A bare winter tree showing natural dormancy

Understanding Tree Dormancy: What Really Happens When Trees “Sleep”

When winter arrives and the last leaves fall from your trees, it might appear that your landscape has gone lifeless. The bare branches stand silent against gray skies, and everything seems frozen in time. But this “sleep” is far from what it appears. This period is a highly active, strategic survival state called dormancy, and […]

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tree roots lifting the lawn and creating uneven ground

Why Tree Roots Come to the Surface (and How to Fix It)

Have you noticed large, gnarled tree roots pushing through your lawn, cracking your sidewalk, or creating trip hazards around your property? You’re not alone. Surface tree roots are one of the most common complaints homeowners have about their landscape trees, and understanding why they appear is the first step to addressing the problem effectively. Tree […]

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tree canopy with widespread yellow leaves in summer

Yellow Leaves on Trees: When It’s Normal and When It’s a Warning

Noticing yellow leaves on your trees can trigger immediate concern for any property owner. Is your tree dying? Is it diseased? Or is this just a normal part of the tree’s lifecycle? Understanding the difference between harmless yellowing and warning signs of serious problems can save your trees and prevent costly mistakes. Key Takeaways Chlorosis […]

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McKay Tree Service arborist inspecting overhanging tree branches near a Georgia property line during routine maintenance.

Who Is Responsible for Cutting Overhanging Tree Branches in Southeast Georgia?

Under Georgia law, property owners have the right to trim tree branches that extend onto their property, but only up to the property line. You cannot cut into the trunk or damage roots on the neighbor’s side, as doing so could harm or kill the tree. If that happens, you may be held legally responsible […]

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Emergency Tree Removal Cost in Northeast Georgia?

How Much Does Emergency Tree Removal Cost in Northeast Georgia?

When a tree falls unexpectedly after a storm or begins to lean dangerously toward your home, panic sets in fast. Who do you call? How much will it cost? For homeowners across Northeast Georgia, emergency tree removal can range widely depending on timing, damage, and risk. At McKay Tree Service, we’ve handled hundreds of urgent […]

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applying organic mulch and compost for sustainable winter tree care in Georgia.Sustainable Winter Tree Care Practices in Georgia

Preparing Trees for Winter: How to Protect Roots, Branches & Bark from the Cold

As temperatures drop across Georgia, trees face one of their toughest seasons. Without preparation, roots can freeze, bark can split overnight, and storm winds can topple even healthy trees. Winter weather stresses roots, cracks bark, and weakens branches, especially when temperatures swing between freezing nights and mild afternoons. Preparing your trees before the cold sets […]

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Large Tree Removal for Properties in Cornelia & Gainesville

Large Tree Removal for Storm-Damaged Properties in Cornelia & Gainesville

When storms strike, large trees are among the first to show damage. Cracked trunks, hanging limbs, and uprooted bases can make even healthy trees unstable. Quick professional removal helps prevent secondary accidents like falling branches or further structural collapse. Common Post-Storm Risks: Trees leaning toward homes or power lines Split or hanging branches are ready […]

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Close-up of white fungus growing on a tree trunk in Northeast Georgia

White Fungus on Tree Trunks in Northeast Georgia – What It Means and How to Treat It

If you have noticed white fungus growing on the trunk of a tree in your yard, you are not alone. Many homeowners in Northeast Georgia, including Habersham County and Hall County, spot these strange white patches or mushroom-like growths and immediately worry that their tree is dying or could fail near their home. While white […]

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Gainesville, Georgia tree fertilization and soil care guide for homeowners

The Gainesville Homeowner’s Guide to Tree Fertilization & Soil Care

Effective tree fertilization and soil care in Gainesville, Georgia, require understanding the region’s unique clay soil conditions and seasonal climate patterns. Proper nutrient management helps trees thrive in Georgia’s challenging red clay soils while supporting long-term landscape health. Gainesville homeowners face distinct soil challenges that affect tree nutrition, including acidic pH levels, poor drainage in […]

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Is It Illegal to Cut Down Trees on Your Property in Gainesville, GA?

Is It Illegal to Cut Down Trees on Your Property in Gainesville, Georgia?

If you own property in Gainesville, Georgia, you might assume you can cut down any tree on your land whenever you want. But that’s not always the case. While Georgia protects property rights, Gainesville and Hall County have local rules that restrict tree removal – especially for large, historic, or “specimen” trees, or when the […]

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