News and Blog Articles
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News and Blog Articles
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As a native tree found pretty much everywhere in the southeast, it’s about time for us to feature the Southern Red Oak as our Tree of the Month! Also known as the Bottomland Red Oak, Three-Lobed Red Oak, and Spanish oak, Quercus falcata is a deciduous tree known for its stunning fall color displays and classically shaped acorns. The Southern Red Oak is a pretty widespread species, common in over a dozen southeast states. They prefer to grow upland (though will occasionally sprout along streams), and thrive in the poor mesic soil that other tree species would find uninhabitable. As their upland home might suggest, these behemoths prefer full sun exposure and are extremely drought-resistant. They can still survive flooding on occasion, though, and will tolerate partial shade assuming their soil is well-drained. Did You Know?Despite the fact that these trees look absolutely nothing like any of the oaks found in Spain, one of the colloquial names for this species is the Spanish Oak. Most likely, this comes from the fact many of the early Spanish colonies in North America were located in areas densely populated with these trees. When left to their own devices, Southern Red Oaks will reach an average height of 60 to over 100 feet. Their crown spreads are similarly massive at 50 to 60 feet wide, supported by a trunk of only 2 to 3 feet in diameter. As moderately fast growers, these trees are popular in both public and private landscaping as statement features. They are often used as shade trees in parks and public spaces, and are especially suited as street trees thanks to their drought resistance. The bark of the Southern Red Oak is thick, dark, and rough. What starts out as thin, smooth, and light gray will eventually age into furrowed, scaled, deeper greys and greyish-browns. Fully matured tree bark may even reach black in color. Branching begins well away from the ground, and maintains an evenly-spaced distribution. Each branch grows up and out for an overall symmetrical shape. Interestingly, Southern Red Oaks grow two different types of leaves. The first is pear-shaped, with three rounded lobes (these look a little like animal prints you’d see in a cartoon). From base to tip, these leaves average around 4 to 5 inches long. The second leaf type has skinnier, pointier lobes that are both asymmetrical and bristled. These are much longer, averaging closer to 9 inches in length. Both types of leaves are a deep, glossy green in the spring and summer, with tan, downy undersides that offer a nice contrast when the wind blows. In the fall, this green fades to rich reds and reddish-browns, which is the reason why we call them Southern Red Oaks. As with most oak species, these trees drop acorns. Around a quarter of an inch to half an inch long, these tiny fruits are protected with hairy little caps that cover about a third of the total nut. They’re generally stouter than the classic acorn shape, but are still instantly identifiable. While these acorns make for a delicious source of food for a variety of animals (and a fun scavenger hunt for the kids!), they can also be a nuisance, especially along sidewalks or in your backyard. Did You Know?Southern Red Oaks have been known to cross-pollinate with other red oak species in the southeast, resulting in hybrid acorns that grow into hybrid trees! Prior to these tripping hazards, however, come “flowers.” That’s in quotation marks because, though scientifically classified as such, the fruiting bodies of the Southern Red Oaks look nothing like what you’d think of when you hear the word. As a monoecious species, both male and female flowers grow together on the same tree. The male catkins are yellowish-green in color and long and skinny in shape, while the female clusters are reddish-brown in color and grown shorter and stouter. Interested in learning about more tree species? Check out our other Tree of the Month articles! 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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For December’s Tree of the Month, we’re featuring the river birch, scientifically referred to as Betula nigra, also known colloquially as the water birch and the black birch. Like these names suggest, this beautiful tree naturally grows along river banks and other bodies of water, but can also be cultivated just about anywhere in the United States. Unlike other kinds of birches, which have more specific environmental needs, river birches are pretty tolerant of…well…everything. They’re indifferent to most soil types, can handle both drought and flood, and while they prefer around 4 hours of unfiltered sunlight per day (known as “partial shade” in the arboreal world), they do just fine with more or less. They do just as well in the hot southern states as they do the colder northern states, and are resistant to birch borers, a type of pest that commonly harms other birch species. This hardiness, along with a rapid growth rate and an excellence at preventing erosion, makes them great for landscaping. While maples and oaks are generally the most popular choice when it comes to public landscaping, the river birch has risen in the ranks in the last decade or so. Did You Know?River birch bark (and the bark of most birch species) has been used as paper for centuries. The oldest use of birch bark as paper is thought to be a collection of Buddhist texts from the 1st century CE! Young river birches will grow around 13 to 24 inches in a year, until they reach maturity, at which point their growth rate will stall. On average, mature river birches will top out at heights of 40 to 70 feet, with a crown stretching out 40 to 60 feet. This impressive spread is thanks to the multiple trunks of the river birch’s natural growth pattern. With multiple trunks allowed to grow freely, the river birch will have a rather irregular crown shape. In urban settings, however, these multiple trunks are pruned back to a single trunk, encouraging the tree to grow taller rather than wider. River birches that have been pruned this way will end up with a more pyramidal shape. In the wild, river birches are a long-lived tree, often seeing over 100 to 150 healthy years. Urban-cultivated river birches, on the other hand, rarely make it past 40. It’s not known why exactly domesticated river birches don’t live as long, but we do know that river birches naturally prefer to grow along