Category Archives: Tree Facts

Can English Ivy Harm My Trees?

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English Ivy is a popular fast-growing evergreen vine found grasping and climbing just about anything it can, including fences, telephone poles, street signs, homes, buildings, and trees. It is a visually-stunning flora for any property, given that it remains green and lush throughout the winter seasons. It can also be eco-friendly, keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. But what many property owners do not realize about English Ivy are the negative affects it can have on landscaping trees.

Continue reading to learn why English Ivy can be harmful to trees and how it can be responsibly managed.

Invasive and Resilient

English Ivy is not a native species to the United States, having been brought over by European immigrants centuries ago. English Ivy is resilient and long-lasting for many reasons. Not only does it contain tiny roots that ooze a glue-like substance allowing it to stick anywhere, it requires virtually no maintenance once it starts growing. Also, it has no natural pests and is not susceptible to any diseases that can hinder its growth, which is one reason why ivy grows so rapidly and so vastly. For this reason, it can quickly become a nuisance vine, overcoming all biodiversity and structures in its path. Although it is not technically considered an invasive species in Indiana, it is important for property owners to responsibly manage and control their English Ivy growths so other properties and landscapes are not affected or overcome by it.

Tree Damages

English Ivy may look beautiful wrapped gracefully around your trees, but in reality, it is damaging them. It is important to have English Ivy removed once it becomes out of control. It is a time-consuming process that will require professional assistance. If it has damaged a tree more than 30 percent, the tree must be removed for safety purposes. English Ivy is harmful to trees because it is heavy and suffocating. Here are some details regarding the harmful effects of English Ivy on trees:

It Adds Strain and Stress to Trees. Because it’s heavy in weight, English Ivy puts a tree under a lot of pressure and duress. The added weight is not only a burden, it can jeopardize the tree’s structural integrity during its vulnerable seasons. During these times, strong winds and storms can easily take a tree down that is overcome with heavy ivy growth.

It Hinders Photosynthesis. Since English Ivy grows so thick and abundant, it covers the tree entirely, inhibiting sunlight exposure. When a tree cannot get enough sunlight, it cannot receive sufficient nutrients through the process of photosynthesis.

It Constricts and Suffocates Trees. When English Ivy grows over a tree, it covers the tree bark all the way around. This “hugging” of the tree is actually constricting the tree’s growth. It cannot expand in girth because the ivy is holding it back. This will render a tree weakened and hazardous.

It Steals Nutrients. English Ivy roots lay on top of tree roots, which means it is taking in all the water and nutrients first that would otherwise go directly to the tree. Also, it inhibits other forms of nutrients, like fall leaves and other natural remains. After some time, the tree will die of dehydration and nutrient deficiency.

It Blocks Tree Bark Pores. Tree bark contains tiny pores called lenticils that facilitate the exchange of natural gases. With English Ivy blocking these pores with overgrowth, the tree cannot function properly and soon dies.

Tree Care in Fishers

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Important Routine Tree Services for Residential Properties

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Trees and landscaping are among some of the most admired outdoor amenities in neighborhoods and on residential properties; that is, if they are cared for correctly. There is something about trees, gardens, and other flora that impressively influences outdoor ambiance for homes. So what are some of the most effective tree services a homeowner can benefit from to achieve beautiful landscaping? The answer is simple! Continue reading to learn some useful and recommended tree services for attractive landscaping and foliage.

Tree Trimming

Tree trimming is another major necessity when it comes to routine tree care. Cutting off dead tree branches, trimming leaves, and tree topping all promote healthier growth patterns in trees and for their leaves. Be sure to hire a professional tree service company to facilitate any kind of tree work that requires heavy equipment and labor. These companies retain the proper tools, staffs, licenses, and experience to carry out any type of residential or commercial tree services.

Tree Pruning and Shaping

Pruning a tree and tree shaping are basically the same job. Residential tree pruning service is needed to remove dead, diseased, and broken tree branches; as well as, reduce tree height, thin the crown, change the shape and design of the tree, and increase growth and air circulation. Tree shaping, tree pruning, tree thinning, and more are all a part of tree care for residential properties.

