What is the Soil Food Web and How Does it Benefit Trees?

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Completetree

Have you ever heard of the soil food web? If not, it’s something that could benefit your trees in a big way. The soil food web is a complex network of organisms that interact with one another to create a healthy and balanced Ecosystem within the soil. This system helps trees get the nutrients they need to thrive and can even help protect them from diseases or pests.

In this blog post, we will discuss what the soil food web is, how it works, and why it’s important for tree care. We will also provide some tips on how to maintain and encourage healthy levels of beneficial organisms in your soil so you can keep your trees as healthy as possible!

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Soil Food Web Facts

The soil food web is made up of organisms such as bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and nematodes. These organisms help cycle nutrients from the soil to the trees’ roots. This cycling process helps ensure that the tree is getting all the essential nutrients it needs for growth, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other trace minerals.

As these tiny organisms decompose organic matter in the soil, they also produce substances that can help protect trees from pests and diseases by attacking them before they have a chance to do any damage. Additionally, these same beneficial microorganisms play a crucial role in improving soil structure by creating air pockets in the dirt and binding together particles of sand or clay so water can move freely throughout it.

Another type of organism in the soil food web is mycorrhizal fungi, which form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. This type of fungus helps increase the surface area for water and nutrient absorption and may even be able to transfer nutrients from one tree to another!

Maintain Healthy Trees With Optimal Soil Biology

Overall, the soil food web plays an incredibly important role in maintaining healthy trees. Without it, trees would not be able to get all the necessary nutrients they need for growth or have any protection against pests and diseases. Therefore, it’s important that we do our part as tree owners/caretakers by encouraging healthy levels of beneficial organisms in our soils. This can be done through practices such as using compost or mulch around trees, avoiding over-fertilizing, and minimizing soil compaction. By following these simple steps, we can ensure that our trees are getting the best possible care.

Soil Testing

Testing your soil can be an important and necessary step to ensure that your landscape is healthy for trees. It helps diagnose potential problems with the fertilizer or nutrient content of the soil, ensuring a healthy environment for all plants on your property. Having an understanding of what kind of nutrients, you have in the soil is key to providing the trees the best environment possible. It will improve their growth potential, provide greener leaves, and make the sizes larger among other benefits. Regularly testing your soil at least once a year will help guarantee optimal health for your tree investment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the soil food web is an incredibly complex network of organisms that interact with one another to provide essential nutrients and protection for trees. It’s important to understand how this system works so you can take proper care of your trees and make sure they get all the benefits it provides. With a little bit of effort on our part, we can ensure that our trees stay healthy for many years to come!

Ready to get your trees in shape for summer? Start now! 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.

Fundamental Tree Transplanting Tips

Posted on October 20, 2022 by Completetree

One of the most fundamental aspects of gardening is learning how to transplant a tree. This process is not difficult, but there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure that your tree thrives in its new location. Continue below to learn some fundamental tips to help you transplant a tree safely.

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How to Transplant a Tree

When you transplant a tree, you are essentially moving it from one location to another. This can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and execution, it can be done successfully. Here is what you need to know about tree transplanting:

Choose the Right Time of Year

When transplanting a tree, it’s important to choose the right time of year. The best time to transplant is in the fall or winter when the tree is dormant. This will give the tree time to adjust to its new location before the growing season begins.

Pick the Right Tree for the Job

Not all trees are well-suited for transplanting. Some species of trees have shallow root systems that make them more susceptible to transplant shock, while others have deep taproots that are difficult to dig up. Choose a tree that is right for the job and has a good chance of surviving the transplant process.

Dig a Large Hole

When you dig the hole for the new location of the tree, make sure it is at least twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and just deep enough so that the root ball is level with the ground. This will give the roots plenty of room to grow and establish themselves in their new home.

Prepare the Root Ball

Before you transplant the tree, it is important to prepare the root ball. This involves gently removing the tree from its current location and making sure that the roots are not damaged in the process. Once the tree is out of the ground, you can prune away any damaged or diseased roots.

Transplant the Tree

After you have prepared the root ball, it is time to transplant the tree. Carefully place the tree in the hole, making sure that the roots are covered with soil. Water the tree well, and then add mulch around the base to help protect the roots.

Monitor the Tree

Once the tree is transplanted, it is important to monitor it closely. Make sure that the tree is getting enough water and watch for signs of stress such as wilting leaves. With proper care, your tree should thrive in its new location.

Are you looking for licensed and insured tree care services near you? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for affordable tree removal, tree trimming, tree pruning, and all other tree services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We provide residential and commercial tree services, as well as certified arborist services.

