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News and Blog Articles

Tree of the Month: White Oak

3/6/2021

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Quercus alba, more commonly known as the white oak tree, is one of the most important trees in America. These gentle giants are native to the continent, and can be found from Florida all the way to Canada, and as far west as Minnesota. Their presence helps encourage native biodiversity and discourage invasive species. White oak is heavily relied on in the lumber industry, and can be used for everything from furniture to houses.

Did You Know? 

​The white oak is the official state tree of Connecticut, Illinois, and Maryland!
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White oaks get their name from the color of newly-cut wood, which is much lighter on the inside. The bark on the outside is an ashy grey color, and grows in flaky plates that overlap, creating a series of furrows and scales. Eventually, older bark layers will fall to the ground and be replaced with new ones. Many white oak owners see the pieces of bark littering the ground and worry their tree is diseased or otherwise dying. But the flaking bark is completely natural.
The branches of the white oak grow much lower to the ground than other tree species, and spread horizontally more so than vertically. This gives the tree an overall rounded appearance, as it grows nearly as wide as it is tall – which is saying something, because these trees reach average heights of 50 to 80 feet! Wild white oaks left undisturbed at moderate altitudes have been known to reach heights well over 100 feet, and can live as longs as 600 years. 
That growth doesn’t come easy, though. When young, white oaks may grow anywhere from 1 to 2 feet in a year, but as they age, that rate slows down considerably. The trunk of the white oak is generally just as massive as the rest of the tree, with an average diameter of 3 to 4 feet. 

Did You Know?

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The largest white oak tree on record was called the Mingo Oak, and lived in West Virginia. It stood 145 feet tall, with a crown spread of 96 feet and a trunk diameter of over 8 feet! The Mingo Oak lived to be almost 600 years old before it was cut down after succumbing to damage from local coal fire. A cross-section of the Mingo Oak is on display at the West Virginia State Museum.
White oaks prefer full sun or partial shade at all life stages, which means at least 4 or so hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. They’re pretty adaptable to most soil textures and compositions, but deep soil is a must, as a white oak’s tap root (the main root that grows straight down) grows incredibly long. This long tap root makes these trees difficult to transplant, even when young – so if you plant one, be sure you’re absolutely confident in where you put it!
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The leaves of the white oak are appropriately sized for the tree they grow on, and average anywhere between 4 and 8 inches long and 2 and 5 inches wide. Both sides grow 3 to 4 rounded lobes, with another rounded lobe at the tip. When they first sprout, the leaves are a soft, silvery pink color, and covered in soft, downy fuzz. Once they’re established, the leaves develop a bright green on the top with a softer, whiter green on the bottom. In the fall, white oak trees change to a mix of deep reds, reddish-purples, and dark oranges.
White oak trees are what’s known as monoecious, which means they both male and female flowers on the same tree. The male flowers, called catkins, are skinny yellow clusters that hang down from the branches. On average, they sit around 4 inches long. The female flowers are smaller, reddish in color, and more spikey. 
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In the fall, before the leaves drop, these flowers will produce acorns that are generally at least an inch long, with about a quarter of that covered by a warty cap. These acorns germinate quickly, within just a few days after falling from the tree, which makes them extremely easy to cultivate.
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​It’s important to remember, though, that the acorns, along with the shedding bark and fall leaves, can present quite a ground litter problem – especially if they’re in your yard. But, if you don’t mind a little raking, white oaks make perfect shade trees in the hotter months, and will stand for generations to come. 

Author

​​Emily 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.

Sources
​Arbor Day Foundation
Tree Inspection
Sciencing.com
Gardening Know How
Georgia Native Plant Society
Cutting of the Mingo Oak
ISU: White Oak
Plant Places
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The Best Time to Prune

2/26/2021

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You’ve probably heard that you should prune your trees in the fall, before the first freeze. In fact, one of the most common myths of pruning is that all trees should be pruned just before winter. But the truth is, fall may actually be the worst time of year to prune!
So what is the best time to prune? That depends on what kind of pruning you want to do. Sometimes, the best time to prune a tree is in the dead of winter, or in the middle of summer, or even early spring, like it is now. 

​What is Pruning?

Pruning is an important part of maintaining a tree's integrity and health. There are a couple different types of pruning, but the most common are crown cleaning and crown thinning. Crown cleaning is a pruning technique that removes dead, dying, or diseased branches so they don't harm or hinder healthy ones. This is the type of pruning that can be done year-round, and is safe to do in the fall. 
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Crown thinning, on the other hand, is used to create more space between branches. This gives them more room to grow, reduces the risk of any branch getting crowded out of sunlight, and also prevents branches from damaging each other from repeated contact and friction.  
Click here to learn more about why pruning is important, and the different types of pruning!

Why is Fall Pruning Bad?