Dead Tree Removal

One of the most important tasks to handle when it comes to maintaining a healthy outdoor landscape is removing dead trees. A dead tree could mean many things. It could be dead from a tree bark disease, Emerald Ash Borers or other insect infestations, mold growth, and more. These ailments are a threat for the rest of the healthy greenery on your property. Get rid of dead or diseased trees to promote a healthier and safer habitat for the existing healthy trees on your property.

Tree services are highly recommended to maintain an admirable outdoor landscape; as well as, ensure the safety of your property. Periodically inspecting the larger trees on your property is also highly recommended in order to reduce the likelihood of fallen trees and structural damages. Professional tree care is the only way to go when it comes to tree service for your home and property.

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How to Select the Right Firewood for Your Home

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Sure, you can get all bundled up head to toe, trek out to the woods with chain saw in hand, and chop up several pounds of free wood for the winter. But all this effort really isn’t necessary when you can simply drive to any local store and purchase affordable seasoned firewood in bulk. The convenience of buying seasoned firewood and ready to go is worth the money spent since there’s no physical effort required! And to make matters more interesting, there are several different types of firewood to choose from, all with separate qualities and characteristics. The firewood you choose depends on your style and personal preferences. Continue reading to learn about some popular firewood selections, and what they have to offer your home this winter season!

Types of Firewood

For the most part, all firewood is pretty much the same, but there are notable traits that make them slightly different from one another. For example, different types of woods burn differently, at different temperatures, and for different amount of times. They also make a different amount of popping and cracking sounds while burning. Firewood can also differ in smells and aromas, and of course, price. Here are some popular choices to consider when shopping around for wintertime firewood:

Oak – Although generally the most expensive, oak firewood is very dense and burns very hot. Being that it is easy to light and has a mild but pleasant aroma, many people choose oak firewood for indoor fireplaces.

Pecan – Pecan firewood also burns very hot, but is a little trickier to light. Being that it is one of the densest nut variety of woods, it requires routine kindling and crackles less than harder woods. However, this may be exactly what you are looking for in a firewood, especially because it has a lovely gentle scent. It is moderately pricey, usually costing a bit less than oak firewood.

Mixed Hardwoods – Mixed hardwoods include woods like Ash, Elm, Sycamore, and even Hackberry. They are the least expensive firewood option, and crackles the most out of all other selections of firewood. It is easy to light and burns hot too! This type of firewood is perfect for outdoor bonfires and campfires.

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Winter Tree Damages and Diseases

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There are several factors that influence the degree or likelihood of damage and disease to trees in the winter. These include variables like tree species, location, dormancy, temperatures, precipitation, and more. Many assume that cold temperatures will kill a tree, but there are more serious threats in the winter than that. In fact, it’s not cold weather that harms a tree, but rather extreme fluctuations in temperatures. A tree must acclimate slowly to freezing cold temperatures in order to survive them once they arrive; and they can only do so if the temperatures gradually decrease as the fall ends and winter begins. Sudden or extreme changes in climate can de-acclimate trees, leaving them vulnerable to rapid freeze and more. You can learn more about that, as well as, other common tree damages and diseases that occur during the winter season, when you continue reading.

Frost Cracks

Frost cracks, also referred to as radial shakes, affect a tree’s bark and trunk in the wintertime. These are long, vertical cracks, both deep and shallow, that may appear in the trunk of a vulnerable tree after temperatures drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This is generally caused by sudden or extreme drops in temperature, and most commonly occurs on the South or Southwest side of trees. Once they appear, they usually come back every winter season. Tree that are more vulnerable to frost cracks include Red Maples, Walnut trees, Willow trees, and Oak trees.

