When Can You Move Containerized Trees Outside?

Indoor plants are a wonderful asset to any home or office. Not only do they add décor and delight, they provide a wide range of health benefits, such as natural air purification and indoor air quality. However, if you have containerized trees indoors, you can’t expect to keep them inside forever.

Most trees grow species grow to incredible heights; heights that are generally not conducive to the average ceiling levels in homes and apartments. So, unless you are growing a tree that does not exceed 6 to 8 feet in height at full maturity, you’ll eventually have to move it outdoors, and perhaps even transplant into the ground at some point.

But when is it safe to move containerized trees outdoors? After all, it is February, so it might be too soon. Continue reading to learn when is the recommended time to move your indoor trees, outside.

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

Caring for Containerized Trees

During the later parts of the Indiana winter season, between February and March, keep your containerized trees near windows that receive a lot of sunlight. This will aid in nutrition absorption and support stronger growth. Once outdoors temperatures are consistently above freezing, in the 40 to 50 degree Fahrenheit range, you can safely move your containerized trees outdoors; but just for the day!

You see, the general rule of thumb when it comes to containerized trees is the 45 degree Fahrenheit rule: if the overnight temperatures are still dropping near or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, you must continue to pull them back indoors until overnight temperatures reach an ambient level of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

When to Plant Trees

Along with the general rule of thumb of ambient outdoor and overnight temperatures, you must also wait until the ground is no longer frozen before you transplant a containerized tree. Generally, the safe zone for unfrozen soil is between April and May. So, be sure to wait until spring is in full affect before you plant anything in the ground. For additional help and knowledge, see our blog, “What Should I Do For My Trees Right Before Spring?” to get started on the right foot.

Call a Fishers Tree Care Company for Accurate Advice

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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Will Pruning Fix a Topped Tree?

Tree topping is not considered a best practice for tree care. In fact, many topped trees experience instant decline, and often times, die. If you have a topped tree on your property that you wish to strengthen and repair, corrective pruning might just be your best option. Continue reading to learn how you can fix a topped tree with routine tree pruning.

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Fishers Tree Service Company 317-537-9770

Tree Pruning for Topped Trees

Many homeowners are relieved to learn that with a little time, patience, and pruning, they can restore a tree that has been adversely affected by topping. When it comes to repairing a topped tree with tree pruning, it is not the pruning itself that should be your focus. Instead, it should be the timing; not just the time of year, but also, the intervals to which you have your tree pruned.

Timing is Key

First, you want to make sure you do not begin your corrective pruning right after your tree has been topped. This can drastically decrease its chances of survival. Instead, wait until you see sprouts and limbs growing from the topped portions of the tree. This indicates that the tree is attempting to replenish its energy reserves, which in turn implies that it can withstand additional modification. Such sprouting will take at least one to two years, so you must be patient.

Once a couple of years has passed and your topped tree is growing plenty of limbs and sprouts, you want to ensure it is the right time of year to prune a tree. The recommended seasons for tree pruning are the seasons in which trees are dormant, namely late winter and fall. Because every tree has different genetic codes and variations, they all will respond differently to corrective pruning after topping, and will grow at different rates.

From there, your trees should be pruned once every year or two to promote exponential growth in strength and get your trees back to a reliable condition. See our blog, “Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Pruning” to learn more about pruning trees. If you are unsure about how often your particular landscaping trees should be pruned, talk to a licensed Indianapolis tree service contractor for professional assessments and advice.

Indianapolis Tree Service You Can Trust

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

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The Most Common Types of Winter Tree Damages

Wintertime is one of the most destructive seasons of the year considering how impactful snow, ice, and cold temperatures can be, not only to people, but also to our surrounding structures. One of the most vulnerable assets on our properties are our landscaping trees. They are highly susceptible to all sorts of winter damage. For this reason, it is important to protect your trees before the winter is officially in full affect.

Continue reading to learn the most common types of winter tree damages to be on the lookout for this season, as well as, how to protect your landscaping trees from such seasonal harm.

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Fishers Tree Service Company 317-537-9770

Snow and Ice Damage

As mentioned, snow and ice are incredibly destructive, especially when it comes to trees and shrubs. Not only can the weight of the snow and ice jeopardize the structural integrity and strength of such flora, the mere amount of excess moisture can cause an extensive amount of damage to the entire tree, as well as the root system and surrounding soil.

In order to protect your trees and shrubs from snow and ice damage in the winter, it is important to mulch properly, stake your trees if they are young or vulnerable, and consider wrapping the trunk and burlap material to retain warmth through the entirety of the season. Then when spring comes, be sure to stay on top of your tree’s pruning needs. When trees are pruned properly, there is less risk of broken branches and limbs as a result of heavy snow and ice accumulation.

Heavy Wind Damage

in the winter, snow and ice are not the only climate changes that can affect your landscaping. Strong winds are another common seasonal occurrence. Not only can they cause branches and tree limbs to break off, heavy winds can topple trees over completely. This is incredibly dangerous if trees are near houses, cars, playgrounds, and other areas where there is lots of human traffic or assets. In order to protect your trees from heavy wind damage, you might want to consider cabling embracing trees that are very young or vulnerable. Vulnerable trees would be trees that are sick, dying, leaning, or otherwise structurally-compromised.

