Check Your Tree for Invasive Asian Long-horned Beetles

Posted on August 29, 2018 by admin

For all you tree enthusiasts out there…. August Is Tree Check Month!

The month is almost over, but you still have time to do your part to support the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) initiative to stop a highly invasive and destructive insect known as the Asian Long-horned Beetle (ALB). Continue reading to learn more about these intrusive bugs, and what you can do to help keep them away!

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What You Can Do

To support Tree Check Month, all you have to do is take a quick look at your landscaping trees. Spend 10 to 15 minutes closely examining the bark and branches for signs of the Asian Long-horned Beetle. Look for round, drill-like holes that are around the size of a dime or smaller; these are common indications of boring. Also be on the lookout for the actual culprits. Asian Long-horned beetles appear black in color, 1” to 1 ½” long, with long black and white antennas.

Common Signs of ALB:

✔ Wood Dust Material Around Trunk and Branches
✔ Oval-Shaped Scars on Bark
✔ Round Holes in Bark and Branches
✔ Dead Branches
✔ Falling Limbs
✔ Loss of Foliage

What To Do If You Find Evidence of Them

If you see even one, or signs of invasive beetles, do your part by reporting the case right away. Why? Because Asian Long-horned beetles destroy millions of acres of woods and forests. Once trees are affected, there is no cure. According to the USDA, more than 160,000 trees have died so far from ALB invasions. Asian Long-horned beetles like to target valuable hardwoods, such as poplars, birch, elm, ash, willow, and maple.

Before you make the report, take a picture of the beetle, or any possible signs. If you can capture an actual specimen, do so and freeze it; do not worry, it cannot hurt you. Once you have collected evidence, then contact the local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) by calling 1-866-702-9938 or completing an online form here.

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Can I Use Lawn Pesticide Around Trees?

Posted on August 17, 2018 by admin

We all want great-looking lawns. So treating them for weeds is a common practice adopted by many homeowners all across the world. The problem is that weed killer doesn’t just kill weeds; it can harm many other living organisms too, including trees. This can be a big problem since trees have a significant impact on the overall appeal and value of a property. If you want to kill off weeds and unwanted grass in certain areas of your lawn, but there are trees in the same vicinity, you will need to take extra precautions.

Continue reading to learn more about lawn herbicides, including how they can harm trees and the best methods of application.

Pre and Post-Emergent Herbicides

There are two common types of products available to treat weeds and grass. Pre-emergent lawn herbicides prevent weeds and unwanted grass from germinating, and ultimately, growing. They generally come in granule form that can be sprinkled into the soil by hand, but are only effective when seedlings have not yet appeared; they will not work against grass that grows from rhizomes. Post-emergent herbicides usually come in spray form, and can be used to treat grown patches of weeds and grass. They enter the vascular system through leaves or blades, and kill the plants from within.

Lawn Herbicides Around Trees

It is important to read all manufacturer’s instructions before applying an herbicide product around the base of a tree. Keep in mind that they are not all the same. Some herbicides contain chemicals that will quickly soak into a tree’s root system and do all kinds of irreversible damage. Look for herbicidal products that contain active ingredients like glyphosate or sethoxydim; these two ingredients are generally safer to use around young and mature trees.

Proper application is still vital when using herbicide products around trees, even if they are deemed safe. Using too much or placing it in the wrong locations can cause damage to a tree. You want to prevent chemical drifting by wrapping the base of your tree with cardboard or plastic tarp. This will protect the bark and prevent the trunk from absorbing unwanted herbicide. In fact, it is best to apply your herbicides on a day when wind is mild to prevent drift.

Alternative Weed Killers

Aside from using chemical herbicides, you can implement some alternative methods to prevent weeds from growing around the base of your trees. One of the most effective techniques is to mulch. Mulch is an excellent organic method of thwarting grass and weed seed germination. Using mulch in combination with landscaping fabric is a highly effective method of preventing weed growth beneath trees.

Professional Tree Service in Fishers

Call 317-537-9770 for professional and affordable tree service in Fishers, Indiana. 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. Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Fishers tree service, today.

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3 Summer Risks That Can Kill Your Trees

Posted on July 31, 2018 by admin

This summer, make it your priority to protect your landscaping trees. After all, they are highly valuable and beneficial assets to your property. Trees do not just enhance curb appeal, they also provide abundant privacy and shade, and act as natural noise barriers and snow fences. All of these advantages can save you money by reducing your home’s energy consumption, make you money by increasing property value, encourage better indoor comfort, and provide a much nicer quality of life.

