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News and Blog Articles
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The kind of work we do here at Classic City Arborists varies from job to job, and includes everything from pruning to cutting down trees to cabling. Even so, we’ve gotten a lot of similar questions from customers and potential customers over the years—that’s why today, we’ve decided to round them all up and answer them! How Do Free Estimates Work? One of the services we are proud to offer is free estimates. This basically means that our certified arborist, Scott Rushing, will come out to your property to get a look at whatever it is you’re wanting done—whether that’s pruning back some undergrowth, trimming a few limbs away from your home, or cutting down a tree altogether. Scott will assess the situation and offer his professional advice. After the appointment, you will receive an estimate that details the work you and Scott discussed.
What’s the Difference Between a Free Estimate |
How Do I Accept the Estimate? To accept an estimate, you can:
“I accept the estimate [list your estimate’s number], and would like to be added to the work calendar.” Your estimate’s number can be found in the Customer Center or in the emailed estimate. I’ve Accepted the Estimate. |  |
Once you’ve accepted your estimate, you will be added to the next available date on our work calendar. Every week, we’ll send you an email with a tentative 2-week window for your work to be completed. Once the week of your work arrives, we’ll contact you to schedule a specific date and time.
Please keep in mind that these dates are only tentative, and are subject to change due to emergency jobs, inclement weather, and other delays.
Please keep in mind that these dates are only tentative, and are subject to change due to emergency jobs, inclement weather, and other delays.
Do I Need to Be Present When You Do the Work?
If you would like to be home to monitor our progress (or just see how cutting down a tree works!), you are more than welcome to stay and watch us go. Some customers like to arrive towards the end of the job so they can make sure everything looks good before we leave. However, you do not need to be there for us to work. We will follow everything as stated in the estimate and let you know when we’ve finished. We are always available by phone or email if you have any questions or concerns after a job has been completed.
Do I Have to Make a Down Payment?
We do not require down payments to schedule you on our work calendar. On the day of your work, you will be emailed an invoice that will be due in full that same day. Most customers wait until the job is done and then pay via cash or check in person, but you can also follow the link on your invoice to pay online. Late fees will be charged if payment is not received within 24 hours of the completion date.
How Do I Pay?
We accept payment via cash or check handed to a team member on the day of the work, or payment online through a link on your emailed invoice.
Do You Offer Discounts for Paying with Cash?
Unfortunately, we do not offer discounts for cash payments. Please note, however, that there is a 3.6% charge for online payments made with a credit or debit card. It is more cost-effective to either pay with cash or check in person, or pay online with an e-check to avoid any fees.
Will the Equipment You Use Mess Up My Yard?
All of our equipment is outfitted with large tracks rather than individual tires to minimize any wear or gouges on the ground.
| In some instances, we will set up plywood platforms to drive over to prevent damaging soft ground or sod. Our philosophy at Classic City Arborists is and always has been to “leave it better than we found it.” Our goal when we finish a job is to make sure you can’t even tell we were there, other than the now-missing tree, or now-cleared underbrush! |  Before |  After |
Are You Insured?
Classic City Arborists is proud to be both licensed and insured. We maintain Worker’s Compensation, General Liability Insurance, and Auto Insurance to protect our customers, our employees, and our company from any incident.
How Do I Get a COI (Certificate of Insurance)?
If you would like a copy of our Certificate of Insurance, send us an email at classiccityarborists@gmail.com and we’ll be sure to get you one!
What Does “Disclose Underground Utilities” Mean?
This addition is to remind customers that we have no way of knowing what’s underground in your yard, unless we are otherwise informed. Mostly, this is in reference to septic tanks. Our heavy equipment can damage a shallowly-concealed septic tank, as could a tree falling on it. If you have a septic tank, please let us know its location so we can plan our work accordingly to reduce the chance for damage.
If you know you have a septic tank, but don’t know where it is, follow these suggestions to find it.
If you know you have a septic tank, but don’t know where it is, follow these suggestions to find it.
My Estimate Says “Power Lines Need to be Dropped.”
What Does That Mean?
If this is on your estimate, it means one or more of the trees we are going to work on are in close proximity to power lines. We can’t touch those trees unless the power lines are “dropped.” Basically, this means detaching the power lines from one pole or another and lying them on the ground so they do not hang near the trees in question.
For you, this means you will need to contact your power company prior to the date your work is scheduled to request they drop the lines first thing in the morning. We will remind you of this when we call the week prior to your job to confirm the date and time. On the day of the job, we will start with the interfering trees first, and let you know as soon as we’ve finished with them so you can contact your power company and have the lines reinstated.
It’s important to note that dropping the power lines will temporarily cut electricity to your home. We will remind you of this both the week before and the day of, but please plan accordingly!
For you, this means you will need to contact your power company prior to the date your work is scheduled to request they drop the lines first thing in the morning. We will remind you of this when we call the week prior to your job to confirm the date and time. On the day of the job, we will start with the interfering trees first, and let you know as soon as we’ve finished with them so you can contact your power company and have the lines reinstated.
It’s important to note that dropping the power lines will temporarily cut electricity to your home. We will remind you of this both the week before and the day of, but please plan accordingly!
Where Can I Read Reviews, or Leave a Review?
Small and local businesses like ours thrive on customer reviews! If you’d like to read what other customers are saying about us, check out the reviews on our website, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau. Following these links will also allow you to leave a review yourself!
If you have any trouble leaving a review, feel free to email us your review at classiccityarborists@gmail.com, and we can post it for you.
If you have any trouble leaving a review, feel free to email us your review at classiccityarborists@gmail.com, and we can post it for you.
Have A Question We Didn’t Answer?
If you’re still unsure about anything we explained here, or have questions not answered here, feel free to give us a call or send us an email at classiccityarborists@gmail.com!
Author
Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.
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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!
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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. |
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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!
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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!
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Author
Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.
