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!

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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.

How You Can Benefit From Tree Stump Removal

Posted on May 14, 2019 by admin

After having a copse of trees eliminated from your property, whether large or small, obstructive or diseased, you will inevitably have a few stumps left over. Although tree stumps serve many advantageous purposes, depending on personal preference and application, most often, there is an important need for them to be removed entirely.

If you are swaying back and forth on the decision to remove tree stumps on your property, continue reading to learn how the choice to move forward can be quite beneficial.

Tree Stump Removal Options

Depending on your ultimate goal or project, you will have the option of choosing between two tree stump removal methods. The first method is simply referred to stump removal, which entails pulling the entirety of the stump out of the ground, roots and all. Most clients prefer this method since it is thorough and efficient.

The second method is known as stump grinding, which involves cutting the tree stump to ground level, and then using a specialized set of equipment, including a machine called a stump grinder, to chip and chop away at the wood until it is below ground level. The process is generally finished by covering the stump with an organic matter, like soil or mulch, to promote the decay.

Which One Do You Choose?

The option of stump removal is usually the best option; not only because it gives you a free platform to build or grow upon, but also because it prevents common problems associated with leftover decaying wood and tree roots, like pests, wildlife interference, imbalanced soil conditions, root rot, and more.

Stump grinding is a better option for areas of a property that are not heavily frequented by people, or in plans of future constructions of any kind. Talk to a local Fishers tree removal company for professional advice on your stump removal options.

Benefits of Removing the Entire Stump:

☑ Better Visual Appeal

☑ Adds Square Footage

☑ Clears Surface to Use for Development

☑ Enhanced Safety

☑ Abates Pests and Infestations

☑ Prevents Lawn Mower Damage

Fishers Stump Removal Service

Call 317-537-9770 for professional stump removal and stump grinding services in Fishers, Indiana. We are licensed and insured tree care contractors who 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.

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

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.

The Standard Process of Removing a Tree

Posted on April 8, 2019 by admin

There are several reasons why a tree would need to be cut down. From manufacturing to disease, trees need to removed, sometimes. When this happens, professional tree removal technicians use a particular process to safely remove trees without harming the surrounding environment or another person.

Continue reading to learn about this standard tree removal process, and possibly become an expert yourself!

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Steps to Tree Removal

The first task to check of the tree removal to-do list is to conduct an initial inspection. This involves inspecting the entire surrounding environment, as well as, the tree itself. The tree care technician is basically looking for any obstacles that may interfere with the removal process, or possible structures nearby that can become damaged by a fallen tree. They also look for signs of tree diseases, deterioration, and corrosion.

This can help them determine the degree of difficulty and hazard associated with the tree removal job. During this same step, the technician will also observe the lean of the tree. The direction that a tree naturally leans is most likely the same direction it will fall to the ground when cut down. They will put together multiple alternatives for emergencies, unexpected falls, or if the tree falls the other way. It is extremely advantageous to pre-plan escape routes such as these when taking down large trees.

Cutting the Tree Down

The size of the tree will generally determine the type of tools and equipment needed for the job. For larger trees, heavy duty chainsaws and electrical tree cutters are popular and effective choices; while for smaller trees, a basic hand saw works just fine. Once this is figured out, the technician can begin to make the initial cuts.

A tree tech will apply two small cuts into certain sections of the tree trunk to force the tree to fall in a particular direction. An undercut is a 90 degree V-shaped cut that is administered to the side of the tree that should lead the fall. At times, a technician will choose to do something called a back cut that helps relieve tension that may be preventing a fall. This is applied to the back side of the tree, opposite of the undercut.

Next Comes Stump Removal

In many tree removal jobs, large branches are cut out first, then the tree is taken down, and you are left with a tree stump. At this point a property owner or technician has a few options. The first option is to dig the stump up from the ground. This can be very time consuming and hard labor but is the most effective strategy for stubborn roots.

Helpful tools to use for stump removal include sharp spades, pruning saws, or pricks. Another option is that requires less labor is to use chemicals to speed up decomposition. Holes are drilling into the tops and the chemicals are poured in. It is as simple as that. This is an easy option, but not an overnight solution. The decomposition takes some time.

Tree and Stump Removal in Fishers

Call 317-537-9770 for professional Fishers tree removal 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, including tree removal and stump removal. We also offer tree service coupons and discounts! Request a free estimate, today.

3 Common Methods of Tree Pruning

Posted on March 28, 2019 by admin

Pruning a tree is an imperative part of tree care, and is required on a seasonal basis to promote new and healthy tree growth. This is especially important for fruit trees, like cherry, apple, and plum trees. There are various forms of tree pruning and tree trimming, all of which serve separate and important functions.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 most common methods of tree pruning, including who to call for trusted tree care near you.

❶ Crown Reduction

Crown reduction is usually reserved for trees that are overgrown, or too large for the space it is occupying. Also known as “drop crotch pruning”, this process involves strategically removing limbs and foliage in order to relieve an obstruction, or to create more space around a tree. It is only recommended for emergency, last resort tree trimming. However, it is a popular choice among property owners because it renders a more visually-pleasing appearance compared to tree topping and similar practices. Also, it extends the time period between pruning services, making your landscaping duties less frequent.

