|
News and Blog Articles
|
|
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.
0 Comments
Next up on our exploration of the UGA Campus Arboretum is the South Campus tour. An arboretum is just a fancy word for a botanical garden that features mainly trees. Back in 2000, UGA dedicated its entire campus as an arboretum and created the UGA Campus Arboretum foundation. The foundation’s mission is to plant and maintain trees of historic, local, and botanical value across its 762 acres. This week, we’re going through the South Campus tour. Check out our articles on the North Campus tour and Central Campus tour, or visit Campus Arboretum’s website for interactive walk-throughs. Read on to browse through the trees included on the South Campus tour! 1. Douglas Fir – Pseudotsuga menziesiThe Douglas fir is commonly chosen for Christmas trees, and is valued for its soft and light-colored lumber. 2. Eastern Red Cedar – Juniperus virginianNative to the eastern US, these cedar trees grow slowly over hundreds of years. Visit our Tree of the Month article to learn more about the Eastern Red Cedar! 3. Golden Raintree – Koelreuteria paniculataThe vibrant yellow blossoms of this east-Asian native float to the ground when disturbed by the wind, just like golden rain! 4. Dawn Redwood – Metasequoia glyptostroboidesNot to be confused with the coastal redwoods of the Redwood Forest, the dawn redwood is the only surviving species of the Metasequoia genus. 5. Southern Live Oak – Quercus virginianaThese massive, ancient trees are a staple to our southeast coastlines, and are often decorated with dripping Spanish moss. Check out our Tree of the Month article to learn more about Southern Live Oaks! 6. Swamp Chestnut Oak – Quercus michauxiiThe Swamp chestnut oak, like the name suggests, prefers to grow in the wetlands and swamps of the Southeast. 7. Savannah Holly – Ilex x attenuata ‘Savannah’A hybrid between the dahoon and American holly, this cultivar is a hardy grower with fluorescent-red berries. 8. Japanese Snowbell – Styrax japonicusThis small, flowering tree is native to China, Japan, and Korea, and grows petticoat-like white flower clusters. 9. Weeping Yaupon Holly – Ilex vomitoria ‘Pendula’This holly is the only tree native to North America that contains caffeine, and it gets its unique species name from purification ceremonies where it was used in teas, and where many people often vomited. 10. Eastern White Pine – Pinus strobusThe twigs and branches of these hardy trees are flexible to help bear the weight of heavy snowfall without breaking. 11. Hardy Orange – Poncirus trifoliataAnother China and Korea native, this citrus tree grows more like a shrub and bears small, fuzz-covered fruits. 12. Scarlet Oak – Quercus coccineaThe scarlet oak gets its name from its leaves that turn brilliant reds in fall. 13. Foster’s #2 Holly – Ilex x attenuata ‘Foster’s #2’One of E.E. Foster’s five holly cultivars, Foster’s #2 is unique as the female tree does not require male pollination to bear fruit. 14. Lusterleaf Holly – Ilex latifoliaThis broad-leaved Japanese and Chinese native is the largest of all holly species. 15. Siberian Elm – Ulmus pumilaLike the name suggests, this species is native to Siberia, as well as northern China and Turkestan. 16. Hybrid Yellow-Poplar – Liriodendron tulipifera x L. chinenseMost trees can only pollinate trees in their species, or trees that are closely related. But the North American yellow-poplar and the Chinese tulip-tree, despite millions of years separating their populations, will still happily reproduce together when given the chance. The result of this inter-fertilization is the hybrid yellow-poplar. 17. Chinese Chestnut – Castenea mollissimaThis chestnut species is mostly immune to chestnut blight, a rampant pathogen that decimates American Chestnut populations. 18. Japanese Evergreen Oak – Quercus glaucaThe leathery foliage of this evergreen species often has a bronze tint when it first emerges, giving it a unique appearance. 19. Chinese Flame Tree – Koelreuteria bipinnataThis tree offers plenty of attractive color, including large butter-yellow flowers in the summer and rosy-pink fruits. 20. Little Leaf Linden – Tilia cordataA European native, this ornamental tree is beloved for its elegant foliage and dense, low-growing branches. 21. Pyramidal European Hornbeam – Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’With strong and muscular trunks, the hardwood of these hornbeams is widely loved in the lumber industry. 22. Bald Cypress – Taxodium distichumThis deciduous conifer is best known for the knobby “knees” it grows when in marshy wetlands. To learn more about the Bald Cypress, check out our Tree of the Month article! 23. Water Tupelo – Nyssa aquaticaThe name of the water tupelo comes from the way its annual seed crop is mostly dispersed via water. 