Common Questions and Answers About Tree Diseases

Are some of your trees looking worse for wear these days? Have you noticed some foliage loss or increase pest activity around your favorite shrubs? It could be a result of a tree disease or natural health decline. Continue reading to review some of the most common questions about tree diseases and tree care, including their answers of course!

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

Is My Tree Dead?

You can tell if a tree is dead or alive with a few different methods. The easiest DIY method is the twig test. Snap off a branch and look at the tissue inside; if the twig is dry and brittle, snaps easily, and has dull or brown colored tissue inside, it is likely dead. If the twig has some bend or tension to it, and retains green or yellow tissue inside, it is likely still alive.

Keep in mind that a dead or dying tree is a dangerous one, and should be treated or removed as soon as possible. The best way to determine the condition of a tree is to hire a licensed Indianapolis tree service company to make the determination for you; they can do this in just one quick visit.

Is Moss Bad for a Tree?

When moss grows on trees, it can create a multitude of problems. It is best to remove the moss in a safe way to protect your trees. To remove moss from trees, you will mostly have to manage the water and moisture in your yard. Be sure to water your lawn less often, and avoid soaking the tree trunk and tree bark during the grass-watering process. It also helps to treat your soil so that the pH levels fall within the proper parameters. Use a soil testing kit to test the pH levels in your lawn, and then adjust them accordingly.

What is Oak Wilt?

Oak Wilt is a debilitating vascular fungal disease that affects all species of oak trees. It is caused by a fungus that enters and obstructs a tree’s inner vascular system where water and nutrients are distributed throughout the tree. It can be challenging identifying symptoms of this tree disease since live oaks and red oaks exhibit different signs of oak wilt. The most common sign in a live oak is veinal necrosis, which is evident when leaves develop chlorotic and necrotic veins, causing the leaf veins to turn yellow and brown, and then fall off.

Red oak trees infected with oak wilt do not experience veinal necrosis. Instead, leaves simply wilt and turn colors of pale green, brown, and bronze; but they do not usually drop off. The most common treatment for oak wilt is a series of bimonthly fungicide injections called Propiconazole, which is applied through macro-injection of the root flares.

What is Winter Burn?

Winter burn, also known as desiccation, is a potentially-fatal seasonal problem among evergreen trees. The most common causes for winter burn are insufficient levels of moisture in soil, freezing temperatures, and inclement winds. The signs of winter burn vary depending on the species of tree, however, gradual scale (ombre) needle coloring tends to be the most common.

Are Pests a Problem for Trees?

You definitely need to think about proper pest and insect control for your trees. Beetles, borers, mites, wildlife, and even tree diseases can quickly affect the health of a tree in the worst way. For instance, leaf-eating insects inhibit the tree’s ability to carry on the process of photosynthesis, thus rendering the tree sick and weak. It requires a professional arborist to positively identify, diagnose, and treat insect infestations and tree diseases.

My Tree Gets Water and Sunlight. So Why is it Unhealthy?

Trees don’t just flourish on water and sunlight alone. They also require a sufficient amount of nutrients, or tree food, for optimal growth and survival. Trees source their nutrients from the surrounding and underlying soil. Which means poor or inadequate soil conditions can cause adverse changes in a tree. If you suspect that your tree is suffering from a lack of nutrients, try fertilizing it to regain its strength and stability.

Where Can I Find Reliable Tree Service?

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!

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

What You Need to Know About Daily Tree Root Care

If you have a newly planted tree, it is important to understand and implement daily root care. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about taking good care of your tree’s roots in order to promote strong, sturdy growth for years to come.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Although they are the least visible part, roots are highly important to the overall health and sustainability of a tree. That is because they are responsible for transporting nutrients throughout a tree. The better care you take of your tree’s root system, the better foundation they are able to create for your tree. You may not be able to protect your tree from every type of damage, but there is plenty you can do to promote optimal growth and health with routine root care. And it all starts with the soil.

