4 Winter Storm Preparation Tips for Landscaping Trees

Winter storms can bring about a mixture of freezing rain, snow, ice, hail, lightening, and more. So long as you have strong, healthy trees, you can rest assure they will stand up to this type of inclement, seasonal weather that is to be expected. But if you have young, weak, newly planted, or vulnerable trees on your property, there is a smaller chance that they will thrive through a winter storm spell. If you do not do what it takes to protect your landscaping trees from winter storm conditions, you are at a much higher risk of waking up to storm damaged trees.

Continue reading to learn the top 4 winter storm preparation tree care tips, and how to get started with a professional tree inspection.

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

4 Ways to Stronger and Healthier Trees

Routine Tree Care and Pruning

Trees with denser canopies, strong branches, and healthy roots are trees that will stand up to winter weather and storms. In order to achieve this for your landscaping trees, they should be serviced at least bi-annually by a licensed tree care provider for tree pruning, fertilizing, trimming, and inspection. Tree pruning is one of the most vital routine tree services that make for stronger, healthier trees, and should be the main area of focus in the fall or early spring. Talk to your Indianapolis tree service company to learn your recommended tree care schedule.

Year-Round Mulching

Trees need to be mulched if you want any chance at success. Mulch plays many important functions for trees, and the roots below. With a wide perimeter of mulch around the base of your trees, the root systems are well-moistened, and the trunk is protected from potential lawnmower damage. Furthermore, mulch contains organic constituents that are pertinent to the nutrition of the soil and quality of the root system.

Mulch is a year-round necessity for trees, as it preserves the heat of the sun and prevents the ground from freezing in harsh temperatures. All of this helps promotes healthy tree growth come spring and summer. When mulching your trees in spring and fall, aim between 2 and 3 inches of mulch at the base, but be sure not to allow the mulch to “crawl” up the trunk of the tree.

Protection Against Lightning

Although lightening is not a major threat during the winter season, you still need to protect your trees against lightening damage year-long. This way, your trees will remain strong and resilient when the winter weather is upon us. To do this, consider installing a quality lightning protection system. These devices will direct electrical currents away from the tree, sending them down a sequence of wires and into the ground.

Tree Cavity Management

Tree cavities might not seem like they are a big threat, but they are a common influence on how well a tree can withstand inclement winter weather conditions. The more hollowed a tree, the less stable it is, and therefore, more susceptible to strong winds and rains, or heavy snow and ice. So, keep an eye out on all tree cavities, and monitor their progress. If you are noticing that one tree cavity is growing too large, you will need to have that tree inspected, and possibly cabled or braced for the winter.

A Complete Tree Care Offers Winter Tree Protection Service in Indianapolis

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for trusted winter tree service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We are a family owned and operated Indianapolis tree care company that offers the most competitive prices for tree trimming and pruning, tree removal, stump removal, and more. Our tree service pros serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout the Central parts of the state. Request a free estimate or advice, today.

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

Where to Recycle Your Christmas Tree in Indianapolis

Although Christmas Day is behind us, the beloved tree is still standing and decorated in the living room. That’s the way to continue the seasonal spirit into the New Year! But before long, you will have to take down your verdant Christmas tree, and find a way to dispose of it nearby. Some neighborhoods actually have a community garbage service that is scheduled to collect Christmas trees on an upcoming day.

If you do not have access to curbside Christmas tree garbage collection, or perhaps you miss the collection day, there are plenty of other places you can recycle your old Christmas tree in Indianapolis!

Indianapolis Indiana Tree Service
Indianapolis Winter Tree Service 317-783-2518

Indianapolis Department of Public Works and Indy Parks

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works and Indy Parks are this holiday season’s GO-TO Christmas tree recycling source! From Dec. 25 to Jan. 31, there will be several locations set up throughout Marion County, inside local public parks, for anyone to dispose of their Christmas trees. Not only is this service free of charge, but you can appreciate and feel good about the fact that you are actually RECYCLING your Christmas tree! That’s because all Christmas trees that are dropped off are reused as soil blends, mulch, and wood chippings in several different Indianapolis public parks and communities!

What You Need to Know About Christmas Tree Drop Off

Before you drop off your Christmas tree, remove all decorations, lighting, tinsel, and hooks. Then find an Indianapolis Department of Public Works Indy Park Christmas tree disposal location nearest you, here. Be sure to thoroughly secure your Christmas tree to the top of your vehicle using quality cargo support straps or ratchet straps. If you can fit your tree inside the trunk, be sure you can still close it all the way. It is not recommended to use bungee cords or ropes to secure a half-open trunk. If you are transporting your Christmas tree in the bed of a truck, still use straps or weights to ensure it does not fly out.

