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.

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

Learn How Trees Can Reduce Your Monthly HVAC Bills

Trees serve a wide range of vital purposes, many of which we need to survive. But did you know that trees can also save you money? It’s true! Continue reading to learn how you can strategically plant trees around your property to reduce monthly heating and cooling costs for years to come!

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

Trees Help Us Through Winter

Trees do a lot to help us through the winter. First, they serve as a natural snow fence, preventing excessive snow accumulation on our properties. Similarly, they serve as a natural wind barrier, which helps to prevent freezing snow conditions on our properties and makes our outdoor areas more comfortable. As a result of being a natural snow and wind barrier, your home is protected from the harsh effects of heavy winds, cold temperatures, and snowstorms, all of which can cause an increase in your heaters performance.

By adding more trees to your property’s landscape, you can help reduce the harsh effects of winter weather, and therefore, reduce your home’s need to continue producing heated air. This is how trees can help you increase your energy efficiency, and thus, save you money on HVAC bills!

Where to Plant Trees

In order to maximize the utility of your landscaping trees for the purpose of energy efficiency optimization, you must develop a concentrated strategy that best meets the needs of your house’s location. For instance, if all the bedrooms in your house are facing the backyard, you might want to focus planting trees in the back of your property to shield that side and help keep your rooms cozy in the winter and shady in the summer. Just be sure to avoid planting trees near utilities or power lines, as this can pose several hazards and break certain city codes.

Another spot to focus your tree planting strategy would be on the East and West side, where the sun rises and sets every day. Although this doesn’t have much of an influence in the wintertime, protecting your house from sun exposure will keep it cooler and save you money on air conditioning bills in the summer. See our blog, “Tree Planting Tips” for help with choosing a good spot for your new trees.

Residential and Commercial Tree Service in Fishers

Call 317-537-9770 for professional tree care 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

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.

Winter Tree Service Company 317-537-9770
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.

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

Tree Species That Look Beautiful in Winter

Perhaps you are planning to renovate your landscaping this spring; or maybe you’re a landscape architect who’s designing a new home construction project. Regardless of your interest in choosing a stunning selection of trees for the property in focus, one factor to consider is how it will all look in the winter. Deciduous flora becomes bare in the winter; and although they look lovely covered in perfectly-glazed ice and snow, that is not always the case through the entire winter season. Eventually, the snow and ice go away, and you are left with a dull-looking, dormant tree.

So if you are looking for a year-round beautiful landscape that is flushed with foliage, consider the tree species we have listed below!

Winter Tree Service 317-537-9770
Winter Tree Service 317-537-9770

Evergreen trees are the secret to a year-round, lush and colorful landscape! Below you will find some of the top recommended species for enhancing curb appeal and performance, and maintaining it all through the winter.

Firs

Firs are commonly used for Christmas trees, so you might already be quite familiar with their appearance and growth patterns. Recommended species of Firs for winter landscapes include Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, and Concolor Fir.

Pines

You will also do well with Pine trees in the winter. They offer beautiful hues and grow to great heights. Some recommended species to choose for winter appeal include Scotch Pine, Virginia Pine, and White pine.

Cedars

Cedar trees are wonderful options for winter wonderland landscape because they have thick, colorful foliage and strong branches to withstand the weight and weather of winter. Recommended species include the Eastern red cedar and White Cedar.

Spruces

Spruce trees are stunning landscaping additions and hold up well through the winter season. In fact, they actually grow better in cooler climates. Recommended species of Spruces for winter landscapes include the White Spruce, Norway Spruce, and Blue Spruce.

If You Do Prefer Deciduous Trees

There are some good options to choose from if you want deciduous trees in your landscaping that also look good in the winter. Some recommended species with interesting branch architecture and patterns include the Japanese maple, Eucalyptus tree, Birch tree, Cherry tree, Holly and Hawthorn tree.

