The Do’s and Do Not’s of Pruning Trees

Tree pruning is one of the most important tree services you can provide for your landscaping trees. When done correctly, pruning trees delivers beautiful, robust, and bountiful blooms come spring and summer. That is because proper tree pruning promotes new healthy growth, which simultaneously improves its appearance. And healthy growth allows trees to grow brighter, greener, and fuller with every blooming season. But tree pruning is not effective if it is not carried out properly. It is important to learn what you should and shouldn’t do in terms of pruning trees.

Continue reading to learn what you can do about tree pruning, as well as what you should avoid when it comes to pruning trees.

Fishers Indiana Tree Pruning 317-537-9770
Fishers Indiana Tree Pruning 317-537-9770

What To Do About Tree Pruning

Hire a licensed and insured tree care contractor for professional tree trimming and pruning services. They have the proper knowledge, skills, training, and resources to get the job done, safely and efficiently.

Ask your tree care contractor for licensing and insurance information, and

Ask your tree care contractor if their tree pruning services meet the standards for tree pruning (also known as ANSI A300), as set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Note: If they do prune according to the ANSI standards, their written estimate should also be written to reflect these specific ANSI A300 standards.

Remember that improper tree pruning can damage your landscaping trees long-term, and even cause premature tree death, disease, and pest infestations.

Take the time to inspect your trees after a severe rain or windstorm. If serious tree wounds are left untreated, it can harm the tree.

If there is damage to your trees after a storm, contact your trusted tree care contractor for storm damage clearance and tree removal services for fallen trees. They may even need to trim or cut branches to remove hazards and obstacles created from the storm damage.

DO NOT:

Prune trees on your own. Several factors go into the process of tree pruning, so it requires extensive training and experience, as well as professional tools and resources to implement the job safely and effectively.

Attempting to prune your trees can put you at risk of having an accident or being seriously injured, and incorrect pruning can harm your trees. Even small trees that do not require the use of a ladder should not be pruned by anyone but a trained professional.

Fishers, Indiana Tree Pruning Services You Can Trust

Call 317-537-9770 for tree pruning in Fishers, Indiana and its surrounding locations. We are licensed and insured tree care contractors that retain extensive experience in the tree service industry. We provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at the most economical rates in town! Contact us to request a free estimate for Indianapolis tree pruning, today.

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How to Shovel Snow Without Harming Your Landscaping Trees

If you live in Indiana, or a region of the country where snow is likely come wintertime, then you may face a separate agenda for landscaping care then the rest of the nation. Snow fall can bring beautiful ambience and family fun; however, when it comes to your beloved landscaping and trees, snow can be a faint threat unless confronted properly.

It is important as a home or property owner to know how to take care of landscaping and trees. Your trees reduce outside noise, allow privacy, encourage wind flow for cool breezes in summer, and much more. Be sure to protect your investments and sustain an aesthetically pleasing outdoor ambience by learning about proper winter tree and landscaping care. 

Continue reading to learn, specifically, how to shovel snow without harming trees and landscaping on your property this winter.

Winter Tree Service in Fishers, Indiana
Winter Tree Service in Fishers, Indiana 317-537-9770

Snow and Ice Melting Products Can Be Harmful

When the snow comes down, we begin our wintertime rituals. This includes sprinkling our de-icing products, salting our driveways, and of course, shoveling snow. Unfortunately, some products on the market today may contain ingredients that are harmful to our trees and landscaping. Materials like rock salt and other de-icers can contain elements like sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride; all of which can be harmful to vegetation if over applied.  Urea, a plant fertilizer is another strategy used to melt snow and ice; but it can also harm plants and trees if over applied.  Common damages are dead grass and plants, scald pots, burn marks, cracked bark, peeling tree bark, and many more.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to using harsh products with high salt amounts.  For example, many property owners are discovering that environmentally friendly options work well.   Materials like sand, sawdust, wood shavings, granite dust, and even cat litter are safe for pets and the environment.  They are also cheaper and can potentially save a person hundreds of dollars each year!