bodies of water. River birches grown in a neighborhood or public park don’t have nearly the same access to water, which is what many arboriculturists attribute to discrepancy to. River birches are probably most well-known for the same reason all birches are liked: their papery, peeling bark pattern, and their stunning yellow leaves in the fall. River birch bark is usually darker than other birch species (hence the alternative name of “black birch”), with less white and grey tones and more brown and reddish tones. .The outer bark of young river birches can even be nearly pinkish in hue, while the inner bark is most often a darker, cinnamon-like color. More mature river birch trees will display darker brown bark that grows in ridged scales that lie close together rather than peeling away. The leaves of the river birch are around 2 to 3 inches long, and have the classic, rounded leaf shape. They grow in alternate pairs up and down a single stem, and are ridged along the edges. New leaves are bright green in color with a glossy finish, and will fade to a more muted green over time. But what really makes river birch leaves (and all birch tree leaves in general) stand out is their fall display. As other tree leaves begin brown, sometimes turning a little red or orange before they fall, river birch leaves transition to a bright, almost startling yellow for the autumn season. This color is made even more stunning against the backdrop of their mottled bark. Along with their yellow leaves, river birches will grow small male flowers in the fall. They won’t bloom, however, until the spring, when the small female flowers grow. Both flowers are a type of catkin, and will range from warm brown to dull green in color. Male river birch catkins are long and skinny, while female catkins are more cone-like. After the female flowers mature (somewhere in May or June), river birches will yield tiny little winged nutlets that are popular amongst local wildlife. 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 of Juglans nigra in the context of black walnut wood, which is a luxury material used in everything from china cabinets to hope chests to dining room tables. Black walnut wood is coveted for its colors and striations as much as its heartiness and durability. A black walnut piece of furniture will last for decades to come (if taken care of). But black walnuts aren’t just pretty as furnishings. The trees themselves are beautiful and larger than life. Young trees can grow up to 2 feet per year until they reach maturity after 12 to 15 years. Their crown spread tends to mirror their height, meaning they grow out just as much as they grow up. How far out, and how high? On average, we’re talking 50 to 75 feet when grown out in the open. When left to their own devices in the forest (or lovingly cared for on a plant farm), black walnuts have been known to reach heights eclipsing 150 feet. Did You Know?The wood of the black walnut is very easily worked, and is prized in the furniture industry for its attractive color and exceptional durability. So much so, in fact, that thieves (called “walnut rustlers”) will steal and then make off with with whole black walnut trees in the dead of night. They’ve even used helicopters in their operations! Black walnuts generally reach about 6 feet in diameter, their trunks covered in medium brown bark with thick, interfacing ridges. Their branches will happily grow low to the ground if there’s room, but in more crowded forests, they’ll self-prune up to about 2/3 their total height (basically, they’ll let lower limbs die off to direct energy upwards, where leaves have the best chance of getting sunlight, and therefore nutrients). If you’ve got one out in the open and you’d rather not have huge branches growing out into where you’d like to walk around, you can prune them yourself. Black walnuts are bleeders (which means sap runs from any wounds), so be sure to prune during the dormant season, not spring. Though they can tolerate less, black walnuts prefer full sun, and need around 6 hours of unfiltered sunlight every day. Luckily, this isn’t usually a problem for them, considering how tall they get. They tolerate a range of soils, and can thrive in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained, wet, and clay soils. They also have some drought tolerance, and are generally disease- and pest-free. The leaves of the black walnut tree, though skinny, are proportionally just as large as the tree they grow on, reaching anywhere from 1 to 2 feet long! Leaves grow in pairs down a single stem, sometimes ending with a singular leaf at the tip. Leaflets, on the other hand, have toothy ridges—not that you’ll ever see them. They’re usually hidden by their larger, older brethren. This fern-like foliage offers mottled shade that filters harsh sunlight, making them a popular addition to parks and along sidewalks. As a deciduous tree, black walnuts lose their leaves in the autumn. During the warm seasons, leaves are a vibrant green, but as the winter months approach, those leaves will turn golden yellow before falling to the ground. When spring rolls back around, black walnuts grow inconspicuous flower clusters. Male flower clusters droop down, while female clusters have terminal spikes. With the help of a little wind, a black walnut can self-pollinate, and the female flowers will grow into delicious black walnuts. These nuts don’t start out looking like what you buy in the store. As they ripen in early- to mid-autumn, they’ll look like lime green, fleshy baseballs. Black walnuts aren’t usually harvested off the tree, but are instead collected from the ground after they fall. They’re just as heavy as they look, and those with black walnuts near their house are more than familiar with the intermittent thudding on their roof that signals ripe fruit. Fallen black walnuts are known for littering sidewalks and bruising innocent passersby, and are even more notorious for staining any surface they come in contact with. Black walnut tree owners may spend hours picking up the fallen fruit (wearing gloves, of course, because those green husks will stain skin just as readily as clothes). Even if they have no plans to eat it, the tripping hazard alone is worth putting in the work. The fallen fruit will also attract animals like squirrels interested in an easy meal, and will eventually rot and mold. Did You Know?With a higher protein content than most nuts (7 grams per serving), high levels of Manganese, Omega-3, and antioxidants, and a range of other