Sunscald

Since trees experience the most temperature fluctuations on their South and Southwest side, they are also susceptible to a condition called sunscald. It appears as an elongated canker growth, and generally tends to affect thin-barked trees like Willows, White Pines, Beeches, and Maples. The cause is sudden over-exposure to direct sun. Additional signs of sunscald include lack of foliage, stem dieback, and stunted growth.

Winterburn

Similar to sunscald, winterburn is another seasonal condition that can greatly injure trees. But rather than mostly affecting the tree’s bark, it affects the foliage. Winterburn will cause leaves to appear burnt at the tips, curl up, and brown. It is common to see winterburn on trees like evergreens, Hemlocks, and pines, but also on Rhododendrons and Boxwoods. Loss of water through leaf transpiration is a common cause of winterburn.

Branch and Limb Breakages

Frozen ice and snow accumulation can cause tree branches to bend, snap, break, splinter, and fall. For this reason, it is important to make sure there is nothing kept beneath any tree covered in an excessive amount of heavy snow or ice. Broken limbs and branches are a common sight during winters with high precipitation. Use a broom to lightly release heavy snow accumulation from trees on your property to reduce the chances of limbs breaking.

Salt Damage

Salt is a necessity in many communities in terms of snow/ice removal and control. But it comes with its drawbacks. Not only does salt leave unsightly stains and marks on fabric like car mats and pant legs, and it also causes tree damage if improperly managed. Salt can linger in the soil and cause root damage, while aerial deposits damage the tree’s branches and limbs. But the damage from salt is not evident until spring and summer. Signs and symptoms include dead turf areas, branch dieback, leaf discoloration, and leaf scorch.

Keep Your Eye Out For Our Next Month’s Blog to Learn How to Reduce Winter Tree Damages Like These!

Tree Service Fishers

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Call 317-537-9770 for prompt and professional tree service in Fishers, Indiana. We are highly trained and qualified arborists with more than two decades of experience in the industry. We offer a wide range of tree care services, including tree removal, transplanting, trimming, pruning, shaping, topping, stump grinding, lot clearing, tree disease treatment, and more. We offer both residential and commercial tree service at the most competitive prices in town! Call 317-537-9770 today for affordable, high-quality tree removal services in Fishers, IN.

The Most Common Tree Diseases in North America

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Trees can fall ill from disease and infection just the same as any other living organism. In America, trees can be victim to several diseases; some of which have no treatment or cure. It is important to protect our trees from hazardous elements and harmful exposure; however, in nature, these things tend to take their own course no matter what. Continue reading to learn about the most common tree diseases known and seen in Indiana, and how to safeguard your property from these damaging ailments.

Heart Rot

Heart rot is a fungal condition that affects the integrity of a tree’s trunk, bark, branches, and structure. The disease attacks hardwood trees specifically, such as oaks, walnuts, ash trees, birch trees, poplars, and all other types of deciduous trees. It weakens and rots the bark from within; even more so in harsh weather and windy conditions. It creates a danger zone for anything surrounding the tree below. Heart rot has caused trees to tip, bend, and fall onto homes, cars, and other expensive assets. Some signs of Heart Rot include:

• Fungus Growth
• Protruding Mushroom Caps
• Leaning Tree Trunk
• Wood Decay
• Fungus Conks
• Mold
• Etc.

Healthy trees will naturally combat Heart Rot with a process called compartmentalization. In order to get healthy trees, routine maintenance is essential. Regular pruning, fertilizing, wound care, and more is vital to sustain a tree’s immunity. A local tree service company or technician can give you all the tips and advice you need for DIY tree maintenance.

Chestnut Blight

Chestnut Blight is a disease that affects the American Chestnut Tree. This tree was once one of the most important timber trees in early twentieth century society, until a devastating Chestnut Blight epidemic took effect. It wiped out nearly all of the Chestnut tree population in North America, leaving behind very few mature trees today. Chestnut Blight is a pathogenic fungal disease that enters through tree wounds and grows from within. Just like Heart Rot, it will eventually weaken and decay the bark; jeopardizing the structural integrity as a whole. Evidence of Chestnut Blight can include symptoms such as:

• Tree Cankers
• Callus Formations
• Swelling and Cracking of Bark
• Wilting Leaves
• Fallen Branches
• Browning Leaves
• Leaning Tree Trunk
• Wood Decay
• Discolored Tree Bark
• Etc.

