What is the USDA Hardiness Zone for Indiana?

If you are choosing a new selection of trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers, it is important to look at the United States Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone Map before placing a final order. You see, trees and plants require specific amounts of sunlight, soil conditions, climates, and more, in order to thrive. If you were to plant a Palm tree in Indianapolis, chances are that it would not last past Christmas.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about plant hardiness zones, and where the Hoosier state falls on the map.

Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770
Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770

U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone Map

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location.” This map is based on the average minimum temperature that occurs during the winter, per year, over the past 30 years. It is important to understand that these values are not derived from the lowest temperature that has ever occurred, but rather, the average annual radical minimum temperature during a past 30-year period.

You can visit the USDA plant hardiness webpage to learn your area’s specific plant hardiness zone by simply entering in your zip code. You can also view a 2012 USDA Hardiness Zone Map of Indiana on their interactive map page.

Indiana Hardiness Zone

Indiana Hardiness Zone Map
Indiana Hardiness Zone Map

The USDA Hardiness Zones for Indiana are 5 and 6, specifically 5b, and 6a, and 6b. Common trees that are hardy to these zones include various species of Ash, Cedar, Pine, Hemlock, Elder, Birch, Beech, Cherry, Walnut, Chestnut, Buckeye, Hickory, Locust, Magnolia, Maple, Oak, Poplar, Sweetgum, Sycamore, Willow, and more.

Take the Red Maple, for instance. Red Maple trees are good fits for almost any type of property. Even better, they grow in a pageant of colors, with something always red in every season. Winter red buds, red springtime flowers, deep red summer leafstalks, and brilliant red hues in autumn foliage are just a preview of the beauty this tree has to offer. It grows fast and well in hardiness zones 3 through 9, averaging heights between 40 and 60 feet, and widths up to 40 feet.

Other Factors to Consider

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a terrific resource to use for planting new trees and shrubs, however, there are several other factors to consider that influence the behavior and growth rate of your plants. Hardiness zone adherence is not enough to sustain thriving, long-lasting, fully-performing trees and shrubs. Additional gardening factors that must be considered include soil conditions, sunlight, water, fertilizer, mulching, cold exposure, heat exposure, humidity, environmental modifications, and pest management.

Talk to a licensed Fishers tree service company for advice on tree planting and tree care you can trust.

Call 317-537-9770 for professional and affordable Fishers tree service to keep your trees healthy all season long. We are experienced tree care contractors who provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including routine tree service, major tree work, lot clearing, and more. Request a free estimate, today!

Fishers Tree Service Coupons
Fishers Tree Service Coupons 317-537-9770

Important Tree Root Protection Tips for Homeowners

Tree root systems are not usually visible above ground, making it easy to forget about them. However, they incredibly vital to a tree’s overall health. They are the nutrient and water distribution system for a tree, which helps the tree growth strong and live long. Without a strong root system, a tree is susceptible to all kinds of problems, including leaning, toppling, pest infestation, disease, and more.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about caring for your tree’s root system, and who to trust for professional tree care advice and service.

Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770

Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770

Root Damage

The most common culprits behind root damage are lawn mowers, construction work, pests, and unstable soil conditions. However, there are several more ways a root system can ensure stress and damage. In order to protect a tree’s root system, you must stay on top of all the proper tree care practices.

Here are some great tips to get you started on the right path:

Fortifying Roots

Annually, you want to revitalize your tree’s root system. You can do this by hand using a hand cultivator tool to gently loosen the top 2 to 3 inches of soil. This is a great way to alleviate soil compaction and let in more water and air to the roots.

Watering

Trees that are newly-planted, young, or under some sort of duress (i.e. illness, pest infestation, etc.) should be watered often. Keep in mind, however, that too much water is just as damaging as too little. Before each watering, use your fingers to test the moisture level of the top 2 inches of soil. If it is still moist to the touch, you can hold off one more day before watering your tree again. If it is dry, it needs more water.

Mulching

Mulch is incredible important for tree care. Not only does it protect roots from sun damage, wildlife interference, and soil compaction, it also helps to retain moisture and add valuable organic matter to the soil. Keep your mulch at least 6 inches away from the trunk, but be sure to add 2 to 4 inches of depth.

Drip Lines

Take into consideration the tree’s drip line. This is where the edge of the canopy extends, and forms a circle around the tree. This area should be moist to the touch to ensure the roots are getting enough water.

Inspections

When there is nothing more to do for your tree, be sure that you are implementing regular inspections to look for signs of trouble. Check for pest infestations, dry soil, damaged bark, missing foliage, discolorations, fungal growth, and anything else that indicates the tree is not as healthy as it should be.

Fishers Tree Service

Fishers Tree Service 317-537-9770

Fishers Tree Service 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for professional and affordable Fishers tree service to keep your trees healthy all season long. We are licensed and insured tree care specialists with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. We provide residential and commercial tree services at the most competitive prices in Fishers. Request a free estimate or information about our tree service coupons, today!