A Full List of Drop Off Locations in Marion County:

? Sahm Park
? Krannert Park
? Northwestway Park
? Ellenberger Park
? Garfield Park
? Perry Park
? Riverside Park
? Broad Ripple Park

What Happens to Recycled Christmas Trees in Indianapolis?

Not only do the Indianapolis Department of Public Works and Indy Parks make Indianapolis Christmas tree disposal easy and free of charge, but they also make it very worth your while. That is because all Christmas trees dropped off for recycling are repurposed into wood chips, mulch materials, and soil blends, all of which are used in our local public parks and surrounding communities! In fact, last year Park Maintenance chipped more than 7,200 Christmas trees, and dispersed them in public parks all throughout the city! Now that is something the whole family can feel good about! What a great opportunity to teach your children about Eco-consciousness and preservation too!

Are You in Need of Winter Tree Service in Indianapolis?

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for winter Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We serve all of Central Indiana with a wide range of skilled tree removal and tree care services, for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a single tree removed, an entire lot cleared, or some routine tree service like tree trimming or pruning, we can deliver the prompt and professional service you expect, and at a fair price. Call 317-783-2518 to request a free estimate, today.

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

How to Identify Dead Trees on Your Property

Especially during the wintertime, it can be tough determining if a tree is dead, alive, or simply dormant for the season. This time of year, however, trees have not reached their dormancy yet, so it can be a little easier spotting a tree in trouble. Continue reading to learn how to tell the difference between a dead tree and a healthy tree, and what to do if your tree is indeed, dead.

Indianapolis Tree Removal
Indianapolis Tree Removal and Tree Care 317-783-2518

Small Dead Trees

For trees that are small or short, you are likely able to reach their twigs and branches. This makes it easy to test the tree and determine whether or not it is dead or alive.  Simply snap off a twig and take a look at its fleshy center for signs of life. Healthy flesh will look light and green, whereas dead or dying/will look dull and gray. Also, a dead or dying tree branch will snap off dry and quick, whereas a healthy twig might give you a bit of a struggle. Small trees are easy to manage, but when trees are very large or tall it can be difficult testing branches on your own if you can’t reach them. For this reason, you need professional Indianapolis tree service.

Large Trees That are Dead or Dying

Professional tree service companies retain the proper training, experience, and specialized equipment to care for large trees safely and efficiently. They will be able to implement the proper procedures to test the tree for life, as well as suggest and implement strategies for either saving or removing the tree. Of course, they also retain the proper resources to provide safe tree removal and tree care services. If the trees that are dying, it usually needs to be removed right away to prevent accidents.

Before you contact a professional tree service company, you can look for signs of a dead or dying tree. Having this information and relaying it to your professional tree technician will help them better understand your tree care needs.

Signs of a Dead Tree:

► Loss of Foliage
► Leaf Discoloration
► Leaf Curling
► Leaf Wilting
► Pest Infestations
► Tree Trunk Rot
► Waterlogged Roots
► Exposed Roots
► Bark Discoloration
► Fungus Growth
► Dropping Branches

Dead Tree Removal Service in Indianapolis and Surrounding Counties

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 to get professional tree removal for dead trees in Indianapolis, Indiana. We have served Hoosier communities since 1978 as a licensed and insured tree service company here in Indianapolis, and continue to provide top quality tree services for both residential and commercial properties throughout its surrounding areas. if you have a tree emergency after regular business hours, we offer two separate after-hours phone lines! Contact us to request an estimate, anytime.

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

Professional Tips for Winterizing Trees

Just like you would the rest of your home, prior to the cold season arriving, it is important to prepare your trees for winter conditions. Weakened, exposed, or otherwise vulnerable trees can be subjected to irreversible damage caused by inclement weather. Prevent losing your landscaping trees from these causes and more by implementing some winter protection.

Continue below to learn some professional tips on how to winterize your trees before winter is here.

Winter Tree Service Indianapolis Indiana
Winter Tree Service in Indianapolis 317-783-2518

Tree Winterization Advice You Should Consider

Even though trees look like they are dead or inactive in the winter, they are actually alive and well. They are working hard to regulate their metabolism and stay strong till spring season blooming. Even in winter, trees are growing at their roots, limbs, and more. To help trees accomplish this through the winter, implement some important seasonal tree care practices.

Here are some tips for winterizing your trees:

Pruning

Until the ground is frozen and the first full frost has fallen, it is not too late to prune back some of your landscaping trees. Just be sure you are extensively experienced and retain the proper tools for the job, or hire a professional tree service company in Indianapolis for insured work you can trust.

☙ Mulching and Aeration

The changing weather conditions in winter also affect the temperature and moisture levels in the soil, which are important to tree health. For this reason and more, it is wise to aerate the soil surrounding your landscaping trees to ease compaction, and follow up with a proper mulching around the base of the tree trunk.