4 Topsoil Problems That Can Negatively Affect Tree Health

Posted on July 11, 2022 by Completetree

If you are having trouble with your newly-planted or transplanted landscaping trees, it could be due to poor soil conditions. It is important for soil to retain the proper pH levels in order to be conducive to tree growth and ongoing health. Continue reading to learn about the top 4 most common soil problems, including what you can do about them.

Should an Uprooted Tree Be Replanted or Removed?

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Completetree

Uprooted trees do not survive for long, especially in the summer heat. Regardless of why your tree has uprooted, it is important to make a decision, fast. Continue below to learn which considerations to think about when deciding between replanting or removing an uprooted tree, plus where to get affordable tree service near you.

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Why Do Trees Come Out of the Ground?

There are many causes behind an uprooted tree, the most common being storms and similar types of inclement weather. However, other reasons why trees uproot from the ground include, but are not limited to, construction accidents, landscaping errors, flooding, drainage issues, soil disruption, soil instability, root damages, poor tree structure, gradation changes, and even wind-throw magnitude.

Will an Uprooted Tree Survive?

Whether an uprooted tree can survive a replant or not depends on several factors, mostly the size and condition of the tree, but also the underlying circumstances that caused the uprooting to begin with. Your best course of action would be to contact a local tree service company in Indianapolis to inspect your uprooted tree and analyze its potential for survival.

Smaller, younger trees have a higher chance of survival after an uprooting. Their root systems are fresh, and not as complex as that of a larger, more mature tree. Larger trees pose more challenges because of their size and the complexity of their root system. For this reason, they are hard to reestablish into the ground after they have been uprooted. In most cases, large trees do not survive transplanting.

Reintegrating a Small, Uprooted Tree

As soon as a small tree uproots from the ground, cover the exposed root ball with a tarp to lock in as much moisture as possible. To reintegrate the uprooted tree into the ground, you will need to dig a new hole directly under the root ball. Use the dirt from that hole to refill the hole the tree came out of originally.

Cut off any broken protruding roots, then gently lift the tree upright and position it inside the new hole you just dug. Pack the soil around the base of the tree, then give it ample water. Do not add fertilizer until you have seen new growth on the tree. You may also want to prune any broken tree branches, but this is not a recommended tree practice for summertime.

Transplant Shock

When a tree is removed from its initial growth spot and reburied in a new spot, a lot of things can go wrong. The altered soil composition, potentially delicate root system, moisture levels, light conditions, and many other factors can negatively affect this relocation process. It can cause a tree to go into an adjustment state called transplant shock. When this occurs, the leaves of the tree change to a yellowish-brown color, curl up at the ends, wilt, and fall off. This type of tree decline is called leaf scorch, and it is caused from dehydration and nutrition deficiency, which stems from tree relocation.

Are you looking for professional advice or service for your uprooted or fallen tree? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for tree removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana, and all surrounding locations. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Indiana Hardy Trees That Can Be Planted in Full Sun Locations

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Completetree

Finding a tree that you like to look at is just one aspect of choosing the right tree for your lot. There are plenty more factors to consider if you want your tree to grow strong and last a long time. One such factor that seems to hold homeowners back from reaching their landscaping goals is overexposure to sun. Especially for new construction homes, there can be many areas of a lot that do not have any sources of shade.

In this case, planting a tree that is not suitable to full-sun exposure can end in failure. After all, how frustrating would it be to spend several hundred dollars on a new tree, only for it to decline the following season? Even a 30 or 90-day guarantee from your landscaping retailer won’t help since often times, damage shows up the season after too much sun exposure.

Continue reading to learn which species of tree are both hardy to Indiana, and suitable for a full-sun location in your yard!

Drought-Tolerant, Full-Sun Tree Species

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 Ash, Cedar, Pine, Hemlock, Elder, Birch, Beech, Cherry, Walnut, Chestnut, Buckeye, Hickory, Locust, Magnolia, Maple, Oak, Poplar, Sweetgum, Sycamore, Willow, and more. However, the most common tree species that do very well in Indiana climates, plus can thrive in full-sun or drought-tolerant conditions include:

American Sweet Gum
Autumn Blaze Red Maple Tree
Ash Tree
Ginkgo Trees
Quaking Aspen Tree
Yoshino Cherry Tree
Kwanzan Cherry Tree
Autumn Cherry Tree
Okame Cherry Tree
Blue Point Juniper
Sugar Maple Tree
Emperor One Japanese Maple

Robinson Crabapple Tree
Amberglow Redwood Tree
Red Dogwood Tree
White Dogwood
White Kousa Dogwood Tree
Butterfly Bush
Dura Heat River Birch
Eastern Redbud
Redbud Trees
Superior Hybrid Poplar Tree
American Sycamore Tree
Blue Moon Reblooming

Tree Planting Tips

When you plant a new tree, you can expect it to require a little more attention than the rest of your landscaping trees. That is because the root system is still being introduced into the soil and acclimating to its new surroundings. Here are some tips that will put you on a path of success:

For the first several months, you must check the soil every day, and water your transplanted tree every few days. Just be sure to not over-water; two or three times a week is a great starting off point. If it rains, check the top few inches of soil around the base of the tree for moisture first.

