What is Winter Burn in Trees?

Posted on February 12, 2018 by Completetree

Also known as desiccation, winter burn 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. These factors cause trees to lose moisture faster than they can replace it, as a result of the frozen ground and soil conditions. Because of these conditions, trees suffering from winter burn often die before spring arrives.

If you suspect your evergreen trees are suffering from desiccation, continue reading to learn more facts about treatment, prevention, and professional service.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518 — Winter Tree Care 317-783-2518

Common Signs of Winter Burn

The signs and symptoms of winter burn in trees vary depending on the species. For instance, the needles of Fir trees might turn yellow or red, whereas spruces and pines will experience yellow to brown discoloration, leading to red tipped needles. The “ombre” needle coloring is the most common sign of winter burn. Usually, one side of a tree is affected more than the other because of wind and sun exposure. So a half discolored evergreen could be suffering from desiccation.

Treatment and Prevention

To treat winter burn, you must start by preventing it from happening in the first place. That is because most trees that come down with desiccation are not curable, especially for newly planted or young trees. Once needles discolor or die, they will not come back until next spring; and that’s only if you take the proper precautions throughout the rest of the year.

Common Methods of Prevention:

☑ Regular Watering (12-18 inches of saturation per week)
☑ Fertilization
☑ Mulching
☑ Pest Management
☑ Wind Barriers
☑ Routine Tree Pruning
☑ Regularly Water Newly Planted/Young Trees

Indianapolis Tree Services

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.

Is My Tree Hazardous?

Posted on January 11, 2018 by Completetree

If your property is surrounded by a landscape of trees, it is important to know how to properly identify a dangerous tree or tree hazard in order to prevent structural damages, accidents, and injuries. This is especially important for properties located on wooded lots.

Dangerous Tree Removal 317-783-2518

Factors That Cause Tree Instability

There are many circumstances that can weaken a tree, including improper tree care, pest infestation, nutrient or water deficiency, co-dominant stems, trunk and basal rot, overextended limbs, limbs with too much weight, wildlife interference, weather damage, construction damage, and more. Once weakened, a tree loses strength and stability and experiences a reduction in function and performance, which makes it unpredictable, and therefore, unsafe to be around.

Something as simple as a strong storm or heavy winds can send a tree falling, or break off large limbs and branches. This can jeopardize homes, buildings, cars, power lines, telephone poles, and worse, people. When you know how to point out a tree hazard, you are one step ahead of protecting yourself, your family, and your assets. Continue reading to learn the signs of a dangerous tree, what to do if you find one, and how to prevent tree hazards.

How to Identify a Dangerous Tree

Be sure to inspect your landscaping trees regularly to catch problems and concerns early on. Addressing problem areas in their early stages is generally less expensive and time-consuming. Depending on the season, it is recommended to inspect your landscaping trees once a month, and additionally, after heavy storms. To identify a tree hazard, there are specific signs to look for. Below are the most evident signs of a dangerous tree.

Over-Leaning Trunk. This is one of the most evident signs that a tree is a potential hazard and could fall over at any moment. If a tree’s lean exceeds 15 degrees, it needs to be removed. A tree that leans naturally is not a hazard.

Large or Multiple Dead Branches. When your tree is full of dead or dying branches, especially very large ones, it is not unlikely that they will eventually drop off. And it could happen at any time, even without strong winds or storms.

Fallen Branches. When a tree starts to lose multiple branches and bits of twig, it is a sign that something is going wrong. This type of tree behavior could be for a list of reasons, so you must seek professional assistance.

Hole in the Trunk. If a tree has a large hole in it, there might not be enough support holding up the trunk. This is usually caused by internal tree trunk decay, which can be caused by self-pruning and more. As long as there is enough strong wood surrounding the hole, it should be safe.

Leaf Loss. If your tree is losing leaves from the outside of the canopy and inward, it is not a good sign. This type of leaf loss pattern is a common indication of a root problem. If a tree has an unhealthy root system, it can be prone to falling over.

Rotted Root System. It is challenging to spot root rot without experience, however, with routine tree inspections, you can catch the signs early enough to prevent dangerous tree decline. A common sign of inner root rot is fungus growth on the bark.

Common Solutions for Tree Hazards:

⇢ Tree Removal
⇢ Cable and Bracing
⇢ Routine Tree Care
⇢ Tree Thinning
⇢ Tree Topping

Indianapolis Tree Service

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.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

FAQS About Christmas Tree Care

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Completetree

If you bought yourself a live Christmas this year kudos to you! This is a terrific way to truly experience the seasonal surroundings. Just be sure you take good care of it so that it lasts to New Year’s Day!