Oak Wilt

Another common fungal disease that can kill trees is called Oak wilt. As the name describes, it only primarily species of Oak trees; however, it can harm other species of tree as well, but in a different way. Red Oaks have proven to be more susceptible to Oak Wilt than species of White Oaks. Examples of Red Oaks include Black, Red, and Northern Pin; while examples of White Oaks include Bur, White Stamp, and other round-leafed species. The disease is locally spread from infected trees to healthy ones by insects and plant roots. The infection causes the crowns of Oak trees to reduce and die. It also harms the bark, leaves, and tree branches. Signs of Oak Wilt include:

• Bronze-Colored Leaves
• Branch Loss
• Dead Crowns
• Leaf Wilting
• Discolored Vascular Tissues
• Brown Stains Under Bark
• Etc.

To reduce the likelihood of infected trees on your property, be sure to provide them with proper routine maintenance and care, year-round. Trees require checkups and upkeep just as we do. Recommended tree maintenance includes trimming, pruning, topping, fertilization, dead wooding, and more. It is best to consult a tree service company for professional advice and information on residential or commercial tree care.

Fishers Tree Service

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What is Oak Wilt Tree Disease?

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Oak trees are among the most majestic and beautiful trees in Indiana. They provide an abundance of benefits, and service even more purposes. But just like all living organisms, Oak tree are vulnerable to disease and illness too. One of the most common forms of oak tree disease is called oak wilt, and affects hundreds of acres of oak trees each year. Continue reading to learn more about oak wilt and how to manage a tree with this disease.

Oak Wilt Disease

Oak wilt is an intravenous fungal disease that attacks the vascular system of an Oak tree. It inhibits water and nutrients from accessing the tree’s canopy, causing the entire tree to suffer. There are two primary ways oak wilt disease is spread. The first and most common means of oak wilt transmission is root grafting. Root grafting occurs when the root systems of two separate trees come together and share water and nutrients. This is very common for trees that are close together. So if one tree becomes infected with oak wilt, and it is grafted with another tree’s roots, it can spread the disease to the other tree.

The other common form of oak wilt transmission is through beetles. Nitidulid beetles can carry oak wilt fungus from one tree to another. They are most active during the months of February to June, which is why you should never trim oak trees during this time of year. Nitidulid beetles are attracted to wounds in oak trees, so if an oak tree is newly trimmed during their active time of year, Nitidulid beetles will go for the fresh cut marks in the tree and potentially spread disease. For this reason, be sure to only trim Oaks between July and January. If an oak tree must be trimmed between February and June, pruning paint can protect against Nitidulid beetles and other pests.

The only effective method of treatment or preventative care is fungicide injections. Once oak wilt is identified within 200 feet of your landscaping trees, it is a good idea to proceed with fungicide injections for precautionary purposes. But preventative precautionary fungicide injections are not always effective. Once a tree is infected with oak wilt, the only fungicide treatment that can cure it is called Propiconazole. Again, treatment is not always effective. Talk to your local arborist for information about protecting your landscaping trees against disease and other hazards.

Tree Service in Fishers, IN

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Call 317-537-9770 for professional tree service in Fishers, Indiana. We provide a wide range of tree services for residential and commercial properties at the most competitive prices in town. Services include tree disease treatment, tree transplanting, tree removal, tree trimming, pruning, shaping, lot clearing, and more. Call 317-537-9770 for affordable and fast tree removal services in Fishers, Indiana.

Beware of Bacterial Leaf Scorch

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When trees are in full bloom, the condition of newly sprouted leaves can give clues regarding the overall health of a tree. Leaves and branches are always an effective indicator of a healthy tree or a distressed tree. Curling edges and discoloration are two of the most common signs of tree problems. One tree disease that causes both of these conditions is called bacterial leaf scorch. If your leaves are still green in the center, but browning at the edges, it could be leaf scorch. The same goes for a yellow border around the edges of the leaves.

