10 Ways to Protect Your Trees from Bark Problems

Posted on May 18, 2023 by Completetree

Trees are an important part of our environment and provide us with plenty of benefits. However, trees can be vulnerable to bark problems which can cause damage and even kill the tree if left unchecked. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your trees from trunk and bark problems. Continue below to learn 10 ways you can help ensure your trees stay healthy for years to come.

Call 317-783-2518 For Indianapolis Tree Care You Can Trust

How to Avoid Tree Bark Problems: 10 Tips

1. Regularly Inspect Your Trees: Keep an eye on the bark of your trees to check for any signs of damage or decay. Make sure you do this throughout all seasons so can identify potential issues early and take action before they get worse.

2. Prune Properly: Trimming away dead, diseased, or damaged branches helps promote healthy tree growth and prevents bark problems from spreading to other parts of the tree. Make sure you prune in a way that follows the natural shape of the tree’s canopy by using the right tools and techniques.

3. Provide Adequate Water & Nutrients: Trees need plenty of water and nutrients to stay healthy, so make sure you give your trees the right amount of water and fertilizer to keep them healthy. However, be sure not to over-water or over-fertilize as this can lead to tree bark problems.

4. Monitor Pests: Make sure you’re regularly checking your trees for any signs of pests, such as aphids, mites, beetles, and more. If you do spot any pests, take steps to get rid of them quickly before they cause further damage to the tree’s bark.

5. Protect Trees from Injury: Trees are vulnerable to damage from things like lawnmowers, vehicles driving too close by, or construction work in the area. Whenever possible try and keep these sorts of activities away from your trees to reduce the risk of injury.

6. Choose Trees that are Suited to Your Climate: Different tree species can be better suited to different climates and environments, so make sure you choose trees that are right for your climate zone and soil type to reduce the chance of bark problems occurring.

7. Plant Away from Foundations & Structures: Planting too close to a home or other structure can cause tree bark problems due to the competition for resources or damage from activities like digging around foundations. Whenever possible, try and give trees enough space from structures when planting them in your yard.

8. Use Mulch Properly: Spread mulch around the base of your trees but avoid putting too much down, as this can cause the bark to rot. Always leave a few inches between the trunk of the tree and the mulch and avoid piling up too much against the base of the tree.

9. Consider Protective Wraps: If you’re worried about sun or extreme weather damage, consider using protective wraps which can help protect the bark from direct exposure to sunlight, wind, rain, and snow. These are available in different materials, like burlap or fabric.

10. Seek Professional Help: Sometimes trees may need professional help if they’ve been damaged or infected with a disease. Make sure you get advice from an expert arborist who can provide guidance on how best to care for your trees as well as recommend any necessary treatments to help protect them from bark problems.

Maintain Healthy Trees With Routine Tree Service

By following these tips, you can help ensure your trees stay healthy and protected from bark problems. It’s also a good idea to get regular check-ups with an arborist if you need additional advice or assistance with tree care. Taking care of the trees in your yard will help keep them safe, strong, and beautiful for years to come.

Are your landscaping trees peeling or rotting? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 to get advice from a certified arborist in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients with comprehensive tree care solutions.

Tree Bark Damage Solutions for Indiana

Posted on September 22, 2021 by Completetree

Pest, infestation, harsh weather, lawn mowers, landscape work, home remodeling projects, nuisance wildlife, and vandalism are just some of the common causes for tree bark defects here in Indiana. Because we love our trees so much and value the numerous benefits they bestow onto us, bark damage and decline are things we never want for our landscaping trees. Fortunately, there may be viable recourse for trees with damaged bark.

Continue reading to learn what your options are for a tree with bark damage, and who to call for trusted tree care advice.

Facts About Tree Bark Damage Repair

When tree bark is damaged, the underlying tissue and wood can be exposed, which is highly detrimental to the tree. It is crucial to take action as soon as possible before the tree enters a heightened state of vulnerability. Once a tree is too weak, it can lead to extensive bark damage and overall tree decline.