? What Do I Do With My Tree After I Buy it?

When it comes to buying a precut Christmas tree, the first thing you want to do while you are still at the tree lot is ask the staff to cut off an inch of the trunk. If you are far away from home, wait to cut the trunk yourself when you get back. A freshly cut tree needs to be placed in water within 2 hours for the best results. Before you bring your tree outside, be sure to give it a thorough shake to release any dead pine needles. This will save you some vacuuming time. Once it is time to place the tree into your stand, be sure to prune sparingly. You shouldn’t have to cut off more than 6 inches to make the tree fit the stand.

? Which Type of Tree Stand Do I Use?

There are so many different brands, styles, and varieties of tree stands out there. The one you choose will mostly depend on the size of your tree and your personal preference. Just be sure the stand comfortably holds at least one gallon of water. Many homeowners say that wide-set adjustable screw tree stands are better because they are easy to use and won’t damage floors or tip over.

? How Often Do I Need to Water My Christmas Tree?

Just like any other living plant, you will need to water it regularly to maintain its robust and colorful appearance, and prolong its lifespan. The recommended amount of water for a Christmas tree is one gallon of water each day. This simply means keeping the 1 gallon tree stand reservoir full at all times. Simply check it throughout the day to ensure it has plenty.

? Should I Add Aspirin to My Christmas Tree Water?

There are plenty of misconceptions about tree additives. One is that adding aspirin is helpful for prolonging life and resilience, but it is really not necessary. Your Christmas tree doesn’t need any additives; it only needs plenty of fresh clean water.

? Where is the Best Place to Put a Christmas Tree?

Many people only consider aesthetics when deciding where to put their Christmas tree. And although it is nice for it too look good, safety is a vital aspect to consider first and foremost. For instance, you do not want to place your tree near fire hazards like fireplaces, candles, exposed light bulbs, and strong drafts. Furthermore, you do not want to dry your tree out prematurely by placing near heaters and open vents.

Indianapolis Tree Service

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. Call 317-783-2518 to request a free estimate, today.

Recommended Evergreen Shrubs for Hardiness Zone 6

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Completetree

If you are looking for quality shrubs and bushes to add to your landscaping, it is wise to go with evergreen species. Not only do they last year round and require very little maintenance, they add an unparalleled level of beauty and appeal to any property. Continue reading to learn some of the top recommended evergreen tree shrubs to consider for Indiana, which falls within Hardiness Zone Six.

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518

Woodward Globe Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Woodwardi’

This is a round-shaped evergreen shrub that exhibits a lacey, finely-textured appearance. It grows well in Hardiness Zones 3 to 7, reaching average heights between 4 and 10 inches tall, and 8 to 15 feet wide. In terms of cost, average prices range between $8 and $10, depending on the retailer and time of year. The Woodward Globe is the perfect addition to any residential or commercial landscaping that requires hedge lines.

Korean Boxwood

Buxus sinica var. insularis

This popular shrub is a great choice for those looking for attractive, low hedges since its foliage is dark and dense, and averages 2 ½ feet in height and 6 feet in width. Good for both residential and commercial landscaping in hardiness zones 5 through 9, the Korean Boxwood can also be easily pruned into ornamental shapes. For this reason, it is commonly used as a bordering shrub, and often seen along drives, driveways, lots, and more. It is a reasonably-priced bush, ranging between $4 and $7 per plant.

Youngstown Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Plumo

This shrub is highly revered for its brightly colored, shiny green foliage. Said to have almost a silver hue, the Youngstown Juniper grows low and spreads across its landscaping like a sheath of finely-textured evergreen grass. Its thin branches extend merely a foot off the ground. It is good for hardiness zones 3 through 9, and costs an average of $5 to $8, depending on the retailer.

Canadian Hemlock

Tsuga canadensis

Now there’s a name you can trust. Hemlocks are revered trees here in Indiana, so it is no surprise that an evergreen shrub of the same phylogeny is a recommended option. The Canadian Hemlock is a popular choice for hardiness zones 3 through 8 because it is a dependable privacy hedge. It grows well in either full sun or shade, or in both, making it low maintenance as well. Expect average costs to be between $3 and $5 per bush.

Indianapolis Tree Care 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, call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for all your tree care needs.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Common Tree Emergencies and Their Recommended Course of Action

Posted on August 9, 2017 by Completetree

If you are ever faced with a tree emergency, be sure to get your trusted tree service company on the phone right away for advice unique to your specific situation. In the meantime, below are some of the most common types of tree emergencies, and the course of action required for each.

