Bad Tree Mulching Practices to Avoid This Fall

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Completetree

Good tree mulching is easy to achieve. Mulch beds for trees should be wide, deep, and kept at the right moisture level throughout the season. That’s right; trees still need water in the Fall and Winter. But many homeowners fall victim to tree mulching errors this time of year, causing them a slow onset of disappointment come spring since poor mulching can result in tree decline and even death.

Continue reading to learn some of the most common bad tree mulching practices in Fall and how to avoid them.

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Good Tree Mulching

As mentioned, good tree mulching in Fall means making your mulch beds wide enough and deep enough. Tree mulch beds should be at least 3 feet wide and anywhere from 2 to 4 inches deep. These are the “Goldilocks” dimensions for tree mulch beds. Your mulch beds help retain moisture in the tree roots, but they can dry out themselves, so be sure to continue watering your trees during times of drought.

What Bad Tree Mulching Looks Like

The most common tree mulching errors made by homeowners include mulching too high and narrow, using the incorrect type of mulch, letting mulch go sour, and adding more mulching onto of old mulch. These are the bad tree mulching practices you want to avoid this Fall.

► Mulch Pyramids

A common mulching mistake is to create a mulch bed that is too high up on the tree trunk and too narrow. This formation looks like a pyramid or volcano. This traps moisture on the tree trunk and roots, which can lead to rot.

► Wrong Mulch

When mulching trees, it is important to use a compatible product. A common tree mulching mistake is using mulch that is too fine. Trees need to retain moisture throughout the Fall season, and delicate or finely manufactured mulch can become impermeable and block off water and air.

► Sour Mulch

Another big tree mulching mistake you want to avoid this Fall is letting your mulch turn toxic. Mulch can become compacted for many reasons, such as using too fine of a mulch. When it does, air and water are not able to penetrate, causing the mulch to go sour as a result of low oxygen levels. Furthermore, the souring process produces methanol and acetic acid, which are harmful to soil-sharing plants.

► Topping Off Old Mulch With New Mulch

A very common bad mulching practice is to top off old mulch beds with new mulch, without first removing the old mulch. Mulch does not fully decompose, so it is necessary to break up the old mulch with a rake before adding new mulch in the Fall and Spring.

Are you looking for a helpful tree care company to improve the look and quality of your landscaping trees? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional tree services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients with comprehensive tree care solutions.

FAQS About Tree Care in the Fall

Posted on October 5, 2021 by Completetree

Just because summer is behind us doesn’t mean that our landscaping trees are through being cared for. In fact, right now is a prime time to tend to your trees. One of the most important things you can do for trees is care for them through all the seasons of the year. Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about fall tree care to learn what you need to do this season for your landscaping trees.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn Tree Care

Do I Need to Mulch a Tree in the Fall?

Mulch is not just necessary in the spring and summer; it is also highly impactful to soil and tree growth conditions in the fall. Be sure to mulch around the base of your trees, around 2 to 3 inches deep, to keep soil moist and protected all winter long.

Do I Need to Water a Mature Tree?

Mature trees have slowed in growth, making them more vulnerable to the hazards in their surrounding environment this time of year. They are more susceptible to pest infestations, diseases, blights, and wildlife tampering. To ensure proper growth and survival, mature trees need regular watering, all the way up until the very first snow fall.

When Do Trees Need to Be Pruned?

The prime time to prune trees happens to be coming up very soon! Pruning is vital to tree growth and overall tree health, as it promotes vigorous, healthy branch growth come spring and summer. The best time to prune trees is in the coldest part of the season, before the first snow falls. By this time, trees are fully in their dormancy stage.

Can I Prune My Trees Myself?

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.

Should I Top My Trees in Fall?

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 that 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.

Can I Plant a Tree in Fall?

The arborvitae industry standard suggests planting trees in the fall or early spring. The reason why the rule of thumb is to plant trees in spring or fall is because trees are in their dormant stage during these times. During dormancy, trees require less water, sunlight, and nutrients. This means their growth is significantly decelerated, making it easier for healthy root development. Dormancy and cool temperatures are the reason why spring and fall continue to be the best times to plant trees. These seasons are more likely to produce a healthy, mature tree.

Do your trees look like they could use some TLC this Fall? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for prompt and professional tree services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and residential clients all throughout the central parts of the state.

You Should Also Read:

How to Mulch Around a Tree
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5 Ways to Stop Moss Growth on Trees

Posted on July 20, 2021 by Completetree

In the right setting, moss can be very attractive: along streams, cascading down a mountain side, clinging to river rock, etc. But in the wrong place, such as trees, moss is actually a detriment, and even a nuisance. That is because moss grows abundantly and fast, taking over lawns, gardens, and anything else in its way. Moss also requires a substantial amount of water to thrive; so, when living on a tree, the moss takes most of the water needed for the tree to survive. The outcome: a distressed, thirsty tree on the brink of death. But the good news is that moss is easy to remove and prevent.

