3 Reasons Why You Should Never Perform Tree Work Yourself

Posted on July 26, 2019 by Completetree

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.

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.

How to Treat Fungus and Algae Growth on Trees

Posted on June 27, 2019 by Completetree

Following extended periods of rain, it is common to find strange, blob-like growths on your tree bark. These growths can develop overnight, and appear in an array of colors and textures; most often, furry and filmy, in colors like greens, whites, or yellows. So what are these odd globules on your beloved landscaping trees?

Well, they are called tree lichens, and they are basically harmless to the tree and surrounding environment, however, they are generally deemed unattractive, which is why you may be interested in removing and preventing them from coming back. Continue reading to learn more about tree lichens, including causes, treatments, and prevention strategies.

Tree Lichens

Tree lichens are unique because they are actually two organisms in one: fungus and algae. These two organisms form a symbiotic, or mutually-beneficial, relationship. The fungus collects moisture, which the algae needs to survive, while the algae uses photosynthesis to convert the sun’s energy into food, which the fungus need to survive. Why are they harmless? Because their rhizines, which are similar to roots, are not capable of penetrating the bark deep enough to disrupt the tree’s health.

How to Remove It

To get rid of tree lichens, you will need a soft bristled brush, mild dish soap, clean water, and gloves. Use gentle pressure to scrub the lichens off of the bark, first dipping the brush into your batch of clean water and mild dish soap. Allow the bark to dry completely. You may also have your trees sprayed with a copper-sulfate solution or a lime sulfur solution. However, these methods only destroy fungus, so they should only be applied in late spring when weather is warmer.

How to Prevent It

The best method for preventing tree lichens is to implement environmental modifications that make your trees a less suitable target for fungus and algae growth. Tree lichens growth in cool, moist settings; so change these conditions and tree lichens will be a thing of the past. Furthermore, you can thin the canopy of your trees to incorporation more sunlight. Also, if you have an automated sprinkler system, be sure that it is not reaching your tree bark.

Indianapolis Tree Service You Can Trust

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!

Why Choose Complete Tree Care

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Completetree

There are many reasons why Hoosiers all across the city choose us for professional tree work. Continue reading to learn why we are a leading tree service provider here in Indianapolis, and why you too should choose us for your year-round tree service needs.

? We Offer a Wide Range of Services

Our expert tree care contractors provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including tree trimming, tree pruning, thinning, crown reduction, crown raising, storm damage clearance, stump removal, and much more. Aside from routine service, we also provide major tree work, such as tree removal, dead-wooding, lot clearing, and more. On top of a wide selection of tree care services, we also offer free estimates and advice, and cleanup is included on every job! We also provide flexible scheduling, custom agendas, and unparalleled customer support!

? We are State Certified Arborists

Here at Complete Tree Care, we have a state certified arborist on staff to help with any questions concerning your trees. Our professional arborist is licensed in tree disease diagnosis, as well as, tree insect identification, for all Indiana tree species. Not only are our certified arborists capable of answering your tree care questions, they are more than happy to do so! Simply call our office during regular business hours for assistance and service for questions about tree problems.

? Our Credentials are Real

Hiring a professional tree service with the amount of experience we have is crucial to getting the job done correctly. Experience is the first credential to look for when searching for a tree service company. Check out some more of our credentials, below!

✅ INDIANA STATE CERTIFIED ARBORISTS #IN-3208A

✅ TREE DISEASE DIAGNOSIS (LICENSE #21263)

✅ TREE PEST IDENTIFICATION (LICENSE #21263)

✅ LICENSED AND INSURED

✅ OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

✅ BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU MEMBERS

✅ ANGIE’S LIST APPROVED

How to Get Started With a Free Quote

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable contractor, and request a free estimate for Indianapolis tree service, today. As a family owned and operated tree care company, 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!

Are Rabbits Damaging Your Trees?

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Completetree

In our last blog, we discussed how to protect your landscaping trees from territorial bucks. But there is another species of animal that you should also watch out for: rabbits. Rabbits are a common tree pest this time of year, and their bad habits can cause your trees to suffer a swift decline. If you notice even a minor level of rabbit activity around your property, it is wise to take the proper precautions in protecting your trees from damage.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about rabbits and tree damage in spring.

