 40 to 70 feet. Though native and populous throughout eastern North America, they rarely grow in stands, and instead are often found scattered throughout forests surrounded by other species. Visually, their most distinctive feature is of course their ‘shaggy’ bark. Only mature trees exhibit this trait, however; younger shagbarks actually have smooth trunks, making them difficult to identify as shagbarks from a distance. Shagbarks are also striking for their large leaves, which average 12 to 24 inches long. They grow in 5-leaflet clusters and are lightly serrated along the edges, with a vibrant green color in the spring that fades to golden in the fall.  Shagbark hickories are monoecious, with their male and female flowers growing jointly from the tips of old wood or axils of the previous season’s leaves. The female flowers are shiny and muted red in color, and each petal averaging 4 to 6 inches long. The male flowers are small green spikes that appear to grow from the female flower. They bloom in the spring, usually around late-March here in Georgia. The product of successful blooms is a thick-husked drupe with four sections that conceals a hard-shelled nut. Hickory trees are members of the walnut family, and their nuts are largely edible and enjoyable. Shagbark hickories are no exception; their nuts were once a staple in Native American diets, and continue to be appreciated by humans and animals alike. They support a wide range of species, including squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, mice, bears, foxes, rabbits, and some bird and turkey species. For humans, shagbark nuts are culinarily similar to pecans, and are often used as substitutes for pecans in colder climates. Did You Know?The largest shagbark hickory tree can be found in Savage Gulf, Tennessee, measuring in at over 150 feet tall! These trees are incredibly long-lived, with average lifespans ranging from 200 to 300 years, and they can produce fruit starting at around 40 years, making them a reliable food source. Despite this, they aren’t often used commercially, as the 40-year investment before nut production makes them prohibitive to most agricultural ventures. Their fruit output from year to year is also inconsistent, depending heavily on environmental factors, making them a temperamental crop. In addition to their nuts, shagbarks are also valued for their wood, which is used both for lumbar due to its heavy, hardy nature, and for smoking meat thanks to its light natural sweetness.  Though they’re ecologically important and visually interesting, shagbarks aren’t often used in landscaping, be it personal or commercial. Their slow growth rate is a disadvantage, and the litter associated with their drupes and subsequent nuts can be both an eyesore and a hazard. The amount of wildlife they attract can also cause problems when located near areas with high foot traffic. Though you probably won’t see one bordering a manicured lawn or along the sidewalk in the park, these trees are still widespread in our area, so keep your eyes peeled for peeling bark! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has worked with Classic City Arborists for the last 5 years. In addition to handling administrative tasks and customer communication (she’s the voice you’ll hear on the phone!), Emily is an experienced copywriter, editor, and storyboard consultant. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.  We’ve talked before about how the stately, sprawling Southern Live Oak is Georgia’s state tree. But did you know we also have a national tree? In late 2004, the Arbor Day Foundation held a 4-month-long vote to determine which tree species should be declared the national tree. There were 21 candidates to choose from, though voters were also welcome to write in any tree of choice for consideration. The goal was to select a broad tree category, rather than a specific species. From the very first day of polling, the oak held the lead. By the end of the voting period, the oak was the clear winner with over 101,000 votes. For comparison, the runner-up (the redwood) brought in just under 81,000 votes. With the people’s choice determined, it was presented in a bill to Congress. It passed smoothly and was then sent to the President’s desk. On December 15th, 2004, it was signed into law: America’s national tree is the oak. Why Choose a National Tree?With every state denoting its own state tree, it may seem redundant to have a national tree. The president of the National Arbor Day Foundation as the time, John Rosenow, explained: “We undertook this vote to remind Americans of just how important trees are to us all, and to emphasize the history and grandeur of our trees.” About Oak Trees The oak is America’s most widespread hardwood, with more than 60 species growing native across the country. They’re everywhere you look, from our city streets to our national parks to your own backyard. Oaks are vital to their local ecosystems as sources of food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, supporting more life forms than any other North American tree genus. The genus