Facts About Common Tree Leaf Diseases

Posted on October 17, 2018 by admin

Tree diseases are predominant in residential and commercial landscapes on a yearlong basis, season after season. In some circumstances, there is very little a property owner can do to avert such tree illnesses from taking over their landscape. If you take pride in your trees, consider reviewing a few common ailments that can affect tree and root growth. This knowledge can help you stop, or reverse, similar circumstances with your shrubbery and more.

Continue reading to learn about some common tree leaf illnesses, and what you should do if you suspect your trees are in decline.

Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770 — Leaf Scorch

Leaf Scorch

Leaf scorch is also known as leaf wilt and leaf burn. The signs of leaf scorch are easy to identify. Leaf burn will cause tree leaves brown at the edges, curl up, wilt, and fall off. In evergreen trees, the pine needles will simply turn brown or orange in color. The reason behind leaf wilt is lack of hydration and nutrients Something occurs beneath the ground that prevents the root system from successfully pulling water and nutrients from the earth, and distributing it through the veins of the leaf system.

The lack of food and water causes the leaves to wilt and die. Leaf scorch is not curable or reversible; however, a tree can recover and begin producing new, healthy foliage if proper care is taken. The first step in turning leaf wilt around is determining the source of the problem. This can be from a variety of situations; from new construction development, to drought and high heat intervals. Be sure to consult a professional tree care technician for an accurate and reliable diagnosis.

Anthracnose or Leaf Blight

On the subject of leaf disorders, leaf blight is another common disease that affects the leaves of prevalent North American hardwood trees. The authentic name of leaf blight is Anthracnose and is most commonly spotted in the eastern parts of the United States. This syndrome is customarily marked by several burn-like blotches that look like dead spots or holes on tree leaves. Leaf Blight is caused by a fungus that reproduces by means of spores.

During long rainy or windy seasons, these microscopic spores can quickly travel through the air. They need wet weather to germinate. Anthracnose is not a deadly disease in most cases; however, a tree can suffer from persistent defoliation. The repetitive loss of leaves can cause the tree to become weak, making it vulnerable to other tree diseases. Again, in this situation, it is best to consult a professional in the tree service industry for dependable advice and guidance concerning residential or commercial tree care.

Does Your Tree Look Sick?

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Choose These Trees if You Love Fall Foliage

Posted on September 24, 2018 by admin

If you love the brilliant color changes that occur in fall, then you should consider planting trees in your yard that are known for these amazing displays of color. Continue reading to learn some of the top recommended trees to choose if you love the changing leaves of autumn!

Japanese Maple

Japanese Maple trees offer a wide spectrum of changing colors from spring to fall. They are also admired for their unique branch structure, growing delicately placed leaves that droop and sway with the breeze. Foliage colors include burgundy and purple hues to bright pinks, and more.

Sugar Maple

Sugar Maple trees will be a lush green all spring and summer, but then change into a stunning array of bright orange-red leaves. These trees are so stunning, New York, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Vermont all claim them as their state tree.

Sweetgum

Sweetgum trees are absolutely beautiful in the spring and summer with their green glossy leaves. But they really up the ante in the fall with a brilliant array of yellow to dark red leaves that can even turn to shades of purple in the winter. The downfall to these trees this time of year are their spiky fruit balls, which fall to the ground and make for quite the mess to clean up. Stick with the rotundiloba varieties to avoid this occurrence.

Northern Red Oak

The name suggests its beauty, as Northern Red Oak trees are quite striking with their dark red foliage in the fall. However, their leaves tend to change color much later in the season, so do not be alarmed if your Northern Red Oaks are still green.

Quaking Aspen

A Quaking Aspen is a sight to see in the fall time. Their leaves turn into a wide spectrum of brightly colored yellow leaves that resemble sunshine. This can make any dull or boring landscape look like an inviting and dreamy place to be.

Bald Cypress

Bald Cypress trees are beautiful this time of year because they begin to change into lovely shades of reddish-purple browns and russet colors. These offer a unique appeal to any property, and best of all, they are easy to care for. Aside from stunning foliage, they also reveal an attractive bark in the winter.

Fall Tree Service For Fishers

Call 317-537-9770 for professional fall 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.

What You Need to Know About Your Soil

Posted on September 11, 2018 by admin

There is no better way to upgrade your landscaping than to enhance your lawns and gardens. Trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass that look great make all the difference when it comes to curb appeal. In fact, a better-looking landscape can increase property value. This is a good tip for those planning to list their house or building for sale. However, it takes more than water and sunshine to get great results. Before you get to the growing part, you must start with a strong basis: healthy soil.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about soil in order to grow the healthiest and prettiest flora!