Tree and Shrub Rabbit Damage

During the spring, rabbits target young trees and shrubs for the inner tissue between the bark and wood of the trunk and stems. They start at the base of the trunk, and work their way around the tree; a behavior known as tree girdling. This eventually kills a tree because the downward flow of nutrients from the foliage to the root system is disrupted.

Other animals are known for this type of tree damage too, such as voles. In fact, see our blog, “How to Put a Stop to Vole Girdling” to learn more. This feeding activity increases when springtime yields are in bloom. Their favorite trees and shrubs to pillage include apple, barberry, burning bush, crabapple, flowering quince, honey locust, pear, raspberries, redbud, roses, serviceberry, and winged euonymus.

If you have any of these trees or shrubs on your property, you can be sure rabbits are on the hunt, nearby. Even if you do not have these particular kinds, but other trees and shrubs, your property can still be a target this season. This likelihood is increased when food is scarce and rabbit populations are high, which often occurs in the springtime when their reproduction cycles are most active.

Protection Against Nuisance Rabbits

Fortunately, there is plenty of precautions you can take to ensure your trees and shrubs are guarded against rabbits and other types of pests. The best method that has been an accepted practice across the board is fencing and chicken wire. Since rabbits can dig and burrow, you must plant chicken wire fencing a foot into the ground, followed by an actual fence tall enough so rabbits cannot jump over.

Another approach is tree wrapping. You can wrap a tree in a metal sheet, which obstructs their ability to access the bark. This, however, can be high maintenance and not visually appealing. Your best option is to discuss your tree care agenda with a licensed tree care professional who can give you advice and instruction based on extensive hands-on experience.

When nothing else seems to abate the rabbit damage to your trees, you may require professional wildlife control assistance, which includes making certain changes to your landscaping to thwart nuisance animal activity altogether.

Indianapolis Tree Service

How to Protect Young Trees From Buck Damage

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Completetree

This time of year, it is common to find damage on trees caused by “buck rubbing”, which is a behavior that male deer engage in for the purpose of marking their territory and attracting female mates. They are also known to simulate battle with trees as practice for real-life defense situations. Regardless of why bucks rub their antlers on trees, the outcome is usually a damaged tree. If your landscaping trees are subjected to this type of wildlife interference each spring, it is time for you to learn how to put a stop to it for good.

Continue reading to learn how you can protect your new and young trees from future buck damage.

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Basics of Buck Rubbing

When bucks rub their antlers on young trees, the repetition of the act causes the thin, vulnerable bark of the tree to peel off. When peeling occurs around the entire tree, it can be described as “girdling.” See our blog, “How to Put a Stop to Vole Girdling” to learn more about this tree-damaging nuisance wildlife behavior.

Fortunately, trees are resilient, and in most cases, can easily come back from buck damage. However, the best practice is to protect trees from such damage to begin with. There are various ways you can approach this solution, most of which include the use of tools and supplies. Two tools to consider adding to your work shed inventory include a sharp grafting knife and some tree pruning shears.

Caring for Buck Damaged Trees:

?? Clean up the wounds on the tree bark using your grafting knife. Focus on just cutting off jagged pieces of bark around the edge of the wound. Try to make vertical, oval-like shapes out of the wounds for faster healing.

?? Have your trees pruned where branches are severely damaged. Tree pruning is a complex practice that should be carried out by a trained professional according to ANSI tree pruning standards.

?? Be sure to irrigate during hot, dry periods of the summer. This will protect the damaged tree from added stress, which in turn, promotes quicker, completer healing.

?? Implement pest and insect control treatments for your young and newly-planted trees to prevent added stress or health complications.

?? For all other trees in the future seasons, build a fence around them to cut off access from bucks. A 6-foot welded wire mesh barrier supported by an 8 foot rebar inserted into the ground in even intervals around the tree is a common practice.

Indianapolis Tree Service You Can Trust

Can I Prune My Trees Yet?

Posted on March 11, 2019 by Completetree

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.

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

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.