Storm and Lightening Damages

If a severe storm damages your tree, thus causing it to become a hazard, you will need emergency tree removal service. A professional tree service company can properly assess safety and provide necessary strategies to manage the situation. Depending on the extent of damage, the location, and the degree of risk involved, prices for tree removal will vary from case to case.

Flash Floods

When major water accumulation from flooding occurs around your trees, you will need to monitor them on a daily basis as the waters gradually dissipate. Look for leaning trunks and lifted roots or soil around the base of the trunks. This is an indication that the tree is losing stability and may fall. In this case, it would need to be stabilized or removed depending on its condition and location.

Motor Vehicle Accident

If a vehicle collides with a tree on your property, you will need to take the proper steps to ensure your protection. Take pictures of the tree and vehicle, record the license plate number of the vehicle, and get the driver’s insurance and contact information. If the driver is injured and cannot provide their own information, get a police report from a reporting officer. They can help you get the information you need to file a claim.

Severed Roots

If you find a tree on your property with severely severed or uplifted roots, it can be a sign that the tree is in jeopardy of falling, making it a serious hazard. In this situation, you would need to contact a tree service company to inspect the tree and make the proper adjustments or recommendations.

Branches Touching Utility Lines

If the branches and leaves of your trees are touching telephone poles or utility lines, call your utility company right away. Be sure to stay far away from the tree until the safety hazard no longer exists.

Fallen Tree

If a tree falls on your property, you will need to contact a tree service company to have it hauled away. Some companies will cut the tree up into firewood for you at an additional cost. Do not go near a fallen tree if it is close to a power line. If it is on a power line, call the utility company. If it is in the street, contact the city.

Indianapolis Tree Removal Company

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional Indianapolis tree removal you can trust. We provide residential and commercial tree service at the most competitive prices in town. Request a free estimate, information, or advice, anytime. Call 317-783-2518 to learn more, today.

How to Make Your House Look Wider With Landscaping Trees

Posted on July 10, 2017 by Completetree

You can plant certain species of tree to make your house look grander!

Trees can do wonders for a yard, and also a house! By using trees in a strategic way, you can reap many benefits, including energy efficiency, noise reduction, natural snow fencing, and much more. Trees attract fun wildlife to watch from your window or porch, as well as, provide shade on hot summer days. But most importantly, trees provide beauty. And since there are so many species of tree suitable for Indiana climates, it is easy to customize a look that truly speaks to your character.

One way to use trees to your advantage in terms of aesthetics is to plant them in specific places in order to make your home look wider, grander, and majestic. Continue reading to learn how you can achieve this natural landscaping illusion.

Which Species To Use

The top recommended species of tree to use to make your house appear wider and bigger is a flowering dogwood. Suggested species include the common flowering dogwood, and the Korean (Kousa) Dogwood. Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae that are suitable for U.S. hardiness zones 5 through 9. They are medium height trees with wide canopies, which are the key features to look for in a tree for this project. Their average mature height is between 15 and 30 feet, with an average canopy width up to 30 feet or more.

Where to Plant Them

If you are trying to make your house look wider, the best spot to plant a Dogwood tree is on each side, in the corner. Choose an area that receives partial shade, as too much sun exposure can jeopardize the tree’s ability to retain sufficient levels of water. Northern and eastern-facing corners that get good morning sun and afternoon shade are perfect spots for a flowering dogwood.

If you do not have a spot that provides these conditions, you can choose a south or west-facing spot that gets shad in the afternoon by adjacent trees or structures. When you choose your spot, be sure there is still ample space between the house and the tree. This will give the tree enough room to bloom, without jeopardizing the structural integrity of the siding.

Indianapolis Tree Service

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.

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.

Are Spider Mites Threatening Your Trees?

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Completetree

Although spider mites only as large as a black pepper flake, they can cause an extensive amount of damage to landscaping trees. These small mites are not insects, but rather, spiders, and they only attack species of evergreens, primarily Spruce trees. If you have Spruce trees on your property, spider mite infestations are something to be on the lookout for every spring and summer.

Continue reading to learn more about spider mites, how to identify the signs of invasion, and what you can do to help infested trees.

Detecting Spider Mites

Spider mites are small, oval, and black. As mentioned, they are about the size of a black pepper flake, and even resemble black pepper on a leaf. In fact, this is one way to identify a spider mite infestation. Simply turn over the leaves to see if you see specks of black. Another way to see of your tree has spider mites is to snap off a small twig and shake it over a white piece of paper or napkin. If a lot of black moving specks fall off onto the paper, you have found your spider mites. One of the first signs of spider mite infestation is tree health decline. You will see this in its canopy and leaves. Leaves will discolor in patches across the canopy, and overtime, will eventually cause complete crown die-back.

