|
News and Blog Articles
|
 Quercus nigra, more commonly known as the water oak, is a highly adaptable oak species native to the southeastern United States. These handsome trees have also been called names like the spotted oak, duck oak, punk oak, orange oak, and even possum oak. Though naturally found in swampy areas along ponds and river beds (which is why we call them water oaks!), this species is surprisingly content with almost any soil composition. Water oaks can handle well-drained conditions, and even grow well in compacted soil, meaning they get on just fine in the hard red clay Georgia is known for.  This adaptability doesn’t extend to sun exposure, though. Water oaks require full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Some trees will tolerate light shade, and most can weather occasional cloudy, rainy days. But too much shade can be fatal. Luckily, there’s no shortage of sunlight in the South! Water oaks are one of the fastest-growing yet shortest-lived oak species. They can easily add more than 2 full feet of height each year until they reach maturity, when they top out at around 50 to 80 feet tall. But they live only an average of 60 to 80 years. The sprawling canopy of these trees generally spread just as wide as they do tall, making for excellent shade from the summer sun. These canopies vary in overall shape, with some staying more rounded while others grow more conically.  Though the canopies are visually attractive, and often lead to these trees being used in landscaping and cityscaping, water oak wood is notoriously weaker than other oak woods. The limbs are liable to break and snap under their own weight, and are especially at risk in high wind conditions. The main trunk of the water oak is often slenderer than one might expect for its size, reaching only a few feet in diameter over the course of the tree’s life. The bark on these trunks starts out smooth and creamy brown. As the tree ages, rough and scaly ridges appear, and the color fades to grayish-black.  Water oak leaves can be anywhere from 1 to 5 inches long and ½ an inch to 2 inches wide. They can feature as many as five gently-sloping lobes, but may also be smooth with no lobes at all. Their color ranges from dark green to bluish-green on top. The underside is generally a pale bluish-green with rust-colored hairs that run along the leaf veins. Despite the wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, water oaks are very easily identifiable by their leaves alone. All water oak leaves feature a rounded lobe at their tip that looks almost like a drop of water.  In the fall, water oaks offer a showy display of yellow foliage that they hold on to well into the winter months before finally shedding. Cylindrical male flowers and female spikes lead to an abundance of acorns that average a mere half-inch in length. These acorns are often striated brown and black, and are topped with a shallow cap. They require two seasons to mature before they can grow into their own tree. As with all oaks, water oaks are susceptible to oak wilt, an often-fatal disease. Their softer wood is prime real estate for pests such as nut weevils, leaf miners, oak lace bugs, and other borers. If you suspect your water oak (or another tree) may be infested or infected, check out our article on the signs of decay! For more species spotlights, browse our collection of Tree of the Month articles. AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.
0 Comments
 One of the biggest concerns we hear from our customers is the price tag on the tree work they want done. Many people are surprised by how expensive it can be to cut down even just one little old tree, let alone something more complicated like raising a canopy or getting a downed trunk off a roof. So why is tree service so expensive? Tree Work is DangerousMost of our work is performed on compromised trees. What we do requires us to get up close and personal with failing and at-risk trees, which puts us at a heightened risk for injury.  Our employees know what they’re getting into, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to take care of them. We’re a family-owned business, and consider our employees a part of that family. To ensure everyone who works for us is protected, we maintain Worker’s Comp insurance. Should the unthinkable happen, we want our employees to know that we will take care of them. In addition to insurance, we also want our workers to be able to maintain a healthy work-life balance. We strive to provide fair compensation for the intense work this job requires, and offer paid time off and paid holidays. Training and CertificationWith such dangerous work, it’s important for everyone on the job to know what they’re doing. That means plenty of training and preparation for our employees. Scott Rushing, co-owner and Certified Arborist, maintains his certification through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) with continuing education courses throughout the year to ensure he’s up-to-date on all the latest tree care policies and procedures.  To learn more about what it means to be a Certified Arborist, check out our article on ISA Certification. We’re Licensed and InsuredIn addition to Worker’s Comp, we also hold liability insurance to protect you, the customer. While accidents aren’t common, we want our customers to know that their property and livelihood is protected at all times when we’re on the job.  To get liability insurance (and also legally be allowed to do business) we have the proper business licenses for Oconee County, Athens-Clarke County, the State of Georgia, and the United States. Tree Work is ComplexAll the factors we’ve discussed so far are the basics of why tree work is so expensive. But in addition to those things, what impacts how we price out any individual job is how complicated that job is.  It might not seem like such a big deal if you just want one little tree cut down, but there are a lot of logistics we have to consider:
