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?

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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, IN today.

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!

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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

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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.

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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.

Common Questions and Answers About Tree Diseases

Posted on August 24, 2018 by Completetree

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!

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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!

What You Need to Know About Daily Tree Root Care

Posted on August 6, 2018 by Completetree

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.

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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.

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Complete Tree Care is an Equal-Employment Opportunity Employer!

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Completetree

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

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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

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tree Care

Posted on October 3, 2017 by Completetree

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.

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!

How to Identify and Treat Oak Wilt

Posted on September 6, 2017 by Completetree

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.

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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

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Completetree

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.

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.