The myth that the best time to prune is in the fall comes from the idea that you should prune a tree while it’s dormant. That line of thinking is actually correct – pruning a tree while it’s “asleep” for the winter encourages new growth come springtime. The important distinction here is that you want to prune only after a tree has gone dormant for the winter, never before.
Pruning live growth (which just means pruning away branches that are still alive and healthy), while good for the tree in the long run, does create “wounds” where you cut away branches or parts of branches. In the fall, your tree is winding down in preparation for winter. During this time, it won’t have the energy to seal those wounds. 
In the cold, winter months, this isn’t a problem, because the low temperatures discourage rot and decay. Most pests and fungi are also dormant for the winter, so they aren’t likely to infect a tree through an open wound. 
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But in the fall, the weather is just cool, and generally damp. It’s the happiest time of year for a variety of nasty pests and fungi, and is also a great environment for rot and decay. Oak trees are especially vulnerable from April until July to oak wilt, one of the deadliest tree diseases.
Basically, pruning in the fall is leaving your wounded tree vulnerable to infections and infestations that may actually kill it. 

Winter Pruning

With the protective barrier of cold temperatures and dormant pests, winter is usually the “best time to prune.” If you’re looking to thin out your branches, trim back wayward limbs, or just improve the overall health of your tree, then waiting until the dormant months is probably your best bet. 
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The rule of thumb when it comes to pruning in winter is to wait until after the coldest days have passed. For the Athens area, the coldest part of winter is in January, which makes the best time to prune in winter mid- to late-February. 

Summer Pruning

​Winter isn’t the only time you can prune live growth, though. If you’re looking to redirect some growth, then late spring or early summer is the best time to do it. Redirecting growth basically just means if you want to encourage your tree to grow in a different direction – like say, away from the powerlines or your roof. Redirecting can also refer to if you want to encourage a specific leader on a tree with more than one. 
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​So, for example, crepe myrtles have multiple leaders (trunks) that grow from the base and out into a shrub-like shape. If you want to encourage the tree to grow taller rather than wider, you can trim back some of the leaders so one becomes stronger. This will encourage the tree to grow into a more stereotypical “tree” shape.
Summer is also a good time to remove defective limbs or branches that have grown too heavy to support themselves any longer.

Flowering Tree Pruning

When it comes to trees that flower (like Bradford pears and crepe myrtles), the best time to prune actually depends on the blooms. If your tree blooms in the spring, then pruning should be done after all the flowers have fallen.  ​​If your tree blooms in late summer, then pruning should be done in winter, or early spring at the latest.
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​If you have a tree that you want to prune, or a tree you think needs pruning, but you aren’t sure where to start, when to start, or what to do, feel free to give Classic City Arborists a call! We offer free estimates, and will send our certified arborist to look at your tree and give his professional recommendation, as well as get you a quote for how much it would cost for us to do the work for you.

Author

​Emily 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.

Sources:
Atlanta Arbor
Best Time of Year to Trim
​
Fruit Tree Pruning
​
Pruning Trees
​Why You Should Stop Pruning In The Fall
Winter Pruning
​
How to Prune Crepe Myrtles
​
Pruning Trees
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National Invasive Species Awareness Week

2/16/2021

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National Invasive Species Awareness Week (or NISAW, for short), is actually an international movement that aims to raise awareness of the dangers of invasive species all across the world. 
​NISAW 2021, Part I starts on February 22 and goes through the 28. This week is all about spreading awareness about invasive species and promoting legislative changes at local, state, and federal levels. Part II will be May 15 through 22, and will continue these efforts, but will also include events that bring communities together to remove invasive species.
​In the spirit of NISAW this week, we thought we’d do our part in getting the word out on one of the biggest threats to our beloved trees.

​What Are Invasive Species?

​You may remember learning this term back in high school, but basically, invasive species are plants or animals that have been introduced to an ecosystem they aren’t native to. Not all “invaders” will survive in a new environment, because they haven’t evolved or adapted to the conditions there. But sometimes, the invading species actually takes really well to their new home. 
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Consider this: the invaders decide they really, really like eating a specific other species in this new environment. The native species in the area aren’t evolved or adapted to defend against the new threat, so their numbers suffer. Plus, since the invaders aren’t native to the area, they won’t have any natural predators to keep their numbers within reason. So, you end up with an overpopulation of the invasive species decimating the populations of native species. 

What Are Some Invasive Species in Georgia?

