5 Ways to Eat a Pine Tree

Posted on October 17, 2017 by admin

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Did you know that Pine trees are edible? In fact, the consumption of Pine trees dates all the way back to our ancient Native American ancestors. Everything from pine nuts to pine resin can serve a culinary or digestive purpose, and taste good too! So if you ever come across baked pine cones on a restaurant menu, you won’t be completely shocked; nor will you be turned off by the idea of ordering them! You’ll see that Pine treats are a unique and surprisingly healthy choice, as well as an experience you won’t soon forget.

Continue reading to learn 5 ways you can enjoy eating a pine tree.

❶ Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are more common, so you may have already known about them. You may have even had them before! They are available at many health food stores, raw or roasted, but you can just pick them from your own trees yourself. Pine nuts are actually the seeds, and you can remove them from the husk and eat them raw, or enjoy them roasted. If you want to pick a lot at one time, roasting them wil increase their shelf life.

❷ Pine Needles

Okay, so now you might be out of your comfort zone. Pine needles are spikey, after all. But don’t worry; they are not meant to be eaten. Instead, you can steep pine needles in boiling water to make a delicious and soothing tea. They are a terrific source of Vitamin C too. However, not all species are safe to eat. There are three pine trees to avoid: the Yew (Taxus), Norfolk Island Pine (Araucana heterophylla), and the Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa).

❸ Pine Cones

As mentioned, you might find baked pine cones on a menu. But there are other ways to enjoy pine cones too. They are commonly boiled, but you can also use the springtime pollen of male pine cones (they are smaller) to create a thickening agent. This is great for broths, stews, and even flour. Just be sure to pick pine cones from the tips of branches.

❹ Pine Resin

Do you like to chew gum? The ancient Native Americans chewed on pine resin to treat joint pain and for its antibacterial qualities. You can also steep pine resin boiling water to make tea. This has been said to settle an upset stomach and alleviate arthritis symptoms.

❺ Inner Bark

The inner bark of a pine tree is also edible, and perhaps one of the most versatile constituents. You can boil it, bake it, roast it, or eat it raw. You can even fry it! Just be sure you don’t just cut into a live pine tree. Look for fallen branches to use instead.

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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.

Advice for Extracting Sap From Trees

Posted on October 3, 2017 by admin

There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to enjoy the benefits of free sap from your landscaping trees. Although a bit labor-intensive, sap extraction is something any homeowner can do themselves. However, you must have the right knowledge to be successful at collecting rich and delicious sap. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips on extracting sap from trees.

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Gather Your Supplies

To get started, you will need some sap collecting equipment. You can find these items at any local home improvement store, gardening store, or nursery. You will need either a drill or an auger, some masking tape, a drill and drill bit, a piece of PVC piping that is ½ inch in diameter, a hammer or mallet, and a collection container. Instead of PVC, you can buy an actual tap or spile, just be sure it isn’t copper, which is toxic to trees. If you are using a bucket as your collection container, be sure you also have a sufficient tubing that will extend from the tree to the bucket.

Choose the Right Tree

Although all conifer trees produce sap, not all conifer trees produce good-tasting sap. For this reason, it is vital that you choose the right tree for your sap needs. The perfect trees to tap for sap include Sugar Maples, Black Maples, Red Maples, Silver Maples, and Box Elders. Birch, Sycamore, Walnut, and Hickory trees are also an option, but their sap has a much different taste because it is primarily fructose syrup, whereas Maples are primarily sucrose. Aside from species, it is important to choose a tree with a decent trunk diameter (at least 12 inches).

Tap at the Right Time

The best time to tap a tree for sap is when sap is actually present. Trees do not produce sap in the winter. Sap production generally starts in mid-February, and extends through early-March. These are the best months to tap your tree for sap. Wait until daytime temperatures are averaging around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and nighttime temperatures are averaging around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At the start of production, sap is lighter in color and has a mellower flavor. As the season progresses, the sap takes on a darker color and richer taste.