Sources
Red Maple – Arbor Day Foundation
Acer Rubrum
Pros & Cons of Red Maple Trees
Image Sources
Red Maple Tree: Care of Red Maple Trees: How To Grow A Red Maple Tree
Leaf: National Wildlife Federation: Red Maple
Full Tree: After Planting A Red Maple Tree
Seeds: Acer rubrum – Red Maple
Seedpod: Seedpod Autorotates
Canada Flag: The National Flag of Canada
Rhode Island Stamp: Rhode Island
Smooth Bark: Smooth Maple Tree Bark
Cracked Bark: Red Maple, Bark and Trunk
Fall: Variation in Fall Color: Red Maple
Roots: Ask An Expert: Red Maple
Flowers: Red Maples Female, and Red Maples Male
Flowers 2: Red Maples Female, and Red Maples Male
Red Maple – Arbor Day Foundation
Acer Rubrum
Pros & Cons of Red Maple Trees
Image Sources
Red Maple Tree: Care of Red Maple Trees: How To Grow A Red Maple Tree
Leaf: National Wildlife Federation: Red Maple
Full Tree: After Planting A Red Maple Tree
Seeds: Acer rubrum – Red Maple
Seedpod: Seedpod Autorotates
Canada Flag: The National Flag of Canada
Rhode Island Stamp: Rhode Island
Smooth Bark: Smooth Maple Tree Bark
Cracked Bark: Red Maple, Bark and Trunk
Fall: Variation in Fall Color: Red Maple
Roots: Ask An Expert: Red Maple
Flowers: Red Maples Female, and Red Maples Male
Flowers 2: Red Maples Female, and Red Maples Male
Welcome back, UGA students! The Fall semester is upon us, and it’s time to settle back into your dorms, apartments, and houses. You’ve probably heard of the benefits of keeping plants inside, both for the air you breathe and your state of mind—and with exams and homework and extracurricular activities rearing to pile up, having a plant in your house might just be the de-stressor you need!
We know not all of you have the luxury of a backyard where you can keep a garden to plant some of the flowers or herbs we’ve listed in other articles (like which plants to grow to attract pollinators, or keep pests away, or plants you can start late in the fall). But just because you can’t plant things outside in the ground doesn’t mean you can’t plant things inside, in a pot! We’ve compiled a list of plants that will thrive in pots indoors to help make your house a home.
And before you worry—every plant on this list is low-maintenance and easy to care for, so you can keep your focus on getting to class, doing your homework, and spending time with your friends. There were dozens to choose from, so we picked our favorite 10; follow the links at the end of the article to read about more species perfect for apartment living!
We know not all of you have the luxury of a backyard where you can keep a garden to plant some of the flowers or herbs we’ve listed in other articles (like which plants to grow to attract pollinators, or keep pests away, or plants you can start late in the fall). But just because you can’t plant things outside in the ground doesn’t mean you can’t plant things inside, in a pot! We’ve compiled a list of plants that will thrive in pots indoors to help make your house a home.
And before you worry—every plant on this list is low-maintenance and easy to care for, so you can keep your focus on getting to class, doing your homework, and spending time with your friends. There were dozens to choose from, so we picked our favorite 10; follow the links at the end of the article to read about more species perfect for apartment living!
Devil’s Ivy
 | This vine with the spooky name is also known as pothos, and is so good at growing inside, lots of people call it the cubicle plant. You can grow it in dirt if you want, or in a vase with just water. It grows pretty quickly, and you can cut off longer vines and stick them in their own vase of water to make more pothos! They’re fine with the shade of being inside and only need to be watered maybe once a month, when their dirt is officially bone-dry (assuming, of course, you’re growing them in dirt. If it’s in a vase with water, you can quite literally just forget about it!) |
ZZ Plant
 | The Zamioculcas zamiifolia (hence ZZ) plant has smaller oval leaves and is low-maintenance enough you could go on vacation for a year and come back to find it happy and healthy. It needs such little water, and does well in any level of light, so whether or not you’ve got window space available, the ZZ plant will be fine. The only downside to this miracle plant is the fact that it grows pretty slowly, so be prepared for it to stay small for a long time. |
Aloe Vera
 | Not only is aloe vera easy to grow, but it’s super useful! Whether you want to make a nourishing face mask or cool off the weekend (or gameday!) sunburn, aloe has intensive healing properties and also is a great air purifier. Aloe plants do like bright sun, so make sure to leave it by the window. Let the soil get really, really dry before you water it again (think maybe once a month), and watch it grow. |
Snake Plant
 | The name sounds a little unattractive, but Dracaena trifasciata is actually … well. Pretty. It likes bright light best, and would prefer to sit by a window, but won’t die if your apartment sits more in the shade than the sun. It also doesn’t much care for water, and is great at surviving droughts—so don’t panic if you forget to water it! |
Spider Plant (pet friendly)
 | This jungle-looking bush will bring some lighter green tones to your home, but keep in mind that the spider plant prefers lots and lots of light. Not direct sun, mind you, but just brightness. It’s great at cleaning the air and doesn’t need much water to provide you with “baby spiders” (spiderettes), which are basically mini-me versions that can easily be put in another pot to give you more spider plants! |
Philodendron Green
 | This vine grows similar to pothos, but with heart-shaped, uniformly-colored leaves. It can’t grow in just water, like pothos can, but it’s fine with little to no sunlight and needs minimal watering. You can also propagate it just as easily as the pothos, which means even more plants for you. |
Dracaena Lisa
 | This hardy, leafy plant can get pretty big—more like a small tree than a potted plant. But if you’ve got the space for it (maybe an empty corner?) it’ll clean your air better than almost anything. Like other Dracaena species, Lisa can adapt to most any environment, so whether the corner is sunny or shady, as long as you give her water every couple of weeks, she’ll be happy as a clam. |
Bird’s Nest Fern (pet friendly)
 | With it’s bright-green, rippled fronds, and moisture-loving tendencies, this fern will bring some much-needed color to your bathroom or shower! As long as you’ve got a window to let a medium amount of light in, you’ll have clean air for your morning and/or nightly routine. The bathroom is usually where you use the most chemicals, like hair spray, bleach cleaners, and aerosol shaving creams, so having a Bird’s Nest in there will really help your long, de-stressing showers purify your lungs, too! |
Kalanchoe
 | If you’re looking for something with pretty flowers to bring into the house, look no further than kalanchoe. The gentle red, orange, or pink flower bundles that will even bloom in wintertime. Give it a medium amount of light and water thoroughly only once the soil has completely dried out, and you’ll have a colorful addition to your living room all year long! |
Moth Orchid
 | We know what you’re thinking—it’s an orchid! How can it be on the list? While most orchids are pretty finicky, the moth orchid is the exception. As long as you’ve got some medium levels of light (it also likes extra-bright light, and can tolerate lower light as well), and you water it every so often, the moth orchid will be just fine. The flowers last for a long time, and once the fall comes in and the nighttime temperatures start cooling off, you may even get a second bloom! |
So there you have it! Be sure to look at the links below for some other low-maintenance houseplants, and for tips on growing the ones we listed here.
