Is Your Pine Tree Losing Needles?

Posted on October 31, 2019 by admin

During fall and winter, it is common for deciduous trees to lose their foliage and enter into a dormancy stage for the season. But evergreen trees are supposed to be just that, “evergreen”; so why do some lose their needles this time of year? Well, there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation.

If your Pine trees are losing their needles, continue reading to learn common causes and treatments for evergreen foliage loss.

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Natural Pine Needle Loss

When Pine trees begin to lose their needles, there’s no need to panic. And there’s certainly no need to remove the tree (in most cases). You see, evergreen trees are implied to be evergreen always, however their Pine needles are not meant to stay green and last forever.

Think of it like this: the hair on your head is always there, but it’s not the same hair from when you were a child. The same idea applies to Pine trees and their needles.

For evergreen trees, new pine needles are produced every spring and summer. These needles typically last anywhere from 2 to 4 years, and sometimes longer, depending on the region. This means that as trees grow taller and larger every year, more and more new pine needles are growing as well. You will find older pine needles farther back in the crown, and newly-produced needles towards the tips and in the branches. This cycle of shedding old needles for the sake of new ones continues on and on, year after year

So Why Do Pine Needles Die Off?

After some time, pine needles lose their efficiency. As they age, they are less efficient at producing food for the tree, so they are replaced by newer, more efficient ones. Also, new pine needles block sunlight from the older ones, which is another reason why pine needles lose their efficiency. If your pine trees are losing more than a third or fourth of their needles, it may be an indication of another problem. Otherwise, the needle loss is normal.

Call a Fishers Tree Care Company for Help

Call 317-537-9770 for professional tree service in Fishers, Indiana. We provide residential and commercial tree service, including tree trimming, tree pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, underbrush removal, and much more. Request an estimate, today.

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Can Underground Animals Kill My Trees?

Posted on September 24, 2019 by admin

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.

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.

Common Problems Associated With Ash Trees

Posted on August 13, 2019 by admin

Ash trees are one of the most common species of landscaping tree here in Indiana, namely white Ash and American Ash. Admired for their unique bark patterns, balanced canopies, and stunning foliage progressions, Ash trees make for a wonderful addition to any property. Unfortunately, just like any living organism, Ash trees are susceptible to all sorts of diseases and health complications. If you are experiencing some concerning changes or behaviors with the Ash trees on your property, it is important to take action fast, before the root of the problem can worsen or spread to other trees in your landscaping.

Continue reading to learn some common problems associated with Ash trees, as well as, what you can do if your trees are suffering a similar decline.

Ash Tree Diseases

The most common diseases that affect Ash trees are Ash yellows, Verticillium Wilt, ash rust, and Ash Anthracnose. Ash yellows is a slow-killing tree disease caused by a microorganism called Candidatus fraxinii that harms a tree’s vascular system. This disease tends to mostly affect white ash and green ash species. Although there is no cure for Ash yellows, pruning and fungicide treatments in its early stages is an effective way to manage Ash yellows. Verticillium Wilt, ash rust, and Ash Anthracnose are fungal diseases that result in leaf wilting, canopy dieback, and more. These diseases are generally treated with pruning and fertilizing.

Ash Tree Pests

By far the most common pest problem for Ash trees are Emerald Ash Borers (EAB). Emerald Ash Borers are small metallic green beetles that target Ash trees exclusively. Larvae look like small maggots or white worms, while adult beetles are about the size of a raisin, and have metallic green backs. Adults lay eggs inside the bark, and when their larvae is born, they eat their way to the surface until full-grown. Once adults, they emerge from the bark, leaving behind D-shaped exit holes in the wood. Additional pests that attack and infest Ash trees include oystershell scales, ash plant bugs, and aphids.

In order to prevent pest infestations, arborists commonly apply systematic insecticides for optimal tree protection. Systematic insecticides contain the active ingredients dinotefuran, emamectin benzoate, or imidacloprid. These chemicals have all been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and deemed appropriate for agricultural applications.

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Take Advantage of Our Summer Discounts for Fishers Tree Service!

Posted on July 30, 2019 by admin

Our Fishers tree care specialists provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services in throughout the Hamilton County neighboring districts. Aside from being professional tree service contractors with more than 2 decades of experience, we are well-known for maintaining economy-based pricing that all home and property owners can afford.