24. Dahoon Holly – Ilex cassineWith its classic red holly berries and attractive evergreen foliage, this holly is a popular ornamental landscaping choice. 25. Sugarberry – Celtis laevigataThe berries of the sugarberry are orange-red to yellow in color and are beloved by a wide range of bird species. 26. Water Hickory – Carya aquaticaWater hickories prefer water-logged wetlands, and their roots can even purify the water around them! 27. Atlantic White Cedar – Chamaecyparis thyoidesThese slow-growing trees can live up to 1,000 years old, and are incredibly decay-resistant. 28. Weeping Gold White Willow – Salix alba ‘Tristis’First introduced in colonial times, this European native is valued for its gorgeous yellowish-green “weeping” branches. 29. Virginia Pine – Pinus virginianaThis short-lived and slow-growing species is often used in reforestation projects to kick off a nourishing ecosystem in otherwise devastated areas. 30. Japanese Zelkova – Zelkova serrataNative to Japan, Taiwan, and eastern China, this species was introduced to America to boost the native American elm populations that easily succumb to Dutch elm disease. 31. Grancy Greybeard – Chionanthus virginicusThis species is known for its clusters of drooping flowers and dark blue fruits. 32. Kentucky Yellowwood – Cladrastis kentukeaThis species features yellow heartwood and fragrant white blooms, and is one of the rarest forest trees in the eastern US. 33. Tulip Poplar – Liriodendron tulipiferaThese fast-growing trees are often the tallest in the forest, reaching heights nearing 150 feet on average. 34. Longleaf Pine – Pinus palustrisBefore the land was settled, these 100-year-old giants dominated an estimated 90 million acres of land between Virginia to Florida to Texas. 35. Bur Oak – Quercus macrocarpaBur oaks won’t bear their acorns until they reach maturity at around 30 to 35 years old, but will then live for nearly 300 more years! 36. Athena Chinese Elm – Ulmis parvifolia ‘Athena’With spectacular mottled bark, this durable cultivar was developed on UGA’s own campus by Dr. Michael Dirr in the 1980s. 37. Bald Cypress – Taxodium distichumThe tour’s second bald cypress, these swamp-loving trees are known for their wide, buttressed trunks. More about the Bald Cypress can be found here. 38. Sawtooth Oak – Quercus acutissimaThis fast-growing oak is a favorite of wildlife in both its native China, Japan, and Korea as well as North America. 39. Black Tupelo – Nyssa sylvaticaThe black tupelo is a popular source of nectar for bees, and is where the majority of tupelo honey comes from. 40. American Beech – Fagus grandifoliaThis unique species can self-propagate via underground sucker shoots. 41. American Hornbeam – Carpinus carolinianaA small understory tree, the American hornbeam features a fluted trunk with smooth gray bark. 42. Bigleaf Magnolia – Magnolia macrophyllaThe overly-large leaves and flowers of this magnolia species are the largest of any native North American tree. 43. Swamp White Oak – Quercus bicolorDrought-resistant and easily transplanted, these trees are common across central and eastern North America. 44. Shortleaf Pine – Pinus echinataThe shortleaf pine is exactly what most people picture when they think of a pine tree, and is widely distributed throughout the eastern United States. 45. Chinese Fringe Tree – Chionanthus retususWith snowy-white flowers that produce a gentle fragrance, the Chinese Fringe tree is a popular ornamental choice. 46. Trident Maple – Acer buergerianumThis species is a popular street tree in our very own Athens! 47. Persian Parrotia – Parrotia persicaNative to northern Iraq, this ornamental tree was discovered on a mountaineering expedition in 1830. 48. Ohio Buckeye – Aesculus glabraThis species naturally grows in heavily-forested areas, and is rarely seen in open areas. 49. American Holly – Ilex opacaWith bright-red berries and spiny leaves, the American holly is a well-known and well-loved tree. 50. Compton Oak – Quercus x comptoniaeA cross between the southern live oak and the overcup oak, this naturally-occurring cultivar is extremely hardy and handsome. 51. Star Magnolia – Magnolia stellataMuch smaller than other magnolias, this species is native to Japan’s Honshu island. 52. Lacebark Pine – Pinus bungeanaWith attractive exfoliating bark and multi-stemmed trunks, these trees are known in China to symbolize longevity. 53. Formosan Sweetgum – Liquidambar formosanaNative to China and Taiwan, every part of this sweetgum is used in a variety of industries. 54. Black Walnut – Juglans nigraPrized for its lumber, the black walnut is logged extensively and coveted for its delicious nuts. Learn more about the Black Walnut in our Tree of the Month article! 55. European Horse Chestnut – Aesculus hippocastanumThis species gets its name from the mistaken belief that its fruits could cure horse cough. 