These factors only get more complicated as the job itself gets more complex. If you just want a few limbs pruned, we have to figure out how to get to those specific limbs without damaging the other ones. If you want a tree dropped that’s surrounded by other trees, we have to work around those trees. If the tree you want us to work on is in your back yard, we have to get our equipment back there without tearing up your property. If you want a lot of different things, we may have to pay our workers overtime to get everything done in a timely manner.  All of these considerations go into how we price tree work. At Classic City Arborists, we strive to be as transparent and open with our customers as possible. If you have any questions about the prices associated with work we’ve quoted for you, please don’t hesitate to ask us! Scott will be more than happy to discuss with you why things are priced the way they are, and what factors he’s focusing on for any given line item. If you’re interested in working with us, fill out our contact form for a free estimate! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.  Our next tree of the month is the mayhaw, a type of hawthorn tree known for its sweetly tart berries. This native species can be found all throughout the southeast, and is popular both for the brilliant and variegated colors of its berries as well as the delicious jams and syrups made from those berries. The mayhaw tree, scientifically classified as Crataegus aestivales, prefers to grow in moist soils and can be found along river and creek beds under the cover of hardwood trees. They’re pretty hardy, though, and can adapt to dryer environments, like your backyard! In the wild, they grow mostly as trees, though if they don’t have enough space, they’ll spread out more like a shrub. If you plant one, you can cultivate it however you’d like.  Where other plants might wither or crisp in the hot Georgia sun, mayhaws actually love it. They prefer full sun exposure, or at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, making them a great choice for Southern landscaping. They can tolerate partial shade if necessary, though, so don’t worry if your yard doesn’t get sun all day. Because they grow fairly quickly and densely, mayhaws are a great choice to create a privacy screen or hedge. They also offer cooling shade if grown into tree form rather than bush form. Though potentially susceptible to rust, mayhaws are surprisingly resistant to most diseases, even those known for impacting other hawthorn species.  The leaves of the mayhaw have a pretty classic leaf shape, with subtle parallel lobes on either side. They have fairly prominent ribbing, and take on a deep, warm green color in early spring, which contrasts nicely against the bright white flowers. Mayhaws are technically in the rose family (and they have the thorns to prove it!) but their blooms don’t look much like roses. Instead, they have five white petals surrounding a greenish-yellow center with multiple dark stamens. These flowers start popping up in early spring before giving way to the edible mayhaw berries. The small fruits start out small and green, but soon transition to a bright cranberry red when fully ripened.  Though berries can often be seen well into June and July, mayhaw berries are usually harvested in May, which is where they get their name. Eaten raw, mayhaw berries are incredibly tart. However, if you live in the South, then you’re probably familiar with mayhaw jelly. This popular spread is the perfect balance of the tart berries coupled with sweet sugar, and makes a perfect topping for toast or filling for a pie. Mayhaw berries are also the main ingredient in mayhaw syrup, which can be spread on pancakes, drizzled over sausage, or added to other recipes. AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.  You’ve heard of the census, of course. Periodically, we all respond to a variety of questions that help keep our country up-to-date. But have you heard of the Great Georgia Pollinator Census? What is the Great Georgia Pollinator Census?Once a year, the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences organizes the Great Georgia Pollinator Census, or GGAPC for short. This project catalogues the pollinator population in our state by recording the frequency with which different pollinators visit pollen-bearing plants. Why is that important?Pollinators are, of course, vital to their ecosystems, but they are also vital to our way of life. There are more than 180,000 species that pollinators visit to assist with their reproductive process. 1,200 of those species are major crops that sustain our society! To put that in perspective, think of it this way: approximately 1 out of every 3 bites of food you take is thanks to pollinators.  In addition to supporting our food supply, pollinators also ensure the continuation of all life on earth. That may sound drastic, but without pollinators assisting them, somewhere between 75% to 95% of all plant life wouldn’t be able to reproduce, which means their species would die out. Plants produce the oxygen we breathe and help keep the air clean. No plants means no oxygen, and no oxygen means no humans! How can you help?Contributing to the pollinator census is easy, especially with the GGAPC’s helpful census worksheet ! On August 20th or August 21st, go outside and sit in view of a pollinator plant. It can be your favorite flowering bush in your garden, a cluster of wildflowers on the sidewalk, or something found at the local park.  For 15 minutes, watch your chosen plant and write down the pollinators that land there. The census categorizes pollinators like this:
Keep a tally for each category, and when your 15 minutes are up, submit the numbers you recorded to the Great Georgia Pollinator Census’s website. Can anyone participate? Yes! You don’t have to be an entomologist (someone who studies bugs) to help out with the census. If you’re still unsure about the different categories of pollinators, the GGAPC has a detailed guide with pictures, descriptions, and other information to help you figure things out. You can also check out their video guide on YouTube for a walk-through of the process. What about kids?Absolutely! The GGAPC encourages kids across the state to join in (with parental supervision, of course). This project is a great way to get kids outdoors and engaged with the natural world around them. It also makes for a great introductory STEM exercise, and is perfect for class activities as well as at-home adventuring. If you’re interested in participating in the Great Georgia Pollinator Census, check out their website for more information at GGAPC.org. You can also visit their Facebook group for updates, event details, and other fun community activities! Looking for more ways to contribute? One of the best things to do for pollinators is to grow them some food! Check out our article on what to plant to attract pollinators so you can support their population, and enjoy some pretty flowers to boot! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.  August is officially here, meaning we’ve reached the hottest months of the summer. With the sun hanging low in the sky every day and the temperatures ever rising, you’ve probably already noticed most of these common pests bugging your trees. To help combat the potential damage, here’s a little bit about the 5 most common forest pests in Georgia, along with what you can do about them! 1. Pine Bark Beetles Pine bark beetles, as the name suggests, are rather fond of pine trees. Though they are most commonly found in pines that are already dying or in decline, they will happily infest a healthy tree in great enough numbers. These insects bore through the inner bark of the tree, creating winding pathways inside the trunk in their search of soft tissue to eat. The tree’s downfall usually comes from this maze of tunnels, which decimates the tree’s structural integrity and nutrient delivery system. Pine bark beetles can also carry blue-stain fungi, which infects trees by siphoning their waterflow. What can you do? Aside from harsh chemical insecticides, there’s not much you can do to treat pine bark beetles themselves. Rather, your focus should be on maintaining healthy pine trees. Regular pruning of dead or dying limbs, proper irrigation and soil drainage, and a close eye will help ensure your pine trees are healthy enough to deter pine beetles altogether. 2. Ambrosia Beetles Another opportunistic beetle, ambrosia beetles prefer to attack trees that are already dead or dying, or at least have dead or dying limbs. The females of this species bore into dead tree tissue to lay their eggs. A sure sign of infestation is the thin, noodle-like “toothpicks” this burrowing leaves behind. Alone, this causes damage to the tree's internal structure and nutrient delivery system, but it’s not usually enough to kill the tree itself. The final nail in the coffin is actually the ambrosia fungus that these beetles carry. What can you do? As with pine bark beetles, there is little that can be done to save a tree once an ambrosia beetle infestation and/or ambrosia fungal infection has been identified. Certain pesticides can be used to discourage ambrosia beetle interest. Supporting the health of your trees via soil drainage, pruning, and general maintenance is the best manner to equip them to ward off any unwanted pest attention. 3. Scale Insects Scale insects are tiny and difficult to notice. They get their name from both their scaly appearance, and the way they appear like layered scales on an infested area. They typically attack evergreen and deciduous plants, and may settle on leaves, twigs, and/or trunks. One identifying marker of an infestation is the sticky, waxy substance these pests secrete, which is sometimes called “honeydew.” The infected part of the tree will also show signs of decline, including leaf and needle stunting, yellowing, and branch dieback. If left unchecked, scale insects will happily infest and weaken the entire tree, which leaves it susceptible to other pests, boring insects, and environmental problems such as rot. What can you do? Keeping your trees property fertilized and pruned is, once again, the best method of protecting them from scale insects. Pesticides may aid with the prevention of an infestation, and may also be utilized to treat one. 4. Japanese Beetles Japanese beetles come from Japan, where their population is easily controlled by natural predators. However, in the United States, these beetles are an invasive species, preying on nearly 300 tree species with no natural predator in sight. Most common in the hottest months of summer, Japanese beetles “skeletonize” trees. Basically, they eat the flesh of leaves and flowers between the veins, leaving behind a skeleton leaf. They also feed on overripe fruit, which can usually be found in abundance towards the end of the season. Though eating the fruit does little harm to the tree, the decimation of its leaves and flowers prevents the tree from photosynthesizing properly, and often leaves it without enough nutrients to survive. What can you do? A popular method of treating a Japanese beetle infestation is Japanese beetle traps, which are available at most home improvement and gardening stores. However, recent studies have shown that these traps, while adept at catching thousands of beetles a day, actually attract more beetles to the area, which in turn leads to further infestation of either the affected tree or other susceptible flora nearby. Luckily, there are insecticide options for treating beetle infestations, and also soil insecticides designed to kill larvae and grubs to prevent a subsequent invasion. These insecticides can also be sprayed as a preventative measure. 5. Aphids Aphids are commonly associated with destroying farm crops, but they also love to feed on trees. In moderate amounts, aphids aren’t likely to impact a tree’s overall health. However, in large quantities, the damage to a tree’s leaves can stunt photosynthesis and further growth. Some aphids also inject a toxin into the plants they feed on, which quickly impacts the plant’s health. These are by no means the majority, though. What can you do? Aphids, though susceptible to insecticides, are not often a serious enough problem to warrant treatment at all. The best course of action for aphids is to simply see to the overall health of your tree using the methods we’ve already mentioned: regular maintenance, pruning, and soil drainage. So there you have it! The 5 most common forest pests in Georgia. If you suspect that one of your trees has become infested with any of these pests, our Certified Arborist, Scott, would be happy to come out and take a look! He will offer his professional opinion on how to treat the tree, and whether or not the tree can be saved. Fill out our contact form on our website, or give us a call today! Check out our article on the signs of tree decline to learn more about how you can spot pests and diseases in your trees. AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.  