nutrients, black walnuts are considered a superfood. They support the metabolism, encourage healthy bone structure, and can even help protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain neurodegenerative conditions. After harvesting, the green baseballs are broken to reveal the corrugated, thick black inner shell. This is the part you think of when you think of walnuts. They’re left to dry out, and can be stored for up to a year. When you’re ready to eat them, you may find them tough to break, but the effort ends with a delicious, sweet nut. Be careful at this stage too, though, because these inner shells, when crushed, can also stain pretty much anything. Unfortunately, these beautiful trees come with a catch much worse than their sidewalk-staining fruit. Black walnuts are allelopathic. Basically, this means they suppress the growth of other plant species around them to eliminate the competition for resources like sunlight, nutrients, and water. Black walnuts do this by producing something called juglone, which is toxic to many species of flora. Juglone is emitted in large quantities from black walnut roots, which may stretch out 50 feet or more from the base. The substance can also be found to a lesser extent in the leaves and fruit husks, but there’s still enough to harm anything growing beneath the crown of the tree. Don’t misunderstand, though, because not all plants are threatened by juglone. Some species even seem to thrive on it, and grow happily and healthily beside the black walnut. With careful planning and a watchful eye, you can easily incorporate a black walnut into your landscape without losing any of your existing flora, and enjoy the gorgeous view and delicious nuts every 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. If you’ve ever visited Georgia’s coastline, like Savannah or Jekyll Island, then you’ve definitely seen the majestic Live Oak. These massive, craggy old trees are dripping with Spanish moss, and their limbs are so heavy, they sometimes have to reach to the ground before growing up again. Their trunks stretch high in the sky, and just the sight of one makes you feel like you’re surrounded by history—and in a way, you are! The Southern Live Oak is Georgia’s official State tree. Back in 1937, the Edmund Burke Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution advocated for the Live Oak to be given this honor. Specifically, they called for the adoption of the Live Oak as “the official tree emblematic of the State of Georgia.” This wording is noteworthy, because it’s different than the way other states identify their State trees. The Daughters of the American Revolution cited these reasons to justify their choice:
On February 25, 1937, Georgia’s legislature approved the decision with Joint Resolution No. 14, which reads: Whereas in many of the States of the Union some tree indigenous to the soil of the State has been chosen as an emblem of its sovereignty; and Live Oaks (also known as Virginia Live Oaks, thanks to their scientific name, Quercus virginiana) are well-known for their looks. They grow just as wide as they do tall, which is saying something, considering mature Live Oaks can reach heights of 65 to 85 feet. Their trunks are usually so big around that multiple people would have to join hands to fully circle it. Where most tree limbs grow up and out from a third to halfway up the trunk, Live Oak limbs grow thick and heavy from close to the base of the tree, and they stretch more outward than they do upward. This growth pattern usually leads to the weight of the limb dragging the entire thing down until it hits the ground, where it finds more support and can stretch back up again. On average, adult Live Oaks stand around 40 to 50 feet tall, with a crown spread around 80 feet and branches that measure up to 5 or 6 feet in diameter. They’re considered one of the faster-growing trees when young, clocking around 2 feet of height per year. Once they’re established, however, that growth rate slows down significantly. The growth rate of fully matured Live Oaks is almost entirely stalled, as they devote most of their energy to supporting their massive size. As you might be able to guess, Live Oaks grow best in well-drained, sandy soil with plenty of moisture, and prefer high humidity and full sun—exactly what you find along the coast. They can tolerate drier climates and more compact soils, but they will grow much slower and likely won’t reach their full potential. Live Oaks that do grow in their favorite environment are one of the longest-living oak species. On average, any given Live Oak you see is probably 200 to 300 years old. DID YOU KNOW?The largest Live Oak on record was discovered in 1976 close to Louisburg, Louisiana. Its trunk diameter measured 11.65 feet across, and its branches reached 55 feet into the sky. But what made this tree a national champion was its crown spread, which stretched 132 feet wide! If you don’t live near the coast, you might not realize that Live Oaks grow and drop acorns just like all other oaks. These dark-brown, almost black fruits measure around 1 inch long and often grow in clusters of 3 to 5. Live Oaks are generally pruned when young to establish one strong, central trunk structure, but otherwise require little to no maintenance. They are susceptible to a fungal gall called leaf blister, but this usually only disfigures a few leaves and doesn’t cause any serious damage. You can rake up and burn or otherwise dispose of infected leaves to help reduce the chances of a tree contracting the fungus again. While other oak species are at a high risk for oak wilt disease, which can kill even the largest of trees, there have been no documented cases of oak wilt in Live Oaks, potentially because of their salty surroundings. Though they often appear lighter green thanks to the interspersing of Spanish Moss, Live Oak leaves are actually a dark green, and covered with a waxy coating that protects them from salt spray. Unlike other oak species that lose their leaves seasonally, Live Oaks are nearly evergreen. Old leaves will yellow and drop only when new leaves begin to push through, sometime around late winter to early spring. If you’re concerned that an oak tree on your property (or any tree, for that matter) might have some kind of disease or fungal infection, check out our article to learn how to identify signs of decay. Or, contact us for a free estimate! Overall, the Southern Live Oak is a huge part of Georgia’s history. You can find them on postcards, stamps, and