Invasion of the Hammocks

Invasion of the Hammocks!

Eno Hammock pictured above with Instagram's "Rozambini_Adventures" 

Have you seen the hammocks at the park? Groups of them, hanging colorfully in the trees, with teenagers spilling out of them? Some have called it, “Invasion of  the Teenage Tree People”.

The movement is called “Mocking” and all you need is two sturdy trees.

Mocking is similar to camping but during the day, with less stuff. Plus unlike the wild, you can still get a 4G signal at the park.

“Finally the kids are outside again!”

The attraction is that it’s a way to spend time with others, up in the trees. The hammock movement has been around on colleges for years but most recently it has gained momentum in the younger generation; the middle and high school age crowd. In the 60’s, the hippies of the Haight Ashbury sat on sidewalks outside record stores and clubs. Today the kids can relax comfortably, up in the trees (our favorite place) and still hear their music amongst the birds and the sunshine. It’s a magical combination.

Looking for a tree service company to evaluate your Sandy Springs Trees? 

“The great outdoors offers the best natural stress relief”

Getting Started

ENO Hammocks are the most popular brand and their prices are reasonable, starting out at $79.95 for most sizes. Commonly ENO is chosen because they are sturdy (enough for 2 people), are easy to set up and also pack up light. You can even sleep in them.

“Once you get in a hammock, you don’t want to get out”

Hanging a Hammock

Hammocks are fairly simple to hang. There is a little complexity involved when it comes to load bearing weights, but of course someone has already thought of that by creating an app called the Hammock HangCalculator.  We recommend choosing a sturdy tree with a thicker bark, less damage this way from the webbed ropes.

http://theultimatehang.com/hammock-hang-calculator/

Where to “Mock”

Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) created an app in 2012,  Enopia. Enopia creates geotags (using Apple Maps) of the best places to hang your hammock rated by followers.  Fans upload pictures of their own personal favorite spots which then get added to the grid. The Enopia app also allows interaction with other “mockers” and a way to create a diary of your travels.

Atlanta Tree Professionals agrees, the view from a tree is the best!


Looking for a free estimate for tree services? Try Atlanta Tree Professionals! They have provided tree services since 2012 to Sandy Springs, Marietta and the Decatur areas. Atlanta Tree Professionals are licensed, insured and bonded. 

                                                     

Tree Cutting Accidents Are Common Don't Become a Statistic

Tree Cutting Accidents - Don't Be a Statistic


It's no secret that the change of season brings a change of weather. We'll begin to see an increase in severe weather, thunderstorms and possibly tornadoes as the Spring season begins. Along with the severe weather, we'll see an increase in the risk of damage to trees - fallen branches, leaning trees and even toppled trees. There's a good chance you'll need to remove branches and trees in order to maintain the safety of your home and property.

At Atlanta Tree Professional, we strongly advise you NOT to attempt any tree cutting or removal on your own. It may seem tempting and relatively easy, but there are too many variable that could work against you and cost you your life. As this article from the Tree Care Industry Association warns, removing trees is not work for homeowners:


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Tree care can be incredibly dangerous, even for professional arborists. Even so, many do-it-yourself homeowners attempt their own tree work, often with disastrous results.

In 2015 alone, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) recorded 58 serious civilian tree care accidents, 34 of which were fatal. Six of these victims were under the age of 13, and were innocent bystanders to the misguided actions of adults.

While these numbers are not representative of all tree care accidents involving non-professionals, they provide insight into the types of hazards civilians are likely to encounter while attempting tree work.

To fully comprehend the dangers of tree work, consider this: No layperson would attempt to pilot a small aircraft without the requisite training and experience. And yet, that is essentially the same risk level one assumes when attempting tree work. Tons of suspended weight, great heights, powerful equipment and kilovolts of electricity ñ these are just a few of the hazards encountered in routine tree trimming and removal.
Peter Gerstenberger
Senior Advisor for Safety, Standards, and Compliance, TCIA

Typical Struck-by

A 78-year-old Bellefontaine, Ohio man was seriously injured while cutting wood alone behind his home. He was listed in critical condition after a large tree fell in an unintended direction, landing on his lower left leg and pinning him. About one hour after the accident, a concerned neighbor discovered the victim and called 911. The victim sustained fractures to both legs and an arm.