Next up on our exploration of the UGA Campus Arboretum is the South Campus tour. An arboretum is just a fancy word for a botanical garden that features mainly trees. Back in 2000, UGA dedicated its entire campus as an arboretum and created the UGA Campus Arboretum foundation. The foundation’s mission is to plant and maintain trees of historic, local, and botanical value across its 762 acres. This week, we’re going through the South Campus tour. Check out our articles on the North Campus tour and Central Campus tour, or visit Campus Arboretum’s website for interactive walk-throughs. Read on to browse through the trees included on the South Campus tour! 1. Douglas Fir – Pseudotsuga menziesi The Douglas fir is commonly chosen for Christmas trees, and is valued for its soft and light-colored lumber. 2. Eastern Red Cedar – Juniperus virginianNative to the eastern US, these cedar trees grow slowly over hundreds of years. Visit our Tree of the Month article to learn more about the Eastern Red Cedar! 3. Golden Raintree – Koelreuteria paniculata The vibrant yellow blossoms of this east-Asian native float to the ground when disturbed by the wind, just like golden rain! 4. Dawn Redwood – Metasequoia glyptostroboidesNot to be confused with the coastal redwoods of the Redwood Forest, the dawn redwood is the only surviving species of the Metasequoia genus. 5. Southern Live Oak – Quercus virginiana These massive, ancient trees are a staple to our southeast coastlines, and are often decorated with dripping Spanish moss. Check out our Tree of the Month article to learn more about Southern Live Oaks! 6. Swamp Chestnut Oak – Quercus michauxiiThe Swamp chestnut oak, like the name suggests, prefers to grow in the wetlands and swamps of the Southeast. 7. Savannah Holly – Ilex x attenuata ‘Savannah’A hybrid between the dahoon and American holly, this cultivar is a hardy grower with fluorescent-red berries. 8. Japanese Snowbell – Styrax japonicusThis small, flowering tree is native to China, Japan, and Korea, and grows petticoat-like white flower clusters. 9. Weeping Yaupon Holly – Ilex vomitoria ‘Pendula’This holly is the only tree native to North America that contains caffeine, and it gets its unique species name from purification ceremonies where it was used in teas, and where many people often vomited. 10. Eastern White Pine – Pinus strobusThe twigs and branches of these hardy trees are flexible to help bear the weight of heavy snowfall without breaking. 11. Hardy Orange – Poncirus trifoliata Another China and Korea native, this citrus tree grows more like a shrub and bears small, fuzz-covered fruits. 12. Scarlet Oak – Quercus coccineaThe scarlet oak gets its name from its leaves that turn brilliant reds in fall. 13. Foster’s #2 Holly – Ilex x attenuata ‘Foster’s #2’One of E.E. Foster’s five holly cultivars, Foster’s #2 is unique as the female tree does not require male pollination to bear fruit. 14. Lusterleaf Holly – Ilex latifolia This broad-leaved Japanese and Chinese native is the largest of all holly species. 15. Siberian Elm – Ulmus pumilaLike the name suggests, this species is native to Siberia, as well as northern China and Turkestan. 16. Hybrid Yellow-Poplar – Liriodendron tulipifera x L. chinenseMost trees can only pollinate trees in their species, or trees that are closely related. But the North American yellow-poplar and the Chinese tulip-tree, despite millions of years separating their populations, will still happily reproduce together when given the chance. The result of this inter-fertilization is the hybrid yellow-poplar. 17. Chinese Chestnut – Castenea mollissima This chestnut species is mostly immune to chestnut blight, a rampant pathogen that decimates American Chestnut populations. 18. Japanese Evergreen Oak – Quercus glaucaThe leathery foliage of this evergreen species often has a bronze tint when it first emerges, giving it a unique appearance. 19. Chinese Flame Tree – Koelreuteria bipinnataThis tree offers plenty of attractive color, including large butter-yellow flowers in the summer and rosy-pink fruits. 20. Little Leaf Linden – Tilia cordata A European native, this ornamental tree is beloved for its elegant foliage and dense, low-growing branches. 21. Pyramidal European Hornbeam – Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’With strong and muscular trunks, the hardwood of these hornbeams is widely loved in the lumber industry. 22. Bald Cypress – Taxodium distichumThis deciduous conifer is best known for the knobby “knees” it grows when in marshy wetlands. To learn more about the Bald Cypress, check out our Tree of the Month article! 23. Water Tupelo – Nyssa aquatica The name of the water tupelo comes from the way its annual seed crop is mostly dispersed via water. 24. Dahoon Holly – Ilex cassineWith its classic red holly berries and attractive evergreen foliage, this holly is a popular ornamental landscaping choice. 25. Sugarberry – Celtis laevigataThe berries of the sugarberry are orange-red to yellow in color and are beloved by a wide range of bird species. 26. Water Hickory – Carya aquaticaWater hickories prefer water-logged wetlands, and their roots can even purify the water around them! 27. Atlantic White Cedar – Chamaecyparis thyoidesThese slow-growing trees can live up to 1,000 years old, and are incredibly decay-resistant. 28. Weeping Gold White Willow – Salix alba ‘Tristis’ First introduced in colonial times, this European native is valued for its gorgeous yellowish-green “weeping” branches. 29. Virginia Pine – Pinus virginianaThis short-lived and slow-growing species is often used in reforestation projects to kick off a nourishing ecosystem in otherwise devastated areas. 30. Japanese Zelkova – Zelkova serrataNative to Japan, Taiwan, and eastern China, this species was introduced to America to boost the native American elm populations that easily succumb to Dutch elm disease. 