Author
Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.
Sources:
The 10 Best Indoor Plants to Purify the Air in Your Home
20 Forgiving Houseplants
Images:
Devil’s Ivy
Tips For Propagating ZZ Plants
Growing Aloe Vera
How to Grow A Snake Plant
Gardening Tips for Spider Plants
Philodendron Plant Profile
Indoor Plants – Dracaena Lisa Cane
How to Grow and Care for a Bird’s Nest Fern
Home and Garden Information Center – Kalanchoe
Yard and Garden: Grow a Moth Orchid
The 10 Best Indoor Plants to Purify the Air in Your Home
20 Forgiving Houseplants
Images:
Devil’s Ivy
Tips For Propagating ZZ Plants
Growing Aloe Vera
How to Grow A Snake Plant
Gardening Tips for Spider Plants
Philodendron Plant Profile
Indoor Plants – Dracaena Lisa Cane
How to Grow and Care for a Bird’s Nest Fern
Home and Garden Information Center – Kalanchoe
Yard and Garden: Grow a Moth Orchid
It’s August, and though the temperature outside might not seem like it, Fall is right around the corner! If you need proof, just check out your nearest department store; the Fall displays are up and selling quick. Some stores have even started putting out Christmas supplies!
As we reach the end of summer, one of the biggest complaints we hear from our customers is how they meant to do some planting, but time just got away from them. It’s definitely too late to start anything new by now…right?
Wrong!
Lots of plants, trees, and vegetables actually prefer being planted in late summer or fall. So whether you’re looking to start a home garden or just want to spruce up your backyard, here’s a list of all the things you can plant in the coming months:
As we reach the end of summer, one of the biggest complaints we hear from our customers is how they meant to do some planting, but time just got away from them. It’s definitely too late to start anything new by now…right?
Wrong!
Lots of plants, trees, and vegetables actually prefer being planted in late summer or fall. So whether you’re looking to start a home garden or just want to spruce up your backyard, here’s a list of all the things you can plant in the coming months:
HERBS
Add some fresh-from-the-garden flavor to your favorite dishes
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FRUIT
Fresh fruit is expensive and hard to find ripe—grow your own instead!
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VEGETABLES
Grow your own grocery store of greens and never have wilted spinach leaking in your fridge ever again.
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Other veggies you can plant in the fall include parsnips, kale, swiss chard, leeks, fennel, edamame, beets, radishes, turnips, rutabagas, shallots, snap peas, scallions, cabbage, and gourds
FLOWERS
Plant a gorgeous array of colors in your backyard to create your own personal oasis.
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Other flowers you can plant in the fall include gladiolus, nasturtium, marjoram, cannas, yarrow, asters, coneflowers, viola, astilbe, borage, closia, coreopsis, daylilies, petunias, impatiens, echinacea, salvia, tuberose, anemone, jasmine, calendula, sweet pea, phlox, sedum, delphiniums, crocuses, strawflowers, and anise hyssop.
TREES
Great for shade, swings, and bird nests, no backyard is complete without trees!
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So there you have it! If you’re interested in growing any of the plants we mentioned, check out the links below for growing guides and extra tips!
Worried about your new flowers attracting too many bugs? Never fear! Check to see if what you want to plant is on our list of plants that attract pollinators, or maybe our list of plants that discourage pests!
Worried about your new flowers attracting too many bugs? Never fear! Check to see if what you want to plant is on our list of plants that attract pollinators, or maybe our list of plants that discourage pests!
Author
Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.
Sources:
Planting Calendar for Athens Georgia
Planting Calendar for Vegetables, Flowers, Herbs, and Fruit
Image Sources
How to Grow Garlic
Everything You Need to Know About Growing Chives
Growing and Planting Lemongrass
Growing Oregano
Basil Growing Guide
How to Grow Cilantro
Growing Tarragon in the Herb Garden
Growing Watermelons
Growing Tomatoes
How to Plant & Grow Cucumbers: Complete Guide
Growing Squash (Zucchini)
Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Broccoli
Growing Cauliflower – How To Plant Cauliflower In The Garden
Growing Peas
How to Grow Carrots
Growing Potatoes
How to Grow Brussel Sprouts
Celery
How to Grow and Care for Onions
How to Grow Corn in Your Own Backyard
A Start to Finish Guide to Growing Sweet Potatoes
Growing Eggplant
Green Bean Plant Profile
Leafy Greens for Salads and Sautés: How to Grow Spinach
Growing Lush, Green, Crisp Lettuce
How to Grow Huge Pumpkins
Growing Cosmos
Growing and Caring for Beautiful Hydrangea Flowers
All About Pansies
Growing Glorious Black-Eyed Susans
How to Grow Sunflowers
Lavender Plant Profile
How to Grow Carnations
Growing Dhalias
How to Grow Vibrant Hibiscus
How to Grow: Morning Glories
How to Grow Poppies
Growing Tulips
Geranium Care
Growing Hyacinth and Muscari
How to Grow Bearded Iris for a Garden Full of Color
8 Tips for Growing Better Lilies
Starting A Rose Garden
Planting Shasta Daisies – The Growing And Care Of Shasta Daisy
How to Grow Baby's Breath
Growing Marigolds
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Daffodils
How to Grow Zinnias
Sunburst Honeylocust
How to Grow Maple Trees
Eastern White Pine Plant Profile
Planting Calendar for Athens Georgia
Planting Calendar for Vegetables, Flowers, Herbs, and Fruit
Image Sources
How to Grow Garlic
Everything You Need to Know About Growing Chives
Growing and Planting Lemongrass
Growing Oregano
Basil Growing Guide
How to Grow Cilantro
Growing Tarragon in the Herb Garden
Growing Watermelons
Growing Tomatoes
How to Plant & Grow Cucumbers: Complete Guide
Growing Squash (Zucchini)
Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Broccoli
Growing Cauliflower – How To Plant Cauliflower In The Garden
Growing Peas
How to Grow Carrots
Growing Potatoes
How to Grow Brussel Sprouts
Celery
How to Grow and Care for Onions
How to Grow Corn in Your Own Backyard
A Start to Finish Guide to Growing Sweet Potatoes
Growing Eggplant
Green Bean Plant Profile
Leafy Greens for Salads and Sautés: How to Grow Spinach
Growing Lush, Green, Crisp Lettuce
How to Grow Huge Pumpkins
Growing Cosmos
Growing and Caring for Beautiful Hydrangea Flowers
All About Pansies
Growing Glorious Black-Eyed Susans
How to Grow Sunflowers
Lavender Plant Profile
How to Grow Carnations
Growing Dhalias
How to Grow Vibrant Hibiscus
How to Grow: Morning Glories
How to Grow Poppies
Growing Tulips
Geranium Care
Growing Hyacinth and Muscari
How to Grow Bearded Iris for a Garden Full of Color
8 Tips for Growing Better Lilies
Starting A Rose Garden
Planting Shasta Daisies – The Growing And Care Of Shasta Daisy
How to Grow Baby's Breath
Growing Marigolds
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Daffodils
How to Grow Zinnias
Sunburst Honeylocust
How to Grow Maple Trees
Eastern White Pine Plant Profile
If you’ve lived in the Athens area for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of the Tree that Owns Itself. The stately white oak, located on the corner of Dearing Street and South Finley Street, is said to have legal ownership of itself and the land within 8 feet of its base, thanks to its previous owner, Colonel William Henry Jackson, who deeded the tree and the land to itself. Colonel Jackson supposedly noted in his will that he holds a “great love” for the Tree, as well as a “great desire…for its protection for all time.”