Where to Get Pro Tree Care Advice

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 Coupons
Fishers Tree Service Coupons 317-537-9770

Winter Preparation Tips for Young or Newly Planted Trees

Winter is on its way, which to the average homeowner means, preventative maintenance time. On top of all the other chores and projects homeowners take on before winter sets in, it is important to pay attention to any newly planted or young-growth trees. They can fall victim to the harsh winter climates and freezing temperatures if certain precautions are taken before hand. Because trees are beautiful, beneficial, and costly, no one wants to lose one if it can be prevented. Continue reading to learn some tips for preparing younger or recently-planted trees for winter.

Mulching

Mulch is one of the best defenses against cold winter temperatures and precipitation. It acts as insulation, protecting the tree’s root system below by sealing in heat in the soil. It provides protection against wind, frost, snow, and freezing temperatures. Although it seems counterproductive to lay mulch before the snow, a newly planted tree can quickly die or upheave without proper root protection. The easiest and best way to achieve this is with mulch.

Tree Trunk Guards

Not only can the cold affect trees, the sunlight can too. Sun scald is a common problem for new trees or young trees. Too much exposure to bright sunlight will cause the tree’s bark to peel, crack, die, and drop off. It creates fissures and other damages on the tree bark that can jeopardize the health of the tree. To prevent this, simple wrap your young or newly planted tree trunks with a tree guard or plastic wrap, or another store-bought tree wrapping material. These wraps insulate the tree and reflect the sunlight back off the bark, preventing scald damage. They are fairly inexpensive and easy to install as well.

Branch Protection

Winter precipitation can become too heavy for newly planted or young trees to handle. Too much snow or ice can cause tree branches to crack, break, and fall. To prevent this, wrap tree branches in burlap, or install tree stakes to hold limbs in place.

Tree Service Fishers Indiana

Tree Service Coupon Fishers Indiana 317-537-9770

Tree Service Coupon Fishers Indiana 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for more information about tree care and tree service in Fishers, Indiana. We are highly trained and qualified arborists with decades of experience in the tree removal and service industry. We provide a wide range of tree services for residential and commercial properties; like tree transplanting, pruning, trimming, tree disease treatment, tree removal, and much more. We also offer free estimates, free advice, coupons, discounts, and more! Call 317-537-9770 for professional tree removal services in Fishers, IN today.

Why Do Trees Survive the Winter?

Trees are bountiful, beautiful, and majestic, but these qualities don’t contribute to a tree’s winter survival; or do they? How do pine trees stay green, and thrive, through cold seasons? How do other trees seem to come back to life after winter? The answer is not as complicated as you think. In fact, it is a very interesting and fun fact to learn about all types of trees; especially pine trees, spruce trees, evergreens, hemlocks, and more. These are all examples of trees that do not lose their foliage in the winter. Continue reading to learn how trees combat cold temperatures, snow, ice, and more in winter seasons.

Winter Trees

A typical tree is half water. In freezing temperatures, this inner water freezes, and the trees lose their leaves. Trees cannot migrate south for the winter, or generate heat like a mammal; so how do some trees stay green all year? How do they survive? The answer is physiological changes in their foliage, roots, stems, branches, bark, and more in early seasons, and cellular changes once the cold weather hits.

For the most part, in order for trees to not die in the winter, its living cells must not freeze. The dead cells within a tree trunk do freeze, and surround the very few living cells. As for the roots, the snow preserves the ground, and prevents the root system from freezing. This is basically what allows the tree to regrow leaves, and come “back to life” after the cold is gone.

A tree must not become dehydrated, otherwise, it will not survive the winter. In freezing temperatures, the roots cannot draw moisture from the soil, in order to feed the leaves and stems. This is why trees lose their foliage in winter. Pine trees, and trees like them, retain their foliage because pine needles are resistant to drying out. Other trees lose their leaves because of drying out.

Tree Service Fishers Indiana

Tree Service Coupon Fishers Indiana 317-537-9770

Tree Service Coupon Fishers Indiana 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for professional tree service in Fishers, Indiana. We are licensed and insured arborists with decades of experience in the tree care industry. Our highly trained contractors provide a wide range of tree services, for residential and commercial properties. We offer free estimate, storm damage cleanup, emergency service, and much more. Call 317-537-9770 for fast and reliable tree removal services in Fishers, IN and its nearby neighborhoods.