Daily and Weekly Root Care

Be sure you are regularly watering your newly planted tree. But keep in mind that too much water can be just as harmful as too little. Use your best judgement to determine when and how much water your tree needs. A general rule of thumb is to check the soil for moisture. Healthy soil is moist, not soggy, mushy, or soaked. If the soil is still adequately moist three inches down, the tree does not need a watering. Just be sure you check it every day by digging 3 inches deep with a garden trowel and touching the soil with your fingers.

In addition to checking for soil moisture every day for the purpose of watering, it is also important to inspect the soil conditions to ensure it is health. As mentioned, healthy soil is moist, not soggy. For the first few months, it is wise to assess the soil’s moisture levels to confirm it is still conducive to healthy root growth. Do this by locating the tree’s dripline, digging a small hole, and inspecting the malleability of the soil. Read our blog, “How to Measure a Tree’s Critical Root Zone”, for help locating your tree’s drip line. If the soil can be formed into a ball, it is healthy.

Seasonal Root Care

At least one time a year, you should manually cultivate the soil beneath your tree. You can accomplish this with ease by using a standard hand cultivator to cautiously loosen the top 2 to 3 inches of soil. This eases compaction, thus allowing water and air to reach the roots. Soil compaction is one of the most common causes for tree decline.

Furthermore, it is important to apply a new layer of mulch to the base of your trees right before every spring season. Mulch is incredibly important to root care for many reasons. Not only does it protect against sun scorch and excessive heat that dehydrates soil, it also acts as a barrier to physically protect exposed roots. Additionally, mulch adds valuable organic matter to the soil. Just be sure to not exceed 2 to 4 inches of mulch, and keep it 6 inches away from the trunk of the tree.

Professional Tree Care You Can Trust

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.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Complete Tree Care is an Equal-Employment Opportunity Employer!

Are you looking for fun and challenging career with growth opportunity and great wages? If so, we may be the right fit for you!

Tree Service Jobs in Indianapolis 317-783-2518

Tree Service Jobs in Indianapolis 317-783-2518

Here at Complete Tree Care, we are an equal-employment opportunity employer. Any status protected by law does not influence our decision to recruit, hire, and train new employees. This includes race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disabilities, political party, and more.

Furthermore, we use strict, non-discriminatory consideration for all prospective employees. Right now, we are looking for motivated, hardworking individuals interested in a satisfying and lucrative career in tree service! We currently have positions available for groundsmen, climbers, and bucket operators who have experience in tree service. This is a terrific, year-round job opportunity and we have immediate availability!

If you would like to be considered for employment at Complete Tree Care, please click the image below to fill out and submit the job application form.
Job Application Form:

Tree Service Job Application Indianapolis IN

Tree Service Job Application

What We Do

Our expert tree care contractors provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including tree trimming, tree pruning, thinning, fertilizing, deep root feeding, crown reduction, crown raising, storm damage clearance, stump removal, and much more. We also offer 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, free advice, and cleanup is included on every job. We retain a full inventory of innovative equipment and materials that allow us to deliver outstanding results, safely and efficiently.

Give us a call during regular office hours at 317-783-2518 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable company manager about the job requirements and scheduling an interview. You may also send us an email at completetreecare@comcast.net.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Frequently Asked Questions about Tree Care

Trees are critically important to humans, animals, and nature. For this reason, we must always do our best to protect and preserve our trees in any way that we can. As for property owners, you can start with some basic routine tree care to improve the health, appearance, and functionality of your landscaping trees! If you are unsure on where to begin, simply consult your local tree care company for advice about tree service and maintenance for your particular property.

In the meantime, continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about tree care.

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

Does My Tree Removed?

This is a common question in the tree service industry. Many homeowners are not sure if their tree is dead, dying, diseased, treatable, or hazardous. For this reason, they ask this question. The answer varies, unfortunately. It will require a professional inspection to assess the condition and location of the tree in order to determine whether or not it needs to be cut down. If your tree is showing signs of fungal growth, shoots growing from the roots or base, foliage loss, leaf discoloration, thinning, or any other unusual symptoms, it may need to be treated or removed.

Do I Need a Permit to Remove a Tree Myself?

Although it varies from county to county, in most cases, you do require a permit to remove a tree. This is why it is better to trust a licensed tree care company to provide tree removal services, safely and efficiently. They retain the proper tools, equipment, and training to carry out a safe and professional project in a convenient time frame.

