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With the heat of summer settling over us, these long days are perfect for sitting in a rocking chair on the porch, sipping cool iced tea, and watching the fireflies. The only thing that could ruin such a perfectly good evening would be a sudden and incessant itch on your leg. And your arm. And your foot? Mosquitoes are unwelcome but inevitable guests in these warmer months. But luckily, there’s plenty you can do to deal with them! Last week, we talked about the American Mosquito Control Association’s annual movement: National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. Their goal is to educate the public on how to approach mosquito population control without using pesticides. Check out our article to learn their 5-step plan to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your area.  But despite your best efforts, sometimes there are too many variables outside your control. After all, you can’t go tramping through your neighbor’s yard to dump all their standing water! And when you visit the park, or spend an afternoon out on the lake? What can you do to get those pesky pests to buzz off? WearablesThere are plenty of wearable items you can buy to keep the mosquitoes away. Bracelets, sweatbands, necklaces, stickers, belt clip-ons… the choices are endless. Most of these accessories use citronella oil to ward off flying insects, though you’ll also find eucalyptus and lavender versions. Some may use a proprietary blend of repellants, not all of which are natural – be sure to read the label if you’re worried about any specific synthetic compounds. However, one of the biggest complaints with wearables is that they are either not strong enough and only ward off mosquitoes around the item itself, or are definitely strong enough to keep bugs away, but the smell is too overpowering to withstand. Bug SprayThis tried-and-true method involves spraying some kind of mosquito repellent directly on your skin. As such, you’ll have a little protection everywhere, rather than a lot of protection in just one spot like with a wearable. There are an endless number of brands to choose from, many of which offer all-natural, chemical-free options. Want to make your own bug spray at home? It’s easy! Just add essential oils to some carrier liquid (like water) and spritz.
The best essential oils for repelling mosquitoes are lemongrass, citronella, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, and mint (peppermint or spearmint will work, too). For your carrier liquid, you can use plain old distilled water, or a 1:1 ratio of water and witch hazel, or a 2:1 ratio of water to apple cider vinegar.
In general, for every 4 ounces of carrier liquid, you’ll want around 40-50 total drops of essential oil. For younger children, you may want to make a less concentrated spray with only 20-25 drops per 4 ounces of carrier liquid.
Essential Oil Blend Recipes
Wide-Range RepellentsIf you’re looking to keep mosquitoes away from a certain area, like your porch or the picnic table you’ve reserved at the park, then you might want to check out a wide-range repellent. These include things like candles, torches, incense sticks and nubs, and even cords you can use to lay down a protective perimeter. Most of these items will use citronella as their main repellent, though you can usually find lavender and/or eucalyptus alternatives if you dislike citronella. A newer option in this category world is the automatic repellent diffuser. These little devices emit an air-born repellent that creates a bubble of protection all around you. The main selling point of these kinds of devices are that they don’t have a strong smell, like citronella does, and they don’t require any flame, which means no smoke and no fire hazard. Traps/ZappersLastly, we have the more lethal way of dealing with mosquitoes. Simpler options, like sticky tape, attract mosquitoes by smell. Once a mosquito lands, it gets stuck, so it can’t bother you anymore. These methods are effective, though some find them cruel, as the mosquito can live quite a while stuck in the trap. They can also be unsightly, and don’t have a wide range of effect, so you often end up with four or five lengths of sticky tape dangling down in the area. You can also make your own simple traps. To do so, you’ll need something to attract the mosquitoes to the trap, and something to actually trap them. The easiest method is to cut a soda bottle (2-liters work best) in half. Fill the bottom half with warm sugar water and yeast, and then flip the top half upside-down so it creates a funnel into the bottom half. Voila! Mosquitoes are drawn to the yummy smell of yeast and sugar, go down the funnel, but then can’t climb back out. Instead of sugar and yeast, you can also use a vinegar/dish soap combo. Then there are the fancy electronic traps. Also called zappers, these little devices emit a soft UV light to attract mosquitoes (and other bugs). As soon as the insect touches the device, they’re immediately electrocuted, which is considered a little more humane. The only unpleasant bit about zappers is that the dead bugs collect into a little tray at the bottom, which inevitably has to be emptied out every so often. So there you have it! A plethora of options for keeping the mosquitoes at bay this summer. For more information on methods of mosquito control, check out the American Mosquito Control Association’s resource page. 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.
