Terran's Tips

The most common reason tree owners call us is concern that something is wrong with their tree. Well, that’s really the motivation to call us in the first place. We hear it all the time: “What is that bug?” “I think my dog may have gotten sick in my mulch.” “Why are there holes in my azalea leaves?” “I love my sweetgum, but I hate the gumballs.” “I don’t think my tree is feeling well.” “My tree looks sick.” &ld... Read More

Tree health and growth are dependent upon an adequate supply of water. Natural rainfall usually supplies enough moisture to sustain trees without artificial watering. Periods of moderate dryness are natural, and can be tolerated by healthy trees. What is water stress? Trees show signs of water stress when they cannot take up enough moisture from the soil to replace water loss from transpiration. Water stress can develop when dry periods are especially long or when severe hot or cold weather... Read More

Originally Published November 2010. Welcome to fall! On this side of summer, we have just come through a pretty rough drought (as of October 19 we were in the Severe – Extreme range) and your trees responded to that lack of water. Of course, we’re not necessarily out of the drought just yet, but hopefully we will be soon. What happened? What can we do about it? Is there hope? Read more, We’ll tell you, and Yes. Water. Waaaterrrr… In response to drought, or a soil ... Read More

Originally Published in September 2007. September has given Memphis and the mid south a much needed break from record setting August temperatures and drought. It is a certainty every summer that we will have some level of drought and extreme heat which will require supplemental watering to our urban and landscape trees. Silent Suffering  A tree’s first damage from drought occurs beneath the soil line in the form of root damage, long before any outward signs of trouble. After a... Read More

Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to maintain moisture and improve soil conditions. Mulching is one of the most beneficial things a home owner can do for the health of a tree. Mulch can reduce water loss from the soil, minimize weed competition, and improve soil structure. Properly applied, mulch can give landscapes a handsome, well-groomed appearance. Mulch must be applied properly; if it is too deep or if the wrong material is used, it can actually cause significant harm t... Read More