Best of all, we are currently offering a wide variety of summertime tree service coupons, discounts, specials, deals, and more! Regardless of which tree service you require, you will feel confident that our Fishers tree care specialists can meet your tree service needs, and all within your budget!

Continue below to check out the current summer tree service deals and discounts we are offering in Fishers, Indiana!

What We Can Do For You

Our team of highly trained and qualified tree care specialists provide both residential and commercial tree work for all varieties of tree throughout Fishers. Our services include but are not limited to tree removal, stump grinding, pruning, shaping, trimming, fertilizing, tree disease treatment, tree transplanting, tree bark repair, and more.

We retain the latest technologies and state-of-the-art equipment, which allows us to deliver safe and effective tree service, and within a time frame that’s convenient for you. We are fully-equipped to manage any and all tree services required of us, regardless of size or scope. Check out our coupons and discounts below to get started with your free quote!

Summer Tree Service Discounts for Fishers

Right now, our Fishers tree service company is offering the following coupons and specials:

✪ FREE ESTIMATES ALWAYS!
✪ 10% DISCOUNT ON ANY TREE SERVICE
✪ $100 OFF ANY RESIDENTIAL TREE TRIMMING
✪ 10% DISCOUNT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Get a Free Quote for Tree Service in Fishers TODAY!

Call 317-537-9770 today for a free estimate for tree service in Fishers, Indiana and its surrounding communities. Not only do we provide dependable, honest, and professional services and guarantee the lowest rates in town, we will match any competitor’s price, no matter what the service or city.

Your Summer Tree Care Checklist

Posted on July 16, 2019 by admin

Now that summer is almost officially here, it is time to review your seasonal tree care checklist to ensure your landscaping trees thrive and perform well this year! Summer is a long-awaited season for all of us, but for trees, it can mean problems. Everything from high heat, drought, and inclement weather, to nuisance wildlife, pest infestations, and more, can cause trees to experience stress and decline. This is why summertime tree care is so vital for their sustainability and survival.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take as a homeowner to ensure your landscaping trees are protected all season long. Continue reading to review a recommended summertime checklist and get started today!

Summertime Tree Care Checklist

There are 4 primary steps to summertime tree care. Consult with a licensed tree service contractor for trusted advice on your property’s unique tree care needs.

Step ➀: Inspection

Start by inspecting your trees so that you may assess their condition. Look for missing or discolored foliage, bark wounds, damaged areas, signs of pest infestation or interference, and possible diseases or infections. If something doesn’t look quite right to you, contact your local tree care contractor for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.

Step ➁: Pruning

Successful tree growth and sustainability starts with routine tree pruning and trimming. They are vital components to your overall tree care plan. This type of canopy care and supervision can help maintain large, lush foliage and plenty of summer shade. Hire your trusted tree care company for proper pruning service.

Step ➂: Fertilizing

Tree fertilization is not usually necessary for large, mature trees, although it doesn’t hurt any. On the other hand, it is a very important step for newly-planted or young trees. Regardless of your landscaping tree’s age, tree fertilization should be an automatic part of your annual tree care plan.

Step ➃: 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.

Professional Tree Service and Advice in Fishers

Call 317-537-9770 for professional Fishers tree service and advice you can trust. 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 for Fishers tree service, today.

How to Remove Fungus From Tree Bark

Posted on June 18, 2019 by admin

You might be under the impression that your landscaping trees have mold growing on them. However, what you are seeing is actually a dual-organism of both fungus and algae called tree lichens. The good news is that these lichens will not harm your tree in any way. On the other hand, they are considered quite unsightly to most, so it is common to remove the growths to make trees look more appealing.

If you feel the same way about your landscaping trees, continue reading to learn more about tree lichens, including how to safely remove this common, seasonal fungal growth from tree bark.

Tree Lichens

As mentioned, tree lichens are actually a dual-organism, containing both fungus and algae. They share a mutually-beneficial, or symbiotic, relationship since the fungal portion collects and retains moisture, which algae needs to survive, while the algae converts the sun’s energy into food for the fungus to feed on (photosynthesis).