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One of the things we talk about a lot here at Classic City Arborists is the importance of native species. By keeping up the native populations, you can help reduce the impact of invasive species and generally improve the health of your local ecosystem. What is a native species?The U.S. Forest Service defines native species as “naturally occurring, either presently or historically, in any ecosystem of the United States.” These plants were already here when humans got here, and have been thriving in their respective climates and conditions for a long time. Native plants are vital to their respective ecosystems, and have evolved to work together. When left to their own devices, an all-native ecosystem is essentially self-sufficient, and will flourish with little to no maintenance required. Of course, with the prevalence of invasive species, landscaping, development, construction, and general human interference, it’s getting harder and harder to find an all-native ecosystem – at least in urban areas. That’s why there’s been a push to plant more native species and maintain greenscapes in urban settings such as neighborhoods, city streets, and parking lots. Why are native species important?Native species are the lifeblood of any ecosystem. Without them, the delicate, complex web of give-and-take among the plants, animals, insects, fungi, and bacteria may start to fail. Think of your local ecosystem as an old-fashioned watch with cogs and gears. If you take away one of the gears, or if the teeth of that gear get too worn down, the whole watch will start to slow and eventually stop working altogether. Native species are the essential gears and cogs that keep your ecosystem healthy. Native flora also supports your local pollinator population. We’ve talked before about how important it is to save the bees, and maintaining native flora is one of the easiest ways to do that! Since these plants were basically designed to grow here, they don’t need much help from you, making them a low-maintenance option. What species are native to Georgia?Our great peach state hosts around 250 different species of tree, and also protects 58 different plant species. Here are some of the most common native trees you’ve probably seen around town: Pine TreesYou could probably guess this first one! Pine trees are one of the most common species in Georgia, with plenty of variations to choose from. For example: Loblolly Pine, Longleaf Pine, Slash Pine, Spruce Pine, White Pine… you get the idea! Oak TreesOak trees are also incredibly common around here, with a range of different species. The most recognizable is probably the Live Oak – those widespread, ancient trees characteristic of antebellum Georgia and still decorate our coastlines. Other oak species include Laurel Oaks, Northern Red Oaks, Post Oaks, Scarlet Oaks, Shumard Oaks, Southern Red Oaks, Chestnut Oaks, Water Oaks, Willow Oaks, White Oaks, and more. Sugar Maple - Acer saccharum Sugar Maples are definitely a familiar sight in the Classic City, characterized by their bright yellow fall displays. Other native maple species include the Red Maple and the Florida Maple. Eastern Red Cedar - Juniperus virginiana This aromatic evergreen tree features a conical-shaped crown with grayish to reddish bark that exfoliates in long strips. They reach heights of around 40 to 50 feet, and are one of the hardier species in our area. Southern Magnolia - Magnolia grandifloraThe flowering magnolia tree is another staple in Georgia, and definitely a familiar site around Athens. These oval-shaped trees feature dark green, shiny leaves and large white flowers that smell amazing. Sweetgum - Liquidambar styracifluaSweetgum trees are best known for the spiky ‘gumball’ seed pods they drop every spring and summer. They also produce some vibrant yellow, orange, and purple fall colors. But trees aren’t the only thing native to Georgia! There are also plenty of shrubs, vines, and flowers to look out for: American Wisteria - Wisteria frutescensWisteria is a vine known for its gorgeous purple flowers. It only shows up for a short time every spring, but it’s certainly a sight to behold! Trumpet Honeysuckle - Lonicera sempervirensThis native species is known for its delicate scent and delicious taste – remember when you were a kid, and you’d pick off the dark yellow honeysuckle flowers for that one little drop of sweet nectar? Hydrangeas - Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea arborescens, and Hydrangea quercifoliaWhether you prefer the periwinkle blue blossoms or the rarer light pink variety, hydrangeas are a flowering bush that most homeowners love to have in their yards! These low-maintenance, easy-to-grow bushes definitely up the curb appeal. There are way too many native species for us to list them all here. If you want to learn more about these native species, or find more, check out the Georgia Native Plant Society! 