Spring Checklist: Best Tree Care Tips for Georgia Homeowners

Here in Georgia, trees are more than just a decoration. Trees can provide clean air, much-needed shade, and enjoyment for generations to come. The older the tree, the more value it can add to your home. We tend to think that trees are strong and don’t need to be cared for but that’s not the case with trees in our yards. The trees in our yards do not have the benefit of being shielded and protected by thousands of other surrounding trees like the ones in the forests. Our trees are more exposed to pests and diseases which is why it pays to take the time to care for them. 

Trimming and Pruning

Trimming and pruning are essential to promoting tree health and giving it a good appearance. Dead or dying branches are unnecessary and can attract pests like carpenter ants and beetles. Trim branches that are too low or grow and awkward angles that distract from the look of the tree. Don’t worry about leaving big gaps or holes in the foliage, the tree will naturally fill back in.

The best time to prune is in the spring before buds begin to sprout. Inspect your trees for disease and prune affected areas away before they can spread to other branches or other trees.

Pest Prevention and Control

Tree damaging pests in Georgia cause devastating damage to our trees each year. The damage isn’t caused only by feeding but also by carrying deadly diseases that can severely damage or even kill your trees. 

Tree-Damaging Pests in Georgia

• Fall Webworms
• Aphids
• Tree Scale
• Tent Caterpillars
• Whiteflies
• Spider Mites
• Bagworms

Tree Diseases

Many insects are known to carry diseases that can weaken or kill your trees Watch out for these tree diseases common in Georgia.

• Root Rot
• Slime Flux
• Armillaria Root Rot
• Hypoxylon Canker
• Needle Drop

Dormant Oils

Infestations arising from overwintering insects are a common occurrence in Georgia. Insects deposit their eggs on the trunks and branches of your trees in the fall. In the spring these eggs hatch and begin to feed on your trees. Their feeding can leave your trees weak and vulnerable to other pests and diseases. Applying dormant oil before the insects emerge from hibernation can eliminate overwintering insects before they have a chance to damage your trees.

Deep Root Fertilization

Deep root fertilization is just like it sounds. It’s a fertilizer that is applied deep into the roots of the tree via high pressured injection. When it comes to traditional fertilizers, most of it washes away or is stolen by neighboring plants before it has a chance to soak all the way down to the root zone of your trees. Deep root fertilization uses a machine to inject nutrients directly into the root system of the tree. Deep root fertilization should be done by a professional certified arborist.

Hire The Experts at Environmental Turf management

At  Environmental Turf Management, we know that your trees are valuable investments and we treat them as such. We have years of experience caring for and treating trees in our area. Our tree care program is designed to give your tree everything it needs to stay strong and healthy all year. If you think your tree has a disease or pest infestation, call us immediately before permanent damage is done.

Give us a call at (770) 466-0234 for more information on how you can get started. You can also request an easy quote here. For more monthly tips on all things lawn care, check out our blog and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for our current deals and news.