 | According to legend, the Tree was a staple in Colonel Jackson’s childhood, and he had many memories associated with it. Some argue that, as Jackson actually spent most of his childhood in Jefferson County, and not in Athens, this claim is baseless. However, as his family did indeed own the property for a time, it isn’t impossible that he visited enough to form fond memories of the Tree. |
The History of The Tree That Owns Itself
The Tree that Owns Itself is thought to have started life in the mid-16th century. It was established well before the area was developed into a residential neighborhood in the mid-19th century, and is thought by some to have been the biggest tree in Athens. It lived to be approximately 400 years old before tragedy struck.
| By 1906, notable erosion had exposed the base of the Tree. A commemorative tablet, chain barricade, and new soil were all installed by a George Foster Peabody in efforts to maintain the Tree’s integrity, but these efforts were in vain, as an ice storm in 1907 caused permanent damage and allowed rot to set in. Many believe the tree died many years before its collapse due to root rot. |  |
On the evening of October 9th, 1942, the Tree that Owns Itself, then standing at over 100 feet tall, fell to the ground. Some accounts claim that only part of the tree fell on this date, and the rest was taken down by a vicious storm on December 1st of the same year, but newspaper articles only support the tree’s demise in October.
The Son of The Tree That Owns Itself
The Tree’s delicate condition was known by the community for years before it fell, and efforts were made to cultivate a “son” of the Tree from one of its acorns. These efforts unfortunately never saw fruition, and the plot of land where the Tree stood remained empty for 4 years.
It wasn’t until 1946 that a member of the Athens' Junior Ladies Garden Club named Elizabeth Magill suggested the club find a replacement for the Tree, at the behest of her young son. Many Athenians had taken it upon themselves to grow seedlings cultivated from the original Tree’s acorns, and so Magill went on the hunt for a suitable candidate. A seedling of approximately 5 feet in height, belonging to one Captain Jack Watson, was chosen for transplantation, and in the fall of 1946, this Son of the Tree that Owns Itself was relocated to its current home by Roy Bowden of UGA’s College of Agriculture and a few assistant students from the Department of Horticulture.
It wasn’t until 1946 that a member of the Athens' Junior Ladies Garden Club named Elizabeth Magill suggested the club find a replacement for the Tree, at the behest of her young son. Many Athenians had taken it upon themselves to grow seedlings cultivated from the original Tree’s acorns, and so Magill went on the hunt for a suitable candidate. A seedling of approximately 5 feet in height, belonging to one Captain Jack Watson, was chosen for transplantation, and in the fall of 1946, this Son of the Tree that Owns Itself was relocated to its current home by Roy Bowden of UGA’s College of Agriculture and a few assistant students from the Department of Horticulture.
| On December 4th, 1964, a ceremony was held to officially dedicate the Son of the Tree that Owns Itself. It was at this event that representatives of the Garden Club announced their intention to take full responsibility for the maintenance of the Tree and its plot. A similar ceremony was held on the same day (December 4th) of 1996 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Son’s planting. |  |
To this day, the Son of the Tree that Owns Itself (often referred to just as the Tree that Owns Itself), stands proudly at heights over 50 feet tall. As the original Tree’s progeny, it is locally believed to be the legal heir of the Tree and therefore the current owner of the land within 8 feet of its base in all directions.
Where Does the Legend Come From?
The earliest known mention of the Tree is from the Athens Weekly Banner.
 | On August 12, 1890, the Banner printed a front-page article called Deeded to Itself; the article detailed that the tree resided on property formerly belonging to Colonel Jackson, and described the Colonel’s father, James Jackson, who was an American Revolution soldier, congressman, US Senator, and governor of Georgia. The article also discussed Colonel Jackson’s son, who was also named James Jackson, and was a congressman and Chief Justice on Georgia’s Supreme Court. |
According to the Banner article, Colonel Jackson’s will reads:
“For and in consideration of the great love I bear this tree and the great desire I have for its protection for all time, I convey entire possession of itself and all land within eight feet of the tree on all sides” .
“For and in consideration of the great love I bear this tree and the great desire I have for its protection for all time, I convey entire possession of itself and all land within eight feet of the tree on all sides” .
Can a Tree Own Itself?
While native Athenians often quote this as fact, a deed granting the tree ownership of itself has never been found, and many historians doubt it ever existed. Even if the deed did exist, it’s unclear whether or not it would be considered legally binding.