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. Spring is nearly upon us! The birds are singing, the bees are buzzing, the trees are turning green…and also brown? Even this early in the season, we’re starting to see Leaf Spot Disease pop up across the Oconee and Athens areas. What is Leaf Spot Disease?Leaf Spot Disease is actually an umbrella term used for a variety of fungal and bacterial infections. They are often referred to collectively as they show similar visible signs, and cause similar damage. With so many variants of Leaf Spot Disease out there, pretty much everything with leafy green leaves (or even non-green leaves) is at risk. As the name suggests, these infections manifest as little spots all over the affected leaves. Spots may be red, reddish-brown, brown, black, gray, or even orange in color, but they all mean the same thing: the plant is sick. What does Leaf Spot Disease do?Though they might look harmless, the more Leaf Spots there are on any given leaf, the less surface area that leaf has to perform photosynthesis (the process by which leaves convert sunlight into energy). Too many spots, and the leaf will die. And if enough leaves are impacted and unable to photosynthesize, the tree itself may suffer from lack of nutrients. What causes Leaf Spot Disease?There are a few different factors to consider when trying to prevent Leaf Spot Disease, but the biggest one is controlling the spread! Diseased leaves that die and fall to the ground can still infect other plants in the area long after the leaves themselves appear to have withered. Overcrowded plants may also pass the disease along by contact. Leaf Spot Disease spreads best in damp conditions, where leaves are wet for extended periods of time. Sprinkler systems and watering trees and shrubs by pouring over the top of the plant are both common culprits. How do I know if my tree or shrub has Leaf Spot Disease?Pardon the pun, but to spot Leaf Spot Disease, all you have to do is look for spots! Depending on the severity of the condition, some leaves may also begin to brown and wither along the edges. What should I do if I ‘spot’ Leaf Spot Disease?Since this disease spreads so easily and is so common, you are unfortunately very likely to find some of your trees, shrubs, and other leafy plants infected. Luckily, severe cases are rare. In fact, you really only need to worry if your tree loses 50% or more of its leaves in one season, or has repeated leaf loss 2 or more years in a row. The consecutive reduction in photosynthesis can impact the plant’s long-term growth and make it more susceptible to other more harmful diseases and pests. How can I manage and prevent Leaf Spot Disease?The best thing you can do to prevent Leaf Spot Disease is to keep your trees happy, healthy, and stress-free! To do this, you’ll want to ensure they have plenty of room to grow, both above and underground. Annual pruning to clear away dead or dying limbs and thin out the canopy can help keep branches from competing for nutrients, leading to a healthier tree overall. Keep an eye on the weather, and water your trees during growing season if they go a week or more without rain. If your trees do end up sick, there are a few steps you can take to manage their condition. Raking away fallen infected leaves before they have the chance to pass on their affliction can help stop the spread. You can also reduce the disease’s preferred damp environment, by watering your trees, shrubs, and other plants near the base, so the leaves themselves don’t get wet. When bringing new plants in, be sure to consider their full-grown size when you decide where to put them. Overcrowding can cause lots of problems on top of spreading Leaf Spot Disease! Depending on how close together your existing plants are, you may even want to consider thinning them out. What happens if I have a severe case of Leaf Spot Disease?If your tree has lost 50% or more of its leaves, or is showing other signs of decline in addition to Leaf Spot Disease, then it’s time to consult your friendly neighborhood Certified Arborist! He or she will be able to assess the state of the tree and determine the best course of action to either save it, or, if necessary, remove it safely. Concerned about one of your trees? Call us today to schedule your 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. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your home’s curb appeal, need some shade for the kids in the backyard, or just want to fill up some empty space, planting trees is a great choice for any homeowner. But how do you make sure that the tree you plant actually survives into adulthood? Let’s walk through some tips that will help you grow a strong, healthy tree you can enjoy for years to come. Pick a TreeThe first thing you need to do when deciding to plant a tree is to figure out what you want to plant! To do that, you need to think about why you are planting a tree at all. If you’re looking to make your front yard more visually appealing, you’re probably in the market for a smaller, ornamental tree. Check out our article on the best trees to plant for decoration in Georgia if you need some ideas. On the other hand, if you’re hoping for some shade, then you definitely want a larger tree – but you also want one that grows pretty fast, so you’re actually around to enjoy it! Maybe you’re hoping to successfully grow fruit trees to enjoy the, er, fruits of your labor. Or maybe you want a privacy fence to create some distance between you and the neighbors. Whatever purpose you have in mind for your new tree, knowing ahead of time will help you decide what species to plant. Pick a SpotWhile you’re thinking about the type of tree you want, you should also start thinking about where you want to put it. For example, maybe you’re looking to add a flowering tree to the small garden bed by your front porch. You