Symbolic Trees of the Southeast

There are two trees in particular that are instantly recognizable to southeast natives: the cypress and the pecan. Although these species don’t look remarkable at first glance, these prolific trees deserve a little recognition! They may be common, but they certainly aren’t ordinary. Read on to find out why these two species are noteworthy, if not outright magnificent!

Cypress

The cypress tree is well-known and beloved in the South – this tree is symbolic for spiritual immortality, which seems very appropriate considering the staggering lifespan of this species. Florida’s Big Tree Park is home to some of the oldest living cypresses in the world: The Senator stands at 125 feet tall and has an estimated age of anywhere between 3,400 and 3,500 years old. Another ancient cypress, Lady Liberty, shares the same park and has been alive for more than 2000 years. If these remarkable southern trees could tell their stories, it would take generations to hear them all!

Pecan

Many southerners relish memories of pecan pies and drowsy days in the shade of these generous trees. This historic species has deep roots in the southeast – the first major U.S. pecan planting took place in 1772, earning a place in famous gardens like those of Virginia natives George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. By the 1800’s, the delicious yield of this species became a staple crop of New Orleans, Louisiana. The wild harvest of these trees in San Antonio was said to bring in a higher value than cotton! Not only does the southeast produce some of the finest pecans, this region is almost entirely responsible for the taste and popularity of the nuts we still enjoy today!

Yes, stands of cypress and orchards of pecans can be found everywhere throughout the southeast, but that doesn’t make these species boring by any means!

Winter Peach Tree Diseases

Delicious fruit is something that many gardeners look forward to all year round, but winter peach tree diseases can put a quick end to the fun. Quality peaches are extremely rewarding to enjoy, but often difficult to grow. Preventative care and regular tree maintenance are an absolute necessary – take the following action steps to prevent the most common peach tree problems:

Powdery Mildew

The sphaerotheca pannosa fungus goes dormant in buds and shoots of peach trees during the winter. This nasty infestation manifests as powdery white mildew on the host surface, causing new foliage to grow in damaged and distorted. The problem becomes noticeable as green peach fruit begin developing circular white spots, turning infected areas of fruit brown. Proper pruning leads to good air circulation, which can play a major role in the prevention of mildew attacks. The chances of an infestation increases greatly when rose buses are planted nearby.

Brown Rot

One of the most widely spread and serious peach tree diseases is brown rot, caused by the monilinia fructicola fungus. Although it is not a “true” winter disease, the fungus survives the winter in fruit that has been “mummified” by the infection. To prevent this unfortunate and damaging disease, collect and remove all affected fruit as it appears – both from the tree and off the ground.

Perennial Canker

Perennial canker occurs when sudden temperature changes damages a part of the tree, generally after a harsh winter. These cankers are caused when cytospora fungi attacks exposed areas, creating cankers that secrete foul purple sap. Cytospora can survive year-round, even on dead wood. Young infected trees can face a rather sudden death, while hardier specimens may slowly fade out of life as the canker grows. Annual pruning and protection from sudden changes in temperature can prevent perennial canker, and many other winter peach tree diseases. In special cases, a trustworthy tree service professional may be able to remove the infected portion to save the tree.

Attracting Georgia Wildlife with Native Fruit Trees

Although every state has a variety of interesting wildlife, Georgia remains one of the most versatile planting regions for attracting beautiful and beneficial birds, insects, and mammals. Nothing is more relaxing than sitting quietly by a window and enjoying the free entertainment of thriving animals enjoying a harvest of fresh fruits.

The benefits are obviously mutual – you can support your local habitat while still having plenty of produce left for yourself. Ask your local tree service professional about the following varieties of fruit trees that act as wildlife magnets:

Persimmon

The diospyros virginiana variety of wild persimmon is native to Georgia and can even be found growing uncultivated in many areas around the state. Although the fruit is not very desirable for human consumption, many animals especially enjoy the taste. Female trees must be planted near a male to achieve fruit.

Blueberry

Okay, so blueberries don’t really grow on trees – they grow on shrubs. The berries are so delicious though that the distinction will not matter for the purpose of this article. Blue jays, brown thrashers, and mockingbirds will all be eager to split your crop. Climax, Triumph, and Tifblue blueberries are readily available, though any edible variety will be well appreciated by local wildlife.

Plum

Prunus Americana is Georgia’s native plum tree. Showy white flowers will beautify your property in the springtime, which will later produce fruits that are valued for nutritional value to many species of animal. If your home is positioned on the outskirts of town, even wild deer may stop by to graze on this tree’s foliage.

Dogwood, serviceberry, red buckeye, sumac, mulberry, and oak are all great trees that attract wildlife for different reasons and may make a great alternative if edible fruit is not what you are after. Planting native Georgia trees is always recommended, but now you have even more reason to get out there and start spreading the good Earth love. Good luck and happy planting!

Preventing Winter Tree Damage

Winter tree damage can come in many forms: from minor headaches to expensive disasters. Many people keep a close eye on their gardens, but many homeowners falsely believe that trees can hold their own during the harsh cold season. Even if you have already prepared your trees extensively for winter it’s difficult to predict how each year’s changing weather is going to effect your investments and property. The hardiest and most established of trees still face significant damage if the homeowner doesn’t keep a keen eye.