Healthy Soil

You can tell the difference between healthy soil and unhealthy soil simply by taking a look. Healthy soil is rich in color, and contains a minimal level of moisture and softness. It will also contain organic matter, like earthworms and other insects. Unhealthy soil will be just the opposite: compacted, dry, dull in color, and crumbly.

Beyond what the eye can detect, healthy soil has addition attributes that contrast the properties of unhealthy soil. For instance, healthy soil is full of nutrients and organic matter, and contains the proper pH levels conducive to plant growth. Unhealthy soil lacks sufficient nutrients, and may even contain high levels of salts, pesticides, or other toxins.

Soil Testing

You can start with a soil test kit to determine the condition of your garden’s soil. Soil test kits are available at any local home improvement or gardening store, and range in price depending on brand, size, and quality. These kits test the pH levels of the soil, which denotes its acidity or basicity. Depending on its deficiencies, you will need to balance the soil’s levels out by making it more alkaline or acidic. The pH scale ranges from acidic to alkaline, on a numerical scale from 1 to 14, with a 7 being neutral.

Soil Fertilization

If you are required to fertilize your soil in order to improve its conditions, the best method is sub-surface application. Add the fertilizer to your soil before planting anything for best results. Once the tree or plant is in the ground, you can provide surface applications as needed or recommended by your Fishers tree service provider. If soil fertilization is not effective, your tree care contractor may suggest foliar spraying or trunk injections.

When it comes to choosing a soil fertilizer, there is a wrong and right choice. Be sure to choose a product that is 50% slow-release with a salt-index of less than 50. You do not want a fertilizer with a high ratio of potassium and phosphorous. Instead, go with a quality, nitrogen-based fertilizer. The general rule of thumb for application is between 2 and 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

Do You Need Professional Tree Care?

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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!

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.

Fishers Tree Service

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.

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.

Fishers Tree Service You Can Trust

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.

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.

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.

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Why Did My Tree Not Drop its Leaves for Winter?

Posted on February 15, 2018 by admin

Evergreen trees, like pines and conifers, do not lose their foliage in the winter. Deciduous trees, on the other hand, DO shed their leaves, only to regrow them in the spring. And although this is the expected order of Mother Nature, there are circumstances in which a deciduous tree might retain its dead leaves throughout the course of the winter. In these cases, the leaves will turn brown and die as the season changes, but they will not drop unless they are dislodged by a heavy force (i.e. wind, storms, felling, etc.).

If you have noticed that your deciduous tree has not shed its dead leaves, do not worry. In many cases, this occurrence is not fatal for trees. It can, however, be damaging to its branches and limbs overtime. Continue reading to learn what this leaf retention effect is, which trees are commonly affected, and what you can do to help prevent it from happening to your landscaping trees.

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Leaf Retention in Deciduous Trees

When a deciduous tree fails to shed their dead leaves once the season turns into winter, it is likely due to the occurrence known as marcescence. Leaf marcescence generally affects young or newly planted trees, but it can also affect a wide range of trees (and plants) in various stages of growth and condition. For young trees, the occurrence often goes away as they mature. There are many theories on what causes marcescence in trees, but none have yet to be empirically proven. The most accepted theories in the industry are: 1) marcescence is caused by the premature closing of the abscission layer, or 2) the interruption or delay of abscission layer development.

Trees have an internal vascular system that distributes water and nutrients up through the tree and to the leaves. In the fall, the veins within this internal vascular system gradually becomes narrower, and eventually, the veins close up entirely after the abscission layer forms inside them. Once the abscission layer has formed, the tree can shed its dead leaves for the winter.

With this understanding, you can see how the two above-mentioned theories could be true. If an outside influence causes a tree’s abscission layer to prematurely close, delay development, not finish development, or not develop at all, it could cause leaf marcescence. Examples of such influences may include wildlife interference, pest infestations, construction damages, drought, early freezes, and more.

Types of Plants and Trees Affected:

🍂 Oak Trees (Quercus)
🍂 Hornbeam Trees (Carpinus)
🍂 Frailejone Trees (Espeletia)
🍂 Beech Trees (Fagus)
🍂 Witch Hazel Trees (Hamamelis)

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What is a Snag?

Posted on December 29, 2017 by admin

Dead Tree Removal 317-537-9770

In forest ecology, you are likely to come across the term, “snag.” A snag is a term used to describe still-standing trees that are dead and actively going through the decomposition process. Snags play an integral role in the surrounding forest ecosystem, and offer many benefits for our environment as a whole. How can a dead tree be beneficial? Continue reading to learn more about snags and the role they play in our ecosystems.

Formation of Tree Snags

Live trees become snags when they are damaged by fire, lightening, inclement weather, disease, drought, too much shade, too much water, root complications, and land development. Many things can kill a tree, which is why routine tree care is so important. Trees require an optimal amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients, just like most living organisms. When these needs are not met or well-balanced, trees will begin to experience decline. As they weaken, they become more vulnerable to illness, disease, and disruption. To property owners, this is bad news, but for local wildlife, a snag is simply another home opened on the market.