Laying mulch around the base of your trees is a highly effective method of supporting healthy growth and prolonging their life. Although you do not need to re-mulch every week, it is important to check on your mulch beds every day to ensure they are still doing their job.

It is important to inspect the branches of your transplanted tree every day to assess its pruning needs. Pruning should take place right after you transplant your tree. No more than 25% of a tree’s foliage should be removed in a year. Be sure to have a licensed tree service company perform your annual pruning needs to ensure that the proper ANSI tree pruning standards are applied.

Inspect your tree every day to ensure it is growing as it should. If it is not, fertilizer may be an option. Fertilizer should only be applied AFTER the first year of tree transplanting. Stressed trees should never be fertilized.

It is important to minimize the level of danger that can be imposed onto your new tree. This includes taking into consideration lawn mowers, sprinkler systems, nuisance wildlife, pets, herbicides, pesticides, and more.

Get Trusted Tree Care Advice and Tree Service in Indianapolis

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced tree service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, stump removal, lot clearing, and more. If you want professional and efficient service you can trust, Complete Tree Care is the right call!

How to Use Trees as Hedges

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Completetree

Right now, you are planning out your spring landscaping duties, which might include adding a fence of trees in your backyard. If you want to use trees as hedge plants, it is wise that you do your research first. There are many errors that can jeopardize the health, value, and aesthetics of trees. Continue reading to learn what you need to know before planting a hedge of trees this spring.

Start With the Proper Tree Species

The most important factor that will make or break your tree hedge is the tree species you choose. To choose the proper tree species for the project, you must consider both the growing condition of the site as well as the purpose your hedge is intended to serve. Deciduous tree species will grow differently, and offer different functions. For instance, if you want year-round privacy around your backyard firepit, you’ll need an evergreen tree that has thick foliage from root to tip. If you want an effective windbreaker, choose tall-growing deciduous or conifer tree species.

Then Choose the Right Site

As for the growing site, not only must it have good soil conditions, sufficient sunlight, and proper water drainage, it must also have enough space for the trees to grow to maturity. Compared to shrubs, trees require much more room to grow in hedge form. If you are using conifers to provide a tall screen, they should be spread around 6 feet apart, and trimmed infrequently. If you are not planning on trimming the hedge fence, you will need to spread them even farther apart. If you want a thicker fence, plant a double row of trees. Keep in mind that your tree fence will look sparse for several years, as it will take some time for the foliage to thicken up and widen.

Recommended Hedge Trees to Consider for Indiana:

? American Arborvitae
? Amur Maple
? American Beech
? American Holly
? Carolina Hemlock
? Cornelian Cherry
? Douglas Fir
? Eastern White Pine
? Leyland Cypress
? White Fir

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Can I Replant a Fallen Tree?

Posted on June 13, 2019 by Completetree

Tree roots are more than meets the eye. You see, the root system of a tree expands broadly within the ground space below its mound. This is referred to as a trees “critical root zone”, and can span as wide as 10 feet or more around the circumference of the tree. However, regardless of how extensive they spread out, tree roots do not grow very deep into the ground, which means that trees are susceptible to being easily uprooted by severe storms and heavy winds.

When a tree is displaced from the ground, several, if not all roots, are broken in half, rendering them tremendously weak and damaged. Not only does this circumstance put the roots under serious stress, the crown and trunk are also affected. Furthermore, when exposed outside of the soil, they are all prone to serious damages that can ultimately kill the tree.

So what does this mean for you? Well, if you have a tree that has been uprooted from the ground, continue reading to learn if it can be saved or not, and if so, where to begin.

Facts About Uprooted Trees

In many cases, an uprooted tree does not survive. This is because the root system is too damaged to fully recover. This is especially true for large or mature trees. But sometimes, a tree can be saved by replanting it, but only under certain circumstances. And even if the tree can be revived by putting it back into the ground, it could experience problems such as transplant shock. This is why post-replanting care is so vital for the survival of a tree that has been uprooted by inclement weather.