in all kinds of art across the entire state. They line the driveways to old antebellum mansions and decorate the parks of coastal towns. Low-hanging limbs are perfect for climbing, or relaxing with a good book. Their shade is refreshing on a hot summer day, and their leaves rustling in the breeze is a soothing balm to the soul. AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. Next up for Tree of the Month is sassafras albidum. Sometimes called America’s “only native species,” and more commonly referred to as just sassafras, these trees have a wide distribution that reaches as far south as central Florida, as far west as Texas, and as far North and East as Maine. You might know them by their unique, bilobed leaves. The asymmetrical dual lobes mimic the shape of a winter mitten, and can be left- or right-handed. This prompts children to hold their hands against these leaves to compare size and see if the “mittens” will fit their hands. Though the bilobed leaves get all the attention, sassafras leaves actually come in two other shapes: unlobed and trilobed. Unlobed leaves look like simple ovals, while the trilobed ones look like a rounded-off trident. You might even find a five-lobed sassafras leaf, but this is pretty rare (and might be lucky, like finding a four-leaf clover!). Regardless of the number of lobes, all leaves of the sassafras tree are a bright green color that shines even brighter in the sunshine. Did You Know?The largest known sassafras tree in the world is over 100 feet tall! Its trunk has a 21-foot circumference. You'll find this behemoth in Owensboro, Kentucky. They generally reach around 3 to 7 inches in length, and give off a pleasant aroma when crushed or rubbed. The smell has been described as similar to things like citrus, root beer, and cinnamon. In fact, every single part of the sassafras is said to possess the scent! The fully grown sassafras is a medium-sized tree, reaching heights of 30 to 60 feet, and crown spreads of 25 to 40 feet. Slender, tapering branches grow in a generally rounded shape when left alone. They are sympodial, which means that, when the branch grows an offshoot, the main branch will end and growth will be left to the offshoot. Then, the offshoot will end and sprout another offshoot, and so on and so forth. This process creates horizontal, cloud-like tiers that are stunning to look up through. The trunk of the sassafras is rich, deep brown with red undertones and deep ridges and furrows. Without any maintenance, a sassafras trunk will grow many different shoots. This results in more width than height and the overall appearance of a large shrub. To prevent this, simply trim back any offshoots until the main trunk is firmly established. In the spring, both male and female sassafras trees will grow fat buds at the ends of their branches. These bloom into delicate, beautiful yellow flower clusters. Each six-petaled flower is generally 1 to 2 inches long, and just half an inch in diameter. The flowers on female trees will eventually produce little half-inch fruits called drupe. Drupe range from deep blues to dark blacks, and hang from a bright red stalk that makes them all the more attractive to birds, squirrels, and even deer. At the end of the summer, once the flowers have turned to fruits and the fruits have fallen or been eaten, the once-brilliant green leaves will begin to change color. First, lime greens and yellows will creep across the foliage, but the show doesn’t end there. Before long, all the leaves will reach a range of colors, like mustard golds, burnt oranges, scarlet reds, and even mahogany purples. As autumn bleeds into winter, the beautiful leaves will dry and fall to the ground—but don’t worry. They keep their color and blanket the base of the tree with a fall rainbow. This stunning display makes sassafras one of the most popular trees to plant near your home. Did You Know?Up until the early 1900s, every street corner of England would be selling a popular tea called “saloop.” The drink was made of sassafras tea mixed with milk and sugar. All parts of the sassafras tree, from the roots to the twigs to the flower petals, have been used for culinary, medicinal, and aromatic purposes. The roots and root bark supply oil of sassafras, which is used to perfume soap and flavor teas—and even root beer, though that practice was discontinued in the 60s. File powder, made from ground sassafras leaves, is a key ingredient in authentic Louisiana gumbo. If you’re interested in adding a stunning sassafras to your property, keep in mind its environmental preferences. Sassafras trees grow best in either full sun or partial shade, which means a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight a day. Soil composition doesn’t matter so much to these trees, and they can handle anything from loamy to acidic to sandy. They have moderate tolerance for drought and salt. 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’s Tree of the Month is Acer rubrum, or the Red Maple tree (or the swamp maple, water maple, and even soft maple). Their colloquial name comes from their stunning fall color display, which usually features brilliant scarlet leaves, but can also include oranges, yellows, and yellow-greens. Whether you know it or not, you probably see one of these every single day; the red maple is recognized by the US Forest Service as the most abundant native tree in eastern North America. In fact, they have the greatest north-south range of any tree species living entirely in eastern forests, and can be found from southern Florida all the way to Newfoundland! Did You Know?The largest known Red Maple resides in Smoky Mountains National Park. In 1997, the National Register of Big Trees declared it a champion at 141 feet tall, with a 7-foot-wide trunk! One of the reasons for their wide-spread population is their vast environmental tolerance. Red maples are happy in any kind of soil, be it acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, or even clay. This means they do just fine in all the Georgia red clay we have around here, and also allows them to grow in marshes and swamps. They have just enough drought tolerance to get them through the occasional dry spell, but also don’t mind the rainy seasons. They can be happy in partial shade, but flourish best with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, giving them a distinct advantage in the Southeast. No matter their surroundings, red maples are considered one of the faster-growing species of tree, and can clock height increases