has been around for thousands, if not millions, of years, and the individual trees themselves are some of the longest-living in the arboreal world. White oaks, for example, easily reach 300 years old, and certain trees have been recorded surpassing 600 years. There’s a southern live oak in Louisiana estimated to be nearly 1,500 years old, and an English oak nearing 2,000 years old in Lithuania. In California, a colony of Palmer’s oak clones, also called the Jurupa Oak, is believed to be more than 13,000 years old. Oaks can be seen throughout human history. Ink has been made from oak galls since the 4th century, and acorns have been an important source of food for a variety of cultures since before written record. Oak leaves have been used as symbols of royalty and military rank throughout the ages. “Old Ironsides” herself, the U. S. S. Constitution, was made from white oak. If you’d like to explore the various oak species native to North America, check out the USDA’s field guide. AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has worked with Classic City Arborists for the last 5 years. In addition to handling administrative tasks and customer communication (she’s the voice you’ll hear on the phone!), Emily is an experienced copywriter, editor, and storyboard consultant. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.  The winter solstice is almost here, which means it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! It’s time to wrap up in cozy blankets with mugs of hot chocolate by the fireplace, and of course, decorate the Christmas tree. But what is the winter solstice, and what does that mean for you? What is the Winter Solstice?There are two solstices every year – one in summer, and one in winter. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin word solstitium, and means “sun stands still.” A solstice occurs when the Earth’s axis, or tilt, is aligned with the sun. In the summer, that alignment means we have the longest day, or the most hours of sunlight. But in the winter, it means we have the longest night, or the most hours of darkness. In colder climates, the winter solstice is used to mark the middle of the cold season, and celebrated as midwinter. But in warmer climates, like here in Georgia, the solstice is more often considered the first day of winter.  Two First Days of WinterThis year, the winter solstice is on December 21st. But you probably noticed on your calendars that December 1st was marked as the first day of winter. So what gives? December 1st is considered the first day of winter in the meteorological world. People who study the climate and the weather divide the 12 months of the year into 4 equal sections so it’s easier to compare climate date over the years. The “winter” section of the meteorological calendar is December 1st to February 1st. But traditionally in cultures throughout the world and throughout time, the longest night of the year has been used to mark the changing of the seasons, be it the start or the middle. Winter is Here. What Now?No matter which “first” day of winter you choose, winter weather is undeniably upon us, which means there are a few arboreal best practices it’s time to revisit:  Look At Your Trees We know you’re spending less time outside in the cold, and more time inside where it’s warm, but it’s important to take a moment to look at the trees around your house this winter. Certain signs of decline can be more visible in the winter, when the leaves have dropped and bare branches are easier to see. Get An Assessment Even if you don’t see anything concerning, it’s still a good idea to have the trees around your home assessed by a Certified Arborist. What looks like a healthy pine tree to you might be a fall risk with all the wind and rain we can expect this season! Save Some Money! The colder seasons are often the slow seasons for tree care, which means it’s actually a great time to get your tree care needs scheduled! The slow seasons of course means less wait time between getting a quote and actually getting your work done, but it can also mean better prices as companies try to fill their calendars. If you’re in the Athens, Georgia area, give Classic City Arborists a call to schedule an assessment and get a free quote! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has worked with Classic City Arborists for the last 5 years. In addition to handling administrative tasks and customer communication (she’s the voice you’ll hear on the phone!), Emily is an experienced copywriter, editor, and storyboard consultant. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. Like most tree companies, the majority of calls we get from customers involve pretty big, obvious tree concerns: a pine down in a storm, a big limb with all dead leaves that hangs close to the house, or a sweetgum that drops gumballs all over the driveway. These kinds of noticeable problems are an important part of the work that we do, but it’s also important to have the trees that you don’t notice looked at, too. Why do I need regular tree assessments?When you feel sick, or you fall and break your arm, you of course go to the doctor. But you also go to the doctor for check-ups even when you’re feeling fine, just to make sure everything is working the way it should. Your trees need the same: regular check-ups to make sure nothing is wrong that you can’t see. What might look like a perfectly healthy tree to the average person could actually be at a high risk of failure, with signs only a trained arborist is likely to spot. A perfect example of this would be a tree we removed last month. Take a look at the stump:  The inside is entirely hollow. The tree’s structural integrity was shot, and it could have failed at any time. Now take a look at the outside:  If you don’t know what you’re looking for, this seems like a pretty healthy tree. That small cavity at the base, a fairly normal occurrence that’s easy to overlook, is the only sign that something might be wrong. Our Certified Arborist, Scott, spotted this cavity and knew it could mean more serious issues were at play. Further investigation and testing revealed the hollow interior, and so we removed the tree as soon as possible. How does a tree assessment work?Our regular estimate appointments are customer-led. This means that, when our Certified Arborist, Scott, comes out to take a look, you’ll walk around together and point out to him the concerns you have or the work you’d like done. He’ll let you know what the options are, and whatever you discuss, he’ll write you a quote for. Of course, if he sees any glaring concerns that you don’t mention, he’ll point them out and can add them to your quote if you’d like. An assessment, on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily have to be customer-led. While Scott is happy to meet and walk around with you, especially if you do have any specific concerns, he can also take a look on his own. He’ll wander your property to examine all the trees near important structures, like your house, your driveway, your shed, or your kid’s swing set. Any tree within striking distance of persons and/or property gets the once-over. An assessment also doesn’t necessarily end in a quote. Once he’s looked at everything, Scott will send you an email report of his findings. This could be a short “everything looks great!” or it could be a longer list of concerns. The report will include important information like how urgent the concerns are, and what the recommendation would be for each, whether that’s pruning or removal, monitoring, or some kind of tree health care. After reviewing the report, if you’d like to get a quote for any of the items listed, we will of course write one up! How often should I have my trees assessed?Our usual recommendation is to have an assessment once a year. After your first, Scott will note if there are any trees with concerns that should be checked on sooner than a year and include that recommendation in his report. If you’d like to schedule an assessment, give us a call today! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has worked with Classic City Arborists for the last 5 years. In addition to handling administrative tasks and customer communication (she’s the voice you’ll hear on the phone!), Emily is an experienced copywriter, editor, and storyboard consultant. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.  As you probably already know, in late September of 2024, Hurricane Helene struck our humble state of Georgia. The deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland since Katrina in 2005, Helene claimed over 250 lives and wrought an estimated $78 billion in damages. In the days, weeks, and even months following the storm, most of Georgia was in crisis mode, desperately trying to clear debris and retrieve the injured. Thankfully, our little Athens area was largely unaffected. This allowed us here at Classic City Arborists, along with many other local tree service companies, to spend multiple weeks travelling to neighboring communities (even going so far as North Carolina!) to assist with tree-related clean-up. Long-Term ImpactIt’s been a year, now, since this disaster struck, and Southeast is still feeling the aftershocks. The agriculture industry saw major losses to 2024’s crops, including cotton, vegetable, and pecans, causing shortages throughout the year. Many pecan orchards were partially or entirely blown away, destroying decades of work and investment in one fell swoop. Recovery for impacted farms and orchards are still ongoing, and shortages continue. The poultry industry also saw millions in chicken houses ruined, and even the dairy industry felt the effects with lower milk production due to rainwater saturation. Timber Supply ChainUnsurprisingly, the timber industry was devastated. An estimated 1.5 million acres of timberland were damaged, and the overall economic impact to the industry is estimated by the UGA Cooperative Extension as at least $2.65 billion. This reduce in supply, of course, increases the cost of the final product, which we’re starting to see in the rising cost of everything from lumber to paper. But that’s just the direct impact of damage from Helene. The timber industry saw more tragedies than just the hurricane in the last year, namely the closure of four major paper and pulp mills.  