What would the pros do? Arborists typically work in teams to remove a tree safely. Any removal starts with an assessment of the tree and surroundings for hazards. Factors such as tree lean, internal defects, hung-up branches and even wind can completely alter a trees trajectory says Gerstenberger. Arborists use directional-felling techniques, a precise series of cuts that create a hinge to guide the tree in the intended direction. They also give the tree a wide berth; arborists involved in the felling stay at least 1 times the tree height away, and uninvolved workers stay twice the tree height away. Finally, arborists typically attach a pull rope high in the tree to help guide it in the intended direction.


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Read more about tree cutting accidents at the TCIA website (http://tcia.org/blog/safety/analysis-civilian-tree-care-accidents-2015)



Tree cutting accidents are very real. Call the pros at Atlanta Tree Professionals to safely remove branches, leaning trees or fallen trees.

Recycling Your Christmas Tree in Atlanta

Recycling Your Christmas Tree in Atlanta

We read recently that real Christmas trees were once again becoming the popular tree of choice at Christmas in America.  We love a real tree for Christmas!  Nothing beats the look and, of course, the pine smell for Christmas.  But, once Christmas is over, what do you do?  Most of us get trees that are bigger than what the city will pick up curbside, so we wanted to give you some ideas about how you can recycle your tree in Atlanta.

Sandy Springs Christmas Tree Recycling

If you are even short on time, there are local Boy Scout troops that will actually come pick up your tree from your home and recycle it for you.  All you have to do is place your tree at the curb!  They just ask for a $10 donation for their efforts.  We know of at least one troop here in Atlanta that is doing just that.  Click here for more details: http://troop266.us/trees.php.

Rent a chipper

Pine needles dry quickly, but decompose slowly, which means it makes excellent mulch.  If you have a few neighbors that have real trees also or if you have more wood that needs to be chipped, renting a chipper could be a great investment.  These can be rented at most hardware stores. 

Bring One For the Chipper

If you are just trying to get rid of your one tree, this is a better option for you.  Bring One for the Chipper is a program sponsored by Keep Georgia Beautiful, Home Depot and some other local businesses.  It has been around for over 20 years.  They recycle Christmas trees and turn them into mulch, fuel and fish habitats and often the mulch is used for local beautification projects.  On January 3, 2015, many Home Depot locations host this event, so call your local store and find out if they are participating.  All you have to do is bring your tree up there and they do the rest.

Cobb County, Marietta/ Kennesaw/Powder Springs Tree Recycling

Four Cobb County Parks and Recreation locations will accept drops-offs through Jan. 3. 

Fullers Park 3499 Robinson Road, Marietta, GA

Sewell Park 2085 Lower Roswell Rd Marietta, GA

Lost Mountain Park, 4845 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs, GA

Noonday Creek Park, 489 Hawkins Store Road, Kennesaw, GA

We hope this helps a bit with your holiday clean up!  From all of us at Atlanta Tree Professionals, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Atlanta Tree Professionals, 6105 Boylston Dr. NE Sandy Springs, GA 30328 404-644-8733. 

The Time to Plant a Tree is Now!

The Time to Plant a Tree is Now!

Like this great proverb, Atlanta Tree Professionals believes that the time to plant trees is now.  Yes, we remove trees, but our main goal is to help keep your trees healthy and only remove them when they absolutely need to go.  In fact, each time we have to remove a tree, Atlanta Tree Professionals will plant a new one in its place.

Many people think that the fall is the end of the planting season, but did you know that the best time to plant trees and shrubs in Atlanta is actually November through March?  In places where there are colder winters, earlier in the fall is best.  There are many reasons planting trees and shrubs during the fall/winter is beneficial:

1.     Planting in the fall gives the root system time to grow.  During the winter, the roots develop and become established, which allows the tree to have more support during spring growth and the heat of summer.

