Do Trees Need Care in the Fall?

Posted on October 8, 2019 by Completetree

Just because the summer has ended does not mean that your tree care responsibilities can be put on hold until the next bloom. Unlike other species of plants and shrubbery, trees require attention year-round. So if you are asking yourself whether or not you need to provide service for your landscaping trees this season, the answer is yes.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about tree care in autumn.

Fall Tree Care Tips

Giving your trees the care they need this time of year is important for many reasons. Not only will it abate pests and diseases, fall tree care can help ensure soil and root health, proper growth, visual appeal, and longevity. It can also improve energy efficiency, cost savings, safety, and more.

The degree of tree maintenance and care will vary among species, as well as, the time of year. In the fall, the important tree services to outsource include pruning, mulching, fertilizing, cable and bracing, staking, removal, planting, insulation, and possibly pesticide applications.

Pruning – 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.

Mulching – Mulching is also a year-round necessity for trees. Not only does it provide aesthetic appeal, it actually protects tree roots and retains soil moisture via insulation. All of this helps improve soil nutrient levels and conditions, thus promoting healthy tree growth all year.

Fertilizing – Fertilizing your trees in the fall can help enhance or improve growth.

Cable and Bracing – Winter can pose a long list of inclement weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy snow and ice. Cabling and bracing young or weak trees is a recommended task for fall. Also consider tree staking for shorter trees you wish to protect.

Tree Removal – If you have any dead or dying trees on your property that could pose a serious hazard if they were to topple over, it is imperative that you remove them before the inclement winter conditions arrive.

Planting – The fall is the perfect time to plant or transplant a tree. It gives the roots time to acclimate and expand, thus producing better results once the spring growth season is here.

Pesticide – Although pesticide application is not recommended for all trees and properties, some have good results with fall treatments. Rather than using a pesticide, have your trees inspected for pests and diseases this time of year to learn alternative treatment options.

Indianapolis Fall Tree Care

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We are licensed and insured tree care contractors who serve both residential and commercial properties with a wide range of professional tree care services, including stump removal, lot clearing, storm damage clearance, and more. Request an estimate, today.

Common Glossary Terms for Tree Leaves

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Completetree

Trees are among the most important natural organisms on the planet. In order for trees to thrive, they rely on their leaves for many matters, from wind resistance and driplines, to photosynthesis. Continue below to learn more about tree leaves by reviewing a glossary list of common tree leave terms.

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Tree Leave Terms and Definitions

? ALTERNATE – Alternate tree leaves are staggered along a twig rather than directly across from one another.

? BLADE – Blades refer to the flat surface areas of broad tree leaf trees.

? BRACT – Bracts are modified leaves that grows a flower.

? BROADLEAF – Broadleaf trees are trees that have flat, thin, thins that typically shed once a year.

? COMPOUND LEAF – Compound leaves are those that have more than one blade (see definition above).

? CHLOROPHYLL – A green pigment in tree leaves (and cyanobacteria) that is in control of absorbing UV light in order to provide energy for photosynthesis (see definition below).

? DECIDUOUS – Deciduous trees lose their tree leaves in the fall, enter dormancy in the winter, and blooms again in spring.

? DRIPLINE – The perimeter around the canopy of a tree where the rains drips off of the leaves. See our blog, “How to Measure a Tree’s Critical Root Zone”, for help locating a tree’s drip line.

? EVERGREEN – Evergreen trees do not lose their foliage, and remain “green” all year long.

? LEAF SCAR – When a leaf detaches from a twig, a mark is left behind called a leaf scar.

? LOBE – Tree leaf lobes are the protrusions that give a leaf its shape.

? MARGIN – Leaf margin refers to a leaf’s edge. Accordingly, the term entire margin refers to leaves that have smooth, non-toothed edges (see definition below).

? MIDRIB – The midrib is the primary vein of a leaf, also known as a rib.

? OPPOSITE – Two or three tree leaves that grow along the same twig, but directly across from one another.

? PALMATE – Tree leaves that have blades, lobes, or veins that are arranged in a way that is similar to fingers and hands.

? PINNATE – Tree leaves that have blades, lobes, or veins that are arranged in a way that is similar to feathers.

? PERSISTENT – Deciduous (see definitions above) tree leaves that fail to drop, and remain all year long.