Under Common Law, deeds granting land or property (along with the land and/or property) must be delivered to and accepted by the recipient, and the recipient must have the legal capacity to possess it. Most discussions of the Tree conclude that it does not meet the legal requirements to possess ownership of itself nor any land, and therefore, cannot actually own itself.
Under Common Law, deeds granting land or property (along with the land and/or property) must be delivered to and accepted by the recipient, and the recipient must have the legal capacity to possess it. Most discussions of the Tree conclude that it does not meet the legal requirements to possess ownership of itself nor any land, and therefore, cannot actually own itself.
What Do the Records Say?
 | Property records confirm that one William H. Jackson did actually own property located on the opposite side of Dearing Street from where the Tree stands. In the early 19th century, that plot of land was designated as Lot #14; the plot of land including the land inhabited by the Tree was known as Lot #15. Both plots were owned by the Jackson family until 1832, when the family sold Lot #15 to a Doctor Malthus Ward. Interestingly, 1832 is also the year noted on the Tree’s commemorative plaque as the year it was deeded to itself. |
More recent property records for 125 Dearing Street (then Lot #15) do describe a section of land that fits the description of the odd-shaped corner that houses the Tree; actual plat maps, however, draw the property line approximately 10 feet to the west of the tree’s location. This means that, as far as tax assessors are concerned, the tree and its land are not a part of 125 Dearing Street.
So Who Owns the Tree?
While this does seem promising for the Tree, Athens-Clarke County has confirmed that the land is considered to be within the “right-of-way” along Finley Street, and is therefore under the county’s jurisdiction. City-county officials have stated that the owners of the property at 125 Dearing Street are “jointly stewards” of the Tree’s care; the primary advocate for the tree is the Athens’ Junior Ladies’ Garden Club, who adopted the tree in 1946.
| But, according to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government in a statement from the early 20th century, “However defective this title may be in law, the public recognized it." So, in spite of the questionable legality, Athens declared the Tree the true legal owner of itself, and maintains a policy to treat the Tree as a public street tree and take care of it as such. |  |
After the Tree’s replacement in 1964, this declared legal ownership was transferred to the Son of the Tree that Owns Itself.
Author
Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.
Sources:
The Athens Weekly Banner
Atlas Obscura: The Tree That Owns Itself
Original Stone Monument
Postcard: The Tree That Owns Itself
Son of The Tree That Owns Itself
The Tree That Owns Itself
The Tree That Owns Itself (Original)
The Tree That Owns Itself Plaque
Visit Athens Georgia: The Tree That Owns Itself
The Athens Weekly Banner
Atlas Obscura: The Tree That Owns Itself
Original Stone Monument
Postcard: The Tree That Owns Itself
Son of The Tree That Owns Itself
The Tree That Owns Itself
The Tree That Owns Itself (Original)
The Tree That Owns Itself Plaque
Visit Athens Georgia: The Tree That Owns Itself
The American Sweetgum tree is scientifically known as Liquidambar styraciflua, and known colloquially in different areas as the American storax, hazel pine, bilsted, redgum, satin-walnut, star-leaved gum, alligatorwood, or even just sweetgum.
 | The sweetgum name actually comes from the sap of the tree, which is used to make—you guessed it—chewing gum. The sap has been called everything from liquid amber (which is, incidentally, where the genus Liquidambar comes from) to copalm basalm, and is also used medicinally and even as resin for stringed instruments. |
If you’re like us, though, then you just know this tree as “the tree that makes those spiny gumballs I used to play with as a kid and only ever seemed to step on when I was barefoot and therefore vulnerable.”
| Those spiny gumballs are actually the fruit of this deciduous tree. Each one conceals seeds behind that barbed exterior—when they first drop, they’re actually pretty soft, and only get hard and pokey once they’ve released their seeds. Everybody from goldfinches and sparrows to chipmunks and squirrels enjoy eating these seeds, which makes them an ideal addition to parks and wildlife refuges, but may cause a nuisance in your yard. While they’re most commonly called gumballs, the fruit is also referred to as burrs, spike balls, sticker balls, and (our personal favorite) space bugs. |   |
The reason you find them almost everywhere is because the sweetgum is a monoecious species, which means each tree has both male and female reproductive organs—in this case, pistillate and staminate flowers (each flower will contain one or the other, but never both).
 | These flowers bloom from around March to May, depending on the area, but can persist all the way through the fall and winter where temperature permits. Appearance-wise, they don’t really look like what you think of when you hear the word “flower;” they look more like little pyramids, sometimes with some red-orange color, but mostly just a lighter green than the surrounding leaves. The untrained eye would easily mistake them for more foliage rather than flowers. |
| American sweetgums are actually characterized by their leaves, which have a unique star shape. Mostly, we’re talking 5-point stars, but occasionally you’ll find a 3- or 7-point star hiding in the foliage—some people even consider this a sign of good luck, like finding a four-leaf-clover! Up close, each leaf has small “teeth” along the margins of their 4- to 7-inch length. During the spring and summer, the leaves are a dark, rich green with a light gloss; in fall, they turn gorgeous arrays of yellows, oranges, purples, and reds, and linger on their branches much longer than other tree species. |  |
 | The last defining feature of the sweetgum is the bark. Usually, the bark is light brown in color, with random reddish, greyish, and brownish streaks and scaly ridges. Around their maturity age of 20 to 25 years, the bark will begin to accrue lots of deep fissures; these cracks, when coupled with the vertical way the bark attaches to the tree (rather than horizontally, like other trees), give the bark a rather “reptilian” appearance. This is actually where the name “alligatorwood” comes from—if you squint, any branch could look like the back of a gator. |
The sweetgum is one of the fastest-growing trees around, clocking anywhere from 13 to 24+ inches a year. Once established, the tree takes on a pyramidal or egg-like shape, and will continue to grow at rapid rates. On average and without human interference, sweetgums will live for hundreds of years, reach heights of 60 to 75 feet, trunks 2 to 5 feet in diameter, and crown spreads of 40 to 50 feet!
| To reach its full potential, the American sweetgum needs about 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day, which isn’t usually a problem here in the South. They have a moderate drought tolerance, and they aren’t too picky about soil composition, so they do A-okay in Georgia red clay. Just be sure to leave plenty of space to account for the roots—the sweetgum will end up with an extensive root system that you don’t want destroying your driveway or crowding out your flower garden. |  |
Did You Know?