2-Method Approach to Tree Lichen Removal

There are two methods to removing tree lichens that must be used in combination to achieve lasting results. First, you must remove the actual growths; then, you must make the proper environmental modifications to prevent it from coming back. Here is what you need and how to get started:

What You Need:

✔ Work Gloves
✔ Landscaping Trash Bags
✔ Soft Bristled Scrubbing Brush
✔ Mild Dish Soap
✔ Clean Water
✔ Plastic Bucket or Container

How to Remove Tree Fungus:

☙ Fill your bucket or container with clean, warm water mixed with a small amount of mild dish soap.

☙ Put on your work gloves, open a trash bag, and grab your soft bristled scrubbing brush.

☙ Gently scrape the tree lichens off of the bark using small, delicate strokes and light pressure. If you use too much pressure, you can damage the tree bark, which can invite pest infestations and tree diseases.

☙ As you scrape the accumulations off, gather them in a trash bag for easy disposal.

☙ Once you have the majority of the lichens scraped away, rinse your brush clean and then dip it into your soapy solution.

☙ Apply the soapy wash gently using your soft bristled brush. Do not use too much pressure. Be careful to not use too much water. You do not want to get the bark too wet. Only use enough solution to clear away the mess.

☙ Allow the tree bark to dry, and then dispose of all your garbage.

Go a Step Further

If you want to prevent tree lichens from growing back, you will need to make some environmental modifications. This means changing the landscaping conditions to be poorly suited for fungal and algae growth. Tree lichens grow best in cool, partly sunny, moist areas. So make these changes and keep your bark dry, and tree lichens should be a problem of the past.

Professional Tree Care 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 competitive prices. We also offer tree service coupons and discounts! Request a free estimate for Fishers tree service, today.

Can I Plant a Tree in a Wet Area?

Posted on May 28, 2019 by admin

If you wish to add trees to your landscaping, but fear that parts of your property are just too wet from poor water drainage or frequent flooding, you may be feeling a bit hopeless when it comes to your options. However, there are some water-loving, flood-resistance tree species that could work well for your moist landscape.

Continue reading for some suggestions, including where to turn for professional tree advice and service in your neighborhood.

Avoid Root Suffocation

The number one reason why trees decline as a result of poor water drainage is due to root suffocation. Tree roots need to breathe just like us in order to survive. So when they are engulfed in a pool of water, they actually drown. However, there are some tree species that have evolved overtime to grow and thrive without as much air, making them the perfect choices for marshy or flood-prone areas, and even standing water. In fact, some of these same trees are often incorporated into certain landscapes to correct poor water drainage issues!

Recommended Tree Species for Wet Areas:

❦ Atlantic White Cedar

❦ Bald Cypress

❦ Black Ash

❦ Black Tupelo

❦ Freeman Maple

❦ Green Ash

❦ Hackberry

❦ Nuttal Oak

❦ Overcup Oak

❦ Pear

❦ Pin Oak

❦ Plane Tree

❦ Pond Cypress

❦ Pumpkin Ash

❦ Red Maple

❦ River Birch

❦ Sweetbay Magnolia

❦ Water Tupelo

❦ Willow

A Fair Warning…

Before planting such trees on your marshy or flood-prone property, be warned that some of these roots tend to disrupt underground utilities and plumbing pipes if they are not properly located. Be sure to talk to a professional about planting flood-resistant trees on your property before moving forward with the project.

Get Professional Tree Care in Fishers, Indiana

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.

Plant a Tree for Earth Day!

Posted on April 22, 2019 by admin

Earth day is right around the corner! Monday, April 22^nd will be a day for everyone to take time to appreciate our wonderful and unique planet. Want to really do your part to show some support? Now that it is spring, it is the perfect time of year to plant a new tree. Our Earth can’t get enough trees, and planting one on your property will reap you infinite benefits as well!

Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about Earth day, as well as, some tips for planting a new tree!

The History and Meaning Behind Earth Day

Earth day was first created back in 1970 for the purpose of celebrating our planet’s environment and Eco-systems, as well as, to support overall environmental protection, preservation, and consciousness. It is an annual event that falls on the same April 22^nd of every year, and ensues with a wide range of happenings, celebrations, fundraisers, awareness programs, and more all across the globe. Today, more than 193 countries participate in Earth day celebrations, all of which are harmonized worldwide by the Earth Day Network.