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Probably the most well-known invasive species in our area is kudzu. You’ve seen kudzu blanketing trees around town, covering ground along the highway, and even taking over powerlines. Kudzu is a vine native to Japan. It was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s as a new way to control soil erosion. 
​Kudzu is a climbing vine, and it uses existing structures to reach for more sun exposure and access to rainwater. In doing so, it blocks these resources from whatever tree or plant it’s growing on.  
​In its natural habitat, with insects that feed upon it, kudzu is just another vine in the forest. But in the States, we don’t have those insects. Our insects actually tend to avoid kudzu. So, with nothing keeping the kudzu in check, it grows wildly in every direction, literally choking our native trees and plants.
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Another major invasive species in our area is the Chinese Privet. You may not have heard of it, but you’ve definitely seen it, because it’s everywhere. This shrub grows quickly into a dense thicket that blocks light and water from reaching anything beneath it. It also tends to leech nutrients from the soil around it, making the surrounding area less hospitable to native species.  
When we do underbrush clearing for a customer, Chinese Privet is usually one of the culprits clogging up their property. It’s difficult to get rid of, so if you suspect you’ve got some Chinese Privet spreading, give us a call so we can remove it before it becomes a problem!
​Other common invasive tree species in the Athens area specifically are the Chinaberry tree, Mimosa tree, Paulownia tree, and Tallow tree. 

​How Can You Help?

​There are a lot of ways you can get involved in National Invasive Species Awareness Week this year. 
  • Use your voice to help spread awareness about invasive species by posting on social media and using the hashtags #NISAW and #invasivespecies
  • Tune into one of NISAW’s free webinar series to learn more about the of invasive species, common invasive species to look out for, and how to manage them.
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  • Sign up for emails from NISAW here to get event updates, awareness resources, and other invasive species news right to your inbox.
  • Check out the University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health (also known as the Bugwood Program). They’re a leader in invasive species awareness, as well as a range of natural and agricultural interests, and have plenty of resources.
  • Look at this Invasive Plants Identification and Control Guide to read more about the different invasive species in Georgia and what to do about them.
  • Or, look at this free guide that details simple methods you can use to control 12 of the most common invasive plants in Georgia (brought to you by the State Botanical Gardens. Athens Land Trust, ACC, Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful, and the GA Unified Government).
If you think you have an invasive species in your yard, or are worried about the health of any of your trees, check out our guide on some simple signs that your tree is in decline. Or, contact us for a free quote!

Author

​Emily 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.

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Arbor Day

2/12/2021

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Most of us have probably heard of Arbor Day before, but fewer and fewer people seem to celebrate it. The holiday has faded into the background over the years, taking a backseat to the more famous Earth Day. And while they’re similar, Arbor Day has its own history and traditions separate from Earth Day. 
So, in honor of Georgia’s Arbor Day this Friday, let’s take a minute and learn about the holiday!

Where Did Arbor Day Come From?

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​Arbor Day was founded in 1872 by a humble newspaper editor by the name of Julius Sterling Morton. Morton, along with many other pioneers, noticed the lack of trees in Nebraska almost immediately after leaving Detroit to travel there. While he missed having trees around like he used to, Morton also knew how important trees were to a functioning society. At the time (and now), trees were an important source of fuel and building materials. They also acted as windbreaks to protect towns from harsher weather, and prevented soil erosion, which in turn meant better conditions for farming. 
Soon after arriving, Morton began advocating for the community to plant as many trees as possible. He would eventually become the Secretary of the Nebraska Territory, a position he quickly used to establish a tree-planting holiday, which we now know as Arbor Day.
​The first Arbor Day was celebrated on April 10th, 1872. Nebraska awarded prizes to the communities and individuals with the “largest number of properly planted trees” for the day. By most estimates, more than 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day.
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What Is Arbor Day Today?

​Nowadays, nearly 150 years later, Arbor Day is still around. Communities come together on this special holiday to reflect on the importance of trees and work together to plant more. 
New research has proven that trees, in addition to producing the oxygen we breathe and supporting our environments, actually have a multitude of benefits. These include sheltering homes and towns from hot summer temperatures, encouraging creativity, and improving both our mental and physical health.
​One of the entities that ensures the world doesn’t forget Arbor Day is the Arbor Day Foundation. A nonprofit membership organization founded in 1972, on the 100-year anniversary of the first Arbor Day, the Arbor Day Foundation unites people across the country in their mission to “help others understand and use trees as a solution to many of the global issues we face today, including air quality, water quality, a changing climate, deforestation, poverty, and hunger.”
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When Is Arbor Day?

Nationally, Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April. In Nebraska, where it began, Arbor Day is actually a civic holiday. Over the years, many other states began to adopt Arbor Day, choosing their own dates to celebrate it. Now, all 50 states celebrate Arbor Day at some point early in the year.
In Georgia, we celebrate Arbor Day on the third Friday in February. This year, that’s this Friday, February 19th!  

How Can You Celebrate Arbor Day?