In addition to the direct loss of over 1,600 jobs, careers down the line from loggers to truck drivers to small business owners have taken hits due to these closures. Loggers are finding it nearly impossible to return to their standards of sale pre-Helene without these major mills to purchase their product. In turn, they require less truckers to transport that product. This reduce in supply could further increase the cost of all wood-based goods down the line, from 2x4s to paper towels. And with loggers harvesting less wood to compensate for the lack of mills willing to take their product, landowners are uncertain that the investment needed to replant will return anything at all. To put it simply, the entire timber industry in Georgia is still struggling over a year after the initial devastation of Hurricane Helene. There’s HopeThe state of things is certainly dire, but that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. Every industry impacted by Helene has rallied in the wake of tragedy, coming together with the dedication and determination humanity always displays in times of crisis. Even the timber industry’s future isn’t bleak despite the current state of things. The Georgia Forestry Association is looking at a variety of options for expansion, to provide jobs for those impacted by mill closures and to revitalize the industry itself. AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has worked with Classic City Arborists for the last 5 years. In addition to handling administrative tasks and customer communication (she’s the voice you’ll hear on the phone!), Emily is an experienced copywriter, editor, and storyboard consultant. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.  It’s finally Fall! As you wander through the festivals and enjoy the cooler weather, you may notice an abundance of acorns on the ground this year in addition to crispy leaves. While acorns are a common autumn occurrence, you aren’t imagining things: there’s definitely a lot more of them than usual! That’s because in Georgia this year, white oaks are masting. It’s a mast year! What is Masting?Masting is a coordinated event where all the trees of a given species in the same area will produce an unusually large bounty of their nuts, seeds, or fruit. This abundant crop is called a ‘bumper crop’ and is synchronized locally every 2 to 5 years, depending on the species. A mast year is just a year in which a certain species goes through masting. Why Do Trees Mast?Growing fruiting bodies that can reproduce is a heavily taxing process for any plant species. There’s only so much energy to go around, and a lot of that has to be spent on keeping the tree alive. That means that most trees only produce enough fruiting bodies in any given year to satisfy the local wildlife population that eats their crop. Only a small percentage is left over a given the chance to actually grow into new plants. While this is functional enough for any species to continue, the goal is not just to survive, but to multiply. And so, some species developed masting as a clever way to help along the reproduction side of things without overextending themselves into extinction.  Every few years, these species produce their bumper crop of fruiting bodies, an amount much higher than the local wildlife population could hope to get through. This guarantees a larger percentage of seeds or nuts that get the chance to grow into new plants, helping boost the species’ population. Of course, the amount of energy required to do this is exponential, which is why they don’t go around masting every single year. Instead, they save up their stores for a few years and use it all up at once in a mast year. How Do Trees Mast?The process of growing extra fruiting bodies is fairly straightforward, and even the cyclical nature of doing so every few years is a pretty common phenomenon in nature. But the part of masting that still leaves us stumped today is the synchronized bit. If all trees of the same species, regardless of location, were on roughly the same masting schedule, then we would know that the event is dictated by, essentially, a biological clock. The time between mast years would be dictated by evolutionary pressures in the species’ past. But mast year schedules of any given tree species vary from location to location. That means that all the trees of a particular species in one area are, somehow, communicating with each other. There’s plenty of theories out there about how they do this (things like electrical signals sent through underground fungal networks, for example), but as of now, we have no definitive understanding of this process. Which just means we still have so much to learn! What Are the Effects of Masting?One of the main effects of masting is, of course, an increase in population for the species that masts. In the years following the bumper crop, a much larger number of that species will take root and grow.  