56. Golden Larch – Pseudolarix amabilisDespite the name, this species is not actually a true larch tree! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. In case you missed our article a few weeks ago, the UGA Arboretum is a botanical garden dedicated specifically to trees that is made up of the entire UGA campus. Basically, all the trees and plants on UGA grounds are a part of the arboretum, although some receive a little special treatment. Trees of historic, local, and botanical value (in addition to a few state specimens) have been identified with little black plaques that denote their species and the UGA Arboretum’s logo. Last week, we walked you through the UGA Arboretum North Campus Tour, which features all the distinguished trees on North Campus. This week, we’ll be going through all the trees on the Central Campus Tour. Featuring 34 individual trees, the Central Campus Tour was the Campus Arboretum’s first official project, and paved the way for other tours around campus, as well as a variety of initiatives intended to promote and study trees. 1. Overcup Oak – Quercus lyrataNative to the lowlands of the southeast, the leaves of this oak resemble three lyres stacked atop one another, which is where it gets its denomination lyrate (which means lyre-like in Latin). 2. Crape Myrtle – Lagerstroemia indicaThe crape myrtle is a popular tree amongst landscapers and homeowners alike, and though not native to the United States, you’ll find them all over public and private property – especially here in Athens! 3. Northern Red Oak – Quercus rubraLike the name suggests, northern red oaks are known for their brilliant fall colors. 4. Carolina Cherry Laurel – Prunus carolinianaThe Carolina cherry laurel gets its name from the cherry-like scent the leaves give off when crushed. 5. Southern Red Oak – Quercus falcataA classic southeastern tree, southern red oaks tend to grow in forests of hardwood pines – in other words, every forest in Georgia. 6. Devilwood – Cartrema americanusThis smaller, shrub-like tree grows attractive white flowers every spring that give off a pleasant fragrance. 7. Sugar Maple – Acer saccharumSugar maples are, unsurprisingly, the choice maple for syrup production thanks to their high sugar content! 8. Shumard Oak – Quercus shumardiiThese hardy oaks are able to withstand the heat and drought associated with the southeast, and offer a breathtaking fall display. 9. Eastern Hemlock – Tsuga canadensisThough usually found further north than Georgia, the eastern hemlock is nonetheless an important staple to the ecosystem. 10. Post Oak – Quercus stellataAnother hardy oak built to withstand drought and heat, the post oak is a slower-growing species that can live up to 500 years old. 11. Swamp Laurel Oak – Quercus laurifoliaMost oak trees live for hundreds – if not thousands – of years, but the swamp laurel oak breaks the norm. These fast-growing trees have fairly short lifespans and favor the moist woodlands of the south. 12. Laurel Oak – Quercus hemisphaericaLaurel oaks are almost evergreen, and will hold onto their green leaves until February here in the south before finally giving them up to the ground. 13. Chinese Pistache – Pistachia chinensisNative to China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, this hardy species has been introduced to temperate climates all over the world thanks to its attractive appearance, fall color, and interesting fruit. 14. Wirt L. Winn Holly – Ilex x koehneanaA hybrid of Ilex latifolia and Ilex aquifolium, this densely-branched holly makes for a great privacy screen. 15. Burford Chinese Holly – Ilex cornutaThis holly is native to China and Korea, and is often grown as a shrub rather than a full-sized tree. They’re resistant to most diseases and insects, and grow attractive red berries, making them a popular landscaping choice. 16. Black Cherry – Prunus serotinaBlack cherries grow rapidly as compared to other cherries, and are used across the United States and Central Mexico for their fruit and timber. 17. Sugarberry – Celtis laevigataSugarberries are known for their orangey-red and yellow berries, as well as their distinctive gray bark that grows mottled warts when mature. 18. Persimmon – Diospyros virginianaPersimmons have a long history in the southeast and Midwest. Their fruit is popular with humans and wildlife alike, and their seeds were often used as makeshift buttons during the Civil War. In southern folklore, persimmons could also be used to predict the weather! 19. Blue Atlas Cedar – Cedrus atlanticaNative to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, where it gets its name, as well as Algeria, the blue atlas cedar is an endangered species. The glauca (which means “blue” and refers to the silver-blue needled foliage) cultivar on UGA’s campus is over 100 years old. 20. Eastern Hemlock – Tsuga canadensisThe eastern hemlock gets another stop on the tour. These trees can live over a thousand years and are currently under attack by an invasive pest species in the United States. 