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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.

Common Uses for Pine Resin

Posted on September 13, 2017 by admin

There are several uses for pine resin, many of which date back to the beginning of mankind. Pine resin is a secretion that comes from Pine trees, also known as pitch. Secretion occurs when a pine tree experiences damage or wounds. In cut or open bark, pine trees will secrete their pitch to cover and protect the wound. As the air temperature drops, pine resin hardens, becoming a solid protective layer over tree cuts and abrasions. Continue reading to learn some great ways to take advantage of this incredible organic substance.

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Medicinal Purposes

Native Americans used pine pitch for many medicinal purposes, all of which are still applicable alternatives for organic treatment in today’s society. For instance, pine resin kills bacteria. So you can apply it to open cuts and wounds to prevent bacteria growth and promote cleaner healing. For deeper cuts, pine resin can be applied to stop or slow the bleeding. Simply apply and reapply as needed!

Incendiary Purposes

Ancient man discovered early on that pine resin is highly flammable. Do not mistake pine sap for pine resin; they are two separate substances. As for pine resin, its combustible properties make fire-starting easier in damp or wet environments. Combining the resin with pieces of old tree bark can help build a fire, faster. Furthermore, pine resin is an organic alternative to candle wax. If you have a wick, you can make your own candle, thus giving you light! Common wick choices include cotton, wire or rope made from course fibers, or other organic fibers.

Adhesive Purposes

Pine resin, when melted down, becomes an excellent water-proof adhesive. You can use it to waterproof the soles of your shoes, fill in holes in boats and other containers, and much more. By heating it down and mixing with a little powdered charcoal, you can also use it as a standard adhesive or glue.

Edible Purposes

Native Americans would chew pine resin like we chew gum. Not only does this offer antibacterial properties, it can promote better joint comfort and reduce pain. If you have stomach or arthritis problems, you can steep pine resin in hot water and drink it like a tea!

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How to Inspect Your Oak Tree for Diseases

Posted on September 7, 2017 by admin

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There are over 600 species of Oak tree, and they are all susceptible to a wide range of tree diseases that can harm or kill them. Whether a Red Oak, White Oak, or some other species of live oak, they can become infected with bacterial and viral diseases that will cause them a quick decline. The most common oak tree diseases include Oak Wilt, Oak Leaf Blister, Anthracnose, Tubakia Leaf Spot, Bacterial Leaf Scorch, Fusiform Rust, Crown Gall, Hypoxylon Canker, Bacterial Wetwood (slime flux), and Powdery Mildew. If your oak tree is not looking or growing in the way it always has, it could be suffering from a tree disease just like these.

The best way to determine if your oak tree is sick from a fungal or bacterial disease is to inspect it thoroughly. Continue reading to learn the common signs of oak tree decline, and what to do if your tree is infected with a disease.

Common Signs of a Sick Oak Tree

The most common oak tree diseases will generally begin to show signs within the first week or two of being infected; and these signs usually start at the leaves. For this reason, it is helpful to pay close attention to your oak tree’s leaves and canopy since this is the most common place a tree disease will begin to reveal itself. From there, address the bark and surrounding environment to assess your oak tree’s condition.

Leaf Symptoms to Look For:

◾ Browning
◾ Wilting
◾ Pale Green
◾ Red Spots
◾ Orange or Yellow Spots
◾ Powdery Film
◾ Little Black Spots
◾ Bare Spots in Canopy
◾ Foliage Loss
◾ Premature Dropping
◾ Bumps or Galls
◾ Vein Discoloration

Other Signs of a Sick Oak Tree:

◾ Peeling or Missing Bark
◾ Spongy or Wet Bark
◾ Sour Odor
◾ Moss Growth
◾ Heightened Pest Activity
◾ Dead Branches and Twigs
◾ Visible Cankers
◾ Epicormic Shoots
◾ White Crust on Bark