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​The traditional way to celebrate Arbor Day is by planting a tree. After all, the holiday is set aside for us to remember the importance of trees. What better way than to foster a new one?
This year, the Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission will be giving out free Red Oak and Dogwood saplings outside Watkinsville City Hall to celebrate Arbor Day. Stop by and pick one out (while supplies last) and plant your own Arbor Day tree!
But there are lots of other ways you can celebrate trees this Arbor Day, if planting one isn’t an option for you. Here are just a few:
  • Help a local organization plant trees in around the community
  • Help local organizations pass out saplings to community members
  • Host (virtual) events to spread awareness about the importance of trees and the benefits of planting them
  • Become a member of the Arbor Day Foundation
  • Join the Athens Clarke County Community Tree Council
  • Donate to the Arbor Day Foundation’s Time for Trees initiative
  • Donate your time by volunteering at the Botanical Gardens

Author

​Emily 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. 

Sources:
Georgia Forestry Commission
Georgia Arbor Day
The History of Arbor Day
National Arbor Day in the USA 2021
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Tree of the Month: American Sycamore

2/4/2021

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Sycamore Tree from Below
For our next Tree of the Month, we’re featuring one of the biggest trees in North America, aptly named the American Sycamore. These behemoths can reach heights over 100 feet on average, with trunks measuring between 5 and 6 feet in diameter. 
Platanus occidentalis is also known as the Eastern Sycamore, American Plane Tree, Plane Tree, Buttonwood, and Buttonball Tree. While these trees can be found throughout the Southeast, they’re native to North Carolina. They prefer full sun exposure with plenty of water, and are naturally found along streams and bottom lands. Once fully established, these Sycamores are moderately drought-tolerant. 
Sycamore Tree
In addition to being one the largest trees in North America, American Sycamores are also one of the fastest-growing. They can add up to 6 feet to their overall height each year. As they’re getting started, these trees have a pyramidal shape.  But, as they age, the midsection fills out nicely.
Sycamore Tree Bark
Though eventually reaching a rounded shape, the crown of the American Sycamore is asymmetrical, with widely-spaced, crooked branches growing randomly in all directions.  

​One of this species’ defining features is its mottled, flaky bark.  ​​The outermost layers, which are generally a darker greyish-brown, lose their elasticity and break off in irregular chunks, revealing lighter grays, browns, and whites underneath. ​This flaking will lessen as the tree reaches full maturity and its growth rate slows down.
American Sycamore leaves are generally wider than they are long, with 3 to 5 pointed lobes.  In the Spring, the medium- to dark-green leaves are accompanied by very tiny red and yellow flowers that grow in clusters.

​Sycamores grow both male and female flowers on the same tree, so they can self-pollinate. 
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As the weather warms, the flowers will develop large, globular fruits nearly 2 inches wide. Each fruit dangles off its own rather thin stalk. ​They make popular treats for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, who will happily pluck them from their branches or steal them after they’ve fallen. 
Sycamore Fruits
Sycamore Fruit
Though the fruits will eventually dry out and fall to the ground, they are what’s called achenes, which means they retain their seeds rather than expelling them.  ​If you cut one if half, you’ll find that the dried exterior is attached to feathery, fluffy seeds inside that are designed to be eaten or blown away in the wind.
While the fruits of the Sycamore are one of the things that make them attractive, they’re also one of the reasons these trees don’t make great lawn ornaments. Most trees just drop dried leaves in the Fall, which can still be a pain to clean up, but is pretty normal. Sycamores, on the other hand, scatter their large, dried seed pods all over your yard. 

These trees also present problems when it comes to their size. Many homeowners don’t realize quite how big an American Sycamore can get, and naively plant one near their driveway or out in the backyard. ​
Sycamore Tree Trunk

Did You Know?

American Sycamore
​The largest American Sycamore on record measured 174 feet tall, and nearly 13 feet in diameter!
And while they are generous shade trees—so much so that they can save you money on your power bill in Summer by keeping your house cooler—they also block the sun from reaching any plants underneath them. Those widespread branches can also easily interfere with nearby powerlines. 
But the real threat of the Sycamore is the one under your feet. While it’s easy to forget to account for the roots when it comes to planting any species, failing to do so with a Sycamore can have drastic (and expensive) consequences. The roots of the American Sycamore spread deep and wide, and are notorious for damaging underground piping, cracking pavement and driveways, and even rupturing septic tanks. 
​Definitely do your research and plan ahead if you’re thinking of adding one of these beautiful trees to your landscape!

Author

​Emily 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.

Sources:
LBJ Wildflower Center Plant Database: Platanus occidentalis
Fast Growing Trees: American Sycamore Tree
NCSU Extension Gardener: Platanus occidentalis
Organic Plant Care: American Sycamore
Yale Nature Walk: American Sycamore
Atlas Obscura: Sycamore
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FAQ: Won’t Your Equipment Tear Up My Yard?

1/28/2021

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​One of the main concerns we hear from potential customers is that our equipment will leave tracks on their yard or tear up existing landscaping. After all, even our smallest motorized vehicle weighs in around 3,000 pounds! Surely that can do some serious damage to your newly-laid sod?
​And these customers are right – without the proper precautions, it would be easy for our industrial equipment to cause problems. But at Classic City Arborists, we truly believe that age-old adage of “leave it better than you found it.” We take a range of steps to ensure that, aside from the tree we take down or underbrush we clear away, you won’t be able to tell we were there! 