21. Pignut Hickory – Carya glabraWith their deep taproot, pignut hickories can survive very dry conditions, making them well-suited to the fickle weather of the southeast. Their name comes from the early American settlers who noticed how wild hogs loved the nuts. 22. White Ash – Fraxinus americanaThe white ash tree is the most common ash native to the United States, and is the most valued ash for timber. Louisville Sluggers use white ash to make their baseball bats! 23. Chinese Parasol Tree – Firmiana simplexThis small tree is native to China, Korea, Japan, and southwest Asia, and gets its name from its large leaves that can provide shade, just like a parasol. 24. Red Buckeye – Aesculus paviaRed buckeyes are known for their long, tubular flowers that are bright red and attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. 25. Callaway Crabapple – MalusThese ornamental trees grow tart fruits that are made into popular jams and jellies. 26. Sweetgum – Liquidambar styracifluaGum from the sweetgum tree was used in both World Wars to make soap, drugs, and adhesives. Nowadays, it is valued for its lumber thanks to the close-grained wood that readily takes stains and finishes. 27. Japanese Black Pine – Pinus thunbergiiNative to Japan and Korea, the Japanese black pine is a classic bonsai subject and can easily be pruned into Niwaki forms in landscaping. 28. Sweet Bay Magnolia – Magnolia virginianaAnother southeast native, these ornamental trees grow lemon-scented flowers and retain their foliage almost year-round. 29. Chestnut Oak – Quercus prinusChestnut oaks are set apart by their attractive ridged bark, and can live up to 400 years old. 30. Star Magnolia – Magnolia stellataA smaller magnolia, the star magnolia is native to the Japanese island of Honshu, where it is beloved for its white blossoms and knobby pink fruit. 31. Saucer Magnolia – Magnolia x soulangeanaA cross between Magnolia denudata and Magnolia liliiflora, this hybrid grows pinkish-white flowers that are streaked with pink and purple on the underside. 32. Japanese Pagoda Tree – Styphnolobium japonicumThe Japanese pagoda tree is actually native to China and Korea, and was introduced in Japan for use around Buddhist temples. 33. Loblolly Pine – Pinus taedaOne of the most common pine species in the southeast, the loblolly pine is an integral part of the commercial forestry industry. 34. Georgia Oak – Quercus georgianaThe Georgia oak is a rare species that grows exclusively on granite outcroppings, and can be found only in small pockets throughout Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. They’re much smaller than other oak species, and this particular specimen of the UGA arboretum is actually the largest-known Georgia oak! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. Last week, we talked about the UGA Campus Arboretum. An arboretum is a botanical garden that predominantly features trees. The UGA Campus Arboretum, as the name suggests, includes the entire UGA campus. Basically, all the trees and plants on campus are part of the Arboretum! There are certain trees that receive a little special treatment, however. Trees of historic, local, and botanical value, as well as a few stately specimens are identified with small black plaques that denote their species with the UGA Campus Arboretum logo. If you’re looking to seek out these special trees, you can do so by following one of the many Arboretum tours. This week, we’ll be going through the North Campus Tour, which features 24 trees. North Campus is the most historic section of UGA’s campus, and includes landmarks such as The Arch and the Holmes-Hunter Academic Building. To start, here’s what the route looks like:  You can visit these trees in any order you want, really, but here’s the Arboretum’s suggestion: 1. Red Bay - Persea palustrisThe first stop on this tour is a large, multi-trunked Red Bay located just behind and to the left of The Arch (facing towards campus and the Holmes-Hunter Academic Building). This Red Bay was planted here specifically to commemorate the Ancient Egyptian tradition of planting persea trees at the entrance of their educational institutions. The Arch represents the entrance to the University, and so, Persea palustris was planted. 2. Red Maple - Acer rubrumKnown for their brilliant fall foliage, Red Maples are one of the most common hardwoods in North America. Check out our Tree of the Month article to learn more about Red Maples! 3. American Elm - Ulmus americanaAmerican Elms were once used as “meeting trees” to designate gathering spots by the Native Americans, and then later by the Sons of Liberty in the American Revolution. 4. Winged Elm - Ulmus alataWinged Elms get their name from the cork-like “wings” that form along branchlets. 