The importance of your landscaping trees is apparent in these benefits, which is more reason to take good care of them through every changing season. We know winter can have harsh effects on trees, but what many do not realize is that summer presents its own list of threats.

The three most common threats to your trees this summer are pests, moisture, and lawn chemicals. All of these threats can severely damage your trees. Fortunately, they can all be avoided with the proper knowledge and initiative. Continue reading to learn more about these 3 tree risks, and what you can do about them.

❶ Pests and Wildlife

The summer season is the time for all the insects and animals to come out of hiding and do what they do best. Although nature’s wildlife are cute and interesting, they can also be highly destructive to trees. Nuisance wild animals like voles and rabbits are known to harm trees with ring barking and tree girdling. Other animals like to use tree bark as a scratching post. Insects like the Emerald Ash Borer are highly invasive and can kill a tree within one season. Other pests include insect aphids, larvae, termites, tree beetles, wood peckers, moths, budworms, webworms, weevils, caterpillars, and various wood boring insects.

❷ Moisture and Water

Poor water drainage and excessive moisture can cause trees to suffer in terms of health. Although trees require water to thrive, too much water (or moisture) can be harmful. If too much water accumulates at the base of a tree, roots can suffocate and cause a tree to die. It is important to inspect the areas of your property to ensure your yard has proper drainage to avoid flooding your trees. Talk to a Fishers Tree Service professional for tree watering and drainage advice you can trust.

❸ Weed Killers and Herbicides

Another common threat to trees in the summer are weed killers and herbicides. In fact, it is strongly encouraged to avoid using them this time of year. Such products are usually formulated using a wide range of harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients that are dangerous to both plant life and trees. One of the most common indications that suggest weed killers have damaged your trees are unusually twisted and discolored leaves. If you have no other choice but to use weed killers and herbicides, be sure to apply them far away from trees, shrubs, bushes, and other types of flora you care about. Also, do not use the same spray pump that you use to administer insecticides and fungicides since there could be residual chemicals.

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Where to Get the Best Summer Deals for Tree Service in Fishers

Posted on July 17, 2018 by admin

When it comes to finding tree removal and tree care you can trust, look no further than our licensed and insured tree service specialists! For more than 30 years, our tree service company has made Hoosiers happy all over the town of Fishers. You’ll be amazed to discover the incredible money-saving deals we are currently offering residential and commercial property owners this summer!

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Comprehensive Tree Work at the Most Competitive Prices

Here at Tree Service Fishers.com, we provide a wide range of tree services at the most affordable prices in town. Our staffs are extensively trained in all ranges of professional tree work, including ANSI pruning standards, safety operations, business ethics, customer support, and much more. In addition to tree removal, we also provide a wide range of tree care services, like tree pruning, trimming, shaping, stump removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, pest integration, storm damage clearance, and more,

Client Conveniences and Amenities You Will Appreciate

We also provide several client conveniences and amenities, such as free estimates, DIY advice, senior discounts, and various coupons for residential and commercial properties. So if you need any tree work done on your property, our highly trained and experienced tree service technicians can get it done fast, and at a price you can afford! You will be happy once you hear the remarkable deals available at Tree Service Fishers.com. Ask about our special discounts and current summer specials by calling 317-537-9770 right now!

What Can You Expect?

✨ You can get 10% OFF any tree service!

✨ Residential property owners can take advantage of our $25 off tree trimming this year!

✨ Senior citizens get discounts up to 10% OFF!

✨ Don’t forget we also offer free estimates, DIY advice, tree care information, and more!

Get a Free Tree Service Quote Today!

Call our office at 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Fishers tree service, today. Our trusted tree service specialists has everything they need to safely and efficiently remove dead or unwanted trees from your property at a price you can afford. They can also give you advice on whether or not a sick tree needs to be removed. In some cases, a sick tree can be treated and cured by a licensed arborist.

What is the USDA Hardiness Zone for Indiana?

Posted on June 22, 2018 by admin

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.

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

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!

Important Tree Root Protection Tips for Homeowners

Posted on June 12, 2018 by admin

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.

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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

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!