of anywhere from 13 inches to over 24 inches per year until maturity. Fully grown, they can reach heights of over 60 feet, with crown spreads over 45 feet. One of the tallest red maples recorded actually stretches over 100 feet into the sky. While they are known (and named) for their beautiful fall color displays, red maples actually have vibrant green leaves most of the year; these leaves grow around 2 to 6 inches in length and have 3 or 5 irregularly-toothed lobes. You’ve probably seen the likeness of the red maple leaf on merchandise relating to Canada, as the red maple leaf is on their flag! But their leaves aren’t their only hallmark; younger trees will have smooth, silvery-grey bark that makes a great winter attraction when all the branches are bare. As the tree matures, the bark will retain the silver-grey coloring but will begin to crack and fissure, creating a mottled, signature bark look. From mid-winter to early spring, red maples will sprout small clusters of flowers. These can range from muted reds to warm yellows in color. Female tree flowers will also develop small, coupled fruits called samaras. The fruits are fairly small in size and feature wide, wing-like structures, and will eventually dry and fall; you probably remember picking these dried seeds off the sidewalk and dropping them to watch as they twirl to the ground. Red maples make great shade trees, and are relatively low-maintenance, which has led to high propagation rates in urban areas. Unfortunately, many planters are not aware of how close to the surface a red maple’s root system grows. This can lead to either accidental root trauma that damages the tree’s structural integrity and may lead to tree failure, or to the disturbance of sidewalks and other structures within the roots’ reach. Did You Know?The red maple tree is the state tree of Rhode Island. It was chosen in the 1890s by a group of students who voted for their favorite candidate - possibly due to the name alone. The Rhode in Rhode Island comes from the Dutch word for "red!" Red maple root systems are also incredibly dense and fibrous, and they will easily overwhelm nearby flora by leaching soil nutrients and soaking up available water. So, if you’re considering adding one of these gorgeous trees to your property, be sure to account for the roots! You’ll also want to keep an eye out for any signs of damage or decay; red maple branches are rated at medium-weak strength, meaning they are susceptible to broken limbs from inclement weather or human interaction. While red maples are fairly disease- and pest-resistant, exposed wounds like this can lead to infection and infestation if not properly cared for; if you think your red maple may be afflicted, feel free to call us and schedule a free estimate! AuthorEmily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio. The Crepe Myrtle (or Crêpe Myrtle, or even Crape Myrtle) is a popular deciduous decoration to any home or park, especially in the South—and especially here in the Athens area. You probably know them as those trees with the long, puffy bunches of flowers—the ones that always seem to bloom the second it gets warm and continue to bloom well into the fall? The ones that come in pinks, reds, whites, purples, and everything in between, and rain down a shower of petals with the wind (or a good shaking)? Crepe Myrtles actually get their common name from these flowers; the small, delicate petals are wrinkled and highly resemble crêpe paper. They are tenuously attached to the tree, and will fall at the slightest provocation, leading to sidewalks and driveways littered with a veritable carpet of color. Children—and even, admittedly, adults—love to rustle the branches while standing under them to watch them float gently to the ground, like a colorful snowfall. The flowers and even leaves and seeds are rated as safe for human consumption, so if you have an adventurous toddler interested in munching some petals, they’re perfectly safe. The ASPCA has also certified them as safe for animal consumption, so you don’t have to worry about your beloved fur-baby who loves to eat anything and everything in sight. Did You Know?There are nearly fifty varieties of Crepe Myrtles world-wide, though only about half a dozen are commonly seen in the South. In addition to their colorful flowers, Crepe Myrtles have pretty colorful foliage, too. In the summer, the 2- to 8-inch long leaves are a deep, vibrant green, and in the fall, they can change to stunning reds, yellows, and oranges. An early cold snap or overnight freeze can actually lock the leaves into their green color, effectively canceling the show, but that’s rarely a problem we have down here in the South. The fruit of the Crepe Myrtle grows in the form of small, green capsules that ripen to dark brown or black and eventually split along six or seven lines. These splits will release a bunch of small, winged seeds, which we’ve all played with at one time or another. With only the one wing and the heavy seed at one end, they will float to the ground in a quick spiral when dropped. Do keep an eye on them, though, because they can stain your driveway if trampled. Crepe Myrtles are great to have around in the winter months, even though they will be bare of leaves and flowers, thanks to their beautiful bark. It’s what’s called “exfoliating” bark, which basically means it has two layers; the thin, grey outer layer is what exfoliates and flakes away, which exposes the smooth inner layer that can also be grey, or lean more towards brown. One of the higher points of appeal of Crepe Myrtles is the wide range of sizes available. On the smaller side, we have the dwarf varieties, which only grow around 2 feet high and make great shrubs or additions to garden beds; there are also miniature and bonsai sizes that you can keep in the house! The other side of the spectrum includes larger trees that reach heights of up to 30 feet—but don’t worry. If that sounds a bit intimidating to you, there’s always the average, medium-sized Crepe Myrtle that tops out at around 12 to 15 feet, or the semi-dwarf varieties that reach around 6 to 8 feet tall. In addition to the different sizes, Crepe Myrtles are versatile in both shape and function. Some people like to plant them closer together and encourage multiple trunks to create a living, flowering privacy fence. Others will prune back competing trunks to encourage a single leader for a more classic tree shape. The smaller sizes make a great frame for your front door, or even a potted plant on