? PETIOLE – Petioles are essential the stem, or leafstalk, of a leaf that connects it to a twig.

? SIMPLE LEAF – A leaf that has just one leaf blade with a bud at the base of the leafstalk.

? SINUS – Tree leaves that have indentations between the lobes and blades (see definitions above).

? TEETH – Leaf teeth are the notches on the outside edge of a leaf.

Where to Get Trusted Tree Care Advice

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!

What are Monocots and Dicots?

Posted on September 4, 2019 by Completetree

Have you somehow stumbled across the terms, monocots and dicots, and wonder how they pertain to the tree care industry? Well if so, you have come to the right place. Continue reading to learn the difference between these two important biological organisms, as well as, how they apply to your particular landscaping goals.

Angiosperms

In our last blog, you learned the difference between angiosperms and gymnosperms. When it comes to monocots and dicots, angiosperms are the focus. Angiosperms are often considered the dominant plant-life on the planet because there are an estimated 250,000 to 400,000 species known to man. They are any type of flowering plant whose seeds (ovules) are enclosed in an ovary (usually a fruit). Angiosperms are conventional garden plants that bloom flowers from a hidden seed usually enclosed inside a fruit, which develops from carpels.

As mentioned, angiosperms are the emphasis when discussing monocots and dicots, as all flowering plants are one or the other. These two categories of angiosperms primarily represent the differences in the morphology of plant stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. At a closer look, the basic chief difference between the two comes down to cotyledons. Cotyledons are embryo seed leaves that store and distribute nutrition to the embryo until it can use photosynthesis make its own food.

Monocots, or monocotyledons, have only one cotyledon. Examples include:

❦ Lilies
❦ Daffodils
❦ Grains
❦ Fruit Trees
❦ Corn
❦ Onions

Dicots, or dicotyledons, have two cotyledons. Examples common include:

❦ Daisies
❦ Peas
❦ Mangoes
❦ Apple Trees
❦ Mint

Two Ways to Tell the Difference:

☑ Dicot leaves have branched veins. Monocot leaves are parallel.

☑ Dicot flowers have petals in multiples of 4’s or 5’s. Monocots bloom petals in 3’s or 4’s.

Indianapolis Tree Service

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 Trim Dead Branches Off a Tree in Summer?

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Completetree

Tree pruning and trimming are two separate types of tree services, but both equally critical to a tree’s overall well-being. We know that tree pruning should be done at certain times of the year in order to protect trees from pest infestations, disease, and wildlife tampering. However, homeowners continuously have questions and concerns about trimming trees throughout each season. This is especially true for trees that have some unsightly dead limbs or branches. You may be quite tempted to just snip these dead areas off, but at the same time, concerned that it can negatively impact the health of your tree.

If you are wondering whether or not it is safe to trim dead branches off of your landscaping trees in the summer, continue reading to learn what you need to know.

Tree Pruning Guidelines

When it comes to pruning trees, it is critical to adhere to the ANSI A300 tree pruning standards to ensure tree protection and growth. These are the industry-accepted best practices that should be used by all who prune trees and shrubs. To carry out such standards in tree pruning, one needs to be trained and experienced.

Otherwise, one wrong cut can cause a tree to eventually fall ill and die. For these reasons, tree pruning should only be executed by a licensed tree service contractor who retains the proper knowledge and equipment. See our blog, “Can I Prune My Trees Yet?” to learn some important tips and facts about tree pruning.

Dead Limb and Branch Removal

Tree pruning should be implemented when trees are in their dormant, non-growing state. Generally, dormancy begins in late fall and lasts until early spring, making this timeline the best rule of thumb to follow. However, there are exceptions when it comes to dead branches and limbs.

You can remove these at any time of the year without causing any potential harm or damage to your trees so long as you wait until the foliage has fully bloomed in the canopy. Once a tree has emerged all of its leaves, you can remove dead branches and bunches as soon as you see them to prevent insects and decayed organisms from entering the tree.

Another important reminder is to avoid trimming or pruning trees in periods of hot or dry spells, and extreme cold. If you have maple and dogwood trees, you may want to hold off on trimming away dead branches until they are in dormancy. This is due to the fact that these species of tree emit sap during these times, which can be messy. See our article, “How to Clean Tree Sap Off Stuff” if this ever becomes an issue for you.

Get Professional Tree Service in Indianapolis

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!

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.

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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.

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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.