Author: Digital Guider

Spring is an ideal time to check-up on your tree’s health. Look for the following symptoms, and don’t hesitate to call us for an expert assessment.

Too Much Lean? A leaning tree can be hazardous. Too much of a lean may be a sign of wind damage or root instability which can mean a higher risk for falling.

Tip Dieback? Often seen in older large oak trees, the tips of the canopy don’t leaf out but the rest of the tree does. This is a sign of root rot and general decline. 

Uneven Budding or Leafing Out? Trees with uneven growth may be suffering from disease or other issues.

Large Dead Limbs or Dying Branches? If you see a large dead limb or multiple dying branches, whether on the tree or on the ground, this could be an indication that your tree health is declining.

Fungus? If you find fungus on the branches, trunk or the ground surrounding the tree, this could be a sign of poor tree health which can become a dangerous tree as it loses strength.

Evergreens Browning? Is your evergreen losing its luster and turning brown? A number of diseases could be the culprit, or a lack of nutrients and water.

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Need an expert to check-up on your trees and provide you with some safe solutions? Fill out the form below to get your free estimate or Call Teresa at (678) 910-8686!

The holiday season is an excellent time for building a toasty fire in the fire pit outside or a cozy one inside your fireplace. As you gather your supplies, there are a couple of basics for firewood to consider such as what type of wood to burn and how to store your firewood.

Type:

For the southeast area of the United States, oak is one of the most common trees and is considered the top choice for firewood. Oak burns the longest and produces the most heat out of all the different kinds of hardwood. One cord of oak firewood produces around 29 million BTUs. That’s equal to burning 200-250 gallons of fuel oil! So, if you choose oak for your fireplace, your house will stay plenty warm throughout the winter. Because of the density of oak wood, it also burns for a very long time. You could heat your home for an entire night without using many logs! Oak will give you the best and longest burn for your money! 

Storage: 

The best way to store firewood is to have an elevated firewood rack to keep it off the ground. Keeping the firewood off the ground prevents easy access from moisture from the ground and pests. A waterproof cover is helpful to keep your firewood dry, but keep in mind the cover needs ventilation to provide airflow. Another option if you don’t have a firewood rack is to use a vapor barrier or cinder blocks to stack the firewood. Firewood racks should be placed three to five feet away from the home and never in the house. Placing wood too close to your house may invite pests into your home. Wood-boring pests like to tunnel from wood into a house, so stacking any wood against your home is a bad idea. 

If you need a cozy place to sit by the fire outside, Complete Horticulture & Tree Service can install a rustic firepit or fire ring customized to your needs. Woodpile getting low? We have Seasoned Oak Firewood serving Cherokee, North Fulton, and Cumming for our 5th year, delivered and stacked. Limited Supply! Call or text Teresa at 678-910-8686.

Resources:

https://lumberjax.com/how-much-firewood-is-in-a-cord/

https://lumberjax.com/best-wood-for-fireplace/ 

https://www.shelterlogic.com/knowledge/dos-donts-storing-firewood

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Fill out the form below to get your free estimate or Call Teresa at (678) 910-8686!

Exposed and Rotten Roots: Exposed roots are vulnerable to damage by landscaping equipment which can weaken the tree. Check your tree for signs such as dead branches, falling leaves, or mushrooms growing around the base. Watch for fungus, which is often the best indicator of rotten roots.

Vines: When the vines cover the ground around the base of your tree, the vines can form a blanket over the tree roots. When the leaves fall onto the blanket of vines, moisture from rain becomes trapped underneath, which can cause damage to the tree’s base. Vines growing on the tree make damage harder to spot and shade the tree from crucial sunlight.

Leaning Trees: A leaning tree can be a cause for concern; if your tree leans at a 15-degree or more angle, it could be a sign of wind or root damage. Trees that lean toward the east are more likely to fall because winds blow from the west.

Evidence of Lightning Strikes: If a lightning strike doesn’t kill the tree, it will open it to pathogens and insects that weaken it over time. Be sure to watch for signs of decay.

Ants: Ants nest in the cavities of trees and multiply. Carpenter ants compromise weaker trees by chewing tunnels through damp and damaged wood to form nests and colonize inside the tree, promoting decay.

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Need expert advice about your damaged tree? Fill out the form below to get your free estimate or Call Teresa at (678) 910-8686!

Pumpkins are rich in Fiber, Vitamin C and Potassium. Your garden squirrels, birds, foxes and deer can eat your leftover pumpkins, and here’s how! Just chop the pumpkin into fourths, and place the pieces around your yard. Deer, rabbits, and other creatures will make short work of them. Be mindful not to put out painted pumpkins, as the paints can potentially harm wildlife.

You can also add the pumpkin’s seeds to your regular birdseed. Rinse and dry the seeds before mixing them in. Remember don’t flavor or salt the seeds. Birds will eat the seeds as is, no seasoning required!

Lastly, composting is a great use of a leftover pumpkin. Simply remove the seeds first so your gourds don’t root in the compost pile and toss it in. Pumpkins will decompose even faster if you break them apart first.

Prevent erosion: Retaining walls are often found in places where extra support is needed to prevent erosion. The most basic function of a retaining wall is to battle gravity.

Provide additional usable land: Retaining walls can create terraces of usable land on slopes.

Provide extra seating: Once your retaining wall is up, it may provide more than one service. Seating is an example. Depending on the location of your retaining wall, it may become a great place to sit and chat.

Not all retaining walls are the same: Retaining walls improperly installed can bulge, crack, or lean. If this occurs the contractor failed to build a strong wall. Some retaining walls require a grid to strength it. Depending on the county and their requirements retaining walls over 3-4 feet require inspections and an engineer to oversee stages of construction. Draining options can also be used if the area has an tendency to be wet.

Different types of retaining walls:
Timber walls: Typically, timber walls are the least expensive retaining wall design. In Zone 7 timber walls can typically last 20 years. This goes very well with different types of architectural. It looks great with the “Farmhouse” homes.

Concrete Wall Block such as Belgard Diamond Pro:
Typically, is more expensive that the timber walls and also goes well with different architectural plans. It does well as retaining walls but also as seat walls around a firepit or outdoor area.

It is always best to hire a professional landscaping expert to install your new retaining wall or tear out and put in a new retaining wall.

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Fill out the form below to get your free estimate or Call Teresa at (678) 910-8686!

5 Reasons for Tree Removal:

1. Tree is dying, damaged or diseased
2. Construction
3. Risk of falling on your home or business
4. Overcrowded area
5. Rotting and falling limbs

4 Things to Look for with Tree Removal Professionals:

1. Licensed with the state of Georgia
2. Liability insurance current
3. Good reviews
4. Referrals from friends, neighbors on Facebook or the online neighbor papers

3 Things to Discuss with the Tree Removal Professionals:

1. Mark utilities via 811, get tree permits if required and HOA approval
2. After removal of the tree(s) discuss what is expected with the debris clean-up
3. Stump grinding/removal of the grindings

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Fill out the form below to get your free estimate or Call Teresa at (678) 910-8686!