Causes of Bacterial Leaf Scorch

The primary cause of bacterial leaf scorch is an insect called a leaf hopper. Leaf hoppers do not mean any harm, but their appetites cause injury to trees. They retain penetrating mouth extremities that allows them to suck all the water and nutrients from the tree leaves. Without sufficient water and nutrients, trees cannot survive, and the first thing to show evidence of this is the leaves.

The other problem is that leaf hoppers transmit the bacterial leaf scorch from one tree to the next. So as soon as a leaf hopper comes into contact with the bacteria (Xylella fastidiosa) that causes leaf scorch, it is equipped to transmit the bacteria to the next tree is dines from.

The bacteria attacks the tree’s xylem, which is the essential water transporting system of a tree. So if a tree is not treated within a short amount of time, it can die. Although there is no “cure” for bacterial leaf scorch, it can be contained with systematic treatments of bactericides. It may require several treatments, but after a while the tree can be sustained with a simple annual application. This is why it is important to catch it as early as possible. Call your local tree guys for an inspection.

Tree Service Fishers Indiana

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Tree Species that Can Provide Medicinal Remedies

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There are thousands of trees found all over the world, and many of them retain homeopathic benefits for humans. Continents like Europe, India, and North America are abundant with prominent flora that has the herbal power to heal, treat, and cure numerous ailments. Their twigs, roots, and bark can be harvested in fall and winter for several medicinal purposes. Continue reading to learn about special trees that provide medicinal therapies for many different ailments and medical conditions.

Eucalyptus Tree

The Eucalyptus tree is a prominent species found in India and surrounding countries. It is a tall tree, capable of exceeding heights of 300 feet or more. Its leaves provide an oil that retains medicinal qualities used to purify blood and lower high blood sugar, as well as, treat other ailments like asthma, bronchitis, fungal infections, cardiac issues, and more.

Ash Tree

Both the leaves and the twig tips of ash trees can be brewed into a tea to relieve symptoms of rheumatism, as well as, jaundice and gout.

Alder Tree

The alder tree can be used as an astringent to wash and heal deep wounds and reduce bleeding. Its bark can be brewed into a tea to treat tonsillitis, fevers, and even hemorrhoids.

Apple Tree

Apples are a delicious and healthy fruit that we cook, bake, and consume in infinite ways. But there is more to apple trees than just food. The bark of an apple tree has been used to treat ailments like diarrhea and fevers. As for apples, stewing them can be used for laxative purposes, while baking them can soothe a sore throat. Drinking apple cider can clean the bowels and intestines of bacteria and other harmful microbes.

Birch Tree

Brewing the leaves of a birch tree into a tea and drinking it can relieve mouth sores, bladder and kidney infections, and even gout. A person can even bathe in the bark of a birch tree to relieve skin irritations like eczema, rashes, and psoriasis. The sap of a birch tree contains betulinic acid which can be used to fight cancer and tumors.

Elm Tree

Elm tree bark ointment and compresses have been used since earlier times to treat gunshot wounds, inflammation, and fevers. The bark of an elm tree brews a tea that is very high in calcium. When consumed, it can help expedite the healing of orthopedic injuries and strengthen weak bones. The tea can also soothe sore throats, relieve urinary and bowel discomfort, and impede diarrhea.

Upper Respiratory Infections

There are several tree species that retain medicinal benefits that treat upper respiratory issues, like the common cold, flu, sore throat, sore muscles, and more. For example, the bark of a maple tree can be brewed into a tea to treat certain symptoms of the common cold and bronchitis. Also, the elder tree bark tea can heal headaches, congestion, and fevers. The bark of cedar trees can be brewed into a tea for chest colds, flus, fevers, and rheumatism.

Tree Service Fishers Indiana

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