5. Cryptomeria - Cryptomeria japonicaThis large evergreen conifer is viewed as sacred and often planted around temples and shrines in its native Japan, where it is the national tree. 6. Green Ash - Fraxinus pennsylvanicaThis native species is the most widely distributed across North America, and its high volume of seeds every year are an important food source for local wildlife. 7. American Basswood - Tilia americanaThe American Basswood is especially popular with bees, and lends a distinctive flavor to honey produced from its flowers, called basswood honey. 8. Flowering Dogwood - Cornus floridaA “four-season” tree, the Flowering Dogwood is known for its spectacular pink and white flowers in spring, its bright red berries in the fall, followed by a brilliant red fall foliage display. The mottled bark is also attractive when the tree is bare during winter months. 9. Black Oak - Quercus veluntinaThe common Black Oak prefers to grow on slopes, making it a good choice for erosion prevention. This particular tree grows the largest leaves of any oak on UGA’s campus! 10. Hearts of Gold Redbud - Cercis canadensisWith its pretty pink flowers and smaller stature, this decorative tree is a perfect addition to any landscape. The Hearts of Gold Redbud is also the state tree of Oklahoma. 11. White Oak - Quercus albaWhite Oaks are another wide-spread species in the eastern US, and are known for their hardiness against a range of climates and even wildfires. Check out our Tree of the Month article to learn more about White Oaks! 12. Pin Oak - Quercus palustrisThe branches of the Pin Oak are often described as pin-like, which is where this native, flood-tolerant species gets its name. 13. Nellie R. Stevens Holly - Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'This hybrid species is named after Nellie Robinson Stevens, who pilfered a few pollinated English holly berries, only to have bees cross-pollinate them with a Chinese holly in a chance encounter that created an entirely new species! Check out our Tree of the Month article to learn more about Nellie R Stevens Hollies! 14. River Birch - Betula nigraRiver Birches are characterized by their “exfoliating” bark, which peels off in delicate, papery curls and leaves behind a mottled color pattern. Check out our Tree of the Month article to learn more about River Birches! 15. Chaste Tree - Vitex agnus-castusNative to Mediterranean regions of Europe and Asia, this ornamental tree features delicate foliage and lilac summer flowers that are especially attractive to butterflies. 16. Deodar Cedar - Cedrus deodaraNicknamed “the wood of the gods,” the Deodar Cedar is the national tree of Pakistan, and is native to the Himalayas and northern Africa, where it is considered sacred and often worshipped. 17. Kwanzan Cherry - Prunus serrulataA cultivar of the ornamental cherry tree, the Kwanzan Cherry was gifted to the United States by Japan in 1912. It gained popularity after being displayed at Washington DC’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival. 18. Ginkgo - Ginkgo bilobaThe Ginkgo, also known as the “fossil tree,” is the sole survivor of the Ginkgo genus. 19. Willow Oak - Quercus phellosThanks to their adaptability, Willow Oaks are a popular choice for landscapers and homeowners alike. Check out our Tree of the Month article to learn more about Willow Oaks! 20. Saucer Magnolia - Magnolia x soulangeanaA cross between Magnolia denudate and Magnolia liliiflora, the Saucer Magnolia is one of the most important magnolias in horticulture. These valued ornamental trees are loved for their large pinkish-white blooms with vibrant pink and purple stripes on their underside. 21. Japanese Maple - Acer palmatumJapanese Maples have a range of natural genetic divergences, and have also been cultivated into many different cultivars, leading to a wide array of distinct variations. 22. Robert Toombs OakThis stop doesn’t actually include a tree. Instead, it features a plaque that details the legend of the Robert Toombs Oak. In 1828, Robert Toombs gave a speech under a great oak tree. The speech was so eloquent and powerful that the entire commencement audience came out of the Chapel to listen. Upon the hour of his death years later, the same oak was supposedly struck by lightning. The charred remains of that tree are what is now called Toombs Oak. 23. Oglethorpe Oak - Quercus oglethorpensisThe Oglethorpe Oak is a rare species, currently classified as endangered, that was discovered in Oglethorpe County. Its name is meant to honor both the county and James Oglethorpe himself, the man who founded Georgia. 24. Kousa Dogwood - Cornus kousaNative to Japan, Korea, and China, the Kousa Dogwood is very similar to the US-native Flowering Dogwoods. It can be identified by the more pointed petals and attractive exfoliating bark. There you have it! The North Campus Tour. Stay tuned next week as we go through everything the Central Campus Tour has to offer! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. If you’ve ever been on UGA’s campus, then you’ve surely seen the stunning array of trees and other flora decorating the landscape. These natural wonders are more than just pretty embellishments – they’re a part of the University of Georgia Campus Arboretum. What’s an arboretum?It sounds pretty fancy, but an arboretum is just a fancy word for a botanical garden that’s specifically devoted to trees. So, while places like the State Botanical Garden of Georgia definitely have their fair share of trees, arboreta feature trees as the majority. Where is the University of Georgia Campus Arboretum?While most arboreta and botanical gardens are set up like a park, with an entrance and exit and clearly-defined walking paths, the UGA Campus Arboretum encompasses the entirety of UGA’s campus! Any land that is owned and maintained by the University of Georgia is a part of the UGA Campus Arboretum. Why did UGA dedicate its entire campus as an arboretum?The University of Georgia has always played an active role in caring about the environment, and an important part of advocating for nature is helping it grow! Prior to the Campus Arboretum, UGA established a few smaller arboreta in designated locations. Unfortunately, these attempts succumbed to development as the University grew. In order to create an arboretum that could be protected, the decision was made to declare the entire campus one. Rather than funding the maintenance of a specific plot of land as an homage to trees, the University puts those efforts into the Arboretum Committee. In turn, the committee ensures all of UGA’s landscaping falls in line with the Campus Arboretum’s mission: “…to provide biologically diverse and aesthetic collections of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants in designed settings for the enjoyment and education students, staff, faculty, and visitors, and to map, label, and otherwise promote the extant and future tree and shrub collections.” This mission ensures that the trees planted on campus are well cared for, and that more trees (and shrubs and herbaceous plants) are incorporated into the landscape as often as possible. The result of this is that the entire University campus is a beautiful museum of all that nature has to offer! How to Enjoy the UGA Campus ArboretumWhether you’re a student, faculty member, visitor, or just a passerby, the Campus Arboretum is for everyone. You can take a walk through the grounds yourself to see the sights. Featured trees will have a small black sign at their base that declares them a part of the Campus Arboretum and denotes their species. But, if you’re interested in a more structured tour, the University of Georgia Campus Arboretum website has guides for all the different sections of campus: North Campus, Central Campus, South Campus, the Founder’s Garden, and the Oconee Forest Park. You can download and print a copy of the North Campus Walking Tour map for a list of featured trees paired with hand-drawn leaf examples. Or, you can take a virtual tour of each campus section, where you’ll find pictures of featured trees and more relevant information. Stay tuned as over the next few weeks, we take some time to shine a spotlight on the different campus tours, what trees you can expect to see, and what makes those trees special! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. There’s nothing quite as refreshing as enjoying fresh fruit in the heat of summer. And fruit doesn’t get any fresher than when it’s just been picked straight from the tree! Fruit trees are notorious for being difficult to maintain, and many would-be fruit enthusiasts end up disappointed when all their hard work doesn’t yield any…well…fruit. And don’t get us wrong, fruit trees aren’t easy. They’re pretty high-maintenance, and can be fickle, especially in the temperamental temperatures of Georgia summers and winters. But, for those willing to put in the elbow grease, here’s a list of some handy tips on how to grow fruit trees in Georgia! Social DistancingFruit trees need a lot of nutrients in order to actually grow fruit. If you plant fruit trees too close to each other, their roots will end up competing for resources, which will weaken all the trees involved. Room to GrowWhen you dig a hole to plant your tree, make it about twice as wide as the root ball or tree’s container. You’ll fill this in with nutrient-rich soil, of course, but doing this loosens the ground around the roots so they have an easier time spreading. This gives your tree a much better chance of successfully establishing itself. Fun in the SunWhile the summer heat isn’t always the best thing for fruit trees, they definitely need sun exposure. Be