How to Hire an Honest Indianapolis Tree Service Company

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Completetree

Trees are incredibly valuable to the planet and every living organism that lives here. This also makes trees significant assets to property owners. Trees can grow for hundreds of years, and so long as you implement routine tree care, they achieve outstanding strength and height. Plus, they provide a wide range of benefits, including oxygen, viable Eco-systems, shade, privacy, increased energy efficiency, sound barriers, snow fencing, and so much more. All of these advantages make trees an important part of your property’s overall investment, as well as your quality of life.

For these reasons, choosing an Indianapolis tree service professional is something that you should take seriously. There are hundreds of contractors who claim to have the credentials to perform tree work, but not all of them are the best choice for your landscaping needs.

Continue reading to learn how to separate the real tree service professionals in Indianapolis from the ones that are not to be trusted with your hard-earned cash.

What to Look For in a Tree Service Contractor

Licensing

Having a professional license shows that a tree service company is qualified to perform the duties they are advertising to provide. Check to make sure you are hiring a tree care service that has the proper permits, licenses, and most importantly, sufficient insurance coverage in the case of an accident on your property. These documents prove that they are a qualified tree service company.

Experience

The first attribute you want to look for in an Indianapolis tree care contractor is experience. Ask them how long they have been in business as their own company, as well as, when they began their hands-on experience. Their total combined experience is a good indication of their knowledge, skills, and understanding of the industry’s best practices.

At least ten years’ experience is a good number to start with; after this amount of time, a person should have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills. Furthermore, it shows that they are good at what they do; after all, who would stay in a job they weren’t any good at?

Company Ratings

In this day and age, we have the internet, which provides us with an abundant amount of information. One of the most reliable resources to use on the internet, when it comes to assessing a business, is customer reviews and testimonials. Read what past clients have to say about the tree care providers in your area and choose one that has a larger number of positive testimonials than negative ones.

Keep in mind that no one is perfect, and sometimes people exaggerate, so if there are a few poor reviews, it is not always an indication of their service or skills. If a tree care company has several poor reviews, then you can probably assume they are not operating with good business practices.

Would you like to skip the hassle of researching dozens of tree care companies in the Indy area and just go straight to the best source for trusted tree service near you? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional tree services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients with comprehensive tree care solutions.

Why You Should Not Plant Prunus Trees if You Live Near a Farm

Posted on March 24, 2022 by Completetree

The Prunus species includes over 400 deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs that yield stone fruit. The most common stone fruit trees include cherry, plum, almond, apricot, peach, and nectarine. Although these fruit and ornament-bearing trees are lovely all year-round and provide a long list of benefits for both society and nature, they do threaten the health and vitality of livestock, including horses. If you are looking to buy new farmland for your livestock and equines, it is wise to look out for Prunus trees. All 400+ species are poisonous to livestock, donkeys, and horses.

Continue reading to learn more about Prunus toxicity, and which parts of stone fruit trees are toxic to livestock.

Tree Removal Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-783-2518

Toxicity Levels of a Prunus Tree

All parts of Prunus trees are poisonous to livestock, expect the ripened fruit. The fruit is entirely edible when mature, and will not have an adverse effect on livestock, cattle, and equines. This refers to the actual cherries, plums, nectarines, peaches, almonds, and apricots. However, all other parts of the tree are toxic if ingested. A host of cyanogenic glycosides are the compounds in Prunus trees that make them toxic to livestock and many other animals.

Cyanogenic glycosides are cyanide molecules attached to sugar molecules, and they are located inside plant cell vacuoles. When the plant cell vacuoles of a Prunus tree are ruptured, the glycosides are released and allowed to come into contact with other parts of the plant tissue. When this happens, the compounds break down into their constituent molecules, both sugar and hydrogen cyanide, which is a poison.

So, when livestock chews on any Prunus plant material, whether twigs or leaves, they ingest these compounds. And once ingested, the poison prevents the animal’s red blood cells from releasing oxygen, which leads to suffocation. As little as two pounds of Prunus leaves can be fatal to full-grown cattle in a matter of minutes.