your back porch. You can cultivate your Crepe Myrtle into their trademark flower vase shape, a regular tree shape with a single trunk, or a hedge-like shape with lots of crooked trunks that makes a great border for your garden. A common misconception when it comes to Crepe Myrtles is that, in order to secure bountiful blooms for the next season, you need to chop off all branches down to the main trunk(s). This is not true, and often referred to in the arboreal world as Crepe Murder. Not only does a lobbed-off tree look sad, it’s also extremely unhealthy. All nutrients and energy will be channeled into new growth from the nubs, and while this new growth will bloom as desired, the blooms will be too heavy for the twigs they grow on, and will weigh them down until they break. Thou shalt not murder, and that includes Crepe Murder! When it comes to caring for your Crepe Myrtle, most have the same needs regarding resources like sun and water. They love the warmer weather and need at least 6 hours of full sun every day—the more sun exposure they get, the more blooms they’ll grow! They’re fairly drought-resistant once firmly established, but are nearly always thirsty when newly planted. Be sure to sufficiently water any new additions to your landscape twice a week until they’ve officially set up shop. While we’ve already stressed the importance of avoiding Crepe Murder, it is still important to prune your tree, even if you’re not going for any particular shape or size. By trimming off dead and dying blooms, you can get new ones to take their place. If you’re diligent, you could end up with three or even four full blooms in one year! Whether you choose to do that or not, you’ll still want to be sure to trim off the dead blooms once fall rolls around, to ensure plenty of flowers next year. You can also trim the fruit if you like, to prevent the littering of seeds (and subsequent pavement staining). It’s recommended to trim away twiggy and cross growth on an established tree, mostly to keep the beautiful bark exposed and prevent overcrowding. Did You Know?The common Crepe Myrtle is a native of China and Korea. They call it The Lilac of the South. So now that you’ve reached the end of this article, you’re probably thinking how much you’d like to plant a Crepe Myrtle or two in your backyard, or maybe by your front door, and you’re probably feeling put out that it’s summer now, and most trees need to be planted in the early spring. But never fear! While they do prefer to be planted in early spring, they can still survive a summer planting, so long as they are sufficiently watered. If you do decide to grab yourself a new tree friend, be sure to read the tag thoroughly before you buy, so you get the exact size and color you want. There are many colors to choose from, and it would be a shame if you have your heart set on light pink blooms and you end up with dark red next year. You’ll also want to double-check the size; you don’t want to end up with a 30-foot-tall, 20-foot-wide behemoth when you were hoping for a 2-foot dwarf bush in a planter. If you do intend on getting a larger tree, remember that it will need enough clearance to avoid power lines and buildings. You’ll also want to account for the roots; Crepe Myrtle roots are usually flexible and soft, meaning they aren’t likely to grow through any pipes or break through your sidewalk, but they do spread pretty far and suck up water and nutrients like a vacuum, so they can present competition for other nearby flora. 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 summer right around the corner, bringing warm sunshine and fun hours spent outdoors, we’ve decided to feature the Nellie R. Stevens holly for May’s Tree of the Month. These broadleaf hollies are often thought of as winter fixtures; their tall, conical shape is highly reminiscent of Christmas trees, and their branches, which grow ruby-red berries in the colder months, make great decorations for the Christmas season. Their dark green leaves also attractively contrast the white of newly-fallen snow. So why are we showcasing the Nellie R. Stevens Holly in the summer? Well, these lovely evergreens actually offer vibrant colors year-round. In the spring, small white flowers bloom across the entire tree, giving off a light, gentle scent and beautifully standing out against their leafy background; the dark green, spiny leaves all but sparkle in the sunlight, only further solidifying the tree’s appearance. Beyond their stunning curb appeal, these hollies offer a variety of benefits when planted in your yard. They grow incredibly wide and tall, easily blocking out the sun from reaching your patio and offering that much-needed shade from the blaze so you can enjoy your sweet tea in peace. When planted in rows, these hollies make perfect privacy screens. With just a few feet between each tree, their branches will quickly grow wide enough to intertwine with each other, creating a barrier between your property and the prying eyes and unwanted noises of the rest of the world. This “living wall” provides some separation and turns your backyard into a quiet, serene oasis where you can enjoy the longer summer days with your friends and family. Nellie R. Stevens Holly 101 Taxonomically classified as Ilex x, the Nellie R. Stevens holly is commonly referred to without the middle initial (just Nellie Stevens holly). They grow quickly in comparison to other native trees in Georgia, adding a solid 2 to 3 feet in height when young. Typically, matured Nellie Stevens will reach widths of around 15 feet and heights of up to 30 feet when left to their own devices; this height is stunted somewhat when multiple hollies are planted close to each other to form a privacy screen, where they will usually top out at between 20 and 25 feet high. Did You Know?The Nellie R. Stevens Holly gets its name from a woman named Nellie Robinson Stevens, who grew the original hybrid plant in her home garden by happenstance after sneaking a few pollinated berries from the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. Bees had cross-pollinated the berries in a chance inter-specific cross between the Chinese holly and English holly, creating an entirely new and unique species. While they make great towering trees, these broad-leaf hollies can also be grown as shrubs, cut lower to the ground and allowed to grow wide instead of tall. Both patterns, shorter and fatter or taller and thinner, make great “living” hedges. Whichever you choose, be sure to plant them at least 5 feet apart, so