Continue reading to learn about 5 effective ways to stop the growth of moss on your property.

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How to Get Rid of Moss on Trees

Watering the Lawn

Water your lawn less frequently. But when you do water your lawn, water it deeply. This way, you can afford to water it less without the risk of your grass drying up and dying. And most importantly, when you water your lawn, be very careful to NOT get the trunks of your trees wet. This is the formula for moss growth.

Test pH Levels in the Soil

Knowing your lawn’s pH levels is helpful when it comes to preventing moss growth. Use a store-bought soil testing kit to determine the pH level of your soil. Acidic soils can be balanced out with lime treatments. This will create unfavorable conditions for moss, preventing it from growing.

Aerate the Lawn

On the topic of soil, it is wise to aerate the lawn to prevent moss growth. If you do not want to aerate the soil, you can introduce new organic topsoil to your existing lawn soil. This will improve drainage, thus preventing standing water and moss growth.

Remove By Hand

If you have loads of moss growing on one or more of your landscaping trees, you can instantly get rid of it by picking it off manually. Just be gentle doing to not jeopardize the integrity of the tree bark. In the wintertime during their dormant stage, you can also use a power washer to remove moss from trees.

Hire a Tree Care Company for Tree Thinning Service

Thinning the branches of your landscaping trees will be beneficial for the trees because it lets in more sunlight to your property. Not only does this promote more food production in the tree, it prevents the cold, wet conditions that can lead to moss growth. Keeping your tree trunk dry is critical to moss prevention.

Do your landscaping trees seem to be suffering this summer? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for licensed Indianapolis Indiana tree service and affordable price. We serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout central Indiana.

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Questions and Answers About Oak Tree Care

Posted on June 3, 2021 by Completetree

Oak trees are a remarkable ancient species that provide a wide range of benefits for us and the surrounding environment. For these reasons, it is no surprise that you are interested in learning how to take better care of your oaks. Continue reading to review some common questions about oak tree care, and their answers too!

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Oak Tree Care FAQS:

How Big Does an Oak Tree Get?

When it comes to how big an oak tree can get, you must think about how old it can get. Oak trees can live up to 1,000 or more, but on average, live to be 200 years old. In fact, the Pechanga Great Oak Tree is considered to be the oldest in the world, coming in at a ripe age of 2,000 years. Although they live very long, they tend to max out in height, averaging between 50 and 70 feet. Branch to branch, their canopies can span as wide as 50 feet or more, and they produce an average of 2,000 acorns per year. White oaks tend to grow the tallest.

What are the Common Types of Oak Trees?

Our continent has the highest number of oak tree species, with 90 species native to the U.S., and 160 more in Mexico. The most prevalent oak trees found in Indiana include Northern and Southern Red oaks, Eastern White oaks, Chestnut oak, Bur oak, Black oaks, Scarlet oak, Pin oak, and Post oak.

Do Oak Trees Need to Be Pruned?

All trees require a specific regiment of care, and one of the most important parts of a tree care plan is annual pruning. Pruning oak trees and removing deadwood is a very delicate task compared to pruning other deciduous trees, so it should always be performed by a trained Indianapolis tree service professional.

Are Oak Trees Susceptible to Disease?

The two most common diseases that kill Oak trees are Sudden Oak Death and Oak Wilt. Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum) is a water mold that takes down Oaks in as little as one month. Oak wilt is another lethal tree disease that is caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. Additional diseases and pests that can impact an oak tree’s health include Powdery Mildew, Foamy Bark Canker (generally exclusive to California), galls, wood-boring beetles, gall wasps, and gypsy moths.

What Can I Do to Improve the Look of My Oak Trees?

The best way to get bountiful, robust, and brilliant looking oak trees is with a proper tree care plan. Trees require watering, fertilizing, mulching, sunlight, and more in order to grow strong and big. Talk to your professional tree service contractor for advice you can trust.

Do you have oak trees on your property that could use some TLC? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for oak tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and residential clients.

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How to Mulch Around a Tree

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Completetree

Did you know that mulching is one of the most effective and beneficial method of tree care? In fact, properly mulching your landscaping trees can promote healthier, longer-lasting trees. Continue reading to learn the correct method of laying mulch around your landscaping trees, and where you can get affordable help with Indianapolis tree care near you.