31. Grancy Greybeard – Chionanthus virginicusThis species is known for its clusters of drooping flowers and dark blue fruits. 32. Kentucky Yellowwood – Cladrastis kentukeaThis species features yellow heartwood and fragrant white blooms, and is one of the rarest forest trees in the eastern US. 33. Tulip Poplar – Liriodendron tulipiferaThese fast-growing trees are often the tallest in the forest, reaching heights nearing 150 feet on average. 34. Longleaf Pine – Pinus palustrisBefore the land was settled, these 100-year-old giants dominated an estimated 90 million acres of land between Virginia to Florida to Texas. 35. Bur Oak – Quercus macrocarpa Bur oaks won’t bear their acorns until they reach maturity at around 30 to 35 years old, but will then live for nearly 300 more years! 36. Athena Chinese Elm – Ulmis parvifolia ‘Athena’With spectacular mottled bark, this durable cultivar was developed on UGA’s own campus by Dr. Michael Dirr in the 1980s. 37. Bald Cypress – Taxodium distichumThe tour’s second bald cypress, these swamp-loving trees are known for their wide, buttressed trunks. More about the Bald Cypress can be found here. 38. Sawtooth Oak – Quercus acutissimaThis fast-growing oak is a favorite of wildlife in both its native China, Japan, and Korea as well as North America. 39. Black Tupelo – Nyssa sylvaticaThe black tupelo is a popular source of nectar for bees, and is where the majority of tupelo honey comes from. 40. American Beech – Fagus grandifoliaThis unique species can self-propagate via underground sucker shoots. 41. American Hornbeam – Carpinus caroliniana A small understory tree, the American hornbeam features a fluted trunk with smooth gray bark. 42. Bigleaf Magnolia – Magnolia macrophyllaThe overly-large leaves and flowers of this magnolia species are the largest of any native North American tree. 43. Swamp White Oak – Quercus bicolorDrought-resistant and easily transplanted, these trees are common across central and eastern North America. 44. Shortleaf Pine – Pinus echinataThe shortleaf pine is exactly what most people picture when they think of a pine tree, and is widely distributed throughout the eastern United States. 45. Chinese Fringe Tree – Chionanthus retusus With snowy-white flowers that produce a gentle fragrance, the Chinese Fringe tree is a popular ornamental choice. 46. Trident Maple – Acer buergerianumThis species is a popular street tree in our very own Athens! 47. Persian Parrotia – Parrotia persicaNative to northern Iraq, this ornamental tree was discovered on a mountaineering expedition in 1830. 48. Ohio Buckeye – Aesculus glabraThis species naturally grows in heavily-forested areas, and is rarely seen in open areas. 49. American Holly – Ilex opacaWith bright-red berries and spiny leaves, the American holly is a well-known and well-loved tree. 50. Compton Oak – Quercus x comptoniaeA cross between the southern live oak and the overcup oak, this naturally-occurring cultivar is extremely hardy and handsome. 51. Star Magnolia – Magnolia stellata Much smaller than other magnolias, this species is native to Japan’s Honshu island. 52. Lacebark Pine – Pinus bungeanaWith attractive exfoliating bark and multi-stemmed trunks, these trees are known in China to symbolize longevity. 53. Formosan Sweetgum – Liquidambar formosanaNative to China and Taiwan, every part of this sweetgum is used in a variety of industries. 54. Black Walnut – Juglans nigraPrized for its lumber, the black walnut is logged extensively and coveted for its delicious nuts. Learn more about the Black Walnut in our Tree of the Month article! 55. European Horse Chestnut – Aesculus hippocastanumThis species gets its name from the mistaken belief that its fruits could cure horse cough. 56. Golden Larch – Pseudolarix amabilis Despite the name, this species is not actually a true larch tree! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.  In case you missed our article a few weeks ago, the UGA Arboretum is a botanical garden dedicated specifically to trees that is made up of the entire UGA campus. Basically, all the trees and plants on UGA grounds are a part of the arboretum, although some receive a little special treatment. Trees of historic, local, and botanical value (in addition to a few state specimens) have been identified with little black plaques that denote their species and the UGA Arboretum’s logo. Last week, we walked you through the UGA Arboretum North Campus Tour, which features all the distinguished trees on North Campus. This week, we’ll be going through all the trees on the Central Campus Tour.  Featuring 34 individual trees, the Central Campus Tour was the Campus Arboretum’s first official project, and paved the way for other tours around campus, as well as a variety of initiatives intended to promote and study trees. 1. Overcup Oak – Quercus lyrata Native to the lowlands of the southeast, the leaves of this oak resemble three lyres stacked atop one another, which is where it gets its denomination lyrate (which means lyre-like in Latin). 2. Crape Myrtle – Lagerstroemia indicaThe crape myrtle is a popular tree amongst landscapers and homeowners alike, and though not native to the United States, you’ll find them all over public and private property – especially here in Athens! 3. Northern Red Oak – Quercus rubra Like the name suggests, northern red oaks are known for their brilliant fall colors. 4. Carolina Cherry Laurel – Prunus carolinianaThe Carolina cherry laurel gets its name from the cherry-like scent the leaves give off when crushed. 5. Southern Red Oak – Quercus falcata A classic southeastern tree, southern red oaks tend to grow in forests of hardwood pines – in other words, every forest in Georgia. 6. Devilwood – Cartrema americanusThis smaller, shrub-like tree grows attractive white flowers every spring that give off a pleasant fragrance. 7. Sugar Maple – Acer saccharumSugar maples are, unsurprisingly, the choice maple for syrup production thanks to their high sugar content! 8. Shumard Oak – Quercus shumardii These hardy oaks are able to withstand the heat and drought associated with the southeast, and offer a breathtaking fall display. 