they have enough room to grow outward! In addition to its quick growth rate, the Nellie Stevens is a pretty low-maintenance plant that has been said to “thrive on neglect.” Though it prefers more acidic soil, it can tolerate basic soil types and varying nutrient levels. They do well in full sun, a helpful feature for Georgia’s long summer days, but are also satisfied in partial shade. For their first 6 months, they’ll need some water about once a week, but once they’ve matured, you’ll only need to water them if there’s an extended dry spell. They can handle brief stints of extreme temperatures, making them ideal for the Peach State, where we are at risk for a “Snowpocalypse” in April and record-high temperatures over 100 degrees in August. Georgia is also at risk for inclement weather with heavy rains and high winds. Thanks to their wider base and solid root system, Nellie Stevens are more structurally stable than their taller, skinnier counterparts, making them a great windbreak for your property and less likely to uproot and cause damage or personal injury. Without pruning and maintenance, these trees will mostly maintain their attractive, conical shape. If desired, the lower branches can be pruned back to expose the trunk, giving them that more stereotypical “tree” shape. They are also resistant to pests and pest damage, including deer, making them especially suited for the Athens and Watkinsville areas, where white-tailed deer are an adorable menace to our plant friends. The only pests to look out for on your Nellie Stevens are spider mites, scale, and whitefly, as well as a rare but highly-specialized leaf miner that feeds specifically on hollies. To learn how to keep your eye out for pest and other damage, read our 5 Simple Signs To Identify If Your Tree Is In Decline article. Did You Know?While the Nellie Stevens holly is always female, it has a selectively bred male counterpart, which allows for successful pollination and therefore the continuation of the species. These male Nellie Stevens hollies are referred to as Edward J. Stevens hollies, named after Mrs. Nellie R. Stevens’ father. Edward Stevens hollies grow more purplish leaves than Nellies, and only reach heights of about 25 feet. The Nellie Stevens Holly has dark green leaves averaging around 2.5 inches in length, with 2 or 3 spines on each side. This foliage stays vibrant all year round, unlike other hedge tree species that can grow brown in drought or over-exposure to the sun. In the spring, the branches are be-speckled with small flowers that highly contrast the shining leaves; they are usually a soft white in color, though sometimes can appear greenish thanks to their green center, and give off a faint, gentle scent. In the colder winter months, these hollies will start producing their bright red berries. The fruit attracts birds and other small wildlife, providing vital food when other plants lay dormant in the cold. They are roughly equivalent in size to that of a pea, and are a large part of why these trees are viewed as winter trees; branches adorned with berry clusters are often clipped and used as Christmas decorations, and sometimes mistaken for mistletoe. All Nellie Stevens hollies are female hybrid plants, which means that they are an exclusively female species. They are considered partially parthenocarpic, which means they can produce their red, round berries without the assistance of a male counterpart (though that fruit is seedless and therefore barren). With no males to speak of, that means you can enjoy the flowers and berries without any sneeze-inducing pollen to irritate your sinuses! If you are looking for a low maintenance privacy barrier that will increase your curb appeal (while reducing the nasty yellow pollen around your yard), then take a second look at the beautiful Nellie R. Stevens Holly! 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. For April’s Tree of the Month, we want to shine the spotlight on the tree you’ve seen in your backyard, at the park, and along the highway, whether you knew it or not: Pinus tadea, more commonly known as the loblolly pine. These tall, fast-growing evergreens are named after the depressed lowlands of the east coast of the United States that they are native to, and have the second highest population of trees across the country, surpassed only by the red maple. If you’ve ever driven down a back road or old highway and seen tons of tall pine trees planted in clear, evenly-spaced rows, then you’ve seen the loblolly pine. These loblolly “farms” supply a variety of industries, as the loblolly, classified in the lumber industry as a southern yellow pine, can be used for everything from furniture to plywood to pulp for paper and cardboard production. This highly versatile, invaluable resource is by far the most widely cultivated timber species, and arguably the most important. Loblolly 101Perhaps the most notable feature of the loblolly, on first glance, is the name. Loblolly combines the word lob (which refers to the thick, heavy bubbling found when cooking porridge) and lolly (which is an old British word for food boiled in a pot, such as broth or soup). Down here in the South, loblolly means a mudhole or a mire, a use derived from a mudhole’s resemblance to the consistency of porridge or other lollies. Loblolly pines are native to lowlands and swampy areas, and are named after the mudholes and mires they can be found in. As you might guess for a pine tree, the loblolly pine features both pine needles and pine cones. Loblolly needles grow together in fascicles (bunches) of three and reach between 6 and 10 inches long; they range from a darkish yellow-green to a deep, forest green in color. Loblolly cones are oval-shaped and often grow in pairs; they reach lengths averaging between 3 and 6 inches, and can be either male or female. Male cones are yellow, and will shed pollen in the spring. Female cones are also yellow, but will change to green after pollination and eventually fade to a greyish-brown upon falling. The loblolly is, unfortunately for those of us with allergies, one of the top producers of pollen in the southeast—they can produce between 2.5 and 5 pounds of pollen each season. That layer of yellow dust coating everything in sight? Loblolly pollen. The average loblolly matures at around 150 years of age, where it can reach heights from 60 to 100 feet at full maturity, with a branch spread of 25 to 35 feet and a trunk diameter averaging at 3 feet. Loblollies have been recorded living as long as 300 years in highly favorable conditions. The tallest loblolly pine currently measures in at 169 feet high, and can be found in the Congaree National Park in Hopkins, South Carolina. Did You Know?The loblolly pine is dominant on 11.7 million hectares (29 million acres!) of land, and comprises more than half the standing pine volume in the South.