The American sweetgum is especially resistant to attack by insects, which makes them common trees to plant in reforestation projects and reclamations of former mineral mines. They can also fix nitrogen and promote soil health, making them popular choices for ecosystem restoration.
If you can tolerate the prickly gumballs all over your yard, the American Sweetgum is a gorgeous addition to any landscape., especially for nature enthusiasts who want to attract small mammals and birds to come over for a visit.
Author
Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.
Sources:
Yale University: American Sweetgum
Arbor Day Foundation: American Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Images:
Sweetgum Tree
Spring Flowers of the Sweet Gum Tree
Sweet Gum Balls: What Are They and How To Get Rid of Them
The Benefits of Utilizing Sweet Gum Balls
American Sweetgum
Liquidambar L. (Altingiaceae)
The Sweet Gum - a Nyungar Confection
Yale University: American Sweetgum
Arbor Day Foundation: American Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Images:
Sweetgum Tree
Spring Flowers of the Sweet Gum Tree
Sweet Gum Balls: What Are They and How To Get Rid of Them
The Benefits of Utilizing Sweet Gum Balls
American Sweetgum
Liquidambar L. (Altingiaceae)
The Sweet Gum - a Nyungar Confection
Around here, you’ve probably seen signs calling for you to Shop Local! all around town.
 | One of the prides of Athens and Watkinsville is that a large portion of our businesses are small, family-owned, and not part of multi-location chains. Shopping local basically just refers to doing business with smaller businesses in your area, whether it’s the Mom and Pop hardware store on the corner or your best friend who sells homemade masks on Facebook. |
Why should you shop local?
Support Your Friends
One of the biggest reasons to shop local businesses is simply to support the people running them. You know them; they’re your friends, your family, and your neighbors, all bravely navigating the tumultuous world of entrepreneurship. It can be a scary venture, and by choosing to buy something from them, you’ll really encourage them on their journey.
| Plus, they’re your friends and family, and aren’t we all eager to do what we can to help out our friends and family? As a family of red-heads, you’ve probably seen the Rushings shopping at Publix, dropping off kids at daycare, or attempting to sit still in church on Sunday. Many of our family members have small businesses and we do our best to support each other. Employ Your Neighbors |  |
Small, local businesses wouldn’t be able to stay in business if not for your business. By shopping local and choosing to buy from someone in your community, you’re ensuring the continuation of their job, and by extension, their livelihood.
When you choose Classic City Arborists, you’re not just supporting Scott and Rebekah and their little family of four. You are also supporting his team of four men and their families as well.
When you choose Classic City Arborists, you’re not just supporting Scott and Rebekah and their little family of four. You are also supporting his team of four men and their families as well.
Stimulate Your Economy
On a larger scale, shopping local also keeps the exchange of money local and better stimulates the economy of your area. Small business owners are also more likely to shop local themselves, which means the money they get from you will likely go to supporting another small business.
Think of it like this: if you buy a necklace from Wal-Mart, then that money goes to the Wal-Mart corporation. It may or may not ever make its way back to the Athens area. If you buy a necklace from your friend who makes her own glass beads, then the money you pay for that jewelry is going to directly sustain your friend, who will probably use it when she goes out to eat next week. Since she understands the struggle of owning a small business, she decides to go to the local burger joint rather than a mass chain, and your money is now in the hands of a family-owned restaurant, where it will directly support the cost of education for their kids.
At Classic City Arborists, we try to shop local as much as possible. As members of the Oconee Chamber of Commerce, we understand how vital it is to support up-and-coming businesses, as well as supporting long-standing local service providers.
Impact Your Community
In addition to stimulating your local economy, shopping local can help benefit your community; small business owners are more likely to support charities and change initiatives that directly impact their area rather than the nation at large. This means your support to a local business could in turn support the homeless population in Athens, or help fund an animal shelter downtown to save more lives.
Classic City Arborists personally supports charities local to the Athens and Watkinsville areas, such as City of Hope Athens, and ESP of Watkinsville. We send our donations to the local GoodWill (and shop there, too!). We also partner with local businesses when we get a job that needs more equipment than we’ve got; if we ever need a crane for a large tree removal, we call a local crane operator.
What do you get out of it?
While all the things we’ve mentioned here are great reasons to shop local, customer experience is still a huge factor in deciding where you direct your patronage.
| The benefit of small businesses is that they’re small; even if they have hundreds of customers, they still don’t have near as many as the superstore. Local business owners appreciate each and every one of the customers who choose to do business with them, and as such, will spend as much one-on-one time with you as you need to ensure you get what you’re looking for and leave completely satisfied. You won’t find that level of personal attention anywhere else. |  |
At Classic City Arborists, we do our best to give every single customer the attention and care they deserve. The phone numbers you see on our website are our personal phone numbers. With our free estimates, Scott (our certified arborist) will come out to your property, spend as much time as needed to evaluate the work you’re thinking you’d like done, and help you decide what to do. Once you’re on our schedule, Rebekah will send you a weekly email to update you on any delays due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
At the end of the day, choosing to shop local is a great way to not only support your friends and family with their dream, but to also stimulate your local economy and influence your local community. Plus, you get personalized service on top of it! What’s not to love? Have your family call our family!
At the end of the day, choosing to shop local is a great way to not only support your friends and family with their dream, but to also stimulate your local economy and influence your local community. Plus, you get personalized service on top of it! What’s not to love? Have your family call our family!
Author
Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.
One of the services we at Classic City Arborists are proud to offer is underbrush clearing, an incredibly important but often overlooked component to land maintenance. One of the main reasons this vital process is dismissed is because it doesn’t seem necessary; most people understand it to be a purely aesthetic choice, and they don’t mind the sight of cluttered underbrush enough to do something about it. But underbrush clearing has many benefits beyond just enhancing curve appeal.
What is underbrush?
| | Before we get started examining just why it’s so important to clear it out, let’s identify what we mean by underbrush. According to the dictionary, underbrush is defined as “shrubs, bushes, or small trees growing beneath large trees in a wood or forest,” and that’s about as on-the-nose as it gets. In the arboreal world, this extends to yards as well—if you’ve got some tall trees lining your fence and a tangled mass of bushes and vines and shoots growing beneath them, then you’ve got underbrush. |
Why should you get rid of it?