​Equipment

​The gear, tools, and vehicles needed to do any kind of tree work come in many shapes and sizes, and every arborist has their preference. One of the main considerations we keep in mind as we choose what to use (aside from making sure the thing can actually get the job done!) is the impact it will have on the environment around it. 
​For example, one common vehicle used in tree work is a bucket truck. These help workers get up close and personal with higher limbs, which is very important to most all kinds of tree work. Unfortunately, bucket trucks can weigh around 26,000 pounds or more on average. All that weight will definitely leave some gouges in soft ground. 
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​At Classic City Arborists, we choose to use a self-propelled lift. The lift’s base is much smaller than a truck, which means we can get to tight spots in your backyard where a truck simply wouldn’t fit. The lift only weighs 6,600 pounds – which is still a lot, but certainly much easier to swallow than 26,000! 
​And lastly, the lift is on tracks (think the kind of rotating wheels on an army tank). Where a bucket truck would have all that weight on just four or six wheels, the weight of our lift is distributed along the entire length of both tracks. This creates more surface area, reducing pressure at any given point. With tracks, there also aren’t any individual wheels to bear down in one spot as the vehicle turns, which means no holes in your yard.
​Our other major piece of equipment we use on a frequent basis is our miniature skid steer. This compact vehicle allows us to clear away limbs, trunk sections, and other debris from an area in larger loads. While actually cutting down or pruning a tree is the main part of any job, that’s only half the work. Cleaning a tree up from a hard-to-access site is a physically-demanding process, and the miniature skid steer helps cut down on the time and effort needed to get everything spick and span. The miniature skid steer only weighs around 3,000 pounds, and is also on tracks like the lift to protect your ground.

Preventative Safeguards

​While having our equipment on tracks definitely helps reduce any wear and tear on the ground, we still take certain measures in special circumstances. For example, if you’ve just laid down delicate sod, or if it’s been raining and the ground is wet. In cases like this, we will lay down simple ¾-inch plywood for the machinery to drive over. Sometimes, we only need to lay plywood over certain areas. Other times, we might lay it all the way from the road to the tree we’re cutting down! 
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​The pictures here show a job where we used our miniature skid steer, SK, and self-propelled lift steer to remove and clean up numerous cypress trees from a backyard. We laid down plywood in strategic areas to protect softer ground, especially over areas where the machinery would need to pivot. After over 20 trips back and forth, you can see that the sod was virtually unaffected – even in the areas where we didn’t lay down plywood. 
​For more images and videos showing us using our equipment, check out our Photo Gallery!

Initial Assessment

When Scott (our certified arborist and co-owner of Classic City Arborists) comes out to your property to give you an estimate, he isn’t just looking at the work you want done. He’s also looking at factors like how crowded the area is (which will impact how easy or hard it is to get the work done), and what the access to the work site looks like. 
There may be multiple ways to get from the road to the site, and Scott will consider all of them before deciding which they will use. Now, the route he recommends may not be the shortest or most efficient path from the road to the work site. The equipment we use is, for the most part, big, bulky, and heavy, and Scott takes these things into consideration when planning out a job. 
Whatever route he decides on will be noted on your estimate. This lets you know the plan, and also gives you the chance to weigh in.  
If you still have questions or concerns regarding our equipment, your yard, or our methods, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re happy to walk you through the process more thoroughly and discuss any thoughts you may have. 
Or, check out our other Frequently Asked Questions, to see if we’ve answered your question before!

Author

​Emily 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.

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Tree of the Month: Southern Red Oak

1/15/2021

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As a native tree found pretty much everywhere in the southeast, it’s about time for us to feature the Southern Red Oak as our Tree of the Month! Also known as the Bottomland Red Oak, Three-Lobed Red Oak, and Spanish oak, Quercus falcata is a deciduous tree known for its stunning fall color displays and classically shaped acorns.
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​The Southern Red Oak is a pretty widespread species, common in over a dozen southeast states. They prefer to grow upland (though will occasionally sprout along streams), and thrive in the poor mesic soil that other tree species would find uninhabitable. 
​As their upland home might suggest, these behemoths prefer full sun exposure and are extremely drought-resistant. They can still survive flooding on occasion, though, and will tolerate partial shade assuming their soil is well-drained. 
When left to their own devices, Southern Red Oaks will reach an average height of 60 to over 100 feet. Their crown spreads are similarly massive at 50 to 60 feet wide, supported by a trunk of only 2 to 3 feet in diameter. As moderately fast growers, these trees are popular in both public and private landscaping as statement features. They are often used as shade trees in parks and public spaces, and are especially suited as street trees thanks to their drought resistance. 
The bark of the Southern Red Oak is thick, dark, and rough. What starts out as thin, smooth, and light gray will eventually age into furrowed, scaled, deeper greys and greyish-browns. Fully matured tree bark may even reach black in color. Branching begins well away from the ground, and maintains an evenly-spaced distribution. Each branch grows up and out for an overall symmetrical shape.