What is the Difference Between Stump Grinding and Stump Removal?

The short answer to this question is this: stump removal retrieves the entire stump from the ground, leaving a void behind, whereas stump grinding essentially “shaves down” the stump so that it is ground level. It requires a team of trained professionals with the proper equipment to safely and effectively carry out either service.

What is Emerald Ash Borer and Can it be Treated?

Emerald Ash Borer is a green jewel beetle that feeds on Ash trees. If you have Ash trees on your property, they could be susceptible to EAB infestation. Signs of EAB include D-shaped holes in bark, dieback of the upper and outer crown, epicormic sprouting, bark splits, woodpecker activity, and more. Fortunately, it can be treated with the help of a licensed arborist! Your tree care company can refer you to a trusted arborist in your area.

Do I Call an Arborist or a Tree Care Company?

If your trees are diseased or infested by insects or pests, you would require the specialized services of a licensed arborists. Because they are specialized, their services are more costly, but highly necessary nonetheless. If you require tree removal or routine tree service, you want to call a local tree care company instead.

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced tree service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Free estimates and more!

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

How to Identify and Treat Oak Wilt

Oak Wilt is a debilitating vascular fungal disease that can affect all species of oak trees. Learn what causes this transmittable tree disease, how to identify the signs, and what you can do to stop it from killing your majestic oaks. Continue reading to cover these topics and more.

Oak Tree Care Indianapolis IN
Call 317-783-2518 For Oak Tree Service in Indianapolis Indiana

Oak Wilt Tree Disease

As mentioned, oak wilt is a vascular fungal disease. It is caused by a fungus that enters and obstructs a tree’s inner vascular system where water and nutrients are distributed throughout the tree. Since the fungus enters this internal transportation system, it affects the entire tree rather than an isolated spot. Furthermore, if these food and water lines are inhibited, it can cause a tree to enter a quick decline. For this reason, it is important to address an oak wilt outbreak before it can take over your tree.

Distribution

There are many ways tree diseases can be spread, however, oak wilt is primarily transmitted through beetles or root grafting. Beetles can carry the fungus from one tree to the next, while underground roots of an infected oak tree can share water and nutrient lines with the root system of a nearby tree. This also spreads the fungus. Once an oak tree is dead from the disease, it is no longer transmittable, unless it is a Red oak. Red oak trees should be properly burned and disposed to prevent further outbreaks.

Signs and Symptoms

Live oaks and red oaks exhibit different signs of oak wilt. For live oaks, one of the most common signs is a called veinal necrosis. Leaves develop chlorotic and necrotic veins, in which the leaf veins turn yellow, and then turn brown. This occurrence is usually one of the first noticeable signs of oak wilt disease. From there, additional leaf decline and rapid foliage loss usually takes place, followed by a 1 to 6 month health decline period, and eventually, death. Red oak trees infected with oak wilt do not experience veinal necrosis. Instead, leaves simply wilt and turn colors of pale green, brown, and bronze. They remain attached for the most part, but red oak trees will only survive anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks once infected.

Treatment

Certain species of oaks are not likely to die from oak wilt, including Post oaks, chinquapins, and bur oaks. The most common treatment for oak wilt is a series of bimonthly fungicide injections called Propiconazole. This fungicide is applied through macro-injection of the root flares. This application technique generally gives the best results, however, the fungicide treatment does not guarantee the tree’s survival. Propiconazole fungicide treatments are also effective methods of oak wilt prevention. Talk to your local Indianapolis tree service company about your options for Oak wilt prevention.

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, Indiana today.

General Tree Care Tips for the Summer Season

Protect your trees this summer with the right knowledge!

Trees are one of the most admired seasonal attractions. People love watching young trees grow each year, blossom in the spring, flourish in the summer, and change color in the fall. But trees cannot thrive through these seasonal changes without proper tree care, and summertime is no different. In fact, the summertime is not always an easy time for landscaping trees. Harsh heat, drought, nuisance wildlife, pest infestations, and more, can cause trees stress and decline during the summer season.

Fortunately, there are ways to protect your beloved landscaping trees from summertime damage. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for summer tree care.