We already mentioned the widely-accepted reason for clearing underbrush, which is purely aesthetic: your yard will look much cleaner and neater without the mess. Especially if you’re looking to sell your home, clearing out underbrush is like getting a fresh haircut before a job interview, and can up your curb appeal and the value of your land.
But for those who don’t mind the visual of rampant undergrowth, there’s still plenty of reason to clear:
But for those who don’t mind the visual of rampant undergrowth, there’s still plenty of reason to clear:
Spiders, termites, and snakes! Oh my!
One of the biggest selling points when it comes to underbrush clearing is the removal of pests. Twisting vines and thick, low-to-the-ground shrubbery is the ideal home for all kinds of creepy crawlies (think snakes, spiders, mice, ticks, and more). While that idea in and of itself isn’t necessarily off-putting, consider how close to your home your underbrush is; a family of mice living in the bushes outside could easily explore their surroundings and decide that your attic makes a much nicer nesting ground than the cold, dirty ground. And we don’t have to tell you the kind of damage termites could do to your house—you definitely want to keep them as far away as possible.
In addition to running off the rodents and terrorizing the termites, clearing underbrush also reduces the chances of snakes and other bugs. Sitting on your back porch enjoying a glass of sweet tea in the evening is a lot less appealing when you’re being eaten alive by mosquitoes, and having your kiddos run through the yard is a lot less scary when you’re not afraid of snakes under every leaf.
In addition to running off the rodents and terrorizing the termites, clearing underbrush also reduces the chances of snakes and other bugs. Sitting on your back porch enjoying a glass of sweet tea in the evening is a lot less appealing when you’re being eaten alive by mosquitoes, and having your kiddos run through the yard is a lot less scary when you’re not afraid of snakes under every leaf.
Can you find the snake hiding in this underbrush?
Removing that coverage is a sure-fire way to reduce the chances of all kinds of infestations - if you build it, they will come, and if you tear it down, they will go!
Cut out the competition
Excessive undergrowth also poses a threat to the trees and plants you actually do want around. Your new crepe myrtle needs a lot of water as it establishes itself in your yard, and it might not make it if it has to fight overgrown shrubs and vines for nutrients. Underbrush can also crowd out your new flower bed or vegetable garden, even if it doesn’t seem like it’s close enough—remember to account for the roots, because they spread a lot farther than you think!
Getting the most out of your land
Another reason to clear underbrush from your property is that it actually makes that property usable. Whether you’d like to have a nice outdoor fire pit for the cooler fall evenings, or you have fur babies who would love the chance to run around through open spaces, clearing underbrush gives you much more real estate to work with. Our clients are often surprised by just how much backyard they actually have once it’s not all cluttered with overgrown foliage!
Weed out the wildfires
Though this might not apply here in the Athens area, where we aren’t prone to frequent wildfires, underbrush is always at some risk for them. In dry seasons or after long dry spells, all that undergrowth is all but self-lighting tinder ready to burn, and that’s the last thing you want anywhere near your home or family.
Okay, I get it - but why can't I do it myself?
A big reason why land-owners don’t consider hiring professionals to come in and clear out underbrush is because they think they could just easily do it themselves. After all, on the surface, clearing out underbrush seems like a pretty easy thing to do. Just get out there and chop, chop, chop, and you’re done! Why should you pay someone else to do it for you!
In reality, brush clearing is time-consuming, strenuous, and (especially here in the South) hot-and-sweaty hard work. Getting to the job often gets pushed by the wayside in favor of smaller, less-exhausting projects, which leads to rampant undergrowth that becomes even more overwhelming by the day. Calling your friendly neighborhood arborist is a great way to ensure the brush is actually cleared—and we definitely recommend calling a friendly certified neighborhood arborist, even if that isn’t us.
If you would like to work with us, give us a call or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free estimate! Get that underbrush cleared so you can start enjoying a pest-free, accessible, and beautiful yard as soon as possible!
In reality, brush clearing is time-consuming, strenuous, and (especially here in the South) hot-and-sweaty hard work. Getting to the job often gets pushed by the wayside in favor of smaller, less-exhausting projects, which leads to rampant undergrowth that becomes even more overwhelming by the day. Calling your friendly neighborhood arborist is a great way to ensure the brush is actually cleared—and we definitely recommend calling a friendly certified neighborhood arborist, even if that isn’t us.
If you would like to work with us, give us a call or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free estimate! Get that underbrush cleared so you can start enjoying a pest-free, accessible, and beautiful yard as soon as possible!
Author
Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.
| 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.
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.
|
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. |
Did You Know?The common Crepe Myrtle is a native of China and Korea. They call it The Lilac of the South.
|
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.
Author
Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.
Sources:
Beginners Guide to Crepe Myrtles
Crapemyrtle: Lagerstroemia Indica
Crape Myrtle Trees
Crepe Myrtle: Essential Southern Plant
Lagerstroemia
Image Sources:
Bonsai Crepe Myrtle
Catawba Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle Dynamite Leaves
Crepe Myrtle
Crepe Myrtle Bonsai
Crepe Myrtle Seeds
Lagerstroemia Seed Pods
Large Pink Crape Myrtle
Light Purple Crepe Myrtle
Miniature Crape Myrtle
Natchez Crape Myrtle
Pink Crape Myrtle
Purple Crape Myrtle
Red Crape Myrtle
Seed Pods
Stop the Crape Murder
The Crape Myrtle Company
White Crape Myrtle
Beginners Guide to Crepe Myrtles
Crapemyrtle: Lagerstroemia Indica
Crape Myrtle Trees
Crepe Myrtle: Essential Southern Plant
Lagerstroemia
Image Sources:
Bonsai Crepe Myrtle
Catawba Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle Dynamite Leaves
Crepe Myrtle
Crepe Myrtle Bonsai
Crepe Myrtle Seeds
Lagerstroemia Seed Pods
Large Pink Crape Myrtle
Light Purple Crepe Myrtle
Miniature Crape Myrtle
Natchez Crape Myrtle
Pink Crape Myrtle
Purple Crape Myrtle
Red Crape Myrtle
Seed Pods
Stop the Crape Murder
The Crape Myrtle Company
White Crape Myrtle
| Have you ever driven down someone’s driveway and commented on how bumpy the concrete is? Or maybe you’ve noticed how the sidewalk in the park has huge fissures and bulges, like something’s trying to break through. Maybe you’ve seen a veritable wall of bushes lined up in a row with one or two looking yellow and sickly, even though the bushes around them are just fine |  |
The likely culprit in all these situations: Roots!
