Can Underground Animals Kill My Trees?

With summer coming to an end, and colder seasons up ahead, many hibernating animals are preparing their winter reserves. However, in the midst of winter preparation, animals can be quite disruptive, and even damaging to our properties. This is mostly true for underground animals like moles, voles, shrews, and more. In fact, one of the most common consequences of underground animal infestations is lawn damage. So if these animals can do so much damage to a lawn, could they also harm our trees?

Continue reading to learn which animals might pose a threat to your landscaping trees this fall, as well as, what you can do to help prevent tree damage all year long.

Fishers Fall Tree Service 317-537-9770
Fishers Fall Tree Service 317-537-9770

Animal Tree Damages

Underground animals like moles and shrews can absolutely have a negative impact on landscaping trees, especially those that are young or sick. It all comes down to their food tunnels and large incisor teeth. You see, as moles and other underground animals store food reserves for winter, they must create elaborate underground food tunnels to transport it all, while also protecting them from predators who are also trying to fatten up for the upcoming season.

These food tunnels, in excess, can lead to soil instability, which in turn, can eventually lead to a tree toppling over. This is even more likely if a tree is very old or heavy, and in inclement weather conditions. Furthermore, these food tunnels can also have effect a tree’s root system, which is what they rely on for water and nutrition. Although these animals do not actually eat tree roots, they will nibble and chew right through them to continue crafting these elaborate underground tunnels. Not only does this root damage cause nutrient deficiencies in trees, it can also lead to root diseases and death.

What You Can Do

It is important to implement safe and humane best practices for nuisance wildlife control and mitigation. You can use live traps and environmental modification to get rid of a mole or vole problem, safely. Aside from mitigating nuisance wildlife activity on your property, the best way to protect your landscaping trees is to properly care for them all year long. A healthier tree is more resilient to outer conditions such as wildlife tampering. See our blog, “How to Maintain Healthy Trees” to learn about suggested tree care practices.

Professional Tree Service in Fishers

Call 317-537-9770 for year-round tree service in Fishers, Indiana. We are highly trained and experienced tree care contractors that offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at competitive prices. We also offer tree service coupons and discounts! Request a free estimate, today.

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Fishers Tree Service Coupons 317-537-9770

Are My Trees Getting Enough Sun in Cloudy Weather?

We all know that trees require sunlight for process of photosynthesis to take place. But can trees get enough energy from the sun on overcast days to achieve this? Now that summer is fading out, you might notice less sunny days. But not to worry; your trees are biologically programmed to withstand and adjust to seasonal changes, whether evergreen or deciduous. However, there are plenty of things you can do to further protect your landscaping trees as the weather continues to change this year.

Continue reading to learn some fundamental tree care tips that will keep your trees in good health even in times when the sun is not as strong.

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

Basic Tree Care for Homeowners

Here are some basic tasks you can do to ensure your trees are transitioning from season to season in a healthy way:

✅ Let Nature Take it’s Course

As for sun and water, your trees, both conifers and deciduous ones, are biologically prepared to handle the changing conditions. This includes less sun and water. If you notice some issues with your tree, it would be wise to have them inspected for disease or infestation. Many summer tree problems can be resolved by spring. See our blog, “3 Summer Risks That Can Kill Your Trees” to learn what you need to look for in your landscaping.

✅ Pull Your Weeds

Weeds are not good for trees. They can obstruct tree growth in a variety of ways, but mostly by hogging up all the water supply.  One of the easiest tasks for tree care is pulling weeds. This is especially important for newly planted trees. Simply check around the base of your trees on occasion for weeds, and pull any weeds that are within five feet of the tree base. 

✅ Prune in the Fall

Around 25% of a tree’s crown should be pruned on an annual basis, but should never be over pruned.  Over-pruning can kill the tree, or make it look very ugly.  It is recommended to remove only a small percentage of the live parts of the tree at one time. Weak or declining trees will require less pruning or none at all.  When it comes to pruning trees, use a professional tree care company for safety and precision.

✅ Fall Preparation

As summer comes to an end, you will need to begin your seasonal preparation. This includes cabling and bracing young, fragile, or vulnerable trees. As the seasons change into harsher weather, the cabling and bracing protects trees from strong winds, storms, and more.

✅ Winter Preparation

Wrap the trunks of young or newly-planted trees in the fall to better protect them from winter elements. Use store-bought wrapping strips and apply them to the trunks of trees by winding them upwards like the stripes on a candy cane. You can find several different types of trunk wraps at your local gardening store.

Affordable Tree Service in Fishers

Call 317-537-9770 for professional Fishers tree service you can trust. We are highly trained and experienced tree care contractors that offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at the most competitive prices in Hamilton County! We also offer tree service coupons and discounts! Request a free estimate or information, today.

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