Inspection- Better Late than Never

It may seem like mid-December is a bad time to be thinking about potential winter tree damage, but the standard rule still applies: bad luck is impossible to prepare for. Take a special look at aged, leaning, or previously damaged trees as they are the most susceptible to the forces of wintery nature. Exposed and isolated trees in residential landscapes are often the biggest risk, so keep note of damages sustained over previous years. 

Common Threats

Ice Damage: Frozen water can affect trees in many different ways. Cracks can become filled with moisture and then burst open to create a huge crack. Weight is also another issue for many trees, whether it is due to an accumulation of snow or ice. Be aware of how low the branches are hanging over power lines, because branches are surprisingly flexible and can cause expensive damages that may result in lawsuits against the property owner. Make sure that a tree service professional is contacted for emergency winter trimming if there is any possibility that power lines may be affected. 

Winter Moths: For the past ten years, homeowners on the south coast have experienced a rather startling increase in invasive tan moths which swarm windows and headlights during the early December months. These pests land on trees and deposit eggs- their offspring are responsible for defoliating and ultimately killing hundreds of thousands of acres of trees each year. The larvae feed on the tender buds of springtime trees. Late winter is a great time to begin spraying trees for this pest, although winter birds like cardinals are thought to enjoy the otherwise unwelcome guest.

Beware -- Popular Species that are Actually Invasive!

The eastern United States is the perfect target for these attractive varieties of rapidly spreading and difficult to control plants. Every species on the following list are being willingly introduced by the hundreds of thousands each year to landscapes from Texas to North Carolina for their vigor and tasteful appearance, but many homeowners don’t realize their mistake until years later when the land clearing professionals must be called in. Being familiar with these harmless looking varieties can prevent your yard from being the next victim.  The expensive damage done to home landscaping is nothing compared to the invasion that is being suffered by millions of acres of prized Eastern forest. 

Chinese Privet 

The famous hardy hedges of Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia are an iconic and historical living monument for Bulldog fans, but outside of the stadium they are considered a weed that must be constantly and vigorously eradicated. These “shrubs” can become trees that can grow up to 20 feet tall, producing extremely hard to remove stumps. Since the fruit produced by these shrubs lack a significant amount of nutritional value for wildlife, birds tend to eat more than usually necessary which spreads these fast growing nuisances at an alarming rate. Regardless, they are increasingly popular in Georgia suburbs where garden-savvy neighbors have to take on the task of pulling up new sprouts every few days. 

Wisteria 

Exotic varieties of Wisteria are bought throughout the southeast, from Texas to North Carolina, where they proliferate much to the distress of these unknowing homeowners. These destructive beauties are known to “infest” trees, girdling them with thick vines and choking off growth. Quick spreading, any tiny bit of root system left behind is likely to sprout more the next growing season. In order to successfully maintain an exotic Wisteria vine, you must be able to mow around each side and heavily pruned in the fall. American wisteria is not as attractive but is a wonderful native substitute. 

Bradford Pear

Originally marketed as a sterile decorative tree, these short-term investments ended up being popular for lining streets and parkways. The years passed, and a tendency of the tree to self-destruct during high winds or snowfall quickly changed the minds of city planners. It was unfortunately much too late and the Bradford pear had already become a popular flowering tree for many residential landscapes. 

Many of the cultivars produced today are no longer sterile, and produce fruit which propagate the trees at a rate that is uncontrollable. You can find these ornamental pears spreading along ditches, and seedlings that infiltrate neighborhoods produce sprouts with thorny undesirable traits. Flowering dogwoods are a wonderful native variety if you don’t want to a tree removal service for one or more weather-destroyed Bradford Pears.  

Planting Perfect Fruit Trees in Georgia

Georgia is famous for thriving crop plantations and beautiful flowering trees but this state is perfect for much more than that. Planting fruit trees on your property will give you fresh organic fruit and cool shade in the sweltering summer. This state has the perfect growth climate for a huge variety of fruit trees. In this article I am going to outline my three favorite fruit trees that take just perfect to Georgia weather. 

Yoshino Cherry Tree

This particular variety of cherry tree is so celebrated in Georgia, that there is a yearly festival dedicated to these delicious cherries in Macon! These trees grow to be a rather small size, with a typical maximum spread of 15 feet. These trees bloom with pinkish flowers in the spring and make a very attractive option for any yard. Maintenance for this variety is almost non-existent, but during a drought it will need to be watered. The Yoshino prefers moist, well drained soil. They originated in Asia, but have adapted to Georgia’s climate beautifully. 

Shockley Apple

Shockley apple trees are common to the northern region of Georgia. The apples yielded by these trees typically reach full ripeness in the latter half of October. Shockley apples are rich and sweet, and the trees don’t get too large as to be unmanageable. These trees approach an average height of 15 to 18 feet when grown in full sun with well-drained soil. Shockleys just won’t thrive well in areas that are prone to flooding of any kind.

Belle of Georgia Peach Tree

Of course, Georgia is famous for its legendary peach orchards. The Belle is just one of many varieties of peach found in the state, but this tree happens to be great for yard growth. With a maximum height of 15 to 25 feet and a total spread of anywhere between 8 to 20 feet, you will be sure to harvest more peaches than you can possibly eat. I hope you like sharing with friends!