2.     The cooler, wetter weather means less watering is needed.

3.     Stable air temperatures promote rapid root growth and development.

4.     The soil is less damp than it is in the spring, which creates more stability for roots.

5.     When you choose a tree or shrub to plant in the fall, you are able to see the color that they will produce.

Even though the temperatures are cold, you must remember that the soil stays warm well after the air has cooled.  Even so, balled and burlap-wrapped trees and shrubs will do best.  Also, you want to make sure to avoid planting broad-leaf evergreens in the fall, such as azaleas, boxwoods and hollies.  These will not do as well. Some great trees to plant in the fall/winter are maples, buckeyes, ash, spruce and elms. Bare root plants, such as roses, pecans and fruit trees should be planted in late winter when they are completely dormant. 

Atlanta Tree Professionals wants to help keep Atlanta and the metro area looking beautiful and we believe that it is done by keeping tree healthy and planting new ones. We hope that you are able to get out and plant a tree this fall or winter! If you need help making sure those trees stay healthy give us a call!

Atlanta Tree Professionals

6105 Boylston Dr. NE

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-644-8733

www.atlantatreeprofessionals.com 

Those Pesky Acorns | Blogpost from Atlanta Tree Professionals

Those Pesky Acorns

*Photo courtesy of http://freshandfun.blogspot.com/2011/09/acorns.html

If you have an oak tree in your yard, chances are you see your fair share of acorns.  Pesky when you are trying to keep your yard up, yes, but these little seeds are a pretty amazing part of nature.  So amazing that artists, poets and storytellers alike have all been using the story of the acorn to inspire their work.  Like this great quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.”

Need Tree Service in Atlanta Today? Call 404-644-8733 

The little acorn is food to over 100 species of birds and animals around the world, some of which rely solely on this nut for nutrients. Oak trees actually depend on these animals, especially birds and squirrels to disperse their seeds.  Because acorns are so heavy, they can only fall so far from the tree, so the animals bring the acorns all over so they have a chance to grow.

In the U.S. alone, there are over 60 species of oak trees that produce acorns of all different shapes and sizes.  In a good year, just one of these trees can produce thousands of acorns!  Why do these trees produce so many acorns?  For one, the odds of one acorn actually growing into a tree are less than 1 in 10,000!  For an oak tree to be able to begin producing acorns they must be at least 20 years old and some do not produce acorns until they are over 50 years old.  The older the tree is, the more acorns they will produce.

So, what should you do about the thousands of acorns in your yard?  Since so many animals are reliant on these nutrient-filled seeds, we don’t recommend doing away with them!  If you just can’t have them in your yard, try raking them up and throwing them somewhere away from your yard.

If you have some beautiful oak trees in your yard, these are trees to be treasured!  They are, after all, the national trees of the U.S.  If you want to keep your oak trees (and other trees) healthy, call Atlanta Tree Professionals at 404-644-8733 and we’ll help you do just that!

What Makes Us the Best

What Makes Us the Best

“From the quote to the clean-up, this company was professional, followed through, and did a truly outstanding job. Their price was competitive. They didn't try to sell you on more trees getting cut than were needed. They worked safely but quickly. A job we thought would take two days was done in less than one day because they brought enough people to do it right, but quickly. Bottom line, they will be the first, and only, tree people we call from now on. “  - Grandra

Who is the Best Tree Company in Atlanta? 

For the best in tree service Atlanta has to offer, call Atlanta Tree Professionals (ATP). Our staff is experienced and dedicated to serving you, the homeowner (or business owner). Our professional tree crews have worked together for years.  Long -term teams such as ours have three advantages:

1.           A job well done


The staff at Atlanta Tree Professionals is dedicated to bringing you quality service each and every time we do work at your home and/or business.  We consider ourselves, not just “guys that cut down trees,” but foresters that guide and help homeowners with the trees and nature that they have.  If it means cutting down part or all of a tree, we’ll do that, but if there is a better solution, we’ll help find one.   No matter what the solution is determined to be, we promise to do the job well and to your satisfaction.