Tree Trunk and Root Damage

A tree’s trunk and root system is important because it grounds the tree and provides strength, stability, and nourishment. However, in the wintertime, inclement weather and cold temperatures can affect the quality of tree trunks and tree bark, and ultimately the underground root system. In order to protect your trees from trunk and root damage in the winter, it is important to ensure your trees are being properly fertilized, mulched, watered, and given plenty of sunlight. If you have questions about proper tree care in the springtime, see our blog, “What Should I Do For My Trees Right Before Spring?” to learn more.

Get Professional Tree Care in Fishers, Indiana

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.

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Are My Trees Getting Enough Sun in Cloudy Weather?

We all know that trees require sunlight for process of photosynthesis to take place. But can trees get enough energy from the sun on overcast days to achieve this? Now that summer is fading out, you might notice less sunny days. But not to worry; your trees are biologically programmed to withstand and adjust to seasonal changes, whether evergreen or deciduous. However, there are plenty of things you can do to further protect your landscaping trees as the weather continues to change this year.

Continue reading to learn some fundamental tree care tips that will keep your trees in good health even in times when the sun is not as strong.

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Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770

Basic Tree Care for Homeowners

Here are some basic tasks you can do to ensure your trees are transitioning from season to season in a healthy way:

✅ Let Nature Take it’s Course

As for sun and water, your trees, both conifers and deciduous ones, are biologically prepared to handle the changing conditions. This includes less sun and water. If you notice some issues with your tree, it would be wise to have them inspected for disease or infestation. Many summer tree problems can be resolved by spring. See our blog, “3 Summer Risks That Can Kill Your Trees” to learn what you need to look for in your landscaping.

✅ Pull Your Weeds

Weeds are not good for trees. They can obstruct tree growth in a variety of ways, but mostly by hogging up all the water supply.  One of the easiest tasks for tree care is pulling weeds. This is especially important for newly planted trees. Simply check around the base of your trees on occasion for weeds, and pull any weeds that are within five feet of the tree base. 

✅ Prune in the Fall

Around 25% of a tree’s crown should be pruned on an annual basis, but should never be over pruned.  Over-pruning can kill the tree, or make it look very ugly.  It is recommended to remove only a small percentage of the live parts of the tree at one time. Weak or declining trees will require less pruning or none at all.  When it comes to pruning trees, use a professional tree care company for safety and precision.

✅ Fall 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.

✅ Winter Preparation

Wrap the trunks of young or newly-planted trees in the fall to better protect them from winter elements. Use store-bought wrapping strips and apply them to the trunks of trees by winding them upwards like the stripes on a candy cane. You can find several different types of trunk wraps at your local gardening store.

Affordable Tree Service 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 the most competitive prices in Hamilton County! We also offer tree service coupons and discounts! Request a free estimate or information, today.

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A Brief Comparison of Angiosperms and Gymnosperms

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.

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Fishers Tree Service 317-537-9770

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.

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Fishers Tree Service Coupons 317-537-9770

Facts About Common Tree Leaf Diseases

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.

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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?

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

What You Need to Know About Your Soil

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!

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Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770

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?

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.

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Check Your Tree for Invasive Asian Long-horned Beetles

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!

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Long-Horned Beetle

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.

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

Can I Use Lawn Pesticide Around Trees?

We all want great-looking lawns. So treating them for weeds is a common practice adopted by many homeowners all across the world. The problem is that weed killer doesn’t just kill weeds; it can harm many other living organisms too, including trees. This can be a big problem since trees have a significant impact on the overall appeal and value of a property. If you want to kill off weeds and unwanted grass in certain areas of your lawn, but there are trees in the same vicinity, you will need to take extra precautions.

Continue reading to learn more about lawn herbicides, including how they can harm trees and the best methods of application.

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Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770

Pre and Post-Emergent Herbicides

There are two common types of products available to treat weeds and grass. Pre-emergent lawn herbicides prevent weeds and unwanted grass from germinating, and ultimately, growing. They generally come in granule form that can be sprinkled into the soil by hand, but are only effective when seedlings have not yet appeared; they will not work against grass that grows from rhizomes. Post-emergent herbicides usually come in spray form, and can be used to treat grown patches of weeds and grass. They enter the vascular system through leaves or blades, and kill the plants from within.

Lawn Herbicides Around Trees

It is important to read all manufacturer’s instructions before applying an herbicide product around the base of a tree. Keep in mind that they are not all the same. Some herbicides contain chemicals that will quickly soak into a tree’s root system and do all kinds of irreversible damage. Look for herbicidal products that contain active ingredients like glyphosate or sethoxydim; these two ingredients are generally safer to use around young and mature trees.

Proper application is still vital when using herbicide products around trees, even if they are deemed safe. Using too much or placing it in the wrong locations can cause damage to a tree. You want to prevent chemical drifting by wrapping the base of your tree with cardboard or plastic tarp. This will protect the bark and prevent the trunk from absorbing unwanted herbicide. In fact, it is best to apply your herbicides on a day when wind is mild to prevent drift.

Alternative Weed Killers

Aside from using chemical herbicides, you can implement some alternative methods to prevent weeds from growing around the base of your trees. One of the most effective techniques is to mulch. Mulch is an excellent organic method of thwarting grass and weed seed germination. Using mulch in combination with landscaping fabric is a highly effective method of preventing weed growth beneath trees.

Professional Tree Service in Fishers

Call 317-537-9770 for professional and affordable tree service in Fishers, Indiana. We are experienced tree care contractors who provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including routine tree service, major tree work, lot clearing, and more. Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Fishers tree service, today.

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Fishers Tree Service Coupons 317-537-9770

3 Summer Risks That Can Kill Your Trees

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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