9. Eastern Hemlock – Tsuga canadensisThough usually found further north than Georgia, the eastern hemlock is nonetheless an important staple to the ecosystem. 10. Post Oak – Quercus stellataAnother hardy oak built to withstand drought and heat, the post oak is a slower-growing species that can live up to 500 years old. 11. Swamp Laurel Oak – Quercus laurifolia Most oak trees live for hundreds – if not thousands – of years, but the swamp laurel oak breaks the norm. These fast-growing trees have fairly short lifespans and favor the moist woodlands of the south. 12. Laurel Oak – Quercus hemisphaericaLaurel oaks are almost evergreen, and will hold onto their green leaves until February here in the south before finally giving them up to the ground. 13. Chinese Pistache – Pistachia chinensis Native to China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, this hardy species has been introduced to temperate climates all over the world thanks to its attractive appearance, fall color, and interesting fruit. 14. Wirt L. Winn Holly – Ilex x koehneanaA hybrid of Ilex latifolia and Ilex aquifolium, this densely-branched holly makes for a great privacy screen. 15. Burford Chinese Holly – Ilex cornutaThis holly is native to China and Korea, and is often grown as a shrub rather than a full-sized tree. They’re resistant to most diseases and insects, and grow attractive red berries, making them a popular landscaping choice. 16. Black Cherry – Prunus serotinaBlack cherries grow rapidly as compared to other cherries, and are used across the United States and Central Mexico for their fruit and timber. 17. Sugarberry – Celtis laevigata Sugarberries are known for their orangey-red and yellow berries, as well as their distinctive gray bark that grows mottled warts when mature. 18. Persimmon – Diospyros virginianaPersimmons have a long history in the southeast and Midwest. Their fruit is popular with humans and wildlife alike, and their seeds were often used as makeshift buttons during the Civil War. In southern folklore, persimmons could also be used to predict the weather! 19. Blue Atlas Cedar – Cedrus atlanticaNative to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, where it gets its name, as well as Algeria, the blue atlas cedar is an endangered species. The glauca (which means “blue” and refers to the silver-blue needled foliage) cultivar on UGA’s campus is over 100 years old. 20. Eastern Hemlock – Tsuga canadensis The eastern hemlock gets another stop on the tour. These trees can live over a thousand years and are currently under attack by an invasive pest species in the United States. 21. Pignut Hickory – Carya glabraWith their deep taproot, pignut hickories can survive very dry conditions, making them well-suited to the fickle weather of the southeast. Their name comes from the early American settlers who noticed how wild hogs loved the nuts. 22. White Ash – Fraxinus americanaThe white ash tree is the most common ash native to the United States, and is the most valued ash for timber. Louisville Sluggers use white ash to make their baseball bats! 23. Chinese Parasol Tree – Firmiana simplex This small tree is native to China, Korea, Japan, and southwest Asia, and gets its name from its large leaves that can provide shade, just like a parasol. 24. Red Buckeye – Aesculus paviaRed buckeyes are known for their long, tubular flowers that are bright red and attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. 25. Callaway Crabapple – Malus These ornamental trees grow tart fruits that are made into popular jams and jellies. 26. Sweetgum – Liquidambar styracifluaGum from the sweetgum tree was used in both World Wars to make soap, drugs, and adhesives. Nowadays, it is valued for its lumber thanks to the close-grained wood that readily takes stains and finishes. 27. Japanese Black Pine – Pinus thunbergiiNative to Japan and Korea, the Japanese black pine is a classic bonsai subject and can easily be pruned into Niwaki forms in landscaping. 28. Sweet Bay Magnolia – Magnolia virginiana Another southeast native, these ornamental trees grow lemon-scented flowers and retain their foliage almost year-round. 29. Chestnut Oak – Quercus prinusChestnut oaks are set apart by their attractive ridged bark, and can live up to 400 years old. 30. Star Magnolia – Magnolia stellataA smaller magnolia, the star magnolia is native to the Japanese island of Honshu, where it is beloved for its white blossoms and knobby pink fruit. 31. Saucer Magnolia – Magnolia x soulangeana A cross between Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora, this hybrid grows pinkish-white flowers that are streaked with pink and purple on the underside. 32. Japanese Pagoda Tree – Styphnolobium japonicumThe Japanese pagoda tree is actually native to China and Korea, and was introduced in Japan for use around Buddhist temples. 33. Loblolly Pine – Pinus taedaOne of the most common pine species in the southeast, the loblolly pine is an integral part of the commercial forestry industry. 34. Georgia Oak – Quercus georgiana The Georgia oak is a rare species that grows exclusively on granite outcroppings, and can be found only in small pockets throughout Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. They’re much smaller than other oak species, and this particular specimen of the UGA arboretum is actually the largest-known Georgia oak! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.  Taxodium distichum, more commonly known as the bald cypress, is a native staple to the deep South. These classic, pyramidal trees with the wide, buttressed bases are often found clustered together in large stands along coastal areas, bayous, marshes, and swamps. With their imposing limbs and wide trunks often draped with Spanish moss, they make for a haunting image – and for good reason! Bald cypress trees in the wild often grow well over 100 feet tall with trunks over 6 feet wide. The species is one of the oldest living in the world, with most mature trees well into their hundreds.  