Seasonal FAQS About Tree Care

Posted on December 11, 2018 by Completetree

Our landscaping trees are more than just magnificently appealing; they are also highly valuable to our overall indoor comfort, protection, and efficiency. Not only do trees provide privacy on our properties, they also double as built-in shade canopies, snow fences, wind barriers, and UV-ray absorbers. These attributes offer a higher level of energy efficiency in the home, which in turn, reflects on your monthly utility bills.

For these reasons and more, it is important to implement proper tree care practices every season, even in the winter. Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding winter tree care.

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❄ Should I Prune Trees in Winter?

Tree pruning is important because it stimulates new growth, which in turn, enhances the strength, appeal, and performance of trees. In the winter, trees need to be pruned for optimal spring growth, as well as, pest and disease protection through the colder months. It is a great time to have your trees pruned since all the foliage has dropped. Tree service technicians can easily see where limbs and branches connect, giving them more access to the tree’s canopy.

❄ Do Trees Need Mulch in Winter?

Just like pruning, mulch is also a year-round necessity for trees. Not only does mulch provide an added aesthetic appeal to your landscaping, it actually protects tree roots and retains soil moisture. The mulch bed preserves the heat of the sun and prevents the ground from freezing in harsh temperatures. All of this helps improve soil nutrient levels and conditions, thus promoting healthy tree growth all year.

❄ Will Snow and Ice Kill My Trees?

If you take good care of your trees all year long, including proper tree care practices, watering, pruning, fertilizing, and mulching, you can expect your landscaping trees to survive the winter. However, inclement conditions like snow and ice can harm trees, and even kill them, if they are already weakened, inadequate, or diseased.

❄ How Can I Protect My Trees in Winter?

Aside from pruning and mulching, there are several other initiatives you can take on to ensure winter time survival and optimal spring tree growth. Such undertakings include cabling and bracing, bark repair, integrated pest management, routine inspection, and even dead or hazardous tree removal. Consider talking to a licensed Indianapolis tree service company for professional and personalized advice for your landscaping trees.

Who Do I Call for Trusted Winter Tree Service?

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

How to Take Care of a Live Christmas Tree

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Completetree

Now that Thanksgiving is over, many families are putting up their Christmas trees. If you are one of those families who love a real conifer, then you are probably already on the hunt for a good one. But finding the perfect tree is just the start; you must also do what’s necessary to ensure it stays perfect once it is in your home. Basically, it all comes down to routine tree care. Be sure you are prepared to take good care of your Christmas tree if you want it to retain its freshness, luster, and fragrance all month long!

Continue reading to learn some important maintenance tips for live Christmas trees, including how to prepare them, water them, and more!

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518

A Christmas tree will not require the same type of routine maintenance as would a tree that is planted in the ground with an attached root ball. Since Christmas trees have a severed the root ball, there is no need to provide it nutrients or sun; it will not be growing anymore. However, there are a few important things you can do to retain its freshness and appeal for as long as possible. Use the following tips to make your Christmas tree stand out among the rest!

Christmas Tree Care Tips:

🎄 Make a Fresh Cut Before Coming Home

If you have not already purchased and set up your Christmas tree, then be sure to make a fresh cut off the base of the trunk (at least one inch from the bottom) before you bring it home. You can ask the tree salesman to do this for you, or you can use a saw to do it yourself. A fresh cut allows the tree to intake water more efficiently, rendering more beautiful foliage and fragrance.

🎄 Do Not Place Your Tree By the Fire

Although Christmas trees and fireplaces seem to complement one another, they are not good neighbors. Not only can a live Christmas tree be a fire liability, heat sources in the home can accelerate evaporation and moisture loss in the tree. This will surely shorten its run. In addition to fireplaces, avoid setting up your tree near heat registers, space heaters, wood stove, TVs, computer monitors, and anything else that gets hot.

🎄 Water Your Tree ASAP

As soon as you have your freshly-cut tree placed in its stand in the spot where you want it, immediately give it some WARM water. A good Christmas tree stand should be able to hold 1 gallon of water or more, so give your tree as much as the stand will hold. In fact, it is common for a standard-sized Christmas tree to need 2 gallons of water on the first day it the stand.