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Spring is the Right Time to Re-Mulch Trees

When applied improperly, mulch can have negative effects on a tree’s health. For this reason, proper mulching methods are important, and should be practiced every spring. And since spring is here, it is time to start thinking about your seasonal tree care needs, including new mulch! Just a quick note, but mulching is not just a spring tree care task; it is also important to mulch your trees in the winter too! Get started in the Spring as soon as the ground has fully thawed. In the fall, you will wait until temperatures are pre-freezing, and then lay your mulch before the first winter front arrives.

Professional-Level Tree Mulching Advice

When it comes to mulching your trees, it is recommended to use organic mulch. Although inorganic mulch is tempting since it doesn’t need to be replenished as often, the benefits derived from organic materials and decomposition outweigh the benefits of using inorganic mulch. In fact, most arborists prefer to use an organic product.

When mulching your trees, keep in mind that using too much can actually be detrimental. Over-mulching can lead to tree stress, excessive ground moisture, root rot, tree and bark diseases, insect and rodent infestations, tree girdling, reduced air penetration, unbalanced soil pH, and more. To be safe, keep mulch depths between 2 and 4 inches.

Be sure to check the project area for adequate water drainage before applying mulch. If the water drainage is poor, then too much mulch may lead to many of the above-mentioned tree problems. Try using less mulch for areas with inadequate drainage.

Before applying new mulch over existing mulch, first measure the depth to prevent over-mulching. If the depth is still 2 to 4 inches, do not apply new mulch. Instead, use a rake to release the top matted layers and refresh the look of the mulch. If faded, visit your local gardening store for a spray-on, water-soluble, vegetable-based dye to brighten up the color. Also, be sure to also spread out any piles that may have built-up against the tree trunk. The base of the tree should be exposed.

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

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The ANSI Standards for Tree Pruning

Posted on March 17, 2021 by Completetree

Spring is just about here, and tree pruning is a critical part of spring tree care. Trees must be pruned to promote new, strong, healthy growth, as well as, to promote safety and security of landscaping trees. Not only is tree pruning a vital component to your tree’s overall health, but it is also a dangerous job that requires decades of hands-on experience and practice. It also requires specific tools, equipment, and most importantly, the right knowledge.

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The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

Improper tree pruning can kill trees, so the techniques and methods used to prune trees is very specific. In fact, 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.

The Parts of ANSI A300

Tree pruning is only the first part of the ANSI A300. It other parts include soil management, supplemental support systems, lightning protection systems, management, planting and transplanting, integrate vegetation management, root management standard, tree risk assessment, and IPM (pest management).

ANSI A300 Tree Pruning Standards Cover:

☙ Pruning Objectives
☙ Pruning Systems
☙ Pruning Specifications
☙ Pruning Cuts
☙ Pruning Practices
☙ Palms and Similar Plants
☙ Pruning Definitions

*You can view the ANSI A300 in full, here.

Ready to schedule your lot’s seasonal tree services? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis Indiana tree services you can trust. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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What You Can Do About Tree Bark Damages

Posted on August 28, 2020 by Completetree

Trees are inspirational and aesthetically pleasing. They are admired most for their gift of shade, bountiful harvests, beautiful scenery, and their part in nature’s course. This is why it is troubling to see trees whose bark has been damaged by harsh weather, vandalism, lawn mowers, wild animals, and more. Tree bark is important for a trees health because it protects the conductive wood and tissue beneath.

Continue reading to learn how to repair damaged tree bark, and who to call for accurate and professional tree care advice.

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Tree Bark Damage Solutions

When tree bark is damaged, the underlying tissue and wood can be exposed and detrimental to the tree. It is crucial to act fast before the tree becomes even more vulnerable, leading to extensive bark damage and overall harm. In short, when you see damaged tree bark, a few things will be in order right away. These include:

❧ Removing the Loose Tree Bark
❧ Facilitate Comprehensive Cultural Care
❧ Provide Adequate Irrigation
❧ Provide Adequate Fertilization
❧ Possible Bridge Grafting
❧ Preventing Further Damages and Threats

To remove loose tree bark, a person will need sterile and sharp pruning shears or a knife. Look for any bark that is loose, flapping, or bruised. This is the bark that will need to be cut off. It is important for a person to not damage the wood that is still alive and intact. 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.

How to Evaluate Your Tree Care Needs in Indianapolis

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable Indianapolis tree care professional, and request a free estimate for a tree inspection, today. We have a state-certified arborist available to inspect the health and needs of your landscaping trees. Furthermore, we are a family owned and operated tree care company, which means we understand the value of a dollar, which is why we offer our tree services at fair and reasonable rates. So, get started today with a free quote!