Fundamental Industry Advice for Tree Pruning

Improper tree pruning can kill trees, so the techniques and methods used to prune trees is very specific. If you care about your landscaping trees, it is wise to learn as much as you can about proper tree care practices, especially when it comes to pruning. Continue reading to review some vital information about tree pruning, trimming, topping, and more.

Indianapolis Tree Pruning Service 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Pruning Service 317-783-2518

Proper Tree Pruning Standards

The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) developed a set of standards for proper tree pruning that is used among true professional tree service contractors. This set of voluntary industry consensus standards was written by the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC), and is called the American National Standards Institute A300, or ASC A300.  They are the generally accepted industry standards for tree care practices. They continue the initiative of developing consensus performance standards based on current research and sound practice for writing specifications to manage trees, shrubs, and other woody plants.  

Storm Damaged Trees

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.

Harmful Effects of Tree Topping

Tree topping also goes by the names, “tipping”, “hat-racking”, “heading”, and “rounding over.” Sadly, many people believe that tree topping is an effective form of pruning. The truth is it is not an acceptable technique at all. In fact, tree topping is the most harmful tree care practice used for pruning trees. It can cause a long list of damage and health decline, including bark and tissue decay, sunburn, epicormic sprouting, pest infestations, and more.

DIY Tree Pruning

It is not wise to 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.

Hire a Professional Tree Service Company

When you need to have your trees pruned, hire a licensed and insured Indianapolis tree service 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. Be sure to ask them for licensing and insurance information, and whether or not they adhere to ANSI A300 tree pruning standards.

Do you need professional tree shaping, trimming, or pruning assistance? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree trimming and pruning services you can trust. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

How to Prepare Your Trees for Spring Weather Conditions

With Spring right around the corner, now is the right time to be thinking about tree cabling, staking, and bracing. These are excellent tree protection measures to take in order to reduce the likelihood of tree damages caused by heavy winds and rainstorms, which spring is known for. Continue reading to learn about each method of tree protection, and what you can do to ensure your landscaping trees are ready to take on the seasonal inclement weather up ahead.

Indianapolis Tree Service
Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518

Tree Protection

The very root of tree protection starts at the very beginning of a tree’s life. Routine tree care, such as fertilizing, mulching, watering, trimming, and pruning, are all vital to the overall success of a tree’s health and survival. Without proper tree care, trees do not grow to their fullest potential, and as a result, are weaker and more susceptible to damage, disease, and pest infestation.

Along with proper tree care are several methods you can implement to ensure your trees are protected during seasons of inclement weather, namely spring. This is especially important for young or newly planted trees. Among the various methods of tree protection, cabling, bracing, and staking are the most popular and effective.

Tree Cabling and Bracing

The objective of tree cabling is to limit the degree of movement in certain branches and limbs, or for the complete tree. This is accomplished by installing a variety of cables, wires, and hardware like anchors and hooks. Tree bracing is similar to cabling in many ways. It is implemented with the purpose of maintaining certain distance and limiting movement between two leaders (trunks) of a tree. Rods are used to keep two trunks from growing farther apart, or moving sideways against each other. Bracing is also used reconnect broken limbs.

Tree Staking

Young or newly-planted tree require additional support throughout the entire year, until they are strong enough to stand on their own. Tree staking is one practice that is perfect for this job. Tree staking helps protect unstable trees against all sorts of environmental damage, including storm damage, wind damage, breakage, leaning, and other destructive conditions.

Tree Guying

Tree guying is the practice of securing a tree to the ground with the purpose of reducing movement. In turn, this prevents the tree from toppling over or breaking apart. It is traditionally implemented by installing anchors to a tree and in the ground, and then connecting them with a cable.

Tree Propping

Tree props are built and installing in the ground to act as a backing or support for trees. They are installed to support both trunks and limbs, and mostly used for trees that are leaning or in the way. For instance, if a tree has a large limb that dangles over and blocks your gate, you could use a prop to keep the limb from drooping so slow.

Call Us for Trusted Tree Services 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!