2.           A job done safely


As you can imagine, cutting down branches or trees can be dangerous.  At ATP, we have both the experience and the skill to make sure that trees are always removed safely from your property.  We are a fully insured company. We are also active members of  the International Society of Arboriculture, which means we are keeping up with all the latest arboriculture (the study of trees, shrubs and vines) news and education.

3.           A job done efficiently


At ATP, we understand that a fallen (or a falling) tree is not a matter to take lightly.  We are ready to make sure the job is done efficiently so that no further damage is done to your home or business.  We make sure that our cranes, trucks, and equipment are the most well-maintained to safely and quickly remove fallen trees. Knowing that a professional tree removal company is going to answer your call is pertinent in a tree emergency, so we promise to answer and help you as quick as we can.

Atlanta Tree Professionals is committed to our customers and making sure that you are safe and satisfied with the work we do at your home.  

Atlanta Tree Professionals

6105 Boylston Dr

Sandy Springs, Ga 30328

404-644-8733

Stop Eating My Trees

Stop Eating My Trees!

In addition to tree removal services in the metro Atlanta area, Atlanta Tree Professionals also offers tree treatment for insects.  Did you know that insects pollinate around 80% of trees and bushes?  Although some of those insects are beneficial to trees, there are about thirty species of insects that contribute to the decline of trees in the U.S.

Damaging insects are grouped by the kind of damage that they cause on certain parts of the tree.  Those groups are:

• Defoliators or leaf eaters.  These include moths, aphids and caterpillars.
• Beetles and borers.  These insects consume or breed inside a tree’s bark and wood.  They also consume the tree’s seeds so new trees can’t grow.
• Fruit insect pests.  These insects rot the fruit growing on trees.  Moths, maggots, flies, leaf rollers and fruit worms are all part of this group.

Most common to our region are Pine Tree Beetles, Ambrosia beetles and carpenter ants.  

If you are worried that your tree(s) might have an insect infestation, look for these signs:

• Sawdust around base of the tree
• Chunks of canopy missing
• Big bubbles of sap on the tree
• Small holes in the tree (they can be smaller than a penny)
• Dropping limbs

Insects are less likely to attack healthy trees, but already damaged or newly planted trees will be more susceptible to an infestation.  So what is the best way to protect your trees from bugs?  Prevention!  Atlanta Tree Professionals can help with that by providing annual treatment of trees for insect control, identifying branch, trunk and root defects that may weaken a tree and recommending ways to manage them, removing dead or defective branches, correcting problems caused by improper care practices that have occurred in the past, pruning to make the tree safer and healthier and crown reduction that reduces the risk of tree failure for large trees located near buildings.

If you believe one or more of your trees are infested or if you want to prevent future infestations, give us a call and we’ll make sure those pests stop eating your trees!  The month of June is free tree assessment month, so give us a call and we’ll come assess your trees at no cost!  We service the Atlanta and metro Atlanta areas.  Call us today at (404) 644-8733.

Spring Clean Up by Atlanta Tree Professionals

Spring Clean Up

Ahhh, who’s ready for it to look like this outside?  Don’t think about the allergies, just the warm, beautiful weather.  We’ve gotten tastes of the spring, so hopefully it will stop teasing us and decide to stay soon.

With the spring does come the dreaded spring cleaning, though, and we at Atlanta Tree Professionals wanted to talk to you about how you can spring clean by getting you trees prepared for spring weather.  This winter has been tough on many of our trees, so it is important to make sure the trees in your yard are in good condition.  Spring is the peak season for thunderstorms and if your trees are not healthy, the storms could do a lot of damage.  Many times when a tree falls, it could have been prevented if it had been inspected before the storms happened.  Here are things that you want to look for that can be potential hazards with your trees:

-       Branches that hang over your home

-       Trees that lean significantly

-       Trees or branches that have a close proximity to power lines

-       Cracks in the trunks or major limbs of trees

-       Trees that are hollow, aged or decaying

Trees that might have these issues are the ones that will come down first in a thunderstorm.  Spring thunderstorms can be hard on weak trees for a couple of reasons.  The first is that when there is heavy rain, the soil gets soaked and the roots of the tree cannot stay fastened in the ground.  The second reason is the wind.  Have you ever had your umbrella turn inside out when it’s really windy?  This is the same effect the wind can have on your tree “canopy.”