🎄 Use Regular Tap Water

Do not to use any additives in the water, as there is no reason to since the tree is already severed from the root ball. Furthermore, such additives can cause premature moisture and pine needle loss. Scientific research has shown that tap water is best for indoor trees, so just use regular water from the sink to water your Christmas tree.

🎄 Inspect Your Tree Stand on a Daily Basis

Since you fill up the stand all the way, you do not have to water your Christmas tree every day. Instead, just check on it daily to ensure the water level has not dropped below the trunk base. If the cut section of the tree trunk is not in water, the base will seal up. So when the water level is close to the bottom of the Christmas tree, fill up the stand again with more warm water.

✨ Keep an eye out for next month’s blog about recycling your Christmas tree!

Professional Indianapolis Tree Service

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional tree service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We are highly trained and qualified tree care who provide a wide range of tree services for both residential and commercial properties, including tree trimming, tree pruning, stump grinding, stump removal, lot clearing, and much more. When you need quality tree removal services at a fair price, you have come to the right place!

How to Put a Stop to Vole Girdling

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Completetree

If you have ornamental trees in your yard, you may be at risk of a common nuisance wildlife occurrence known as vole girdling, which generally becomes a problem around fall and winter. Voles will chew the bark of planted and ornamental tree trunks, causing extensive bark and tissue damage. If you want your trees to grow tall and strong, you must put a stop to any vole activity on your property.

Continue reading to learn the most effective method for protecting your trees from nuisance voles.

Tree Girdling

Girdling is basically a chewing action. Voles will nibble and chew at tree bark and roots when there is not much else around for them to eat. This is why tree girdling is most noticeable in the early spring, once all the snow melts away. The most common trees targeted are fruit trees, especially apple trees, chestnut trees, and even junipers.

Signs of vole girdling are often very easy to discern. Look for wide patches of missing bark near the base of tree trunks, or on tree roots. Although not necessarily a sign of girdling, a common sign of a vole infestation is large spots of dead grass in your lawn. If you know you have a vole problem, you can prevent tree girdling more effectively by taking action before the damage can occur.

Preventing Vole Girdling

The best way to prevent tree girdling is to mitigate the nuisance wildlife activity on your property. This includes making any necessary environmental modifications, and even hiring a professional wildlife abatement company for animal proofing services. Effective environmental modifications basically entail removing any food, water, and shelter sources used by nuisance wildlife. This includes making sure your lawn is cut very short. The less underbrush and ground cover, the less places voles have to hide.

When it comes to protecting gardens and fruit trees, you may want to try installing a type of fence or barrier. For instance, homeowners have had success with vole control by installing hardware cloth cylinders around the base of tree trunks. For best results, use a mesh fencing that is 1/4 inch or less in size, and bury it at least 3 inches into the ground.

Indianapolis Tree Care

What is Tree Fertilization?

Posted on September 10, 2018 by Completetree

Just like most living organisms on the planet, trees need micro and micro-nutrients to survive. Tree fertilization is a common tree care practice that provides supplemental nutrients for newly-sprouting and young trees. Continue reading to learn more about tree fertilization, including it’s many benefits.

Reasons to Fertilize a Tree

The most common reasons why tree are administered fertilization treatments include aesthetics, strength, and longevity. Tree fertilization provides added nutrients, which in turn help a tree grow strong and healthy, and live longer. Not only does this help a tree look beautiful and rich in color, it gives the tree durability and an increased resistance to inclement weather, disease, pests, nuisance wildlife, and other forms of environmental bearings.

Micro vs. Macro-Nutrients

Trees require both micro-nutrients and macro-nutrients, but they use more macros than micros. Macro-nutrients include elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur. Micro-nutrients are made up of nitrogen, zinc, copper, magnesium, chlorine, molybdenum, and boron.

Although a tree does not need as many micro-nutrients, without a sufficient amount, they will experience vulnerability or decline. Without the proper levels of macros, trees will also greatly suffer, and at a much faster pace. Tree fertilization helps to make up for any nutrient deficiencies that might be at play.

Protect Your Trees With Routine Care!

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional 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, 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.