Prunus Tree Removal is Recommended

It is strongly recommended to remove Prunus trees if you live near a farm or livestock animal shelter of any kind. If you have Prunus trees on your land, it is understandable if you cannot remove all of them. With large numbers, that could be unreasonable. So, for those you cannot remove and are accessible to your livestock, be sure to have plenty of other forages for them to choose from.

Livestock is very unlikely to eat Prunus species of tree unless they do not have an ample selection of fodder. Fencing-in animals or fencing-in Prunus trees are other effective methods of prevention. Be sure to also check your fields after a heavy storm to make sure branches and leaves of Prunus trees are accessible to your animals.

Do you have Prunus trees on your property that need to be removed? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for lot clearing and tree removal in Indianapolis, Indiana you can trust. We serve commercial and residential clients.

The Advantages of Tree Pruning in Winter

Posted on March 11, 2022 by Completetree

Most would agree the spring and summer seasons in are the prime time to care for your landscaping and trees. But the truth is, it is important to pay attention to your trees during the wintertime as well. Winter tree care is highly beneficial for your landscaping trees in many ways, especially tree pruning.

Continue reading to learn all the advantages of winter tree pruning, and protocol for prompt and professional tree service you can trust in your neighborhood.

Tree Pruning Trimming Indianapolis IN 317-783-2518

Winter Tree Pruning Promotes Healthy Growth

Treat pruning is the practice of trimming and cutting back tree branches for the purpose of stimulating new healthy growth. This is why tree pruning is so vital for winter. The harsh conditions are influential enough on landscaping trees, but add that with neglect, in your trees are not likely to survive the season. Tree pruning in the wintertime is a common practice because it promotes vigorous, healthy branch growth come spring and summer. The best time to prune trees is in the coldest part of the season. By then, trees are fully in their dormancy stage.

A Haircut for a Tree?

You can think of it as getting a haircut for yourself; if you want your hair to grow and be healthy, it requires occasional trimming, as well as other forms of care, like routine cleansing, conditioning, eating a healthy diet, taking vitamins, and more. In a similar sense, trees require the same type of care in order to grow strong and healthy. And winter tree pruning is exactly what they need this time of year.

Why Prune in the Wintertime?

There are several advantages to pruning trees in the wintertime. These advantages are most visible come spring and summer when foliage and branches are full-grown and bursting with life and color. This includes flowers, leaves, and fruits. Pruning during the dormancy stage of trees also allows the exposed cuts to recover and heal better. This reduces the likelihood of tree diseases, pest infestations, and infections. There is also less of a chance for trees to wilt due to a lack of water. During the dormancy stage, trees to not require the same amount of water as they do during the growing seasons.

Ready to schedule your seasonal tree services? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for licensed and insured tree trimming and pruning in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Why You Should Mulch Your Trees Every Spring and Winter

Posted on February 23, 2022 by Completetree

Winter is here, and the Spring season is next, so let’s talk about the importance of mulching your trees. Continue below to learn why tree mulching is so vital, not only to the survival of your trees, but also for the curb appeal of your property!

Local Tree Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-783-2518

Mulching is a Vital Part of Tree Care

Mulch is a man-made product generally composed of organic materials like wood chips, pine needles, manure, and other types of compost. But it can also be made from non-organic materials like rock, stone, geo-textile fabrics, and pulverized rubber. When applied properly, mulch allows soil to retain sufficient levels of moisture. This not only improves the condition of the soil, but it does also so much more!

The Visible Benefits of Tree Mulching:

☑ Promotes overall tree health
☑ Controls weed growth
☑ Insulates soil
☑ Protects tree roots from extreme temperatures
☑ Prevents certain plant diseases
☑ Improves soil aeration and drainage
☑ Gives landscaping a well-groomed look
☑ Mulch decomposition improves soil fertility

The Best Times of Year to Mulch Your Trees

Trees should be mulched at the start of spring, after the ground has thawed from a frozen state. Trees should also be mulched at the start of winter before the ground freezes through. Mulching is an important part of the tree care process, so be sure to stay current on your program. You can choose from a wide selection of mulches, ranging in color, texture, shape, and more. Talk to your trusted Indianapolis tree service provider for recommendations on tree mulching practices for your property. Don’t forget to mulch your shrubs and bushes too!

Tree Protection in Winter

Aside from pruning and mulching, there are several other initiatives you can take on to ensure wintertime 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.