These towering behemoths are perhaps best-known for the conical “cypress knees” (scientifically called pneumatophores) they grow in wet conditions. There’s plenty of speculation as to the function of these nodules that spring up from the roots, but science hasn’t yet identified any one definite purpose. One common theory is that these protrusions provide structural stability in waterlogged swamplands. Another theory purports that they might help channel oxygen to the root system. Though native to the wetlands, bald cypress trees actually grow quite successfully in more urban settings, easily adapting to both wet and dry conditions. A highly tolerant species, they can adjust to most any soil type and are generally unbothered by air pollution and short flooding. Thanks to their low-maintenance lifespan and quick growth rate of 1 to 2 feet a year, bald cypresses are a popular landscaping choice for street trees and parking lot fixtures.  This flexibility also allows them to be grown by homeowners, where they offer lightly dappled shade. The only upkeep is the occasional pruning of dead, dying, or damaged limbs. You’ll also want to ensure full-sun exposure, or about 6 hours of direct sunlight each day – not hard to do in the South! If you do decide to add one of these beauties to your yard, it’s important to remember their massive size when picking a place to plant. Though they definitely won’t reach into the 100s of feet like they would naturally, domestically-grown bald cypresses still manage impressive heights of 50 to 70 feet, with a crown spread of up to 25 feet at maturity.  The bald cypress is a conifer, or cone-bearing, species with needles for foliage rather than leaves. These needles grow in pairs along slender branches and can vary in color, straying to the yellow-green end of the spectrum in spring and changing to reddish- and orangish-browns in the fall. As one of only five deciduous conifer species, bald cypresses shed their needles in the fall. But don’t worry – their gray-brown bark exfoliates in long vertical strips, giving those bare trunks an attractive mottled appearance.  This loss of needles is popularly assumed to be the origin of the common name. They go bald in the fall, hence “bald cypress.” Despite this theory, there is no historical record indicating where the name came from. The cones of the bald cypress are much smaller than the pinecones you’re used to seeing, and are generally only about an inch in length. They start out green in the summer, and then fade to brown before they fall, where local wildlife eats the tiny triangular seeds they house. AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.  Last week, we talked about the UGA Campus Arboretum. An arboretum is a botanical garden that predominantly features trees. The UGA Campus Arboretum, as the name suggests, includes the entire UGA campus. Basically, all the trees and plants on campus are part of the Arboretum! There are certain trees that receive a little special treatment, however. Trees of historic, local, and botanical value, as well as a few stately specimens are identified with small black plaques that denote their species with the UGA Campus Arboretum logo. If you’re looking to seek out these special trees, you can do so by following one of the many Arboretum tours.  This week, we’ll be going through the North Campus Tour, which features 24 trees. North Campus is the most historic section of UGA’s campus, and includes landmarks such as The Arch and the Holmes-Hunter Academic Building. To start, here’s what the route looks like:  You can visit these trees in any order you want, really, but here’s the Arboretum’s suggestion: 1. Red Bay - Persea palustris The first stop on this tour is a large, multi-trunked Red Bay located just behind and to the left of The Arch (facing towards campus and the Holmes-Hunter Academic Building). This Red Bay was planted here specifically to commemorate the Ancient Egyptian tradition of planting persea trees at the entrance of their educational institutions. The Arch represents the entrance to the University, and so, Persea palustris was planted. 2. Red Maple - Acer rubrumKnown for their brilliant fall foliage, Red Maples are one of the most common hardwoods in North America. Check out our Tree of the Month article to learn more about Red Maples! 3. American Elm - Ulmus americana American Elms were once used as “meeting trees” to designate gathering spots by the Native Americans, and then later by the Sons of Liberty in the American Revolution. 4. Winged Elm - Ulmus alata Winged Elms get their name from the cork-like “wings” that form along branchlets. 5. Cryptomeria - Cryptomeria japonicaThis large evergreen conifer is viewed as sacred and often planted around temples and shrines in its native Japan, where it is the national tree. 6. Green Ash - Fraxinus pennsylvanica This native species is the most widely distributed across North America, and its high volume of seeds every year are an important food source for local wildlife. 7. American Basswood - Tilia americanaThe American Basswood is especially popular with bees, and lends a distinctive flavor to honey produced from its flowers, called basswood honey. 8. Flowering Dogwood - Cornus florida A “four-season” tree, the Flowering Dogwood is known for its spectacular pink and white flowers in spring, its bright red berries in the fall, followed by a brilliant red fall foliage display. The mottled bark is also attractive when the tree is bare during winter months. 9. Black Oak - Quercus veluntina The common Black Oak prefers to grow on slopes, making it a good choice for erosion prevention. This particular tree grows the largest leaves of any oak on UGA’s campus! 10. Hearts of Gold Redbud - Cercis canadensis With its pretty pink flowers and smaller stature, this decorative tree is a perfect addition to any landscape. The Hearts of Gold Redbud is also the state tree of Oklahoma. 11. White Oak - Quercus albaWhite Oaks are another wide-spread species in the eastern US, and are known for their hardiness against a range of climates and even wildfires. Check out our Tree of the Month article to learn more about White Oaks! 12. Pin Oak - Quercus palustrisThe branches of the Pin Oak are often described as pin-like, which is where this native, flood-tolerant species gets its name. 13. Nellie R. Stevens Holly - Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens' This hybrid species is named after Nellie Robinson Stevens, who pilfered a few pollinated English holly berries, only to have bees cross-pollinate them with a Chinese holly in a chance encounter that created an entirely new species! Check out our Tree of the Month article to learn more about Nellie R Stevens Hollies! 