Why the Loblolly?There are many reasons behind the loblolly’s widespread, dense population, one of which is the species’ rapid growth rate. Loblollies grow over 24 inches, or 2 full feet, per year, making them an ideal choice for quick screens; screens, in this instance, refer to a barricade of trees planted specifically to enhance privacy, reduce sound, or otherwise block off a specific area. For example, during construction of a new structure, the surrounding area is usually raised to make way for equipment and machinery, as well as provide space to work. Once the structure is complete, however, the property owner will likely want something growing around their building, or along their property line; that’s where the loblolly steps in. These trees can populate a barren landscape within just a few years, making them one of the first choices for repopulating an area. In addition to growing so quickly, the loblolly pine is extremely tolerant. Though best-suited to full sun exposure (about six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day), it can survive a more shaded existence, and thrives in most soil types, ranging from clay to moist to acidic. The loblolly is also fairly resistant to both drought and flooding, making it less picky than other species and very easy to transplant. This tolerance, in addition to its rapid growth, makes the loblolly ideal for the southeast, and an excellent choice to prevent erosion and rehabilitate damaged soil plots. 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. The eastern red cedar, scientifically known as juniperus virginiana, is a tall, conically-shaped evergreen that can be found on the North American continent, east of the Great Plains and all the way from Canada down to the Gulf of Mexico. Just like our last tree of the month, the willow oak, isn’t actually a willow tree, the eastern red cedar isn’t actually a cedar tree! It shares the look and some of the properties of cedars, but it belongs to the juniper family. You might have also heard it referred to as red cedar, eastern juniper, red juniper, Virginian juniper, and even aromatic cedar.
In some locations, the formidable competition they present to other surrounding flora has earned them the classification of invasive species, despite being native to the area. If you’re considering planting an eastern red cedar or two in your yard, make sure to keep this in mind; you don’t want your new trees to kill off your prized Japanese Maple or favorite azalea bushes! This grand tolerance for soil type and hardiness to environment isn’t necessarily a bad thing; eastern red cedars are considered a pioneer species, which means they are some of the first trees to return to eroded, cleared, or otherwise damaged land. It also means that, even if your yard isn’t suitable for growing more delicate plant species, it’s probably great for some eastern red cedars. These trees are often used as ornamental addition to landscapes, and take well to being trimmed to form certain shapes; if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try and make an elephant out of a tree, an eastern red cedar will do the job! When properly supplied with sunlight, nutrients, and space to grow, healthy eastern red cedars can grow anywhere from 12 to 24 inches every year. At full maturity, they can reach heights of 40 to 50 feet with foliage spreads of 8 to 20 feet in all directions. “Full maturity” for eastern red cedars is about 10 to 20 years of age, but don’t let that fool you; these old coots can live well over 900 years long, reaching heights recorded up to 90 feet. Make sure you plan for this kind of space and height when looking to plant, so you don’t end up with a tree growing through the eaves of your home! Across the United States, eastern red cedars are well known for their use as windbreakers, sound barriers, and privacy screens. Thanks to their deep, complex root system and dense foliage, they are extremely effective at disrupting air flow, muffling sound, and obstructing view, which is why you’ve probably seen them lining the edges of yards located close to roadways. In states such as Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, they are also used as Christmas trees. They are avoided and even removed in and around apple orchards, as they serve as an alternate host for cedar-apple rust, which is a form of fungal disease that plagues apple trees. Be sure to keep that in mind if you want to introduce an eastern red cedar anywhere near your fruit trees.
The scaly, evergreen leaves of the eastern red cedar are fragrant and colorful, ranging from greyish greens, bluish greens, and dark greens in the summer and greyish brown to black-brown in winter. Thanks to their year-round availability, these leaves provide nesting grounds and roost coverage for all kinds of bird species and small mammals. As they are dioecious, meaning male and female trees are separate, eastern red cedars will either grow small, berry-like fruits or conical, pollen-filled pods. Male trees will produce these pollen cones as early as late winter and shed all throughout spring, often irritating those with seasonal allergies. Female eastern red cedars produce the gray- or blueish-colored fruits that measure only a quarter of an inch in diameter; they are a diet staple for many of the same species that use the tree for shelter. In particular, the Cedar Waxwing bird loves them, and contributes significantly to the germination and dispersion of its namesake. Browser and grazer animal species will also eat both fallen and green twigs and foliage. All parts of the tree also have their place in herbal medicinal practices, but be careful; the leaves and berries have low levels of toxicity to humans. They won’t do any lasting damage to you or any kiddos running around, but they might upset little tummies. Even so, these trees make a great addition to your home’s landscape. Whether you’re looking for a physical barrier from some nosy neighbors, a hardy solution to damaged soil, or an ornamental adventure, the eastern red cedar is a stately, regal choice. 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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