Oak Tree Treatment

The most common treatments for a sick oak tree generally include fungicide injections, insecticide sprays, and strategic tree pruning and fertilizing. The type of treatment for an oak tree depends on the disease that is affecting it. After you inspect your tree, if it is showing two or more of the above symptoms, your Oak could be sick or under distress. Your next step is to contact a Fishers tree service for advice on treating a sick oak tree. Not only do they have the proper knowledge and experience to provide proper preventative maintenance and routine tree care for you, they can refer you to a local arborist so that you can identify what’s causing your oak tree problems. In many cases, a tree can be treated over a period of time to bring it back to health. Other times, a tree is too sick to be treated and would need to be removed instead.

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Common Symptoms of Maple Tree Dieback

Posted on August 25, 2017 by admin

Are any of these statements true about your Maple Tree?

“My Maple Tree is losing leaves, but only on one side of the canopy.”
“My Maple tree is not producing as many new twigs this summer.”
“My Maple tree’s leaves are already turning brown and orange.”

If so, your tree may be experiencing Maple tree dieback. It is a common tree condition that results from a lack of water, sunlight, and nutrients. Continue reading to learn more about Maple tree dieback, and some effective treatment solutions.

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Maple Tree Dieback Symptoms

If you Maple tree doesn’t quite look the same as it has the summers before, it could be under stress. Stress can be caused by a number of things, including pest infestations, droughts, poor soil conditions, inclement weather, construction, and more. Dieback is a common result of tree stress, as well as the above-mentioned factors. It is important to look for the signs of Maple tree dieback in order to catch the process early on. The sooner you address a sick tree, the higher your chances are at saving it from ultimate decline.

Here are some common signs of Maple tree dieback:

🍁 Dead branches or twigs at the top of the canopy, especially in late spring or summer;
🍁 Foliage loss on one side of the tree;
🍁 Pest Infestation;
🍁 Rotted or exposed tree roots;
🍁 Leaf discoloration, usually autumn colors;
🍁 Decreased twig and branch growth from the season before;

Treatment Options

There are only two primary ways to treat Maple dieback that have proven effective. The first is to eliminate a pest infestation and prevent future pests with routine insecticide application. The second option is more commonly used, and it involve a strict regimen of watering, fertilizing, and pruning to rehabilitate the tree.

Fishers Tree Service

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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 provide free arborist referrals for sick trees. Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Fishers tree service, today.

Why are Eastern Red Cedars Referred to as Bagworm Trees?

Posted on August 9, 2017 by admin

Leftover Bagworm House

The Eastern Red Cedar is a well-known conifer tree that thrives year-round in U.S. hardiness zones two through nine. Because of their low maintenance, ease of growth, high survival, and aesthetic rewards, Eastern Red Cedars are popular landscaping trees for both residential and commercial properties. However, they are highly susceptible to a particular type of pest infestation, thus giving them the colloquial name, “bagworm trees.” Continue reading to learn how bagworm infestations affect Eastern Red Cedar trees, and what you can do to solve the problem.

What are Bagworms?

Bagworms are highly invasive insect species that, in large numbers, have the ability to take down large Eastern Red Cedar trees in a short amount of time. Unlike traditional worms, they hatch in late spring as tiny caterpillars. In their caterpillar state, they weave a thin silk thread that carries them with the wind to another host plant. During this time, they generally attach and feed off of Juniper, Cypress, and Arborvitae trees, while also constructing their silk bag portable home, which looks similar to a dunce cap. Once they grow larger, they begin to attack trees such as Eastern Red Cedars, Italian Cypress, Arborvitae, and more.

The bagworm’s home is an interesting and distinctive feature of the species. They construct it on top of themselves, with their feet and mouths at the opening for feeding. They then decorate their houses overtime, using pieces from their host tree. They use leaves and needles as shingles, and even an occasional berry on top! This is how they disguise themselves from predators.

