How to Protect Trees From Freezing Temperatures

This time of year, many of those who have invested in nice landscaping are concerned about cold temperatures effecting their young and mature trees. They wonder if all this snow and cold weather can harm a tree’s health, or worse, kill it before warm weather emerges once again. The short answer to this question is yes. Continue reading to learn how trees are affected by cold temperatures and extreme climate conditions we often see in winter, and what you can do to protect your trees year-round.

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

Tree Health and Stability

Like virtually all living organisms, trees too can be negatively affected by cold temperatures and inclement weather. This is especially true for long bouts of extreme weather conditions. Several environmental elements, climates, and weather conditions can affect the overall health and stability of a tree. And from these harsh winter temperatures and weather, endless issues may arise. Trees can lose their water and nutrient supply during these seasons, which can eventually cause them to dry up from undernourishment and water deficiency. This commonly occurs when the ground freezes, thus prohibiting tree roots from absorbing water.

Another major concern in the wintertime is excessive snow accumulation, which can cause trees to bend and break. Of course, a large tree that is also unstable is a hazard. Weak and vulnerable trees can fall on people, houses, cars, and buildings, causing costly repairs, or worse, injury and death. It is wise to prevent large amounts of snow from accumulating at the base of your trees for the above two examples. Not only will lack of snow prevent a weakening tree trunk, but it will also reduce the ground temperature, thus preventing the ground from freezing and the trees not being able to absorb water.

Preventative Tree Care Maintenance for Winter

Fortunately, there are several ways you can protect your landscaping trees from suffering any harm caused by extreme cold and harsh winter climates. In order to protect trees in the winter, or during long periods of colder climates, is to be prepared and put in the needed effort. This starts with ensuring your trees are healthy before the winter approaches, so that they are in good condition to face harsh weather and cold temperatures. 

Furthermore, it is important to keep nuisance wildlife and pests away from your trees, implement autumn pruning and trimming, and maintaining proper mulch levels. Even a late winter pruning can be beneficial to your trees, as it can provide extra protection against cold weather and snow. Consult with a local and trusted Fishers Indiana tree service provider for the best advice regarding winter tree care.

Call a Fishers Indiana Tree Service Company for Help

Call 317-537-9770 for professional winter tree service in Fishers, Indiana. We provide residential and commercial tree service in winter and all year long, including tree trimming, tree pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, underbrush removal, and much more. Request a free estimate, today.

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Fishers Tree Service Coupons 317-537-9770

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

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

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

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

What To Do About Tree Pruning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DO NOT:

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

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

Fishers, Indiana Tree Pruning Services You Can Trust

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

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

How to Shovel Snow Without Harming Your Landscaping Trees

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

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

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

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

Snow and Ice Melting Products Can Be Harmful

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

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

Methods of Proper Snow Shoveling That Will Prevent Tree Damage

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

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

❆ Shovel slowly and in small amounts.

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

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

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

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

Protect Yourself From Harm Too

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

Where to Get Certified Tree Service in Fishers, Indiana

Call 317-537-9770 for professional and affordable Fishers tree service to keep your trees healthy all season long. We are licensed and insured tree care specialists with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. We provide residential and commercial tree services at the most competitive prices in Fishers. Request a free estimate or information about our tree service coupons, today!

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

Why You Should Mulch Your Trees This Fall

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

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Fishers Indiana Tree Service 317-537-9770

The Importance of Mulching

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

What Does Mulch Do?

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

Types of Recommended Mulch

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

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

How to Properly Mulch Your Trees and Shrubs

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

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

Call 317-537-9770 for professional tree service in Fishers, Indiana. We are highly trained and experienced tree care contractors that offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at competitive prices. We also offer tree service coupons and discounts! Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Fishers tree service, today.

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

Why it is Important to Plant Trees Native to Indiana

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

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

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

Local Hardiness Zones

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location.” This map is based on the average minimum temperature that occurs during the winter, per year, over the past 30 years. It is important to understand that these values are not derived from the lowest temperature that has ever occurred, but rather, the average annual radical minimum temperature during a past 30-year period.

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

Common trees that are hardy to Indiana zones include various species of Ash, Cedar, Pine, Hemlock, Elder, Birch, Beech, Cherry, Walnut, Chestnut, Buckeye, Hickory, Locust, Magnolia, Maple, Oak, Poplar, Sweetgum, Sycamore, Willow, and more.

Environmental Support is Another Benefit

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

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

Call Our Licensed Fishers Tree Care Technicians for Affordable Tree Services

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

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

3 Common Indiana Tree Diseases and How to Treat Them

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

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

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Fungal growth caused by heart rot.