14. River Birch - Betula nigraRiver Birches are characterized by their “exfoliating” bark, which peels off in delicate, papery curls and leaves behind a mottled color pattern. Check out our Tree of the Month article to learn more about River Birches! 15. Chaste Tree - Vitex agnus-castus Native to Mediterranean regions of Europe and Asia, this ornamental tree features delicate foliage and lilac summer flowers that are especially attractive to butterflies. 16. Deodar Cedar - Cedrus deodaraNicknamed “the wood of the gods,” the Deodar Cedar is the national tree of Pakistan, and is native to the Himalayas and northern Africa, where it is considered sacred and often worshipped. 17. Kwanzan Cherry - Prunus serrulata A cultivar of the ornamental cherry tree, the Kwanzan Cherry was gifted to the United States by Japan in 1912. It gained popularity after being displayed at Washington DC’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival. 18. Ginkgo - Ginkgo bilobaThe Ginkgo, also known as the “fossil tree,” is the sole survivor of the Ginkgo genus. 19. Willow Oak - Quercus phellos Thanks to their adaptability, Willow Oaks are a popular choice for landscapers and homeowners alike. Check out our Tree of the Month article to learn more about Willow Oaks! 20. Saucer Magnolia - Magnolia x soulangeana A cross between Magnolia denudate and Magnolia liliiflora, the Saucer Magnolia is one of the most important magnolias in horticulture. These valued ornamental trees are loved for their large pinkish-white blooms with vibrant pink and purple stripes on their underside. 21. Japanese Maple - Acer palmatumJapanese Maples have a range of natural genetic divergences, and have also been cultivated into many different cultivars, leading to a wide array of distinct variations. 22. Robert Toombs Oak This stop doesn’t actually include a tree. Instead, it features a plaque that details the legend of the Robert Toombs Oak. In 1828, Robert Toombs gave a speech under a great oak tree. The speech was so eloquent and powerful that the entire commencement audience came out of the Chapel to listen. Upon the hour of his death years later, the same oak was supposedly struck by lightning. The charred remains of that tree are what is now called Toombs Oak. 23. Oglethorpe Oak - Quercus oglethorpensisThe Oglethorpe Oak is a rare species, currently classified as endangered, that was discovered in Oglethorpe County. Its name is meant to honor both the county and James Oglethorpe himself, the man who founded Georgia. 24. Kousa Dogwood - Cornus kousa Native to Japan, Korea, and China, the Kousa Dogwood is very similar to the US-native Flowering Dogwoods. It can be identified by the more pointed petals and attractive exfoliating bark. There you have it! The North Campus Tour. Stay tuned next week as we go through everything the Central Campus Tour has to offer! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. If you’ve ever been on UGA’s campus, then you’ve surely seen the stunning array of trees and other flora decorating the landscape. These natural wonders are more than just pretty embellishments – they’re a part of the University of Georgia Campus Arboretum. What’s an arboretum?It sounds pretty fancy, but an arboretum is just a fancy word for a botanical garden that’s specifically devoted to trees. So, while places like the State Botanical Garden of Georgia definitely have their fair share of trees, arboreta feature trees as the majority.  Where is the University of Georgia Campus Arboretum?While most arboreta and botanical gardens are set up like a park, with an entrance and exit and clearly-defined walking paths, the UGA Campus Arboretum encompasses the entirety of UGA’s campus! Any land that is owned and maintained by the University of Georgia is a part of the UGA Campus Arboretum.  Why did UGA dedicate its entire campus as an arboretum?The University of Georgia has always played an active role in caring about the environment, and an important part of advocating for nature is helping it grow! Prior to the Campus Arboretum, UGA established a few smaller arboreta in designated locations. Unfortunately, these attempts succumbed to development as the University grew. In order to create an arboretum that could be protected, the decision was made to declare the entire campus one. Rather than funding the maintenance of a specific plot of land as an homage to trees, the University puts those efforts into the Arboretum Committee. In turn, the committee ensures all of UGA’s landscaping falls in line with the Campus Arboretum’s mission: “…to provide biologically diverse and aesthetic collections of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants in designed settings for the enjoyment and education students, staff, faculty, and visitors, and to map, label, and otherwise promote the extant and future tree and shrub collections.”  This mission ensures that the trees planted on campus are well cared for, and that more trees (and shrubs and herbaceous plants) are incorporated into the landscape as often as possible. The result of this is that the entire University campus is a beautiful museum of all that nature has to offer! How to Enjoy the UGA Campus Arboretum
But, if you’re interested in a more structured tour, the University of Georgia Campus Arboretum website has guides for all the different sections of campus: North Campus, Central Campus, South Campus, the Founder’s Garden, and the Oconee Forest Park. You can download and print a copy of the North Campus Walking Tour map for a list of featured trees paired with hand-drawn leaf examples. Or, you can take a virtual tour of each campus section, where you’ll find pictures of featured trees and more relevant information. Stay tuned as over the next few weeks, we take some time to shine a spotlight on the different campus tours, what trees you can expect to see, and what makes those trees special! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. 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