❷ Crown Thinning

Crown thinning is a common pruning technique used to provide more air flow and sunlight through a tree’s canopy. More sun, air, and wind can help a tree grow stronger and healthier, especially if it was getting too thick to adequately disperse sunlight nutrients throughout the tree. Mostly used on hardwood trees, like oaks, crown thinning can improve a tree’s structure and stability, as well as, make it more resistant to pests. Because it is a complex and selective pruning technique, it requires a professional team of tree care contractors.

❸ Crown Raising

In contrast to crown thinning, which focuses on a selective removal of inner foliage and limbs, crown raising focuses on the bottom half of a tree’s canopy for the purpose of providing clearance for pedestrians, vehicles, buildings or lines of sight. This practice is often reserved for trees on public or municipal walkways and roads. Generally, the degree of crown raising is specified by a municipal ordinance. No more than 35% of a tree’s canopy should be removed during crown raising, which is why it is important to have the service carried out by a trained professional.

Fishers Tree Pruning Services

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

A Brief Comparison of Angiosperms and Gymnosperms

Posted on February 20, 2019 by admin

When you look at a tree, can you tell whether or not their seeds are “naked?” Probably not; right? You likely don’t even know what that description means. Well, trees fall into one of two categories: angiosperms and gymnosperms, both of which have monumental differences that can be seen by the naked eye.

Continue reading to review a brief comparison of angiosperm trees and gymnosperm trees.

Angiosperms Versus Gymnosperms

Angiosperms are flowering plants that produce seeds that are enclosed within an ovary, such as fruit, flowers, and endosperm. Gymnosperms are the opposite in that they produce seeds that are not enclosed, and instead, “naked.” These naked seeds often come in the form of cones, such as the pine cones you find on the ground during fall. Below is a comparison of the two types of trees.

Angiosperms:

Kingdom – Plantae

Definition – Flowering plants and trees that produce seeds enclosed within an ovary; usually a fruit.

Seeds – Enclosed in an ovary, mostly fruit.

Life Cycle – Seasonal, non-perennial.

Leaf Shape – Flat

Wood Type – Hardwood

Tissue – Endosperm produced during triple fusion, referred to as Triploids.

Reproduction – Usually in flowers, they can be unisexual or bisexual.

Applications – Medications, food, clothing, textiles, and more!

Gymnosperms:

Kingdom – Plantae

Definition – Non-flowering trees that produce unenclosed or “naked” seeds.

Seeds – Unenclosed, bare, and usually found on scales, leaves, or in cone formation.

Life Cycle – Evergreen, perennial.

Leaf Shape – Scale-formation and needle-like.

Wood Type – Softwood

Tissue – Endosperm produced before fertilization, referred to as Haploid.

Reproduction – Unisexual, usually in cones.

Applications – Paper, lumber, and more!

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.

What To Do if a Tree Fell On Your Car

Posted on February 12, 2019 by admin

All types of scenarios and circumstances can cause a tree to topple over; from heavy winds and strong storms, to soil instability, wildlife tampering, disease, and more, the list of possibilities goes on and on. Regardless of why a tree has fallen, waking up to find one on top of your car can be extremely shocking.

So what do you do if this happens? Continue below for some recommended tips on where to get started, and who to contact for assistance.

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

✏ Learn Your Insurance Coverage

Your first thought after discovering a tree on your car is insurance coverage. Naturally, you want to know if the damages are covered by your automotive insurance policy. This means that your first step after seeing a tree on top of your car is to contact your auto insurance carrier. They will explain your benefits, and the steps you need to take to get a claim started. Once you have contacted your insurance carrier and organized all the details pertaining to coverage and claims, you can move onto the next step, which is to collect evidence for yourself.

✏ Collect Visual Evidence

Although there is not much room for an insurance company to deny coverage under an automotive policy that covers fallen trees, there is a chance that they will find you at fault for the tree falling, which in turn, can void your benefits and leave you responsible for the damages. Although rare, to protect yourself from this scenario, begin to collect as much evidence as you can by taking photographic and video evidence of the tree and your car. Be very careful not to touch the tree or your vehicle, as you do not want to further cause the tree to move, or cause further damages. Simply take pictures, and even find pictures of the spot before the tree fell, if you have any.

✏ Contact a Tree Service Company

Once you have contacted your insurance carrier and gathered visual evidence of the incident, your last step is to contact a licensed and insured Fishers tree service company for tree removal. The important tip to remember here is that you should not have the tree removed until AFTER the insurance adjuster has come out to your location and evaluated the incident in person. Once the adjuster is done with the evaluation and your insurance claim is processed, you can then finish by having the tree removed. Be sure to never attempt this job yourself; it requires extensive training, licensing by the city, and professional equipment to do so safely and up to code.

Fishers Tree Removal

Call 317-537-9770 for professional Fishers tree removal and 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.