Are you concerned about the condition of your landscaping trees? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for licensed Indianapolis Indiana tree service and affordable price. We serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout central Indiana.

Top 3 Winter Tree Damages and How to Prevent Them

Posted on February 9, 2022 by Completetree

Wintertime is not a great time for trees. Not only are they more susceptible to health and structural difficulties, but it is also more challenging for you to implement the proper inspections needed to ensure they remain in good health throughout the entirety of the season. For these reasons, it is wise to hire a professional tree service provider for all your winter tree care needs. Otherwise, your landscaping trees may fall victim to one of the top 3 most common winter tree problems.

Continue reading to learn what these common winter tree problems are, and where to find the best tree service in town.

Winter Tree Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-783-2518

The Most Common Tree Damage Threats in the Winter

Among all of the possible problems that trees can experience in the winter, the top three you need to watch out for are cold damage, frost heaving, and seasonal drought. For each, here is a brief explanation of their causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies:

❶ Cold Damage

The high and low seasonal temperature spectrum can greatly affect trees, especially if they are already weakened or sick. The afternoon sun can be very warm for trees, and then the nightly lows bring them back into a freeze. These changes cause a condition informally known as “cold damage”, which is often distinguishable by a wide range of symptoms, such as cracked or peeling bark, and even inner bark damage. Trees that experience late seasonal growth are more vulnerable to cold damage.

To reverse cold damage, you will need to implement a customized and strategic tree care plan with the help of an industry professional. To prevent cold damage in your landscaping trees, you will need to do the same, except ahead of time, before the winter season is upon us again next year.

❷ Frost Heaving

Frost heaving is a typically winter tree problem, especially in regions where snow and ice are abundant. This condition starts in the soil. As the outdoor climates freeze and fluctuate, the underground water within the soil beneath trees also freezes. This occurrence develops ice in the soil, which causes the soil to swell upwards towards the base of the tree trunk. You may have seen the ramifications of this condition before in concrete, sidewalks, and pavements. Frost heaving is a problem for tree because it weakens and damages roots, which can then make a tree more susceptible to toppling over.

Frost heaving is not something you can really prevent. If it does occur, you will need professional tree service to ensure the tree is not a hazard or liability. Routine tree care is vital to grow strong, healthy, resistant trees; if you stay on top of tree care, a tree has a better chance of surviving frost heave.

❸ Seasonal Drought

You would think that trees get plenty of water in the winter with all of the snow, but the reality is that freezing temperatures can cause a tree to lose water reserves at a much faster rate; so fast, they cannot absorb enough water from the ground in time to replace the loss. This results in winter drought, which can be identified through a number of symptoms like branch loss, cracking bark, wildlife infestation, and death. Seasonal drought can also lead to late growth in spring, sunburned leaves in the summer, and premature foliage loss in fall.

How to Prevent Damage to Trees in the Wintertime

To help trees avoid seasonal drought, your best approach would include the assistance of an Indianapolis IN tree care company. They have the knowledge and resources necessary to ensure your landscaping trees are healthy and ready to take on winter conditions. In addition to tree service, you can also help tree’s retain moisture through adequate mulching, year-round.

Are your landscaping trees suffering this winter? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for licensed Indianapolis Indiana tree service and affordable price. We serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout Central Indiana.

How Much Will Tree Removal Cost?

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Completetree

There are several reasons why property owners have to remove trees. And even more reasons that influence the cost of tree removal services. Storm-damaged trees, dead trees, dying trees, and trees that are obstructions in some form or another, are often removed to enhance a property’s appeal, function, and safety. And in most cases, it is highly necessary or strongly recommended to do so.

If you believe you have a tree, or trees, that need removed, but you are unsure of how much it will cost you out-of-pocket, continue reading for a general guide to tree removal costs.

Indianapolis Tree Removal Services 317-783-2518

Top 5 Factors That Influence Tree Removal Prices

So how do you know if you need to remove your tree? There are few clues to look for. If it is causing structural damage to your home or surrounding property, it definitely needs to be removed. If it is a safety or navigational hazard, it should also be removed.

And if you suspect that it is sick, dying, or dead, then you may need tree removal service. But don’t panic over outrageous tree removal prices. There are a few ways to gauge how much it will cost to remove your tree. A reputable tree care company can provide free estimates and advice as well.