Did You Know?

​Despite the fact that these trees look absolutely nothing like any of the oaks found in Spain, one of the colloquial names for this species is the Spanish Oak. Most likely, this comes from the fact many of the early Spanish colonies in North America were located in areas densely populated with these trees.
Interestingly, Southern Red Oaks grow two different types of leaves. The first is pear-shaped, with three rounded lobes (these look a little like animal prints you’d see in a cartoon). From base to tip, these leaves average around 4 to 5 inches long. The second leaf type has skinnier, pointier lobes that are both asymmetrical and bristled. These are much longer, averaging closer to 9 inches in length. 
​Both types of leaves are a deep, glossy green in the spring and summer, with tan, downy undersides that offer a nice contrast when the wind blows. In the fall, this green fades to rich reds and reddish-browns, which is the reason why we call them Southern Red Oaks. 
​As with most oak species, these trees drop acorns. Around a quarter of an inch to half an inch long, these tiny fruits are protected with hairy little caps that cover about a third of the total nut. They’re generally stouter than the classic acorn shape, but are still instantly identifiable. 

​While these acorns make for a delicious source of food for a variety of animals (and a fun scavenger hunt for the kids!), they can also be a nuisance, especially along sidewalks or in your backyard. 

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Did You Know?

​Southern Red Oaks have been known to cross-pollinate with other red oak species in the southeast, resulting in hybrid acorns that grow into hybrid trees!​
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Prior to these tripping hazards, however, come “flowers.” That’s in quotation marks because, though scientifically classified as such, the fruiting bodies of the Southern Red Oaks look nothing like what you’d think of when you hear the word. 

​As a monoecious species, both male and female flowers grow together on the same tree. The male catkins are yellowish-green in color and long and skinny in shape, while the female clusters are reddish-brown in color and grown shorter and stouter.

Interested in learning about more tree species? Check out our other Tree of the Month articles!
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Author

​Emily 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.

Sources:
Quercus falcata
Plant Detail: Quercus falcata
Southern Red Oak
Missouri Botanical Garden: Quercus falcata
Quercus falcata: Southern Red Oak
Oak, Southern Red
Dave’s Garden: Southern Red Oak
Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata)
Southern Red Oak Seedlings
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What to Plant This Spring

1/8/2021

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It’s January, the beginning of a new year (finally!). Time to make New Year’s resolutions, fill out 2021 planners, and start thinking ahead. In fact, when it comes to gardening, it’s time to start thinking very, very far ahead. We know it seems much too cold outside right now to be considered Spring, but nonetheless, the Spring planting season is upon us. 
But what plants would survive the weather right now? Believe it or not, there are actually plenty of species that like to get their roots established before they poke their heads out of the ground come the warmer weather. 
​With this in mind, we’ve compiled a modest list of what flora prefers to be planted in the colder months, so you can stay on schedule and enjoys the fruits of your labor come summer time!

FLOWERS

Nothing says “summer” like a gorgeous array of color!
  • Daffodil​
  • Hyacinths
  • Chrysanthemums
  • Primrose
  • Tulips
  • Pansies
  • Rhododendron
  • Hydrangea
  • Daylily
  • Dahlia

FRUITS AND VEGGIES

Rather than throwing away wilted greens or rotten apples from the grocery store, why not pick fresh ones from your own backyard?
  • Bell Pepper
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Eggplants
  • Asparagus
  • Cantaloupe
  • Tomatoes
  • Watermelon

HERBS AND FOLIAGE

Put back the jar of dried oregano, and season your spaghetti with some fresh herbs instead!
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Thyme
  • Chives

TREES

No landscape is complete without a tree or two.
  • Plum Tree
  • Gingko
  • Crabapple
  • Red Oak
  • Sweetgum
​So there you have it. If you’re interested in growing any of the plants we mentioned, check out the links below for helpful tips! 
Worried about your new flowers attracting too many bugs? Never fear! Check to see if what you want to plant is on our list of plants that attract pollinators, or maybe our list of plants that discourage pests! 

Author

​Emily 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.