sure to choose a full-sun location (6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day). Don’t Forget DrainageFruit trees definitely need a lot of water, but they also don’t like their soil to be sopping wet. A well-drained area will ensure that any excess liquid won’t stick around to rot the roots. Pro Tip – a good way to ensure good drainage is to plant on a slope or incline! The Watering Sweet SpotMost fruit trees will need about 3 inches of water per month. That’s a hard measurement to calculate as far as how much you should water, but a good rule of thumb is to use your thumb. Stick your thumb into the dirt near the base of your tree. If the dirt is dry as far as your thumb can reach, then it’s time to water. Birds of a FeatherFruit trees can’t pollinate properly unless there are multiple different varieties of that tree around for cross-pollination. Be sure to plant at least 2 (but preferably more) varieties of whatever fruit tree you choose. Pro Tip – plant a range of different fruit trees (in addition to different varieties of the same fruit) for best results! What fruit trees grow best in Georgia?Most fruit trees will grow in Georgia with some love, but the best fruit trees for Georgia are:
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. Sources:
How Much Water Should One Give a Fruit Tree? How to Grow Fruit Trees in Georgia UGA Extension: Growing Fruits UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Best Fruit Trees to Grow in Georgia Fruit Trees for Zone 8 Georgia Grown: Fruits Planting a Small Home Orchard Bare Root Fruit Trees Fruits to Grow in Your Garden Planting and Caring for Fruit Trees With summer creeping in around the corner, you may think you’ve missed your window to start that garden or update those sad bushes out front. But it’s not too late! There are actually plenty of species that will thrive when planted in the warmest months. Check out these species that don't mind the summer heat: FlowersBring some color to your yard with these floral favorites.
FoliageUse shrubs to add some privacy to your patio, or just to liven up your curb appeal!
VeggiesNothing says "summer" like a fresh cucumber salad, or maybe a summer squash soup.
HerbsAdd some home-grown flavor to your favorite dishes .
There you have it! If you think you may want to grow any of the plants we just mentioned, check out the links below for tips and tricks. How to Grow Cucumbers How to Grow Summer Squash Cabbage Plant Profile How to Grow Carrots How to Grow Cauliflower How to Grow Peas Spinach Planting Guide Growing Cosmos Growing Hyacinth Growing Morning Glories Growing Sunflowers Geranium Care How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Zinnias How to Grow Impatiens How to Grow and Care for Barberry Bushes How to Grow and Care for Boxwood Shrubs Growing Hydrangeas Growing Juniper Shrubs Growing Sage Growing Basil How to Grow Dill in Your Herb Garden How to Grow Parsley How to Grow Rosemary Tips to Keep Your Late Summer Garden Going Strong 10 Easy Summer Gardening Tips 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. As you might remember from some of our Tree of the Month articles, many common species in our area have pretty long lifespans. For example, in places like Savannah and Charleston, the southern live oaks you see there are likely to be at least 150 years old. Loblolly pines, which are common to the Athens area, can be expected to live up to 300 years in favorable conditions. But what’s the longest living tree? The first species that comes to mind is probably the redwood. Those towering behemoths are surely some of the oldest in the country, if not the world, right? That’s pretty impressive, but redwoods are by no means the longest-lived tree species out there. In fact, they are comparatively going through their angsty teen years. Species such as the bald cypress, chestnut, Grecian olive, and sequoia have recorded members well over 3,000 years old. The World’s Oldest Living TreeSo which tree is actually recognized as the oldest on the planet? Until just a few years ago, that title belonged to a humble bristlecone pine known as Methuselah. You might remember from Sunday School that Methuselah was the longest-lived person in the bible, reaching the ripe old age of 969 years. But that’s pennies compared to the age of Methuselah the bristlecone pine. By most estimates, the tree Methuselah is believed to be over 4,852 years old. Aside from microscopic organisms whose ages we can’t definitely confirm, that makes Methuselah the oldest living thing on the planet. This ancient tree resides in the Inyo National Forest, somewhere between the Sierra Nevada range in California and the California-Nevada border. Its exact location is undisclosed by the US Forest Service to prevent vandalism, but you can visit the Inyo National Forest and see plenty of other bristlecone pines that are similarly ancient. But wait – we said Methuselah was the oldest living tree up until a few years ago. What about now? In 2016, another bristlecone pine in the Inyo National Forest was discovered that is believed to be over 5,000 years old, beating out Methuselah by at least 150 years. This tree has not been given a name, and is usually referred to collectively with Methuselah as “Methuselah and its senior.” 