Methods of Proper Snow Shoveling That Will Prevent Tree Damage

When it comes to actually shoveling snow, it is important to take your time. Improper use of a shovel can damage plants, roots, and trees. It can be difficult determining where a plant lies, or tree roots begin beneath five inches of snow; but use these guidelines and tips next time you need to shovel your walkways, patios, porches, and driveway:

❆ Use a broom to gently sweep the first two layers of snow away from tree bases, plants, and garden perimeters. Sweep gently until base or perimeter is virtually exposed.

❆ Shovel slowly and in small amounts.

❆ In heavily covered areas away from trees and landscaping, use the shovel to push the snow rather than lift the snow.

❆ Use a plastic shovel near trees and foliage rather than aluminum or other metallic shovels.  Plastic is less harmful to trees and plants.

❆ Do not attempt to remove ice from tree limbs. It can cause branches to break off or become damaged.

❆ Wait until snow and ice are melting to clear covered tree limbs and plants.

Protect Yourself From Harm Too

Always protect yourself when shoveling snow near covered trees and landscaping. You can easily become injured if a large chunk of ice or snow falls on top of you.  Be sure to let a friend or loved one know you are shoveling snow near tall or heavily snow-covered trees before you leave. It is recommended to hire professional snow removal companies to assist you in difficult or dangerous snow removal jobs. For easier tasks, be sure to still protect yourself from falling ice, snow, and branches.

Where to Get Certified Tree Service in Fishers, Indiana

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!

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Fishers Tree Service Coupons 317-537-9770

Is it Normal for Pine Trees to Lose Needles in Fall?

During the fall, 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 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.

Pine trees shed their needles every 2 to 4 years, making some needle loss normal in fall.

The Facts Surrounding 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?

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.

Get Reputable and Affordable Pine Tree Service in Fishers, Indiana

Call 317-537-9770 for professional pine 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. Call 317-537-9770 to request an estimate, today.

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Fishers Tree Service Coupons 317-537-9770

Why You Should Mulch Your Trees This Fall

Sure, you’ve already mulched your landscaping in spring earlier this year. But did you know that fall is also a critical time to mulch your trees and shrubs? It’s true. Continue reading to learn why, and review some helpful tips for seasonal re-mulching in Indiana.

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Fishers Indiana Tree Service 317-537-9770

The Importance of Mulching

What does mulch do exactly? Yes, it delivers an unparalleled aesthetic and cosmetic touch to any landscaping, large or small. But there is an actual scientific purpose for mulching around trees, shrubbery, and garden beds. You see, mulch is a protector, a thermal controller, and a nutrient dense distributor for the soil and roots below. In fact, trees that have a proper mulch bed tend to grow stronger, bigger, and remain healthier for longer. The same benefits apply to other flora.

What Does Mulch Do?

🌳 It retains moisture and nutrients in soil.
🌳 It reduces erosion.
🌳 It decreases soil compaction.
🌳 It abates weed growth.
🌳 It extends growing seasons.
🌳 It keeps soil warm and insulated.

Types of Recommended Mulch

✅ Wood Chip Mulch
✅ Bark Chips
✅ Composted Lawn Clippings
✅ Leaves
✅ Straw

Synthetic mulches are okay to use, but organic mulches are simply the best and most effective.

How to Properly Mulch Your Trees and Shrubs

The general rule of thumb for mulching in the fall is to create a 3 foot wide perimeter around the base of the plant. The mulch should not be bunched up around the bark of the tree; instead, it should be scooped away about an inch from the base of the trunk. A good mulch bed does not have to be very deep. In fact, only make it between 2 and 4 inches at most. If you need to cover a bed of grass with mulch, first lay down newspaper and wet it through. This will prevent the grass from growing up, through the mulch. Equally important, do not continue to add new mulch on top of old mulch, season after season. Be sure to remove as much old mulch as possible before laying new mulch in spring and fall.