The other issue you need to be aware of with your trees in the spring is ivy.  We all know here in Georgia how the ivy grows-like crazy!  Ivy on your trees can actually add weight to the tops of your trees, increasing the likelihood of it falling.  An easy solution to this is to cut the ivy off.  One tip: Don’t pull the ivy off the tree, but instead cut it at the ground.  This way it will not cause harm to the bark of your tree, but will instead cut off it’s water supply, which will cause it to wither and fall off the tree without damage.

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times: Proper maintenance to your trees is so important!  Proper pruning can reduce the wind sail and reduce the likelihood of property damage by a tree.  On the flip side, improper pruning can make trees more vulnerable to the effects of a storm, so please leave it to the experts, like Atlanta Tree Professionals.  We will help you figure out the best plan for your trees to keep your family and property safe. 

Right now, we have a great special going on: You can get $100 off of $500 or more of tree work.  Additionally, if you refer a friend and we do the work on their trees, you can earn another $100 off.  That’s right, friends, up to $200 off! 

If you are in the Atlanta metro area, including Marietta, Atlanta, Decatur, Acworth, Kennesaw, Alpharetta and more, give Atlanta Tree Professionals a call today and take advantage of these great specials! 404-644-8733

Atlanta Tree Professionals 

6105 Boylston Dr NE

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-644-8733

http://www.atlantatreeprofessionals.com

Up On the Rooftop

Up On the Rooftop 

‘Tis the season! Now do Santa and his reindeer a favor and protect your rooftop from trees and limbs. You still want some presents, right?

Winter can be especially tough on trees in your yard. Wind, snow and ice can cause, what might look like healthy branches, to weaken and break and cause damage to your property or home. In addition, dead or dying trees can especially pose a safety hazard. Here are some ways that you can protect your home, property and family from trees in your yard during the winter months:

1. Inspect trees on your property 

The first step in protecting your property from falling trees or limbs is to seasonally inspect your trees. It is also important to inspect your trees after a big storm or many days of heavy rain (like we’ve had in Atlanta lately). Some clues to an unhealthy or dying tree are: lack of leaves on branches, many branches falling, cracks or hollows in the trunk or mushrooms growing on the bark. If you have questions or concerns about any of your trees, Atlanta Tree Professionals can come out and inspect your trees for you.


 2. Prune your trees 

Pruning your trees is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your home from falling limbs. The winter is actually the best time to prune many types of trees. Trees compete for light and grow towards the light. Often times, this means that some trees will start to grow toward your home, simply because there are not trees where your home is sitting. Hardwood trees such as sweet gum, poplars and oaks are especially bad about this. When these trees get too close to your home, it is especially hazardous. If your trees need pruning beyond your abilities, call Atlanta Tree Professionals. We offer a specialized pruning process called “interior pruning”. This process reduces and balances the “tree canopy” on your property. The interior pruning allows the wind to move through the trees without creating a "sail" so to speak and, therefore, makes your home and property safer, reduces the weight of the wood, makes trees healthier, and reduces the wind shear.

3. Tree Removal

As much as we at Atlanta Tree Professionals like to preserve the trees in your yard, sometimes the only way to truly protect your property is to chop a large part of the tree or the whole tree down. When a tree is dead or dying, limbs can easily drop with little encouragement because the rot is spreading throughout the limbs. A little bit of ice or wind in the right direction can be a big hazard if a tree is not healthy. Atlanta Tree Professionals can answer any questions you might have about trees on your property. We like to save the tree if we can, but we ultimately want to keep you and your family safe. If you have some tree trimming needs, do not delay, especially at this time of year. Right now, we have a special where you can receive $100 off of $600 or more! Call us at 404-644-8733 today!