A Wildlife Habitat

Snags, or dead standing trees, are also known as “wildlife trees” because they provide a critical habitat for more than 100 species of wildlife. Wild animals like squirrels, bats, raccoons, owls, birds, and more, use snags as their nesting or roosting area, and for many reasons. Not only is a snag easy to rip apart to form crevices and cavities, many naturally form hollowed areas and holes for animals to use as shelter.

Formations like hollow trunks, excavated cavities, and dead branches are highly useful for wildlife, and can keep them warm and protected during the harsh winter seasons. In fact, without snags, many species of wildlife would not survive the inclement weather this time of year. Furthermore, decaying wood produces and attracts a variety of decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, insects, and other invertebrates. Snags are a terrific habitat for these organisms, which also makes them a rich source of food for wildlife.

Signs of a Dead or Dying Tree

To identify a snag, you will want to start by looking at its appearance. Discoloration, missing foliage, dry bark, sap runs, wildlife interference, and more, are all common signs of a sick or dead tree. For instance, a dead tree will have brittle, dry bark. If you snap a twig in half and the inner flesh is dull, white, or gray, the tree is likely dead. If the flesh inside the twig is still yellow or green, your tree is still alive. However, a tree be alive, but also be on the verge of dying. So it is important to learn the signs of a dying tree as well, which we will cover in next month’s blog!

✨ Stay Tuned for Our Next Blog to Learn How to Identify Dead and Dying Trees!

Dead Tree Removal in Fishers

Tree Care Fishers Indiana 317-537-9770

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.

Strategic Tree Positioning Can Reduce Outside Noise

Posted on December 15, 2017 by admin

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When a person or company initially purchases a piece of property, there can be undesirable aspects of the property that may reveal themselves after the papers are signed. One of the most common adverse qualities of a home or business property is outside noise. Noise such as traffic, parks, school grounds, bus stations, taxi’s, and even nature can influence the level of peace, serenity, and comfort from within the property.

When this happens, there is not much a general contractor can do to reduce the amount of noise that is heard from outside the property. One cannot just remove a park, or birds from the trees; instead, home and business owners have installed extra insulation, and various other construction tricks to eliminate these noises; however, these projects are expensive and time-consuming. There is another way to effectively reduce the noise heard from within a property or home without ripping out the walls and floorboards. The answer is trees! Continue reading to learn how strategically planted trees can effectively reduce noise coming from outdoors.

Advantages of Landscaping Trees

Not only can trees add value, beauty, and environmental benefits to your property, they have various other benefits as well. Trees that are planted and placed as a boundary on a property or piece of land create environmentally-friendly alternative to wooden privacy fencing. Most importantly, it creates a natural buffer from outside noise pollution. It is recommended by tree and landscaping specialists to place the trees as close to the source of noise as possible. Depending on the square-footage of the property, additional landscaping methods may need to be implemented. Here are some standard guidelines on planting or placing trees as a buffer on your property:

☙ Traffic Noise Reduction

Roads with traffic that exceeds 40 mph can create a significant amount of noise pollution on private properties. In this case, a 20 to 50 foot wide buffer needs to be planted at least 20 to 50 feet of the center of the traffic lanes nearest the property.

☙ Safety Precautions

Be sure the trees that being placed as a buffer are not immediate dangers for vehicular collisions on the road. Ask yourself if the trees stand to be immediate impact for any driver that may veer off the road. If so, then placing the trees back farther from the road is the safer option. Also, ask yourself if the trees are the appropriate species and can handle seasonal changes and harsh weather conditions. For example, if harsh snows fall, can the tree withstand the extra weight of the precipitation? Also, are the trees strong enough to withstand standard local snow and ice removal?

☙ Using the Appropriate Species of Tree

The best tree to use in the North American regions for natural noise reduction is evergreens. These species of tree can effectively reduce noise by disrupting sound waves with their thick web of branches and foliage. Also, evergreens are not deciduous trees, meaning they do not shed their leaves seasonally. This means no bare branches and noise interruption come fall and winter. They stay full and thick all year long.

☙ Creating the Best Buffer

It is ideal to double-up when placing trees as buffers around a property. The thicker the boundary, the less noise is likely to pass through. Make the buffer as dense as possible. Two or three layers is significantly more effective than one. Although it can be expensive to plant this many trees within your budget, it can be a great investment to the property. If budget truly is an issue, start slow; instead, plant a new row of buffers each year or every other year. Eventually, you will achieve the noise reduction you were after to begin with!

Fishers Tree Service

Tree Service Fishers Indiana 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.