Where to Get Trusted and Professional Tree Service in Fishers, Indiana

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.

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

How All the Parts of a Tree Work

Before we can explain the various parts of a tree, it is important to know that there are two main types: evergreen and deciduous. Evergreen trees have thick spiny firs, and maintain their green foliage all year long. Examples include pine trees, Christmas trees, and conifers. Deciduous trees have leaves that discolor and drop in autumn, such as fruit trees, maple trees, and oak trees. Although there are two different categories of trees, they both have virtually the same parts.

With this knowledge in mind, continue reading to learn the primary parts of a tree, and how they work together to make a tree grow tall and strong.

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

The 5 Basic Tree Parts

Roots – Tree roots grow beneath the base of a tree, underground, no more than a foot or two deep into the soil. There are three primary types of tree roots. These include heavy anchoring roots, long transporting roots, and small roots. All work together as a network to provide a tree with nutrients. But they also keep trees upright and hold them steady in the ground!

Crown – The crown refers to the upper portion of a tree that contains the leaves and branches. Crowns are measured by their circumference and height. Crown sizes will differ from tree to tree depending on health, environmental conditions, and species.

Leaves – Leaves are the foliage of the tree that partly make up the crown. They convert energy into sugar and oxygen, which is food for them. This process is called photosynthesis. And a substance called Chlorophyll makes them green. Evergreen trees have needle-like leaves, while deciduous trees have softer, flattened leaves. Deciduous leaves change color season to season, but evergreens remain green all year long.

Branches – Tree branches are the large limbs that extend from the trunk. They support the leaves and twigs that make up the crown.

Trunk – The trunk provides the shape and support of the whole tree, and holds up the crown. It transports the sugar made by the leaves, and water gathered from the soil.

Where to Get Professional Tree Service in Fishers, Indiana

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.

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

Why it is Important to Plant Trees Native to Indiana

Spring and fall are the best times of year to plant new trees; and with the Autumn season fast approaching, you might be thinking about some incorporating some new additions to your property. If so, be sure to brush up on all your relevant tree planting and tree care guidelines. In fact, one of the most important considerations is plant hardiness. The best chance at maintaining healthy trees all year long is to choose species that are native to your region. For us Hoosiers, this means planting trees that are hardy to Indiana climate.

Continue reading to learn why it is important to select trees that are native to Indiana, including what you need to know about U.S. hardiness zones, seasonal tree care, and more.

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

Local Hardiness Zones

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.

The USDA Hardiness Zones for Indiana are 5 and 6, specifically 5b, and 6a, and 6b.

Common trees that are hardy to Indiana 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.

Environmental Support is Another Benefit

Not only does planting trees native to Indiana set you up for years of tree thriving success, it can also help the local environment. You see, Indiana hardy tree species are also important to the surrounding Eco-systems, especially local wildlife. Furthermore, native trees do not typically experience pest infestation problems as much as non-native trees. This makes backyard activity more comfortable and fun, plus protects your adjacent gardens and flowerbeds from insect damage.

Keep in mind that native Indiana trees are not always a guaranteed success. There are several other factors and duties you must attend to in order to ensure your trees survive season to season. The best approach is routine tree maintenance. Talk to your local Fishers Indiana tree care specialist about your recommended tree service program for your unique property.

Call Our Licensed Fishers Tree Care Technicians for Affordable Tree Services

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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Fishers Tree Service Coupons 317-537-9770

3 Common Indiana Tree Diseases and How to Treat Them

There are various species of trees hardy to Indiana, most of which we enjoy admiring, year-round. From lush pines to fruit bearing trees, there is so much to appreciate every season. Unfortunately, trees can become ill from a plethora of contagions and infections, causing death and decay. Garden and tree enthusiasts work hard to protect and preserve their crops, shrubbery, and orchards, but there are still some common threats that can cause deterioration and corrosion in trees and other plant life.