When you see damaged tree bark, there are some things you need to do right away. You may need to consult a licensed Indianapolis tree service specialist for advice on where to find the proper supplies, how to use them, and the best post-care instructions for your particular tree species.

To repair tree bark in Indiana, you may need to:

▮ Remove all of the loose tree bark.
▮ Provide adequate irrigation and fertilization for the tree.
▮ Look into the possibility of bridge grafting.
▮ Plan and carry out an all-inclusive agricultural care schedule.
▮ Prevent further damage with environmental modifications and routine tree care.

How to Remove Damaged Tree Bark

To remove loose tree bark, you will need a set of sharp pruning shears that have been sterilized (or a knife). Then look for any bark that is loose, flapping, or bruised, and cut off any areas that match these descriptions. It is important to not damage the inner bark and cambium cell layer that is still alive and intact. You only want to remove outer bark.

Cutting right at the line of decay is the best point of reference for safe tree bark removal. Providing adequate water and fertilizer is crucial in order to reduce the potential for tree disease and vulnerability. It also promotes strong and sturdy tree growth and tissue repair.

When tree bark is wounded or exposed, various wood-eating and burrowing pests can invade the tree. Emerald Ash Borers, Wood Beetles, and more can harm a tree’s health and damage it even further. Be sure that you are taking the necessary precautions to protect a newly-cut tree from pest infestations, bacterial infections, and fungal growth.

Are you looking for professional tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for expert advice and guidance on residential and commercial tree maintenance. We offer tree removal, tree stump solutions, tree trimming, pruning, and more.

You Might Also Read:

How to Spot the Signs of Tree Stress
Do Trees Need Care in the Fall?
How to Prevent Poor Tree Health

How to Spot the Signs of Tree Stress

Posted on May 28, 2020 by Completetree

Just like ourselves, trees can experience different levels of stress and discomfort as a result of exterior factors and influences. And just like us, trees can be treated to relief symptoms and underlying causes. To determine if your landscaping trees are under duress, look for the tell-tale signs, including crown die back, foliage loss, rotting bark, fungal growth, pest infestations, leave discoloration, and more.

Continue reading to learn what causes a tree to experience stress, how to identify a stressed tree, and your options for treatment.

Common Causes for Tree Stress

The most common time for tree stress to occur is during extremely hot and dry times of the year, particularly in the months of July and August. Once a tree is stressed, it is weakened, making it more vulnerable to pest infestations, wildlife interference, disease, and more. When you know your tree is under duress, it is important to treat the underlying cause as soon as possible. To do this accurately, you will need to hire an experienced tree care specialist for professional tree service and assistance. In the meantime, learn the different signs and symptoms of a stressed tree and keep a close eye on your lawn next spring!

Signs and Symptoms of a Stressed Tree:

Leaf discoloration is a common sign of tree stress. Often times, leaves will begin to discolor and even grow smaller when a tree is experiencing pressure or anxiety. Leaves can also appear chewed, curled, discolored, permeated, and thin. It is very common for a tree to drop its leaves under stress as well.

Crown and tip die back is another common symptom of a stressed tree. Not only will the canopy or crown of the tree begin to diminish and thin, the tips of branches will also thin and lose leaves. This will make the tree bald at its canopy’s tips and top.

Rotten bark is a red flag for tree stress. The bark can begin to rot in certain areas, or create rotted out cavities within the trunk of the tree. Rotten wood should be sprayed annually to prevent disease, pests, and exponential rotting. Once healthy again, the tree will start to grow new bark in place of the rotten bark.

Soil-borne mushrooms and fungal growth is another common sign that a tree is not healthy. When mushrooms grow on the trunk, it is not so alarming. But when they are growing in the soil surrounding the base of the tree, it could be an indication of root rot. This calls for serious and professional tree service.

Indianapolis Tree Service for Residential and Commercial Clientele

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for prompt and professional Indianapolis tree services you can afford. We are experienced tree care technicians that can resolve your tree problems, regardless of your projects size or scope. We offer a wide range of tree removal and tree services, for both residential and commercial properties. We even offer free estimates and free tree care advice!