How to Shop for a Strong Tree

Posted on May 31, 2018 by admin

If you are on the market for some new trees to plant in your yard, it is in your best interest to choose specimens that are well-suited for your region’s hardiness zone, as well as, your property, your needs, and your budget. In addition to finding trees that meet all of these needs, it is important to also choose trees that are strong and resilient, especially if you live in a region that experiences heavy winds and storms.

Continue reading to learn what to look for when shopping around for a tree that will stand up to inclement weather and harsh seasonal elements.

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There is a method when shopping for a tree.

Most people simply choose a tree that looks good to them, but there are certain features you should be concentrating on in order to gain an accurate picture of the tree’s growth potential. These foretelling features include stem solidity, branch size, branch spacing, joint vigor, and foliage distribution. These attributes will give you a clear idea as to how dependable a tree will be after it is replanted.

☑ Stem Solidity

The central stem system is an important factor in choosing a strong tree. When young, you can hardly call a tree trunk a “trunk” since it is skinny and has a closer resemblance of a stalk or stem. This makes it even more important to choose a tree that appears to have a strong, robust, thick stem. The general rule of thumb is that a single stem should be about half of the overall mass of the tree.

☑ Branches

Branch size and spacing are important indicators of future tree health. If the branches begin to branch off early on in the stem, it could be a sign of a defective tree. Furthermore, you need to choose a specimen that has strong, sturdy branches that are a little less than half the diameter of the stem at the point where they connect to the stem. Spacing is also central. Branches that are clustered together or too close can indicate that a tree might experience stress or weight distribution problems in the future.

☑ Joint Vigor

As mentioned, you want to find a specimen that has joints that are sturdy, thick, and strong. You do not want to see branches attached by flimsy or weakened joints. This can lead to large branches sagging or bending, causing obstructions and poor curb appeal. Branch joints should be a little less than 1/2 the diameter of the stem.

☑ Foliage Distribution

The extent of foliage spreading is also a key performance indicator to consider. Good foliage spread are those that cover at least two-thirds of the stem of each branch. Lower branches that have a decent foliage spread can boost sturdier diameter growth, which can lead to an improved taper, overall.

The Fishers Tree Service To trust

Fishers Tree Service 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for professional 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! Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Fishers tree service, today.

Is There Something Wrong With My Soil?

Posted on May 24, 2018 by admin

Sometimes we plant a tree and it just doesn’t work out. We can’t seem to identify any signs of pest infestation or wildlife tampering, nor evidence of tree disease. So why is your tree not thriving? The answer could be in the soil. Continue reading to learn how soil can affect tree health, and what you can do to determine the condition of your soil.

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Soil plays an important role in tree health because it efficiently regulates water, filters out pollutants, and produces critical nutrients. Soil must be healthy to accomplish all of these duties, otherwise a tree cannot survive. There are many factors that can influence soil health, including water drainage, organic matter, nutrition, and more. In order to determine the condition of your garden soil, you must have it tested.

Soil Testing Options

You can test soil yourself by using a store-bought soil testing kit. These are available in all difference packages and prices at any local home improvement or garden store. These kits generally aim to test the soil for levels of moisture, light, and pH. Often times, deficient soil nutrition can be caused by acidic or alkaline soil.

You can also test your soil without a kit by simply examining it up close. Start by digging up a sample in the morning or afternoon when light is best. Then take your time to inspect the soil to determine if it appears healthy or not.

Healthy Soil vs. Unhealthy Soil

Healthy soil will be darker in color and have a richer appearance. It will also contain plant and animal evidence like worms and fungi. In order for soil to be healthy, it must have sufficient water drainage, balanced nutrition, proper compaction, a presence of organic matter. These are some of the most common causes of poor soil health. Signs of poor soil health include the formation of crusts, too much compaction, contamination of pesticides and similar toxins, salt accumulation, and erosion.

Drainage Testing

To test water drainage, dig a hole 12 inches deep into your soil. Then fill the hole with water, all the way to the top. After 30 minutes, check the hole to see how much water is left. If you can still see water, you have a soil drainage problem.

Did Unhealthy Soil Kill Your Tree?

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Call 317-537-9770 for prompt and professional dead tree removal in Fishers, Indiana. We are experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of commercial and residential tree services, from routine tree care to major tree work, and everything in between. On top of the most competitive prices in town, we also offer tree service coupons and discounts. Request a free estimate, today.