Tree Planting Tips

Although you can show your support of Earth day by recycling, picking up litter, carpooling, using less water, making donations to environmental preservation initiatives, volunteering, and much more, a long-term achievement you can be proud of is planting a tree! Below are some helpful tips for tree planting that you can use and pass onto others.

🧭 Choose the Right Location

A tree needs the proper amounts of sunlight and water, as well as suitable soil conditions and space to grow. Be sure all of these needs are met in the area you plan to plant your tree. Refer to nursery instructions for help.

🗺 Adhere to the U.S. Hardiness Zone Map

You wouldn’t have much success planting a cactus or palm tree in your front yard. Be sure to check the U.S. Hardiness Zone map for the proper species to plant in Indiana. Read our blog, “What is the USDA Hardiness Zone for Indiana?” to learn more.

🕳 Dig a Good Hole

When digging a hole for your new tree, be sure it is at least five times larger than the tree’s root ball. This will ensure there is plenty of space for the roots to breathe and grow. One of the most common reasons why newly-planted trees fail is due to planting them too deep.

☙ Use Proper Mulching Practices

Once you have placed your tree into the hole, refill it using the original soil. Then, apply 2 to 4 inches of a quality mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and add valuable organic matter to the soil. Keep it at least 6 inches away from the trunk.

Call a Fishers Tree Care Company for Help

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Pruning

Posted on March 11, 2019 by admin

Trees are more than just a part of nature; they are assets, both economically and non-economically, to our properties. For these reasons and more, it is vital to do everything you can to ensure your landscaping trees are healthy and protected. There are various aspects of year-round tree care, from mulching and fertilizing, to watering, trimming, cabling, bracing, pest control, and root feeding. But out of all the efforts you can make for your landscaping trees, it is important to never neglect their need to be pruned. Confused?

Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about pruning.

What are the Benefits of Tree Pruning?

Tree health and personal safety are basically the umbrella benefits of tree pruning. When it comes to safety, tree pruning can prevent hazardous obstructions, falling tree limbs, and more. As for tree health, pruning promotes new, strong growth, which gives trees more strength and durability, as well as, a robust development of foliage in the spring.

One way pruning achieves these benefits is by allowing for more air flow and sunlight throughout the canopy, which gives trees more energy and even abates pest problems. In the case of wounded branches or limbs, tree pruning will encourage faster healing and sealing of the affected area.

What is the Difference Between Tree Pruning and Trimming?

Although trimming and pruning serve the same functions and are often performed with similar techniques, they are different from one another. Trimming is an aesthetic practice mostly reserved for shrubs and hedges, such as arborvitaes, deciduous shrubs, and more. Pruning is a strategic practice geared more towards removing certain branches and limbs for the purpose of strengthening. Regardless of their technical differences, the terms are often used interchangeably in the tree service industry.

When Should Trees Be Pruned?

The best time to prune trees is while they are still dormant. Just before spring or winter are the standard tree pruning windows. If your trees bloom flowers, they should be pruned when their flowers go away in the fall. If your trees bloom in mid-to-late summer, they should be pruned in late winter or early spring. See our blog, “Residential Tree Pruning Tips” for advice on pruning trees in the winter, spring, summer, and fall.

How Often Should I Prune My Trees?

Trees do not have to be pruned every year since they all grow at different rates, but some do. For instance, fruit trees are best pruned annually, while conifers can make it every other year or so before a pruning. Furthermore, various factors influence the frequency of pruning, including a tree’s type, size and health. The best way to know how often to prune your trees is to talk to a licensed tree service contractor for personalized tree pruning advice.

How Do I Prune Trees?

Improper tree pruning can kill a tree. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged to hire a licensed and insured tree service company for professional pruning services. Always ask your tree service provider if they adhere to the ANSI A300 industry pruning standards to ensure they are a reputable and skilled company.

✨ Stay tuned for our next blog this month about the most common methods of tree pruning, which include canopy thinning, crown raising, and crown reduction!

Where Can I Get Affordable Tree Pruning in Fishers?

Call 317-537-9770 for professional Fishers tree pruning 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.

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.