Sources:
House Beautiful: Flowers You Should Plant for Spring
Plants to Put in the Ground This Spring
10 Great Trees to Consider Planting this Spring
Design Ideas for Small Gardens
Growing Daffodils
Growing and Caring for Hyacinths
Chrysanthemums: Growing, Care, and Design Tips
Growing Primrose
Growing Tulips
How to Grow and Care for Pansies
Growing Rhododendrons and Azaleas
Growing and Caring for Hydrangea Flowers
Gardening 101: Daylily
Dahlia Care
Growing Bell Peppers
How to Grow Broccoli
How to Grow Brussels Sprouts
How to Plant and Grow Cabbage
How to Grow Cauliflower
How to Grow Eggplant
How to Grow Asparagus
How to Grow Cantaloupe
Growing Tomatoes
How to Plant and Grow Watermelon
How to Grow Basil
Learn How to Grow Oregano
Growing Rosemary Plants
Growing Sage
Thyme Plant Profile
Growing Chives
How to Grow Plum Trees
Gingko Tree Care
How to Grow Crab Apples
How to Grow a Red Oak Tree
How to Grow Sweetgum Trees
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The Best Trees for Christmas Trees

12/16/2020

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While we know Jesus is the real reason for the season, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without Christmas trees. There’s nothing like that sweet smell wafting off the needles and drifting throughout your home, and of course, there’s something special about going to a tree farm and picking the best one to bring home. But what kind of tree should you look for? There are a few different species that are popular for use as Christmas trees, and you’ll probably find a mix of these types available at various tree farms in your area. 
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Douglas Fir

The Douglas Fir is one of the top Christmas trees sold in the United States, according to the National Christmas Tree Association. They have that quintessential pyramid shape, with their needles spreading out in all directions, so they look nice and full from every angle. The dark green needles make the perfect backdrop for colorful lights and ornaments, and are softer to the touch, so decorating is gentler on the fingers. Their sweet scent isn’t too overpowering but will still give your home that distinct Christmastime feel.

​The only downside to these trees is their tendency to drop their needles if underwatered. But if you take care of it properly, your Douglas Fir will stay green and vibrant well past the 25th.

Fraser Fir

While the Douglas Fir is probably the most popular, the Fraser Fir is the one you see all the Christmas Candles labeled as. That’s because the Fraser Fir gives off that strong, classic Christmas scent as long as they’re in your home.

​In addition to smell, Fraser Firs offer soft, shorter needles that are more kid- and pet-friendly, and hearty, spaced-out branches that can handle heavier decorations and leave plenty of space in between for your favorite ornaments to take center stage. You won’t have to look for long to pick out the perfect Fraser Fir, since they grow in a near-perfect pyramid shape naturally. 
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Colorado Blue Spruce

The Colorado Blue Spruce, as its name might suggest, is the state tree of Colorado. Blue Spruces are known for their stunning needles with distinct blue and silver tones that set them apart from other classic Christmas trees. Unfortunately, these beautiful needles can be a little sharp, so be sure to keep that in mind as you hang ornaments.

​Despite the potential hazard, many pet owners choose these Spruces, as the color and sharp points often deter curious noses. Colorado Blue Spruces grow in a nice pyramidal shape that still looks natural, with strong limbs for heavier decorations. They don’t give off the Christmas smell we all know and love, and some people actually dislike the scent the needles emit if bruised.

Scotch Pine (Scots Pine)

The Scotch Pine is a popular choice for those who prefer a low-maintenance tree. Where other trees will likely lose their needles as they dry out, the Scotch Pines handle drought like a pro, and won’t create a mess all over your floor just because its water bucket is empty.

​The catch here is that Scotch Pine needles are kind of sharp, which can be a pain while hanging ornaments. Scotch Pines are also usually sheared into the desired pyramid shape. This means that the ends of the branches you see are thicker than they would have been at their true ends, making them sturdier and more capable of bearing heavier decorations. But, this also means their branches will be a lot closer together, which can make it harder to string lights. 
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Eastern Red Cedar

The Eastern Red Cedar, despite its name, is actually a member of the Juniper family. Their soft, pliable “needles” are a popular choice for families with younger children, because they pose no risk for pricks. The needles grow in a feathery spread that gives the tree an overall full appearance, and the tree itself grows in an overall conical shape.

​As the needles and their branches are relatively pliable, they aren’t as weight-bearing as other Christmas tree choices. But many are happy to overlook this flaw thanks to the range of colors Eastern Red Cedars have to offer. Any given tree can offer any combination of dark green, bluish green, silvery, gray-green, bronze, and even purple leaves.

Leyland Cypress

The Leyland Cypress is especially popular in the southeast, and are just as likely to be found in public landscaping as they are in a home for Christmas. They have that natural pyramidal shape and the dark green leaves associated with classic Christmas trees, but their real appeal is how easy they are to grow in large numbers.

​Many “choose and cut” tree farms choose Leyland Cypresses because they require little maintenance, grow fairly quickly, and will reach respectable Christmas-tree-size without much input. While they don’t have a strong Christmas-y scent, Leyland Cypresses don’t shed many needles and don’t produce sap, making them a good choice for those with allergies.
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​So there you have it: the 6 most popular Christmas trees. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a strong scent, needles that won’t litter your floor, or branches strong enough to handle the heaviest of ornaments. As you set up and decorate your trees and homes this holiday season, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Author

Emily 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. 