Large Tree Uprooting

Large trees are not common survivors of uprooting. Their root systems are extensive and mature, which provides the tree with water and nutrients. When massive severing occurs, they are not strong enough to supply the tree with adequate amounts of food and water, causing the tree to die. But also, replanting a large tree is not easy to do since their extensive root systems also anchor the tree down, providing stability. Once the roots are severed, this stability is difficult to recreate. It is also challenging to get a large tree to stand straight to begin with.

Small Tree Uprooting

Smaller trees have a higher chance at survival because their roots systems are not as extensive. A large portion of their root system stays intact after being uprooted, and the smaller size reduces the amount of exterior damage to the trunk and branches caused by the actual fall. When uprooted, they suffer the same amount of stress as large trees, but can then be replanted in most cases. It requires professional tree service to replant uprooted trees properly. This is because they have the tools, training, and knowledge to complete the job safely and in a convenient time frame.

How to Care for an Uprooted Tree

Once a tree has been replanted, the after-care portion is critical to its survival. This includes regular tree pruning, sufficient watering, and adding fertilizer after one year of new-growth. Trust your local tree care technician for professional tree service so that your replanted trees do not suffer from transplant shock or any other issues.

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Tree Species Than Can Worsen Seasonal Allergies

Posted on April 12, 2019 by Completetree

Many people suffer from seasonal allergies. From the watery eyes and itchy throat, to the sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and that dreaded mental fog, no one wants to add on to their suffering when it comes to spring and summer allergies. One way you can prevent setting off your allergies is to limit your exposure to pollen.

Whether you are renovating your landscaping this year or planning an outdoor event, it will help you to learn which plants and trees are most likely to trigger seasonal allergies so that you can avoid them as much as possible. After all, a tree in your proximity exposes you to 10 times the amount of pollen as the tree down the street.

Here in Indiana, there are several species of trees that will worsen your seasonal allergies. Continue reading to learn some of the most common, and what to do if you have one that you want removed on your property.

Tree Pollen

Deciduous trees produce very fine and powder-like pollen, and some species produce more tree pollen than others. These are the particular tree species you want to avoid if you suffer from allergies. Winds can carry tree pollen for miles and miles, and even just a little inhalation can set off or exacerbate allergic reactions. You may assume that the trees with big, colorful flowers are the ones that will get you, when in fact, these species tend to have stickier pollen that does not travel as well as other tree pollen.

According to WebMD.com, here are the list of trees found in Indiana that will trigger seasonal allergies and potentially worsen existing symptoms:

? Ash (Fraxinus Genus)
? Aspen (Populus Genus)
? Beech (Fagus Genus)
? Birch (Betula Genus)
? Box Elder (Acer Genus)
? Cedar (Thuja Genus)|
? Cottonwood (Populus Genus)
? Elm (Ulmus Genus)
? Hickory (Carya Genus)
? Mulberry (Morus Genus)
? Oak (Quercus Genus)
? Pecan (Carya Genus)
? Willow (Salix Genus)

Helpful Allergy Reminders:

✔ Pollen counts are usually higher on dry, warm, windy days.
✔ Get tested for allergies to see what causes your reactions.

Professional Tree Service in Indianapolis

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for prompt and professional Indianapolis tree service 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!

Can I Plant a Tree This Time of Year?

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Completetree

Situations happen all the time that call for tree replacement or transplanting, such as storms, land development, home renovations, and more. In the same position, you may be wondering whether or not you can successfully plant or transfer a tree this time of year.

Continue reading to learn about fall tree planting, including the right times to plant deciduous and evergreen species.

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Fall Tree Planting

In Indiana, early fall, between late August and early October, are the best times of year to plant a tree. The reason why this time of year is best suited for tree planting has to do with the weather and root systems. Cooler temperatures support new root growth, and render stronger roots in the seasons to come. Furthermore, newly planted trees are more prone to sun scald drought, wildlife tampering, disease, and more; so planting them in the fall when the weather is mild can encourage a higher survival rate.

Exceptions to the Rule

This rule of thumb does not always apply every year since seasonal weather conditions can sometimes be unpredictable or inconsistent in Indiana. It really just depends on the type of fall we are having. So long as the hottest temperatures of summer are past, and the ground isn’t frozen yet, the conditions should be suitable for tree planting.

Also, certain species of trees are better planted at certain times in the fall. For instance, Maple trees should be planted in fall, while species like Birch, Dogwood, and Willow trees require more time to establish root systems, so they are better off planted in the spring. As for fruit trees, these also need to be planted in the spring to avoid winter weather damages.

Who to Trust for Expert Tree Transplanting

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced Indianapolis tree transplanting and removal you can trust. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree work, including tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump removal, lot clearing, and more. Call 317-783-2518 to request a free estimate, today.