 | Most people don’t realize how large a root system can grow, and how far that root system will spread. Just like the tip of the iceberg you see sticking out of the water is only…well, the tip of the iceberg—there’s a massive danger lurking just beneath the surface, whose size is underrepresented by what you can see. |
The unsuspecting happily plant trees too close to buildings or other structures, sidewalks, pavement, and even each other, where their roots will cause all kinds of trouble down the road. City establishments are repeat offenders when it comes to planting trees too close to a sidewalk or playground; what they’re hoping will provide shade and a general enhanced aesthetic ends up destroying the walkway and poses a tripping risk for children.
| New homeowners are also guilty of this; thinking about how commanding and fairy-tale-like it would look with a pair of gorgeous oaks framing the driveway, they plant much too close to the pavement and end up with massive bumps and cracks in their new driveway. Sometimes, it’s the other way around; structures are built much too close to surrounding trees, with an unintentional disregard for the potential danger. In the South, this is seen frequently with sheds; people like to build one under a nice, big tree for the cool shade it offers (the shed itself will likely not be air-conditioned). This leads to roots breaking through the floor of your new workshop, which damages its structural integrity. |  |
 | But just as roots pose a major threat to your shed, driveway, and home, we can pose the same level of threat to the tree. Tree roots are incredibly sensitive to any kind of impact; whether it’s something as drastic as new construction, or something as innocuous as installing a sprinkler system, roots are notoriously easy to damage. Disturbed roots can stunt the tree’s overall growth, and can even end up killing off some (or even all) of the tree |
They are also at risk of suffocation from compacted soil; the ground can become denser when heavy machinery drives over it repeatedly, and this reduces the oxygen concentration as well as the water flow, which in turn can cause root rot and death.
Unfortunately, about 90% of a tree’s root system lives in the first 12 to 18 inches of soil, meaning even surface-level alterations, like digging a new flower bed, can lead to root damage. Even worse, the effects of root damage can take 5 to 10 years to show in the tree itself, so you might not even realize you’ve disturbed anything until a lot later down the line
Unfortunately, about 90% of a tree’s root system lives in the first 12 to 18 inches of soil, meaning even surface-level alterations, like digging a new flower bed, can lead to root damage. Even worse, the effects of root damage can take 5 to 10 years to show in the tree itself, so you might not even realize you’ve disturbed anything until a lot later down the line
So What Can You Do?
The easiest answer is simple: account for the roots!
To avoid roots damaging the things around them, don’t plant trees too close to anything, even each other. The rule of thumb when it comes to how big a tree’s root system will grow is that roots will most often mirror the tree they support; so however big you’re expecting your tree to get, you can expect the same size and spread underground, though without the leaves
To avoid roots damaging the things around them, don’t plant trees too close to anything, even each other. The rule of thumb when it comes to how big a tree’s root system will grow is that roots will most often mirror the tree they support; so however big you’re expecting your tree to get, you can expect the same size and spread underground, though without the leaves
 | Be sure to note that when we say the roots will mirror their tree, we mean they will mirror how big the tree would naturally grow. Roots can spread with the intent to support their tree at its fullest potential, no matter how you curb the actual tree’s shape by pruning and trimming |
If you’re hoping to establish a privacy fence with a row of Leyland Cypresses, make sure you know how far apart they need to be; otherwise, they’ll crowd each other and end up competing for resources, and you’ll end up with some dead trees and a lot of holes in your privacy fence.
| If you want your shed to sit under the protection of canopy, consider elevating it so the floor is safely away from the ground, and there’s room underneath for roots to impose in. If you’re looking at planting a Crepe Myrtle by your front door, look into how big the tree will grow; while they are usually trimmed to look more like a bush, Crepe Myrtles are trees that can grow quite large, and their root system will reflect that no matter how small you’ve cut back the tree itself. |  |
What About Established Trees?
Unfortunately, once a tree is established, there isn’t much you can do to curb the spread of its roots—except removing the tree entirely, which will kill the root system. If you’re concerned about the root system of an established tree on your property, schedule a free estimate with us today, and we’ll come out to give you our professional opinion on whether or not the root system presents a threat, and possible options for curbing that threat
How Do You Protect Your Trees?
The best way to avoid causing damage to your tree’s root system is to make sure you don’t do any kind of construction or land alteration too close to the tree’s trunk; the root system closest to the tree offers structural support as well as a bulk of the tree’s nutrients, and a hit there could be fatal. The ends of a root system, while still important, will have less of a drastic impact on the tree’s overall health
| The general rule of thumb to keep in mind is that you should stay about 6 to 12 inches away from the trunk for every inch of diameter the tree has. So, for example, if the tree is about a foot wide, that means its diameter is about 12 inches; this means you should give at least 72 inches, or 6 feet, of buffer around your tree if at all possible. When measuring diameter, make sure you’re working at breast-height, or about 4 and a half feet up from the ground |  |
If you’re unsure how close is too close, give us a call for a consultation or contact another certified arborist. Also be sure to keep an eye out for signs of damage and decay in your trees, which can indicate root damage. Check out our article on what to look for!
Also, be sure to keep an eye out for our Tree of the Month articles; every month, we feature a tree that’s commonly found in Athens, or maybe a tree you might want to plant in your yard. We highlight the pros and cons of the tree, including how big it can get, so you’ll have a quantitative measure of how far the roots might spread.
And remember, no matter what you plant, what you build, or what you do, always account for the roots!
Also, be sure to keep an eye out for our Tree of the Month articles; every month, we feature a tree that’s commonly found in Athens, or maybe a tree you might want to plant in your yard. We highlight the pros and cons of the tree, including how big it can get, so you’ll have a quantitative measure of how far the roots might spread.
And remember, no matter what you plant, what you build, or what you do, always account for the roots!
Author
Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.
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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