Heart Rot

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

Chestnut Blight

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

Elm Disease

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

Get Fishers Indiana Tree Service at the Best Prices Around Town

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

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

Which Sides of a House to Plant Trees On

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

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

Deciduous Trees

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

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

Evergreen Trees

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

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

How Far to Plant Trees From a House

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

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

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

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

Fishers Tree Services You Can Depend On

Call 317-537-9770 for professional and affordable Fishers tree service to keep your trees healthy all season long. We are experienced tree care contractors who provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including routine tree service, major tree work, lot clearing, and more.

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

Tree Diseases to Watch Out for in Spring and Summer

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

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

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

Anthracnose

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

Heart Rot

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

Powdery Mildew

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

Oak Wilt

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

Worried Your Trees are Sick or at Risk of Disease?

Call a Fishers Tree Care Company for Help!

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

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

What is Tree Cabling and Bracing?

Tree cabling and bracing is a common preventative maintenance tree care service that involves the installing flexible steel strand cables and steel braces in and around trees for the purpose of reducing damaged caused by stress from high winds, ice or snow weight, and heavy foliage. Continue reading to learn the basics surrounding this important year-round tree care practice, as well as, how to determine whether or not your landscaping trees need this type of professional service.

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

Tree Support for Preventative Measures

Basically, cabling and bracing supports weak or vulnerable trees by strengthening individual limbs and branches. This in turn increases their resilience to poor soil conditions, flooding, harsh winds, the weight of snow, ice, and animals, animal tampering, tornadoes, storms, and even tectonic changes. You will know whether or not your trees require this strategy by determining their current condition, as well as, surrounding factors like climate, seasonal weather, and nearby construction.

Trees That Benefit From Cabling and Bracing:

☑ Leaning Trees
☑ Very Old Trees
☑ Weakened or Sick Trees
☑ Dead and Dying Trees
☑ Pest Infested Trees
☑ Young or Newly-Planted Trees

Tree Staking

Tree staking is a common practice that is very similar to tree cabling and bracing, so much so, you have probably seen it many times. Staking a tree provides a similar affect in terms of support and strengthening, including promoting better root and trunk growth. However, in contrast to cabling and bracing, which uses hardware that is directly installed into branches and limbs, staking does not require invasive installation. Instead, materials are attached around and beside a tree’s outer bark, rather than inside the bark. Tree staking is best for young trees that have not yet grown hearty enough to withstand even moderate winds and storms.

A staked tree has a wood or metal pole next to it, which is attached to a cord or string tied around the tree. When staking a tree, it is vital to not stake it too high, too low, or too tight. Furthermore, tree staking can be detrimental to trees at a certain point, since trees need to exercise their resilience to wind and weather by bending and swaying. See our blog, “A Quick Guide to Tree Staking” to learn what you need to know about DIY tree staking. Otherwise, contact a licensed Fishers tree service company for professional service you can trust.

Where to Get Expert Tree Service in Fishers, Indiana

Call 317-537-9770 for professional tree care in Fishers, Indiana. We are highly trained and experienced tree care contractors that offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at competitive prices. We also offer tree service coupons and discounts! Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Fishers tree service, today.

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

How Much Does it Cost to Remove a Tree?

Removing a tree is a complex and specialized job that requires professional knowledge, training, and equipment. Whether fallen, dead, or dying, it is important to hire professional tree care company for safe and insured tree removal services. Prices for tree removal vary from case to case, and depend on a long list of factors. If you have a tree that needs removed from your property, continue reading to learn what to expect in terms of pricing and labor and who to trust for reliable tree service.

Factors to Consider

Most of the time, tree service charges consist of labor, materials, time, processing, disposal, transportation, and equipment. There are so many variables that influence the price of tree removal, even for just one tree. A tree removal job can appear simple, but actually turn out to be more work than you think. This is because, sometimes, a closer look can reveal hidden hazards and additional environmental factors that make a project more complex. When loosely estimating the price to remove a tree on your property, these are some influential factors to consider:

Species
Height
Diameter
Structural Integrity
Health
Physical Condition
History
Tilting
Multiple Trunks
Location
Danger
And More

Average Costs

With all of these factors in mind, you can expect an average tree removal job to cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500. A tree up to 25 feet tall can cost between $150 and $500. A tree 25 to 75 feet tall might cost between $200 and $1,000. A tree any taller can cost $1,500 or more. It all depends on the company you choose and the above factors listed.

Additional Costs

On top of the general cost to remove a tree, a tree care company might charge for additional tree services upon the property owner’s request. These include stump grinding, stump removal, wood chipping, and log splitting. These services are not usually included in a standard tree removal estimate, but may be suggested by the tree care technician if they believe you need it.

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Tree Care Coupon Fishers IN

Tree Care Fishers Indiana 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for tree removal in Fishers, Indiana and its surrounding locations. We have extensive experience in the tree care industry and use the latest technologies to safely and efficiently remove trees in every condition. We offer a wide range of commercial and residential tree services, including stump grinding, lot clearing, dead tree removal, and more. Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Fishers tree service, today.