Continue reading to learn about some common ailments that threaten the lives of trees and vegetation in Indiana, and how to treat them effectively.

Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770
Fungal growth caused by heart rot.

Heart Rot

Heart Rot is a very common infection that can harm trees. It uniquely attacks hardwood trees, which happen to be quite prevalent in Indiana.  Signs of this disease include fungus and mushroom cap growth.  The infection causes deterioration from within, eventually weakening the branches and bark of a hardwood tree.  Treatment is complicated, but still possible.  It requires expert pruning and dead wooding in order to get the tree in a healthy state of growth.  Again, a professional tree care technician is recommended for such diseases.

Chestnut Blight

The American Chestnut Tree faced near extinction in the early 1900’s due to this threatening tree illness.  A simple analogy can help understand the health implications caused by this disease; chestnut blight is to trees as smallpox is to humans.  Chestnut Blight affects the bark and leaves of a tree, causing cankers and orange-brown stains.  It can only be treated with a series of chemical tree injections.  These injections are non-hazardous to the environment but should always be administered by a tree care professional.

Elm Disease

Also happening in the early 1900’s was oversea shipping and trading.  These shipments brought in non-native beetles, commonly referred to as Dutch Beetles.  These insects are common predators of Elm Trees in Indiana and prefer to attack trees that are already infected with a fungal disease.  Some familiar signs of Elm Disease include yellowing of bark and leaves, and death right before Fall.  Typically, tree removal is the only option for Elm Disease, other than prevention.

Get Fishers Indiana Tree Service at the Best Prices Around Town

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

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

Do I Have to Remove a Dead Tree?

When a tree on your property dies, you are faced with the decision to either remove it or let it be. Continue reading to learn when you might be required to remove a dead tree, and when you might be able to simply use your own personal discretion.  

Tree Removal in Fishers 317-537-9770
Tree Removal in Fishers 317-537-9770

Dead Trees

Dead trees on your property can be quite the conundrum. Some are hazards, and very dangerous to keep up, while others serve valuable ecological and recreational advantages. Either way, dead tree removal is typically up the property owner. It is very rare for the city, county, or homeowners’ association to force a property owner to take down a tree, unless of course it is an obvious hazard. For instance, if you had a dead oak tree that uprooted, thus blocking the sidewalk and street in the neighborhood, you might be asked by the city or local association to have it removed. However, if you have a dead tree standing in your front yard that poses no risk of falling, it is very unlikely that any authority would ask you to take it down.

When to Take Down a Dead Tree

The right time to take a dead tree down might seem obvious, but many people often overlook some common dangers they can pose. Here is when you should remove a dead tree:

⚠ A dead tree should be removed if it is leaning, or uprooted from the ground.

⚠ A dead tree should always be removed if it is obstructing power lines, telephone poles, and other important structures.

⚠ A dead tree should be removed if it is in falling distance of important buildings, structures, or public walkways.

⚠ A dead tree should be removed if it is ridden with pests.

⚠ A dead tree should be removed if it lowers property value or curb appeal.

When to Keep a Dead Tree

Many people do not realize that dead trees are often highly valuable, not only to the surrounding Eco-system, but also to homeowners who enjoy nature-watching. You see, some dead trees are known snag trees, which are trees that serve as habitats for wildlife. Snag trees are one of the most common habitats for all sorts of local wildlife, including squirrels, chipmunks, bats, birds, bugs, and more! See our blog, “What is a Snag?” to learn more about the importance of snag trees, as well as, how to care for one on your property.

Dead Tree Removal Services in Fishers, Indiana

Call 317-537-9770 for affordable and prompt tree removal 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 for Fishers tree service, today.

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

Which Sides of a House to Plant Trees On

Sure, you can plant a tree just about anywhere, so long as it is not going to be a hazard or obstruction, and so long as all environmental conditions are right. However, there are actually certain trees that should be planted in certain areas of a property to encourage optimal growth and even energy efficiency inside! Continue reading to learn which sides of a house you want to plant deciduous and evergreen trees on, and why.