may consider the dogwood, but these babies can still get pretty tall and wide, and their root system definitely needs some space to spread out, meaning that small garden bed might actually be too small, and your tree won’t be able to flourish. On the other hand, if you have a wide-open space with no other plants in sight, then you’ll need to keep in mind that whatever you plant there is going to be exposed to the elements with no protection whatsoever. That means you need something with a strong root system and a hardiness to winds, rains, and sunshine – like the water oak! While you’re thinking about where you want to plant, remember to account for the roots. One of the biggest reasons trees fail is because their roots don’t have enough room to spread out, so the tree can’t get enough nutrients to survive. You also want to watch out for the roots, because they can do some serious damage to anything nearby, like your driveway or even your home’s foundation! Pick a TimeThe last thing you want when you plant a new tree is for the first freeze of the winter season to kill it off, so be sure to think about what time of year it is when you start looking to plant. A good rule of thumb for planting new trees is at the tail-end of winter, right before the weather really starts to warm up for spring. In the Athens area, that usually means around March, or right now! Get PlantingOnce you’ve got the what, when, and where figured out, it’s time to actually plant your new tree. The basics? Dig a hole, put the new tree in it, and cover the tree with dirt. But there are a lot of factors to consider during these steps: Dig Wide The hole should be 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball itself. You’ll fill this empty space back up with looser soil when you cover the root ball, and this will make it easier for fledgling roots to spread out and get established. Dig Deep – but not too deep! When you cover the root ball back up, you want the trunk flare to just barely be visible above the dirt. The trunk flare is the point where the trunk flares out at the very base of the tree. This flare can be subtle, but that is the point that you want the soil to reach. Make sure when you’re digging that your hole is deep enough that the trunk flare will sit just above the ground. Unwrap and Unbind Some trees come with netting or even wire cages around the root ball. This is done to keep the roots together and protected during transport, but when you’re ready to plant, these obstructions need to be removed. Otherwise, they may hinder root growth and cause your tree to fail. Straighten Up This is more of an aesthetics thing, but try to plant your tree as straight up and down as possible. If your tree is planted crooked, there’s a good chance it will grow crooked, too – at least at first. The base of the tree might go off at an angle before growing straight up, giving your trunk a curve to it for the rest of its life. Cover Up Once you’ve ensured that your tree is in a hole of proper width and depth, and the tree is standing up straight, it’s time to cover the roots with soil. The end goal here is to have packed but not compacted soil – so pack it down as you go, and water every few layers to help reduce air bubbles, but don’t try to compact the soil as hard as you can. You want it loose enough for the tree’s roots to be able to navigate easily, but not so loose that the roots don’t have anything to hold onto as they grow. Stake Out Once the soil is in place, it’s time to decide whether your new tree needs stakes. Generally, you want to avoid stakes if possible; studies have shown that trunks and root systems establish quicker and stronger on their own. But if your tree is in a windy, exposed area, staking might be your only choice. After Care Once your tree is planted (and staked, if need be), it’s time to think short- and long-term care. One of the best things you can do for a new tree is to mulch the ground around it. Think 2 to 3 inches, with a thinner layer at the base of the trunk. This will help the ground around the tree retain much-needed moisture without creating an environment for trunk rot. From there, you’ll want to water your tree about once a week. If it rains, you can consider that the week’s watering. If you end up in a long, hot dry spell, then you may want to up that to two waterings a week. So there you have it! All the basics you need to successfully plant a new tree. If you still aren’t sure, and want more advice on what or where to plant, feel free to give us a call! Our Certified Arborist, Scott, is always happy to offer his professional opinion. If you’ve planted a new tree and you’re concerned about its health, consider scheduling a free estimate with us! We’ll come out to make sure everything’s okay, and offer some solutions if they aren’t. 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.  Think about Savannah, Georgia – what do you see? If you’re anything like us, that answer starts with live oaks and ends with Spanish moss. There’s nothing more integral to the aesthetic of the Georgia coast than those ancient trees, with their graceful, sweeping branches spreading far and wide, draped in swathes of delicate, fluffy Spanish moss. It’s no surprise, then, that one of these stunning eldritch figures has been declared a national landmark. The Candler Oak is estimated to be between 350 and 450 years old, making it one of the oldest living landmarks in the area. It stands over 54 feet tall, with branches stretching over 110 feet wide. The trunk itself is more than 5 feet across!  