Another effect of masting, however, is the benefit to wildlife. In a normal year in prime conditions, the ecosystem supports the local wildlife’s population. But conditions are not always prime, and sometimes unexpected circumstances can impact a species’ population. For example, a severe storm might wash away some food supply, and flood nests or burrows, hurting the population. Masting of course helps boost the tree species’ population, but also provides an abundance of food that can help boost listing wildlife populations, keeping the entire ecosystem in balance. AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has worked with Classic City Arborists for the last 5 years. In addition to handling administrative tasks and customer communication (she’s the voice you’ll hear on the phone!), Emily is an experienced copywriter, editor, and storyboard consultant. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.  Leyland Cypresses are a beautiful evergreen tree, used widely both by professionals and homeowners to decorate landscapes and offer privacy. You’ve probably seen them in rows as a privacy fence in your neighborhood, or even at your local Christmas tree farm! What Is a Leyland Cypress?The Leyland Cypress (X Cupressocyparis leylandii) is a hybrid coniferous evergreen tree. A hybrid is a cross between two other species: in this case, the Nootka false cypress (Chamaecyparis nootkantensis) and the Monterey cypress (Cupressocyparis macrocarpa). As a hybrid, most Leyland Cypresses are sterile, which means they don’t produce seeds that can then grow into other trees. To propagate them, nurseries and other sellers and farmers must use cuttings. Leylands grow in a pyramid- or cone-like shape, and can reach heights of 60 to 70 feet, with spreads between 15 to 25 feet. They’re fast growers, too, and on average, will add about 4 feet to their height and 2 to 3 feet to their width every year until they reach that full size. They usually live 15 to 20 years before naturally dying out. The leaves of the Leyland Cypress are more similar to needles than leaves, and grow in thin, short layers resembling scales. They range from a rich green to a darker blue-green depending on the cultivar. Their sterile seeds are found in small cones about 2 cm in length. These cones begin green, fade to brown with maturity, and eventually dry out, turning gray before they fall.  Leyland Cypress trees like full sun to thrive, which means they need 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day. This makes them good candidates for creating borders where you otherwise have little to no trees, as they won’t have to worry about shade taking away from their sunlight hours. What Makes Leyland Cypresses Popular?Leyland Cypresses are a popular landscape choice largely due to their quick growth. These trees are relatively hardy, and require little up-front maintenance. You can plant a row of them and within a couple years have a fully-functional privacy fence or border. Their classic pyramid shape and rich green needles make them visually appealing and easy to incorporate into any landscape. The classic shape and quick growth make them a popular choice of Christmas tree, especially for “choose and cut” farms that plant rows of trees and allow customers to come cut down their own. Most people want a tree that’s 5 to 8 feet tall, which means farmers only need a year or two of growth from a Leyland Cypress to have a sellable product. Planting Considerations for Leyland CypressesWhen planting a Leyland Cypress (or a privacy fence of Leyland Cypresses), there are a few important things to keep in mind if you want a happy, healthy tree. 1. Growth Rate This might seem obvious, considering their quick growth rate is a major factor in why homeowners and landscapers choose to plant Leyland Cypresses in the first place. But it’s all-too-easy to underestimate just how much space a fully-grown Leyland will take up, which means it’s all-too-easy to plant it too close to something, whether that’s another Leyland in a row designed as a privacy fence, or your house or driveway. A Leyland too close to other trees will start competing for space, and the losers will suffer and may even die. A Leyland too close to structures might start growing branches over your roof, or digging roots into your foundation.  2. Depth One of the most common mistakes we see with Leyland Cypresses is trees that were planted either too deep in the ground, or not deep enough. If the root collar is buried, the tree can suffocate. But if the root ball is too shallow, the tree won’t establish well, and might get blown over in a summer storm. The best practice is to dig out a hole that is 3 to 4 times larger than the diameter of the root ball, and only as deep as the root ball is tall. When covering the root ball, make sure the root collar is exposed. 3. Soil Drainage Leyland Cypresses are fairly hardy, but require well-drained soil to thrive. They don’t like wet feet! The easiest way to encourage drainage is to use some kind of ground cover, like mulch, to help control moisture levels. AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has worked with Classic City Arborists for the last 5 years. In addition to handling administrative tasks and customer communication (she’s the voice you’ll hear on the phone!), Emily is an experienced copywriter, editor, and storyboard consultant. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.  It’s September! The heat is finally starting to give, signaling the beginning of fall. Cooler weather means it’s about time for the beautiful colors of the seasons as the leaves start changing. Just like with summer, there are technically two “first days” of fall. The meteorological first day, which passed us on September 1st, is determined by meteorologists, who divide the year into four neat seasons so it’s easier to compare climate data between years. But culturally and historically, the true “first day of fall” is actually the Autumn Equinox. What’s an equinox?There are two equinoxes each year: the vernal equinox in spring, and the autumnal equinox in fall. “Equinox” comes from the Latin aequus, meaning “equal,” and nox, meaning “night.” The name refers to one of two days each year when we have about the same amount of daylight as we do darkness – that is, about 12 hours each. This happens when neither of Earth’s hemispheres is tilted more towards the sun than the other. After an equinox, the Earth’s axis continues its pattern, and one hemisphere will begin to tilt towards the sun while the other tilts away. In the fall, our Northern hemisphere is the one tilting away, which means we’ll start to see less sunlight each day, making the days “shorter.” When is the Autumn Equinox?This year (2025), the autumnal equinox is on September 22nd. What does that mean for me?The start of fall means we should finally start to see some cooler weather, though of course, here in Georgia we know all about false fall. But overall, temperatures are going to trend downwards.  That means all the usual fall pleasures are almost here, like pumpkin spice lattes and corn mazes and cozy nights by the fireplace. Washington Farms will open soon, and there will be plenty of fun fall events to go to, like the UGA Botanical Gardens 14th Annual Native Plant Sale on October 2nd, or the Oconee County Fall Festival on October 18th. The leaves are going to start dropping, so soon it’ll be time to break out the rakes. While you’re out there, keep an eye on your trees – as the branches get bare, it’s easier to spot signs of decline that might be cause for concern! And even though things are cooling down, there’s still plenty of time to get working on that garden. Check out our article on what you can plant in the fall. AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has worked with Classic City Arborists for the last 5 years. In addition to handling administrative tasks and customer communication (she’s the voice you’ll hear on the phone!), Emily is an experienced copywriter, editor, and storyboard consultant. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. Georgia’s weather is notoriously fickle, but in these hottest summer months, we know to expect frequent storms. Heavy rains, booming thunder, and of course, flashing lightning. The winds and water are enough to cause tree failure, of course, but the lightning is an oft-overlooked threat. Why Does Lightning Strike Trees?
What Happens When A Tree is Struck by Lightning?
When Should I Worry?There’s plenty of damage lightning can cause that’s perfectly visible – flying bark, broken branches, fire. But lightning often causes significant internal damage that compromises the tree’s structural integrity. Lightning is also incredibly damaging to the tree’s root system. This can lead to full tree failure.
It’s also important to have your tree assessed as soon as possible after the strike. The longer you wait, the worse that internal damage can get. This increases the threat the tree poses to your home and family, and it can also make the removal process more difficult and more dangerous, which could cost you more in the long run. Is Removal the Only Option?We’ve stressed the dangers of a lightning-damaged tree, because they can pose a serious threat to surrounding persons and property. But just because a tree was struck by lightning doesn’t automatically mean it will have to be removed. Trees are resilient. Depending on the level of damage, they may be able to recover on their own, or with some assistance (such as pruning, fertilizer, etc). But it’s always best to have a Certified Arborist assess the tree to make that call. If you’ve had a tree struck by lightning, don’t wait! Contact Classic City Arborists in the Athens, Georgia area today to schedule a free quote! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has worked with Classic City Arborists for the last 5 years. In addition to handling administrative tasks and customer communication (she’s the voice you’ll hear on the phone!), Emily is an experienced copywriter, editor, and storyboard consultant. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. |
|
|
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24
24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24