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

Summer Tree Care

There are 3 primary areas of tree care to pay close attention to in the summer. These include tree inspection, pruning, and cabling. These are important aspects to tree care because they address the most important needs for a tree, which is growth and survival. Below is a closer look at the 3 parts of summer tree care.

Have Your Trees Evaluated

Just like your home and your health, catching small problems early on in trees is the best way to prevent major issues down the line. For this reason, it is important to have your landscaping trees evaluated by a professional tree service contractor at the start of the season. They can assess the condition of your trees and suggest real, workable solutions that fit your schedule and your budget. Before your tree service contractor arrives, you can take a look for yourself to see if you notice any signs of pest infestation, bark damage, or illness.

Prune Your Trees Regularly

Tree pruning and trimming are a vital part of tree care. Not only does this service promote new healthy growth for trees, it helps manage canopy growth, shape, and shade value. Pruning keeps branches strong, leaves colorful and robust, and much more. There is a strict method for tree pruning and thinning, so be sure to have your trusted tree care contractor handle the task for you.

Prepare Your Trees for Harsher Weather

Once the end of summer nears, you will need to prepare your trees for the upcoming fall and winter months. This is done by cabling and bracing trees so they can withstand harsh winds, strong storms, and more. Usually, mature trees do not require tree cabling and bracing; however, younger or weakened trees are highly-dependent on the service. This prevents limb and branch breakage, split trunks, and fallen trees.

Indianapolis Tree Services

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We serve all of Central Indiana with a wide range of professional tree care services for residential and commercial properties. Whether you need simple tree trimming and pruning service, or major tree work like lot clearing, stump removal, underbrush removal, and large tree removal, we are the experienced tree care contractors to trust for prompt and professional service you can afford.

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

How to Water a New Tree

If you have recently planted a new tree in your landscape, it is important to provide it with the proper care and attention it needs to thrive, and ultimately, reach full maturity. When trees are young or new, they require a different care regimen compared to an established tree, especially more water. For this reason, it is important to familiarize yourself with some new tree after-care facts.

Continue reading to learn how you should be caring for your new tree.

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

Water is Key

The most important aspect in caring for new trees is water. Newly-planted trees do not yet have a fully-grown root system, making it harder to take in the levels of water needed to survive. Because of their premature, lacking root system, new trees require a lot more watering. It is better to water deeper, and less often, as opposed to watering often, but not deep enough. Sprinkler systems do not provide the adequate amount of water a new tree needs, so be sure to always use a garden hose and nozzle attachment.

How to Water

Before you set out to water your new tree, check the moisture level of the surrounding soil. You will need to check the soil closest to the root ball of the tree (4 to 6 inches deep), so you will need a shovel to move around mulch and dirt. If the soil around the root ball is quite moist, wait to water the tree.

Check back the next day or the day after. If the soil is cool and slightly moist, it is time to water. You do not want to wait until the soil is dry. Water deeply every few days, checking the soil moisture levels before you start. Deep water can keep soil moist for a week or longer, so always check the soil before you water.

Seasonal Watering

If it is wintertime, the natural precipitation levels are adequate enough to provide a tree with the proper amounts of water. That is because trees are dormant in the winter, and require less sunlight, nutrients, and water to survive.

Indianapolis Tree Service Contractors

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 work, including tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump removal, lot clearing, and more. Call 317-783-2518 to request a free estimate, today.

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

Get Affordable Routine Tree Service in Indianapolis at Complete Tree Care!

Tired of paying too much for routine tree service? Do you need routine tree care but not sure it will fit your budget or agenda?

We Have a Simple and Affordable Solution!

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

Complete Tree Care is a family owned and operated company that has decades of experience in the tree service industry. When it comes to superior tree service, experience matters most; we have the hands-on experience needed to provide safe and effective tree care in a convenient time frame.

And if it’s routine service you are looking for, we are the professionals to choose for flexible scheduling, custom agendas, and unparalleled customer support! Our expert tree care contractors provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including tree trimming, tree pruning, thinning, fertilizing, deep root feeding, crown reduction, crown raising, storm damage clearance, stump removal, and much more.