Fertilization and Watering

Using a balanced fertilizer is optional when it comes to tree winterization, however, it is highly recommended. Be sure you know what you are doing in terms of tree fertilization, otherwise, it is even more recommended to hire a certified arborist for the job. For ornamental and fruit trees, a dormant spray might also be a good addition to pre-winter tree care. Talk to your arborist for advice.

Certified Arborist and Tree Service Experts in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional arborist and tree care service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. 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

The Common Process of Tree Fertilization

Many people overlook the importance of tree fertilization, when in fact, such treatments can improve the brilliance and function of a tree, and extends it life. Tree fertilization is especially important in certain regions of the country where nutrient content is soil is deficient. The process is designed to fill the void for whatever nutrients and elements are lacking in soil, which in turn restores tree health.

Continue reading to learn more about the process of tree fertilization, including how to outsource tree services in Indianapolis.

Arborist Services Indianapolis
Arborist Services in Indianapolis 317-783-2518

Good Soil Versus Bad Soil

As humans, we require certain vitamins, nutrients, and other natural elements to grow strong and live long. Well, the same applies to trees. Trees also need an adequate amount of nutrients in order to grow to their best ability, withstand disease, and live for as long as possible. And it all starts in the soil. Good quality soil is full of nutrients and organic matter, and contains the proper pH levels conducive to plant growth. Poor quality soil lacks sufficient nutrients, and may contain high levels of salts, pesticides, or other toxins.

You can tell the difference between healthy soil and unhealthy soil by inspecting its appearance. Healthy soil is rich in color, and contains a minimal level of moisture and softness. It will also contain organic matter, like earthworms and other insects. Unhealthy soil will be compacted, dry, dull in color, and crumbly. Fortunately, tree fertilization helps safeguard landscaping trees from experiencing deficiencies in essential nutrients, specifically macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients.

? Macro-Nutrients = Trees require more macro-nutrients than micro-nutrients. The most vital macros include nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sulfur.

? Micro-Nutrients = Although trees require less micro-nutrients compared to macros, they are still essential to tree health. This includes magnesium molybdenum, copper, nitrogen, chlorine, boron, and zinc.

The Tree Fertilizing Process

The best times of year to fertilize your trees are in spring, between April and May, or in late fall, which would be right about now. It is wise to outsource professional Indianapolis tree care to ensure proper tree fertilizing procedures and successful results. You can buy tree fertilizer at your local home improvement or garden store, but your professional tree service technician will also retain a quality option at wholesale price.

Where to Get Tree Fertilization Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 to speak with a certified arborist about tree fertilization services in Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding locations. We serve all of Central Indiana with a wide range of tree care services for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a single tree removed, or simply require routine tree service, like trimming or pruning, we can deliver prompt and professional service at a fair price. Request a free estimate, today.

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

Complete Tree Care Has the Affordable Indianapolis Tree Service You Need This Season

Complete Tree Care is your solution to prompt, professional, and inexpensive Indianapolis tree service that won’t let you down. Since 1978, we have been a family owned and operated tree care business dedicated to superior customer service and steadfast professionalism. Continue below to learn which types of tree care are strongly encouraged this time of year, how to get the best deals on tree care, and why you should choose us as your Indianapolis tree service providers.

Fall Season Tree Service Indianapolis IN
Fall Tree Service in Indianapolis 317-783-2518

An Indianapolis Tree Service Company You Can Count On Year-Round

Here at Complete Tree Care, we are a licensed and insured family-owned and operated tree service company based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. After opening the business in 1978, we have continued to serve the surrounding Hoosier communities with superior tree service and customer support. There is nothing we won’t do to ensure our clients are fully-satisfied with our services.

? Our Creed is in Our Craft

As licensed and insured tree care professionals with more than three decades of experience in the industry, you can trust us for the highest quality work as the fairest prices around.

? We Maintain Fair Pricing

As a locally-owned and independent business, we understand the value of a dollar, which is why they maintain the most economical prices in town. You may contact us directly to speak with a friendly office manager about your Indianapolis tree service needs, anytime.

? We Offer Full-Service Tree Care

Complete Tree Care has your tree service needs comprehensively covered since we are fully-equipped to manage any job, regardless of size or scope. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree work, including tree removal, tree trimming, pruning, shaping, stump removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, storm damage tree clearance, tree transplanting, arborist referrals, pest integration, and much more. Hiring a professional tree service with the amount of experience Complete Tree Care has is crucial to getting the job done correctly. Experience is the first credential to look for when searching for a tree service company.