Spider Mite Solutions

If you have spider mites in your evergreen trees, you can try a few do-it-yourself solutions first. But if the infestations are too large, or your trees are too sick, you may need to skip over the DIY approach and go directly to professional tree care service. For small or early spider mite problems, spray the tree foliage with a garden hose. Do this every day for one week, and then do an inspection to see if spider mites still exist. Be sure to not wet the trunk of the tree too much. This can attract more pests.

If a spider mite infestation is beyond your control, you will need a licensed arborist to provide professional tree disease and pest control service. They have the proper training and resources necessary to treat tree pests, responsibly and efficiently.

Indianapolis Tree Service

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 to speak with a professional Indianapolis tree service contractor about tree pests and tree care. We have an on-duty arborist who can diagnose and treat your tree pest problem. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust our tree care company for excellent support and quality service. Call 317-783-2518 to request an estimate, today.

4 Fantastic Uses for Leftover Tree Branches

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Completetree

Did you just trim all your trees in preparation for the winter season? If so, you are like hundreds of other homeowners in the Midwest. And although it feels good to finish a much-needed and pressing seasonal chore, many people have no idea what to do with all the leftover tree branches scattered throughout their yards. Fortunately, there are several solutions, and even better uses for leftover or fallen tree branches!

Continue reading to review the top 4 recommended uses for tree branches, and learn some fantastic options for tree branch disposal.

☑ Wood Chips

Whether you have a large or small amount of tree branches, turning them into wood chips for the purpose of mulch and landscaping décor is a perfect solution. Simply rent a wood chipper from your local home improvement or hardware store. Since shredding branches is easy and you should only need the equipment for a day, rental prices are very reasonable. Just be sure to follow all safety procedures and guidelines!

☑ Firewood

If you have an indoor or outdoor fireplace or fire pit, then using leftover tree branches for kindling is the obvious choice! Dead branches are the perfect material to start and maintain a warm, cozy fire. Keep them bundled with string and store them in a cool, dry place (or wherever you store your logs). Then you will have extra firewood for months to come!

☑ Garden Support

In the spring and summer time, using leftover tree branches for newly-planted or growing flowers is very useful. Use yarn and branches to support delicate and growing plants in your garden. This gives them the stability they need to grow strong and healthy.

☑ Home Décor

If you are into the rustic, outdoorsy look, then using leftover tree branches to make unique home décor is right for you. Use your imagination and tie bundles together with decorate ribbon, string, and ornaments to create beautiful wreaths, overhead door décor, wall decor, place settings, and even door mats! These make great patio and shed décor too!

Indianapolis Tree Service

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.

Learn How to Identify Ash Trees

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Completetree

Categorized as a part of the Fraxinus family, Ash trees are a beautiful staple here in Indiana, as well as, throughout the entire country, and even parts of Canada! That is because they are hearty and highly-tolerant to different environments. But with so many species of deciduous tree in our state, how do you know that your landscaping trees are Ash trees for sure?

Well, continue reading to learn how to identify Ash trees all on your own!

4 Characteristics to Look For

There are four primary characteristics to look for that distinguishes an Ash tree from another. As soon as you learn these 4 characteristics, you will be able to identify an Ash tree with just a swift glance! Below you will find them, along with a brief description to better understand what to look for. You can also ask your trusted tree service company for assistance with identifying the landscaping trees on your property.

❶ Opposing Branches – The branches on an Ash Tree grow in pairs, but on opposing sides from one another. For this reason, they are commonly referred to as, “mate branches.” Not many trees share this growth pattern, making it one of the most distinguishable traits of an Ash tree, and one of the first you should look for.

❷ Diamond Bark Pattern – A young Ash tree has smooth bark, but as it matures, it begins to develop a diamond pattern. This pattern eventually protrudes out of the bark in a 3-D looking style, making it even easier to see and identify.

❸ Compound Leaves – The leaves of an Ash tree are unique. They do not grow in the traditional and predictable “one leaf to a single bud” style, but instead, sprout multiple leaves per bud. In fact, the standard Ash tree bud contains anywhere between 5 and 11 leaves!

❹ Oar-Shaped Seeds – To investigate the appearance of seeds, you’ll have to take a closer look. If you can, look for oar-shaped seeds. Ash tree seeds have a unique shape that resembles the oars on a canoe!

Trusted Indianapolis Tree Service

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional Ash Tree removal and tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are highly-skilled and experienced tree care specialists that provide a wide range of commercial and residential tree services at a fair price. Whether you need routine tree service or major tree removal, we are the professionals to trust for safe and effective tree service.