Sources:
The 10 Best Christmas Trees You Can Buy
11 Best Types of Christmas Trees
The Best Types of Christmas Trees for Your Living Room
15 Best Types of Christmas Trees for Your Home
The 10 Best Real Christmas Tree Species

​Images:
How Did the Tradition of the Christmas Tree Start?
Choosing the Right Christmas Tree
Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
Green Valley Fraser Fir
The Tyger Tree Company Colorado Blue Spruce
Bengtson’s Christmas Trees Scotch Pine
Covington’s Eastern Red Cedar
What Grows There Leyland Cypress
How to Recycle Christmas Trees
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Tree of the Month: River Birch

12/10/2020

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For December’s Tree of the Month, we’re featuring the river birch, scientifically referred to as Betula nigra, also known colloquially as the water birch and the black birch. Like these names suggest, this beautiful tree naturally grows along river banks and other bodies of water, but can also be cultivated just about anywhere in the United States. 
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Unlike other kinds of birches, which have more specific environmental needs, river birches are pretty tolerant of…well…everything. They’re indifferent to most soil types, can handle both drought and flood, and while they prefer around 4 hours of unfiltered sunlight per day (known as “partial shade” in the arboreal world), they do just fine with more or less. They do just as well in the hot southern states as they do the colder northern states, and are resistant to birch borers, a type of pest that commonly harms other birch species.
This hardiness, along with a rapid growth rate and an excellence at preventing erosion, makes them great for landscaping. While maples and oaks are generally the most popular choice when it comes to public landscaping, the river birch has risen in the ranks in the last decade or so. 
​Young river birches will grow around 13 to 24 inches in a year, until they reach maturity, at which point their growth rate will stall. On average, mature river birches will top out at heights of 40 to 70 feet, with a crown stretching out 40 to 60 feet. This impressive spread is thanks to the multiple trunks of the river birch’s natural growth pattern. With multiple trunks allowed to grow freely, the river birch will have a rather irregular crown shape. In urban settings, however, these multiple trunks are pruned back to a single trunk, encouraging the tree to grow taller rather than wider. River birches that have been pruned this way will end up with a more pyramidal shape.

Did You Know?

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​River birch bark (and the bark of most birch species) has been used as paper for centuries. The oldest use of birch bark as paper is thought to be a collection of Buddhist texts from the 1st century CE! 
In the wild, river birches are a long-lived tree, often seeing over 100 to 150 healthy years. Urban-cultivated river birches, on the other hand, rarely make it past 40. It’s not known why exactly domesticated river birches don’t live as long, but we do know that river birches naturally prefer to grow along bodies of water. River birches grown in a neighborhood or public park don’t have nearly the same access to water, which is what many arboriculturists attribute to discrepancy to. 
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River birches are probably most well-known for the same reason all birches are liked: their papery, peeling bark pattern, and their stunning yellow leaves in the fall. River birch bark is usually darker than other birch species (hence the alternative name of “black birch”), with less white and grey tones and more brown and reddish tones. 
.The outer bark of young river birches can even be nearly pinkish in hue, while the inner bark is most often a darker, cinnamon-like color. More mature river birch trees will display darker brown bark that grows in ridged scales that lie close together rather than peeling away.
​The leaves of the river birch are around 2 to 3 inches long, and have the classic, rounded leaf shape. They grow in alternate pairs up and down a single stem, and are ridged along the edges. New leaves are bright green in color with a glossy finish, and will fade to a more muted green over time. But what really makes river birch leaves (and all birch tree leaves in general) stand out is their fall display.  ​As other tree leaves begin brown, sometimes turning a little red or orange before they fall, river birch leaves transition to a bright, almost startling yellow for the autumn season. 
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​This color is made even more stunning against the backdrop of their mottled bark.
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Along with their yellow leaves, river birches will grow small male flowers in the fall. They won’t bloom, however, until the spring, when the small female flowers grow. Both flowers are a type of catkin, and will range from warm brown to dull green in color. Male river birch catkins are long and skinny, while female catkins are more cone-like. After the female flowers mature (somewhere in May or June), river birches will yield tiny little winged nutlets that are popular amongst local wildlife.

Author

Emily 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. 

Sources:
Arbor Day: River Birch
HGIC: River Birch
Betula Nigra
Monrovia: River Birch
River Birch Plant Profile
NC Extension Gardener: Betula Nigra
Interesting Facts About Birch Trees
 
Images:
The Remarkable River Birch
Arbor Day Foundation: River Birch
Tree Service: River Birch
Weeping Birch Tree
Betula Nigra
Fire Building
History of Information: Oldest Surviving Buddhist Manuscripts
Heritage River Birch
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Classic city arborists

P.O. Box 1754
Watkinsville, GA 30677
ClassicCityArborists@gmail.com

scott rushing

(706) 340-9370

rebekah rushing

(706) 614-6782

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

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