But the age and stature of this magnificent specimen isn’t the only thing that makes it special. Back in the early 1800s, the tree stood on the Savannah House and Hospital grounds. The picturesque oak was a statement piece, making the hospital easily identifiable. During the Civil War, while the hospital was used by the Confederacy, the tree protected POWs in stockades built under its branches. The hospital returned to being a hospital after the war, now called the Warren A. Candler Hospital – hence the name of the tree today, the Candler Oak. The grounds surrounding the tree were developed alongside the rest of Savannah. Construction, parking lots, foot traffic, automobiles, exhaust, and the general impact of daily business activity started to take its toll. The Candler Oak went into severe decline in the mid-1900s, with its life expectancy down to a mere 20 years by the 1970s.  Luckily, the citizens of Savannah swept in to save the day. Concerned for the state of this historic tree, they formed the Savannah Tree Foundation in 1982. Its mission? To protect and preserve Savannah’s trees amidst its urban development. Their first project was fighting to protect the Candler Oak, which they hoped to save. The foundation made history when they secured a conservation easement for the oak in 1984, the first conservation easement granted for a single tree in the nation. This monumental victory protected the 6,804 square foot area surrounding the tree from further development, which was the first step in ensuring the tree’s survival. The owner of the hospital property at the time, a corporation called Huntingdon II, Ltd., donated the easement to the Savannah Tree Foundation that same year so they could take the proper steps necessary to revive the oak. Huntingdon II, Ltd. continued to support the tree’s rehabilitation monetarily in the years to come.  The first thing the Savannah Tree Foundation did was dismantle the asphalt paved over the tree’s root system. Then, a strict regimen of watering, fertilizing, and maintenance was established to help the oak bounce back from its decline. Under the close eye of the foundation (and with the continued patronage of the Candler Hospital) the Candler Oak began to thrive again. Arborists today have issued the tree a clean bill of health, predicting its lifespan to last well into the end of the 21st century. In 2001, the Georgia Urban Forest Council registered the Candler Oak as a Georgia Landmark and Historic Tree, granting the already-popular landmark statewide recognition and protection. The National Register of Historic Trees recognized the Candler Oak in 2004. In 2012, the Savannah Law School purchased the property on which the Candler Oak’s easement resides. The school named the tree their official school logo, and erected a fence around the tree to preserve enough space for the lowest branches to continue to grow. They also added security surveillance against vandalism.  After the Savannah Law School closed in 2018, the land the Candler Oak resides on was purchased by the Savannah College of Art and Design, better known as SCAD. To this day, the tree enjoys 24-hour surveillance, fenced protection, plenty of growing space, and a regular maintenance schedule, making it one of the most pampered trees in the state. Want to learn more about live oaks? Check out our Tree of the Month article! 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. Biodiversity is one of those words that you’ve definitely heard before, though you might not 100% understand what it means. Though the term biodiversity itself actually refers to all life on earth, from the smallest gene in your cells to entire thriving ecosystems, the word has taken on a more colloquial definition in recent years. What is biodiversity?Nowadays, biodiversity is used to describe the variety of life (typically plant life) in a given location – for example, your backyard. Environmentalists have spearheaded the movement to encourage homeowners and renters alike to consider planting a range of different native species. Why is biodiversity important?There are a lot of reasons to bring in more plants, like growing your own food and supporting the pollinator population. And greenery is just plain good for humans, mentally and physically. But biodiversity specifically promotes bringing in not just more plants, but different plants. The more species you have in one location, the richer that particular little ecosystem becomes. Rich ecosystems tend to thrive, as every species fills its own niche purpose. What does that mean?Let’s try an example. Think of a house – what makes a good house? You need a bedroom for sleeping. A kitchen for cooking. A living room. A bathroom (probably more than one, if you don’t live alone). You also need things like a door to get in, and windows for light and that cool fall breeze. A house that’s missing some of these things wouldn’t be very functional. How would you prepare food if you didn’t have a kitchen? How would you sleep if you didn’t have a bedroom? How would you get in if you didn’t have a door? On the other hand, a house that has a lot of only a few of these things wouldn’t be very functional, either. What use do you have for four kitchens, but no bathroom? Or seven bathrooms, but no door to get in? You don’t just need a house with a lot of components; you need a house with a lot of different components. There’s a bare minimum of these different components that you need to have in order to qualify as a ‘house’ at all. Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, door. But the more components a house has, the more desirable it is. A house with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a sitting room, a front and a back door, and plenty of windows would definitely make a killing in today’s market. The bare minimum makes a house functional, but the extras make it flourish. How does that translate to ecosystems?Different species in an ecosystem are like the different components of a house. Any given ecosystem needs a variety of both plants and animals to function, and even more to thrive. What does that mean for you?Biodiversity at large isn’t really something you have control over, but what you can control is the little ecosystem around your home. By planting not only more plants, but a bunch of different plants, you’re encouraging biodiversity. The best way to do this is to plant native species. Then you’ll have a home-court advantage; native species have adapted specifically to your area, like average rainfall and sunshine, soil composition, and temperature fluctuations, so you won’t have to do nearly as much work for them to do well. Not only that, but by only bringing in native plants, you can make sure you aren’t accidentally bringing in any invasive species, which can harm your ecosystem. What about animals?What’s that line? Build it, and they will come. There’s no need to think about introducing more fauna to your ecosystem. If you bring in more plants, then more insects will flock to the newly-available food source. Birds will follow, as there are yummy insects and berries to eat, and plenty of foliage for building nests. Butterflies and bees will wander around, cross-pollinating everything in their quest for nectar. It all starts with youJust think of it: if everyone in your neighborhood added one or two native plants to their property, that would be dozens – if not hundreds – of new plants in the local ecosystem. That kind of boost will help your entire area flourish. And what if every neighborhood did that? The town would flourish. And if all the towns did that? The state would flourish. And if all the states did that? You get the idea. Adding a few new native species to your backyard might seem like a small thing, but don’t underestimate the power you as an individual have to change the world. 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. Most people know that you can tell how old a tree is by counting its rings. It’s a fun fact to wow kids with, and a cool way to visualize history. But the study of tree rings is actually a much wider field than just counting some lines. First, those tree rings are scientifically called annual growth rings, and the official term for the study of annual growth rings is dendrochronology. According to the Oxford dictionary, dendrochronology is “the science or technique of dating events, environmental change, and archaeological artifacts by using the characteristic patterns of annual growth rings in timber and tree trunks.” Let’s start with the basics. When you look at a tree’s growth rings, you’ll see that there are dark circles separated by lighter sections. A common misconception is that only the dark rings count towards a tree’s age. In fact, a full annual growth ring actually includes a dark and a light section. Every year, a tree gets not only taller, but also wider in diameter. Springtime is the ideal growing environment, and so trees grow their fastest during these months. Because they’re growing quickly, the individual developing cells are larger and have thinner cell walls. This results in wood called springwood, or earlywood, that is light in color. Towards the end of summer, trees start to slow down. Cells that develop during this slower period are smaller, and have much thicker cell walls, resulting in darker wood we call summerwood, or latewood. Every year, a tree will grow a new light and dark section. Therefore, these two-part rings can be counted to learn the tree’s age in years. But that’s not all we can learn by looking at a cross-section! Diameter growth in a tree is highly sensitive to environmental factors, like whether or not the tree gets enough water and sunlight. A thicker annual growth ring indicates a bountiful growing season, where the tree had everything it needed to flourish. A thinner annual growth ring may therefore indicate a poor growing season, with not enough (or too much!) rain, sun, or warm temperatures. Now, not all trees are created equal. To determine whether any given growth ring is considered “thick” or “thin,” you’d have to research the average growth ring width for that particular species. You’ll also want to keep in mind the climate of the area you’re in – the growth rings of a pine tree in Georgia may differ from those of a pine tree in Vermont! Looking at a tree’s growth rings can also show you any trauma the tree experienced in its lifetime. For example, a fire might result in blackening along at least part of that year’s ring, depending on how much of the tree was burned. Knots in a tree’s growth rings can indicate where a branch used to be, or where insects or other pests caused damage. Lopsided rings that are thicker on one side than the other can indicate that the tree spent some years growing at an angle, and one side of the tree had to grow more than the other to accommodate the change. Trees that are exposed to high winds on one side may even have their ‘heart’ off-center as the buffeted side of the tree is unable to grow at the same pace as the other. The study of annual growth rings can tell us so much about a tree’s lifetime, and can be used to not only give us a peek into the past, but also to confirm historical events, like a forest fire, or corroborate the age of an artifact. Dendrochronology is a rich field of study, and plus, it’s just plain cool! 