By September, bagworms are done feeding, and will begin to prepare for winter. They do this by sealing their homes and entering into a month-long pupae stage. After this pupae stage, males emerge as a 1-inch long black moth with clear wings, while females transform into an egg producing grub with no wings, legs, antennae, or functional mouthparts. After males fertilize the females, the females lay up to 1000 eggs inside their sealed home, and then die. The eggs hatch in late spring, between April and May.

Treatment for Bagworm Infestations

The best treatment for a bagworm infestation is manual bag removal followed by a cycle of insecticide applications. A spray application of Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) on the foliage of the host tree is the general insecticide treatment used to control bagworm infestations. You will need to contact a local arborist for professional tree inspection, assessment, and treatment.

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Call 317-537-9770 for Fishers tree service you can trust. 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. Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate, today.

Why Does My Tree Have No Leaves?

Posted on July 31, 2017 by admin

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Most trees bloom in the spring as they come out of their dormant winter state. So by this time, if your landscaping tree has not produced any leaves, there is most certainly an issue. Whether or not the issue is treatable is something only a professional tree care contractor can tell you after taking the time to assess your trees condition. If the issue is not treatable, you may need to consider having the tree removed for purposes of safety and investment protection.

While you wait for your tree service company to arrive, it will help put your curiosity at ease by learning some possible reasons why your tree didn’t bloom this year. Continue reading to do just that!

What You Need to Know

Some trees actually do bloom later in the summer. So it could be possible that there is nothing wrong with your tree, and instead, it is just a late bloomer. This is common during springs and summers that experience unprecedented or irregular climate changes. Ask your Fishers tree service technician which species are more common to bloom in the mid-to-late summer. If your tree is not a late bloomer, there could be other reasons why it is missing its leaves.

Another reason why trees sometimes do not bloom leaves is due to poor soil conditions. If soil is too heavy, too acidic, or too alkaline, it can affect a tree’s health and the way it grows. Use a soil testing kit to test your soil, and make any necessary adjustments using store-bought soil additives.

A restricted root system is another common reason behind missing leaves. Structural damage from lawn mowing or construction can sometimes impede a root system’s ability to transport water and nutrients to the canopy of the tree. Without sufficient levels of water and nutrition, a tree does not have the energy needed to produce leaves. Pest infestation, tree disease, and nuisance wildlife interference are other common reasons for trees to not bloom.

Fishers Tree Service

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.

Tips for Buying a Stump Grinder

Posted on July 13, 2017 by admin

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It is wise to hire a professional tree care company for safe and cost-effective stump grinding services since purchasing a stump grinder for just one tree is not a lucrative decision. However, if you are starting up your own tree care company, have a copse of trees that need to be removed, or have multiple uses for one, purchasing a stump grinder is a good investment. Continue reading to learn what you should look for in a quality stump grinding machine.

Factors to Consider:

Renting a stump grinder is another option for those who do not find it practical to purchase one for long-term use. Renting is risky since you do not know the history of the machine, and it may have performance issues as a result of poor maintenance and natural wear and tear. Unlike renting, when shopping around for a stump grinder, you must take a few factors into consideration since this is an investment you will want to make good use of for years to come.

To walk out with a quality stump grinder, consider these factors:

Size – Sizes vary depending on the intended use. For easy and safe maneuverability, try to go with a stump grinder with a slimmer body design. Not only does this reduce fatigue, it allows for easier access to those hard-to-reach spots.

Horsepower – You want the most horsepower possible. Use your budget to determine which stump grinding horsepower is right for you. The higher the power, the more expensive. Get the highest horsepower your budget will allow.

Cutter Disk – You do not want a defective cutter disc, so be sure yours is carbide, with sharp teeth and no visible defects.

Weight – Like size, the weight of your stump grinder will play a large role in your work comfort and overall ability. Choose a weight you are comfortable carrying around for a stretch of time. For large projects, you must arrange proper transportation for a bigger, heavier stump grinder.