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. Springtime is here! There are little blue and white wildflowers blooming in the grass, and the trees are sprouting new leaves and buds. Or are they? As you’ve probably noticed, not all trees are showing new leafy growth. In fact, some look just as dead as they have all winter. Your first instinct might be that these trees are dead or diseased. But don’t cut them down just yet! There are a lot of different factors that go into knowing when a tree should be growing new leaves. As a general rule, trees start to wake up after their winter dormancy once the temperatures start warming and the days get longer. For the Southeast, that’s as early as mid-March, and as late April. But there isn’t any one specific day of the year when that happens. And when it does start to get warmer and the days longer, it’s not like flipping a switch. The shift happens gradually. In addition to this, trees bloom and develop leaves at their own pace. Things like their species, size, age, and the availability of resources can direct how and when a tree starts to leaf out. Some trees might get the memo earlier than others, so they’ll start to bloom first. Other trees might take much longer to grow leaves, so the change is a bit delayed. Birch and willow trees tend to bloom earlier than other species to get a head start on food production time. Oaks and elms, on the other hand, wait until the last minute to start budding, because the sudden drops in temperature in the spring can be especially damaging for them. So how are you supposed to know if your tree is just getting a slow start, or if it’s actually in danger? The first thing you can do to check on the health of your tree is just look at it. Get up close and examine those branches. Leaf buds, especially when they’re brand-new, are pretty small. If you’re looking from a distance, you might not be able to see them. If you don’t see any buds, the next easy way to check a tree’s health is by bending the twigs. Healthy, living twigs will bend easily, and are difficult to break off without the use of cutting shears. Dead or dying twigs, on the other hand, will break in half, crack, or crumble. If you aren’t confident about the twig’s status after bending it, try a few more. After bending a few twigs, if you still aren’t sure, you can cut a twig or two from the tree and examine the inside. Living twigs will be moist and colored some shade of green, depending on the species. Dead twigs will be dry on the inside, and will be a “lifeless” color (white, cream, grey, brown, ash, black, etc). If you come across dead or dying twigs, it’s time worry. Check for other signs of decay, like insect burrow holes or rot. You can also give your friendly neighborhood arborist a call. We offer free estimates, and will come out and diagnose the problem for you. But what if you don’t find anything wrong? The twigs are bendy and green on the inside. There’s no visible rot or insect burrow holes. But you also don’t see any new growth. The best course of action here is to be patient. Give your tree some time to catch up. You’ll most likely begin to see those leaf buds peeking out in just a few weeks. If they don’t, we still do free estimates all summer long, so you can give us a call then and we’ll come check it out! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. You’ve 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. 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. 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. 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 PruningWith 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. 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 and early February, which makes the best time to prune in winter late February and early March. Summer PruningWinter 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 to become dominant on a tree with more than one trunk. 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. Any wounds created by removing limbs will be easily taken care, as the tree will have plenty of energy to spare in its most active period. Flowering Tree PruningWhen 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. 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. 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. |
_showing_imbricate_cataphylls_5421.jpg){kind=link}
|
|
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