How to Get Started With Free Tree Care Advice or a Service Bid

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree services at an affordable price. As professional tree specialists, we know precisely how to manage every tree service job requested of us. We only use quality equipment to carry out our tree care services and never neglect safety. Our teams are genuinely dedicated to honest, quality workmanship, and passionate about caring for trees. 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

What You Need to Learn About Tree Stress

Did you know that trees can feel stressed out? It’s true! Trees can experience stress, discomfort, and irritation as a result of external factors and elements. Just like humans, trees can both feel stressed and be treated to relieve stress. In order to determine if your landscaping trees are distressed, look for the common signs and symptoms, including crown dieback, 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.

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

What Stresses a Tree Out?

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. Once you know your tree is under duress, it is important to treat the root 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 Tree in Distress

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 dieback 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 Professionals Who Can Help With Stressed Trees

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional Indianapolis Indiana tree service you can trust. We serve all of Central Indiana with a wide range of skilled tree removal and tree care services, for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a single tree removed, or simply require routine tree service, like trimming or pruning, we can deliver prompt and professional service at a fair price. Request a free estimate, today.

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

When is the Recommended Time of Year to Transplant a Tree?

There are many reasons why you might need to relocate a tree on your property. Some of the more common reasons include home conversions or additions, landscaping remodeling, or a tree simply becoming too large for the space it’s in. If you need a tree transplanted, it is important to learn what you need to know for successful results. One of the most important factors in tree transplanting is timing. Continue reading to learn how to get your timing right when it comes time to transplant your tree.

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

Tree Transplantation Basics

The science behind tree transplantation is quite complex. But not to worry; as a property owner, all you need to be familiar with are the basics. As mentioned, transplanting a tree at the right time of year is one of those fundamentals. The general focus for transplanting a tree at the right time of year is dormancy. For this reason, late winter and early spring are the perfect times to get the job done.

Transplant Trees in Fall, Late Winter or Early Spring While Still Dormant

Transplanting in Fall – Transplant your tree in the fall, but only after all the leaves have dropped for the season.

Transplanting in Spring – Transplanting your tree in spring is safe, but be sure to do so before they begin to show new bud formation.

Transplanting in Winter – Transplanting trees in winter is possible, so long as the ground is not too frozen.

Post-Transplanting Tree Care

Transplanting a tree on your property during the right time of the year is just the beginning. You need to also provide post-care for your transplanted trees and shrubs. Focus on watering, including a deep water every 2 weeks or so. Also be sure to consider mulching and tree staking, but avoid fertilizing. Wait at least one year before fertilizing a tree that was transplanted to a new location.

Rely on Indianapolis Tree Care You Can Trust

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for prompt and professional Indianapolis tree service you can trust. 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

Should I Remove a Leaning Tree?

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), any tree that is leaning more than 15 degrees as a result of wind force or damaged root system should be taken down. Now, the question is, “to what degree is your tree leaning?” Well, in order to find out what degree your tree is leaning, you will need a professional tree inspection.

Continue below to learn more about the dangers of leaning trees, including how to spot the signs of a dangerous tree, as well as, who to call for professional Indianapolis tree service you can trust.

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

Common Signs That Indicate a Tree Might Fall Soon

Now, if your landscaping tree is small, or very young, you might not need to worry about any particularly dangerous conditions. Small, young trees are not as heavy or dense as older, more mature trees. For this reason, they tend to do less damage to any of the structural surroundings, as well as people or pets walking by. However, if your tree is moderate sized or larger, it can be a potential hazard to its surroundings, including people and pets.

There are several signs you can look for when doing your own inspection of your leaning landscape tree. Mostly, you want to look for damage. The top signs of a tree that’s preparing to fall soon include holes in the trunk, deep cuts or cracks in the trunk, dead or dropping branches, tight branch growth, root rot, and of course, visible leaning. If you are not sure if your trees leaning or not, you can always take a picture of it, wait one year, and then take another to compare. Or, you can enlist the services of a local Indianapolis tree care company for expert diagnostics you can trust.

How to Get Started on a Professional Tree Safety Inspection

In order to get the safest and most accurate answers to your leaning tree questions, you will need to hire a professional Indianapolis tree service company for a tree safety inspection. Professional companies are licensed and certified to perform residential and commercial tree work in the state, but they are also highly trained to identify and predict tree health problems. They retain the proper equipment to accurately diagnose whether or not your landscaping tree is a danger. Not all leaning trees need to be removed, as mentioned before. If your tree is not leaning more than 50°, it can likely be stabilized through tree cabling and bracing or tree staking.

Where to Get an Affordable Indianapolis Tree Safety Inspection

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for comprehensive tree inspection services by a certified arborist in Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding locations. We serve all of Central Indiana with a wide range of skilled tree removal and tree care services, for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a single tree removed, or simply require routine tree service, like trimming or pruning, we can deliver prompt and professional service at a fair price. Request a free estimate, today.

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

What You Can Do About Tree Bark Damages

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.

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

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!

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