Major Tree Work and Free Amenities

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, free advice, and cleanup is included on every job! Our licensed and insured tree service contractors retain a full inventory of innovative equipment and materials that allow us to deliver outstanding results, safely and efficiently. No matter how large or small your tree service needs may be, our professional tree specialists are fully-equipped and eager to assist!

You Can Trust Us

As a fully-licensed, insured, and bonded tree service business, you can trust us for honest and friendly service at a fair price. We are members of the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List Approved, and even have a certified arborist available for invasive tree care needs, like pest and disease treatment and control. And in the case that you have a tree emergency after regular business hours, we offer two separate after-hours phone lines!

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.

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

When is it Time to Trim My Trees?

Tree trimming is an important part of tree care and safety. Although most people assume that the best time to trim landscaping trees is in the spring and summer when their foliage is in full-bloom, it is a slight misconception. There are various other times when tree trimming is necessary, regardless of the season or weather conditions.

Continue reading to learn when you should trim your trees, and who to call for expert tree service you can trust.

Indianapolis Tree Trimming 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Trimming 317-783-2518

Dead Branches

Whether a tree has several dead branches, or just one, it is vital to trim them away as soon as possible. Dead branches are a safety hazard because they rot from the inside out. So you cannot see how damaged and weakened a dead branch is from just looking at it. Usually, a person is unaware of the severity of a dead branch until it’s too late and it falls from the tree. It can fall onto cars, power lines, homes, sheds, structures, and worse, people and pets. Have an experienced tree care technician inspect your trees to assess the degree of damage and risk, and make the proper adjustments.

Obstructions

If a tree’s branches are long or low-hanging, they can be obstructive and interfering. They can damage power lines, obstruct window views or traffic signs, block entrances and exits, clog gutters, impede walkways, and much more. When tree branches start to become an issue like this, it is time to have them trimmed up. Otherwise, they will continue to grow and eventually begin to cause property damage, or damage to itself.

Winter

In the winter, trees benefit greatly from pruning. Pruning trees in winter is better because they are dormant and less full of foliage, so manageability is better and wounds recover quickly, before new growth begins. Since less water is needed for trees to survive in the winter, cuts heal faster without a lack of water. And the result is fuller, more vibrant springtime blooms.

Indianapolis Tree Trimming Services

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional tree trimming in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We are skilled tree care contractors with extensive experience in the tree service industry. We serve for residential and commercial properties with a wide range of tree services, including stump removal, lot clearing, storm damage clearance, and more. Request an estimate for Indianapolis tree trimming, today.

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

Complete Tree Care Wants to Give You a New Year Deal for Tree Service in Indianapolis!

Take Advantage of Fantastic Savings for 2017 Tree Service and Tree Removal!

Complete Tree Care wishes to celebrate the New Year all year! Even though the holiday has come and gone, we are still extending the season’s cheer with fantastic savings and terrific deals for residential and commercial tree services in Indianapolis! And why shouldn’t we?

As a family owned and operated company, we understand the value of a dollar, which is why we are committed to delivering outstanding tree service at economy-based prices! We are proud members of our surrounding community, and it is important to us that any homeowner can afford professional tree service. In fact, we have the most competitive prices in town and even offer free estimates and advice!

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

30 Years of Experience and a Commitment to Customer Service

But here at Complete Tree Care, we aren’t just competitively priced; we retain a wide range of important credentials too! Our contractors are licensed and insured with over 3 decades of hands-on experience. And we also retain the latest advancements in technology and equipment. So you can count on us to provide quality work, safely and efficiently. Choose from any of our tree services ala carte, including tree removal, tree trimming, tree pruning, stump grinding, lot clearing, and more. Or set up an affordable routine tree service plan with one of our knowledgeable and friendly contractors!

Why choose us? We’re so glad you asked!

We value more than just fair prices and outstanding results. We are also deeply committed to providing quality customer support and service. We are always happy to answer questions and give free tree care advice to any inquirers or clients. We are here to help and that is our goal! We also have more than 30 years of experience, which makes us tree service experts; so you can trust us to deliver the customer service and results you expect from a professional tree care company.

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