Depth – You want to be able to grind down a tree stump to at least 20 inches below grade. Choose a machine that can meet this minimum.

Price – Go by horsepower to set your budget. You want to purchase a stump grinder that has the highest horsepower within your budget.

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Which Trees Can I Plant for Bird Watching?

Posted on June 22, 2017 by admin

Birds are a special part of our landscapes. Not only do they provide an entertaining hobby of bird watching, the help pollenate the surrounding gardens and keep nuisance pests away. If you are thinking about planting some new trees in your yard for the purpose of attracting birds, turn your focus to the trees that they love the most. Continue reading to learn which trees are great options for seasonal bird watching in Indiana.

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Deciduous Trees

🌳 Mulberry Trees (Morus species)

Some cities have banned these trees due to their high pollen production, so be sure to check that your township allows them before you plant one. However, their pollen, as well as, their fruit, make these trees very desirable to a wide variety of interesting birds, including Robins, waxwings, cardinals, numerous other songbirds.

🌳 Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

These fall-fruiting trees are beneficial for both birds and humans since their beautiful flowers are sweet smelling and sweet tasting. Robins, bluebirds, thrushes, catbirds, cardinals, tanagers, grosbeaks, and many others enjoy the fruit and flowers of Dogwoods.

🌳 White Oak (Quercus alba)

These gigantic trees are gorgeous, and yield fruit for most of the fall and winter seasons. Birds like Woodpeckers, jays, Wild Turkeys, grouse, Wood Ducks, and several others enjoy the acorns they produce every year.

Evergreen Trees

🌲 Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern Red Cedar trees are highly attractive in appearance, but their fleshy, pale blue, berry-like cones also attract a wide variety of birds for, including Waxwings and many others. Birds also love to build their nests in the large branches.

🌲 Spruce Trees (Picea species)

Spruces offer shelter and safety for birds like Crossbills and other seed-eaters in fall and winter, and migrating warblers searching for insects in spring.

Fishers Tree Service

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Call 317-537-9770 for professional and affordable Fishers tree service to keep your trees healthy for birds. 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.

How to Hang Hammocks Without Harming Trees

Posted on June 14, 2017 by admin

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Now that the good weather is here, everyone wants to pull out all their seasonal outdoor furniture and décor from winter storage. Aside from the standard patio furnishings, benches, and Adirondack chairs, an old form of outdoor relaxation is making a gigantic comeback: hammocks! Hammocks are sold all around the world, and even around the corner from you! You can buy them online, order them from across the globe, or visit your local home furnishing store for a wide selection of modern hammocks.

With so many options to choose from, hammock buying can be an exciting adventure. However, many hammock enthusiasts make the mistake of not properly hanging them. Not only is this dangerous to people, it can cause extensive tree damage and eventually lead to tree decline. If you have a hammock but wish to protect your trees, continue reading for some tips on how to do so safely.

Hammock Hanging Guide

If you have a hammock to set up, you need to find a suitable spot. Look for two sturdy trees that are 10 to 15 feet apart. For this setup, the number one recommended option is to use tree straps. These can be purchased at any local home improvement or gardening store for under 20 dollars. They are a great method for hammock hanging because they are adjustable, portable, and safe to use on trees.

If You Do Not Have Tree Straps…

For those of you who require immediate gratification, you can use rope to hang your hammock in the meantime. Simply loop 2 lengths of strong rope around the hammock end-loops, and then secure them around the tree. Although this is a temporary setup until you get the proper straps, it will support you and not harm your tree.

If You Do Not Have Trees…

Some people want to relax in a hammock, but they do not have any suitable trees on their property to hang one. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem. There are furnishings called hammock stands that sit on their own. You simple tie the hammock onto the hammock stand, and you are ready to relax! Hammock stands vary in price depending on size, quality, and retailer. You can find a good quality hammock stand for under $200 online or at your local home store.

Fishers Tree Service

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.