Atlanta Tree Professionals
6105 Boylston Drive Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30328
404-644-8733 (404-644-TREE)

Deadwood To Firewood

Deadwood to Firewood

Have any trees that look like this in your yard?  They might be dead. Okay, let's be real. They are dead.  Can you guess Atlanta Tree Professionals thoughts on the matter? 

Yes, it is time to cut them down...

Then what?  One great way to put an old, dead tree to use is to dry it and use for firewood, or even wood chips for barbecuing. 

CALL 404-644-8733 for Atlanta tree services by Atlanta Tree Professionals

If you are wanting to turn your tree into firewood, the most important thing you need to do is make sure that the wood is dry or “cured.”  Burning wood that is not properly dried results in smoky fires that don’t burn for very long.  Burning wood with high moisture can also cause a build up of a chemical called creosote which can build up and ignite major fires (which you don’t want in your home). Save those for the firepit when you invite the neighbors for 

When drying your wood, the goal should be 20% moisture content.  You can check the moisture level in wood by using a moisture meter, which you can find in most hardware stores.  Most wood needs to be stored from 6-12 months to be fully dried.  Here are some tips to get your wood cured:

1.     Cut the wood into the right length so it fits in your fireplace and/or fire pit well.  Try to cut the wood into the same size pieces to make for easier storage.

2.     Split the wood before you stack it.  Aiming to cut the wood into pieces with a diameter of six inches or less is a good goal.

3.     Store the firewood off the ground.  Having the wood six inches off the ground allows the bottom of the wood pile to dry.  You can do this by having the wood on a rack or arranging branches at the bottom of the pile.

4.     Cover the top of the pile, but leave the sides exposed.  The best material to do this with is by using a heavy duty, clear, plastic tarp.  This allows the sunlight in but keeps the moisture out.

Once dried out, or cured, this firewood will be perfect for your winter fire!  If you like to grill out, you could even use your dried wood for wood chips for your next barbecue.  Some trees that are great for wood chip use are Hickory, Oak and Pecan.

If all of this sounds great but you need help cutting the tree down, give Atlanta Tree Professionals a call!  We are located in Sandy Springs, GA and our service area reaches Marietta, Atlanta, Decatur, Acworth, Kennesaw, Alpharetta and more.

Commercial Tree Removal Special $200 off any $1,000 Job or more

Atlanta tree services from Atlanta Tree Professionals is having a fall special, $200 off any $1,000 or more commercial tree removal or commercial tree trimming job.

This Atlanta tree service offer is perfect for

• Homeowner's Associations
• Property Management Companies
• Apartment Complex Tree Trimming
• Commercial Real Estate 
• Golf Courses

Fall is the time when commercial business owners and developers begin to start trimming and pruning their property in anticipation of winter.

Check out our Google Offer to learn more.

Tornado Damage Atlanta Storms 06/13/13

Atlanta had some incredible tree damage last week due to crazy storms. As you can imagine there has been some serious tree removal Atlanta going on.

Here is a shot of the 2 EF1 tornados path as they ripped through Cherokee County, Cobb County and Fulton County from the National Weather Service for the storms that passed through Georgia from June 13, 2013.

Atlanta Tree Professionals got a call at 6am that next morning after one family came out to see there was not one but two trees on their house. Here is a video interview/customer tree testimonial of her experience with Atlanta Tree Professionals.

We worked in Dunwoody that day and East Cobb. In Dunwoody they had 30 trees down in one cul de sac!

As you can imagine we have tons of woodchips.
Go to our website to see out how to get on the schedule for your free woodchips Atlanta. 

Atlanta Tree Professionals has been working hard, in fact so hard that we thank you for your patience as we have tried to take care of everyone in Sandy Springs, East Cobb and Decatur these past 7 days. And we believe in a job well done so that you will recommend us to your friends.

Give us a call, 404-644-8733 and we can set up a free estimate for tree trimming, tree services and tree removal. Again, we thank everyone for the kind referrals that have come in this past week.

That storm was mighty powerful and we understand your pain in having to remove or seriously trim what should of been a near permanent fixture on your property. We promise to not only be cautious in taking down these beauties but also in our clean up.

Peace from Atlanta Tree Professionals.