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

3 Reasons Why You Should Never Perform Tree Work Yourself

If you have a tree on your property that requires some work, whether a thorough trimming and pruning, or an entire removal, it is best to leave the task to a licensed and insured tree service professional. Not only can you put yourself and others in danger, you can jeopardize your property, and waste precious time and money.

Continue reading to learn the top three reasons why you should never attempt to perform any type of invasive tree work on your own, as well as, how to find safe and affordable tree service near you.

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518

➀ Extension Ladder Hazards

Invasive tree work, like tree removal and tree pruning, generally require the use of extension ladders. This is especially true for trees that are taller than 5 feet. The problem with extension ladders is that they can be very dangerous if not used properly. Furthermore, using such ladders requires experience, which generally involves learning safety lessons the hard way. Not only can you fall from great heights when using an extension ladder, you can also pin and pinch fingers, and even damage surrounding property like cars, play sets, and sheds.

➁ Insufficient Resources

You might have access to a chainsaw and extension ladder, but this does not equip you for major tree work. The processes of tree pruning and tree removal require specialized machines, tools, materials, and most importantly, knowledge of industry best practices. Not only are you unequipped to get the job done accurately and safely, you do not retain the proper knowledge and experience in the tree service industry. This lack of resources makes DIY tree work an incredibly dangerous feat.

➂ Lack of Tree Knowledge

Although your safety and the safety of those around you are the most important priorities to consider when talking yourself out of DIY tree work, the trees and surrounding landscape itself are other factors to keep in mind. Doing tree work on your own can put your trees at serious risk of health problems due to your lack of tree biology and arborist proficiency. If you prune your trees incorrectly, they can fall ill and even die.

Where to Get Trusted Indianapolis Tree Work

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We are highly trained and experienced tree care technicians that offer commercial and residential tree services at affordable prices. Request an estimate or advice anytime. Call 317-783-2518 to learn more about tree care in Indianapolis, today.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Can I Prune My Trees Yet?

If you look at our local weather forecasts, it seems as though the temperatures are slowly rising. This has many of us anticipating and early spring. With milder weather, you may be eager to get a jump-start on all your spring landscaping preparations, such as trimming, transplanting, and even planting. But before you do, it is wise to ask yourself whether or not it’s still too early in the year to prune, especially when it comes to your landscaping trees.

Continue reading to learn the recommended best practices for tree trimming and seasonal tree care.

Indianapolis Tree Pruning 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Pruning 317-783-2518

Benefits of Tree Pruning

Tree pruning is a common tree maintenance practice that is used to stimulate new, strong growth, and to eliminate overgrown limbs. Pruning provides a wide range of benefits, for both trees and people. Not only does it reduce hazardous obstructions and allow for easier entry onto a premises, pruning also promotes vigor and growth, making trees stronger and healthier for many years. It also makes trees look better! See our article, “Why is it Important to Prune Trees?” to learn more about the various advantages of tree pruning.

Routine tree trimming and pruning are important for these reasons, but it is equally important to be sure it is does properly. Improper pruning can cause irreversible damage to a tree, and even lead to total decline. In the professional tree care industry, tree service contractors adhere to strict ANSI A300 tree pruning standards to ensure tree protection and growth.

Crown and Canopy Thinning

Compared to tree pruning, crown thinning is a practice used to selectively remove limbs and branches from only the canopy of hardwood trees for the purpose of increasing light penetration and air movement throughout the canopy. This increases the density of the foliage, and renders a fuller, prettier tree. Crown thinning is a delicate and dangerous service that should only be implemented by a trained professional. Aside from danger, improper crown thinning can kill a tree.

When to Prune Trees

The best time of year to prune trees is when they are still dormant. Although you can remove weak, diseased, or dead limbs any time during the year with little to no effect on a tree, full-on pruning should only be carried out before spring growth begins. This means that right now is the perfect time to have your trees pruned! Trees should be pruned once a year by a licensed and insured tree care company that provides ANSI A300 tree pruning services. Be sure to ask whether or not they adhere to such standards before doing business.

Trusted Tree Pruning Services in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree pruning services, including tree removal, trimming, pruning, crown thinning, canopy reduction, hazard assessments, and more. Call 317-783-2518 to request a free estimate, today.