How Does Tree Risk Assessment Work?

Posted on April 26, 2018 by admin

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Trees make a property. When you see a property without any trees, it looks like it’s missing something important. That is because trees play several important roles for both residential and commercial properties. Some of their top benefits include wind barricades, sound barriers, snow fences, privacy, aesthetics, outdoor comfort, energy efficiency, and wildlife habitation.

Yet however appealing and beneficial, trees can also come with a long list of potential risks. This is especially true for large trees and trees located near important structures, like homes, buildings, power lines, electrical boxes, parking lots, and playgrounds. Continue reading to learn how tree risk is assessed by professionals, and what you can do to identify a tree hazard on your own.

Assessing Tree Risk

A risk assessment procedure can be implemented by a trained arborist or tree service company. Generally, the formal risk assessment process is executed according to the ANSI A300 standards. These are the overall industry-accepted standards for tree work. During this evaluation process, a trained specialist will provide a full-service inspection, detect any deficiencies, and ascertain how likely such defects will cause a tree to perish.

The 3 Levels of Risk Assessment

According to the ANSI A300 standards, there are 3 primary levels of risk assessment for trees. These include initial inspection, ground-level observation, and high-tech diagnostic procedures. During the initial inspection, the specialist will take a look at the tree in person or through pictures. This mostly depends on availability and scheduling.

After this initial inspection takes place, the specialist will make an appointment to come physically observe the tree’s ground-level components, including the soil, root system, and trunk. Based on their findings, the specialist will then arrange for any analytical testing. This phase can include taking soil samples and having them analyzed at a laboratory.

Once the examination is complete, the tree specialist will provide a written report that details the potential tree risks, as well as, the recommendations for improvement to mitigate the identified risks. In most cases, a tree that is found to be a high risk is removed. For trees that possess lower risk levels, tree treatments, soil treatments, and environmental modifications may help to alleviate risk.

Take Responsibility for a Risky Tree

It is important to understand that you alone are liable for a risky tree. A tree specialist is only responsible for assessing the level of risk and recommending the proper resolutions. You are responsible for moving forward with any treatments or modifications necessary to render the tree safe. If you are unsure whether or not your tree is a potential hazard on your property, it is always best to have it inspected by a licensed Fishers tree service specialist to be sure.

Fishers Tree Service

Fishers Tree Service 317-537-9770

A Quick Guide to Deep Root Fertilization for Trees

Posted on April 18, 2018 by admin

Deep liquid root fertilization is a common method used to compost and enrich trees. It is a controlled process of fertilization in that the fertilizer treatments are directly injected into the tree’s root system for an expedited effect, which further supports and assists in the tree’s initial development. Deep root fertilization should be performed in the early spring or fall for best results.

For large-scale or commercial projects, high-powered tree service equipment is required to perform deep root fertilization properly. For residential tree fertilizing jobs, a professional arborist will use tools like “soil needles” or deep root feeders. For personal projects, it is possible to provide deep root fertilizer treatments to your landscaping trees without the help of a professional service.

Continue reading to learn how to process of deep liquid root fertilization can be done all on your own.

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Needed Supplies:

☑ Drain Spade
☑ Slow-Release Liquid Fertilizer
☑ Protective Eye Goggles
☑ Protective Gloves
☑ Power Auger (Optional)

Getting Started:

❦ Use your drain spade to dig narrow holes around the base of your tree. You have the option of using a power auger here if you like, but a drain spade should work well. Make the holes 2 to 3 feet apart, but 6 to 12 feet from the actual base of the trunk. Each hole should be between 8 to 12 feet deep.

❦ Locate the tree’s drip line. Create an additional outer ring of holes along the perimeter of the tree’s drip line. Be sure to retain all soil for re-filling purposes.

❦ Choose your liquid fertilizer. Look for a 10-10-10 combination product that contains mycorrhiza. This will reduce your trees susceptibility to soil pollutants and promote a strong root system at once. You will need a ½ gallon of liquid fertilizer for every hole.

❦ Pour a ½ gallon of liquid fertilizer directly into each hole that you’ve dug around your tree. Wait for the liquid to fully absorb in every hole, and then refill each one with the soil you’ve saved. Avoid combining fertilizers since this can actually have a damaging effect on your trees.

Do You Need Professional Tree Care?

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