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. With Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving on the rise, there are only 7 more weeks until Christmas! That means it’s time to get a jump on the holiday shopping. If someone you know is an avid gardener, outdoor enthusiast, or just really, really likes plants, check out a few of our gift ideas! Most of the products listed below are produced by small businesses, like ours, so go show them some love! Note: Classic City Arborists is in no way partnered with any of the brands or sellers of these items, and receives no monetary incentive for choosing them. Bee Drinking Garden Ball The textures of these pretty glass decorations catch water droplets to hydrate busy pollinators. A few of these in any garden will not only add some colorful appeal, but also help out the very important bee population! Personalized Family Signpost If you’re looking for something a little more personal, consider this cute and customizable family signpost. Whether family members live near or far, this sign will bring all of them together. Gardener’s Tool SeatFor the avid gardener who needs to be a little nicer to their knees, check out this lightweight, folding garden stool that comes with all the pockets they’ll need to keep everything within arm’s reach. One-Handed Dirt Digging Tool Whether you want to make your favorite gardener’s life a little easier, or help out someone with arthritis or another mobility limitation, this one-handed dirt digging tool is definitely a winner. Gardening and Florist Tool BeltKeep all your tools right where you need them with this handy tool belt made of water-resistant canvas. The adjustable belt means it will fit most anybody, and the large pockets will fit all your favorite tools! Garden Markers These minimalist wooden garden markers will help any gardener keep track of what they planted where – and the best part is they are sold individually, so you can select only the ones you know they need! Self-Watering Dinosaur Planters The younger gardener in your life will love how these cute dinosaur planters stick their tongues out to water themselves! 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. Whether it’s the sugar maple in your neighborhood with the stunning yellow leaves, or the mottled mountain ranges with more colors than you can count, Georgia’s fall foliage is a sight to behold! If you’re interested in creating a seasonal spectacle in your own backyard, check out this list of the best trees to plant for decoration in Georgia. Maple TreesMaple trees are the poster children for fall color. Depending on the species, they can range from brilliant reds to deep golden yellows, and everything in between. Maples come in a wide variety, so you can pick what works best for your yard. Shumard OakShumard oaks are hardy and adaptable, making them a popular landscaping choice in neighborhoods, city streets, and parks alike. The fact that they show off dappled oranges and yellows in the fall is just a bonus! Sweetgum TreesThough the gumballs can be a nuisance, many find them a small price to pay for the beautiful reds, oranges, purples, and yellows the sweetgum tree turns in the fall. Dogwood TreeThe dogwood is known for its lovely white and pink flowers in the spring, but did you know these trees also offer some gorgeous color in the fall? In addition to bright red berries, dogwood leaves turn a deep reddish-purple as the weather grows colder. Ginko TreeWith their uniquely-shaped leaves, ginko trees are already a statement piece. But in the fall, those fan-like leaves turn a uniform light yellow, making them even more beautiful to look at. Sassafras TreeSassafras trees also have pretty unique leaves, shaped like little mittens. Any given sassafras tree may turn yellow, orange, red, or even purple in the fall, making for a fun colorful surprise. Black TupeloThe native black tupelo tree offers an especially spectacular fall display. You’ll find yellows, oranges, reds, purples, and more all on the same tree – often all on the same branch! River BirchRiver birches are beloved for their white and grey peeling bark, but are also adored for their golden yellow leaves in the fall. 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 BeetlesPine 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 BeetlesAnother 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 InsectsScale 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 BeetlesJapanese 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. AphidsAphids 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. |
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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