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

Deciduous Trees

Deciduous trees are trees that drop their foliage in the fall, enter a dormant period in the winter, and then re-bloom their foliage in the spring and summer. So, at some point in the year, a deciduous tree will be bare, and nothing but trunk, branches, and limbs. With this factor considered, the best side of the house to plant deciduous species of tree are the West, East, and South facing points. Why? Because these sides get the most sun. In the winter, this helps deciduous species thrive. In the summer, full canopies provide shade for the home, which in turn, increases energy efficiency and lowers monthly AC bills.

🌳 Recommended deciduous trees for Indiana homes: Oak, Maple, and Birch

Evergreen Trees

Evergreen trees remain green all year long, and do not lose their leaves like deciduous tree do. However, certain evergreens will drop their outer leaves, and reveal their newer growing foliage, in the late fall. Because evergreen and conifer trees retain their foliage through every season, they are best planted on the north sides of homes. This position helps shield against those harsh, Northern winter winds. In turn, this also increases energy efficiency and reduces your monthly heating bills.

🌲 Recommended evergreen trees for Indiana homes: Pine, Spruce, and Firs

How Far to Plant Trees From a House

Here is a quick guide on recommended distances to plant trees around a house, based on how tall and wide the tree will grow:

Small Trees Up to 25 Feet Tall – Plant 6 to 10 ft. from siding, and 5 to 8 ft. from corners.

Medium Trees Up to 50 Feet Tall – Plant 15 to 20 ft. from siding, and 10 to 15 ft. from corners.

Large Trees Over 50 Feet Tall – Plant at least 40 ft. from the house, and 10 to 15 ft. from power lines.

Fishers Tree Services You Can Depend On

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.

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

Tree Diseases to Watch Out for in Spring and Summer

Trees are a living species just like humans and animals, which means they can become sick, and even die, from disease. Although there are several types of diseases that can affect landscaping trees and shrubs in the spring and summer, you can feel better knowing that there are even more ways to protect your trees from harm.

Continue reading to learn a few of the most common tree diseases, and what you can do to ensure they are well-protected season to season.

Fishers Dead Tree Removal 317-537-9770
Fishers Dead Tree Removal 317-537-9770

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a fungal disease. It is caused by a group of fungi that attack foliage and yields of trees. Although it can attack all trees, the most common victims are Sycamore Trees and Flowering Dogwoods. The disease causes premature leaf defoliation and a twig blight that leads to witches blooming. To prevent this disease, apply fungal treatments and pesticides to tree leaves two weeks prior to budding. You may also benefit from trunk injections with systematic fungicides.

Heart Rot

Heart rot is a common fungal disease that can affect all species of hardwood deciduous trees. The most common victims include birch, beech, cedar, dogwood, and maple trees. It causes the wood from the center of the trunk to rot from the inside, out. Damage to tree branches is generally the cause of heart rot, so treatment can be challenging. Incidents like fires, improper pruning, pest infestations, and other types of structural damage is a common cause for heart rot.

Powdery Mildew

If you have seen tree leaves and plants covered in a white powder-like substance, you may have witnessed a disease called powdery mildew. It is caused by a variety of fungal pathogens that grow on top of the foliage, and essentially looks like flour sprinkled all over the foliage. But this powder is not powder at all; it is called white mycelia, which are fungal threads and spores. Treatment for this disease is tricky, but it can be prevented by planting in proper areas.

Oak Wilt

This disease primarily affects Oak trees. It is a systematic fungal disease that unfortunately fatal. Symptoms include leaf wilt, leaf discoloration, and foliage loss. The most common regions where Oak Wilt is predominant include New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Texas. It is transmitted by beetles and root graphs. Red Oaks cannot be treated, but most Whites can.

Worried Your Trees are Sick or at Risk of Disease?

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.

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