Consider these 5 factors when trying to estimate the cost of your tree removal needs:

❶ Size – This will have one of the largest impacts on the overall price of your tree removal project. A tiny, skinny tree will cost much less than a large one because less labor and equipment is needed.

❷ Location – Also having a huge impact on the overall total price is the location of a tree. The degree of accessibility, danger, and effort all play a major role in your estimate.

❸ Health – Trees that are dead, diseased, or infested tend to cost more to remove because additional labor, time, and equipment are needed. Also, it is a safety hazard.

❹ Stumps – After you have a tree removed, there is still a stump remaining. If you opt to leave the stump as-is, you can significantly decrease the cost of your tree removal project. But if you want the stumps removed or ground down, this will be an additional cost.

❺ Quantity – The number of trees you need removed will be the final deciding factor on how much your total project cost will be. Take the above four factors to estimate the cost of tree removal per tree, then multiply that sum by the number of trees you need taken down. Although it won’t be exact, this calculation can give you a rough estimate of what it might cost for your tree removal job.

Dead or Diseased Tree Removal

If you have a dead, diseased, or dying tree on your property, be sure to play it safe. Do not try to remove it or treat it yourself. Do not allow pets or children near the tree. And always call a trusted tree service provider for a professional assessment.

Do you have a tree that needs to be removed or a lot that needs clearing? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis IN tree removal at the most competitive prices around. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Winter-Resistant Tree Species for Indiana

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Completetree

The first day of winter is officially here tomorrow! Are your trees ready for the upcoming season? The ground is not yet frozen, which means you may be able to plant some more trees before dormancy kicks in. In Indiana, we experience a wide range of seasonal changes; one winter may be mild and calm, while the next is harsh and relentless. For this reason, it is important to carefully strategize which trees you will plant, and more importantly, where you will plant them.

Continue reading to learn which tree species are most resistant to ice and winter storm damage, as well as some tips that will help you make a safe, long-term plan for your property.

Indianapolis IN Tree Service Company 317-783-2518

Winter Tree Damage

Wintertime in Indiana is usually unpredictable. We never know if we should expect an early winter with lots of snow and ice, or if winter will come late and we will have an extended fall season instead. This is why tree planning is so important. Not only do you need to consider protecting your trees through the changing seasons, but you must also think about protecting your property and its surroundings.

Winter snow, ice, hail, and harsh winds can cause an extreme amount of damage to a tree, especially if the tree is already diseases, damaged, or dying. In turn, the amount of winter damage can cause structural damages to your home, power lines, vehicles, and worst of all, people. This is why you do not want an unhealthy tree to be located near anything it can fall on top of. With winter-resistant tree species, you can better prevent the possibility of tree damage and fallen trees.

Here are some top-recommended tree species that hold up well in the winter:

▷ American Sweet Gum
▷ Arborvitae
▷ Black Walnut
▷ Blue Beech
▷ Catalpa
▷ Eastern Hemlock
▷ Ginkgo
▷ Ironwood
▷ Kentucky Coffee Tree
▷ Norway Maple
▷ Little Leaf Linden
▷ Silver Linden
▷ Swamp White Oak
▷ White Oak

If Storm Damage Happens

If you have a storm-damaged tree on your property, be sure to have it inspected by a licensed Indianapolis tree service company to ensure it does not pose any safety hazards to people, pets, or property. In the case that a damaged or dying tree is near such areas, it is strongly encouraged to have it removed before the harshest of winter weather conditions are here. Next spring, when you plant your new winter-resistant trees, be sure to also stay on top of routine tree care, such as pruning, watering, and fertilizing.

Are you interested in learning how to protect your trees from winter season damages? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for licensed Indianapolis Indiana tree service and affordable price. We serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout central Indiana.

How To Tell if You Have Dangerous Trees On Your Property

Posted on December 8, 2021 by Completetree

Trees grow and grow and can reach incredible dimensions. They are tall, heavy, and subsequently, dangerous in the case that one was to fall over. Trees are vital parts of our surrounding landscapes and Eco-systems; however, they can also pose several safety threats if not properly maintained.

A fallen tree can damage anything in its path, including vehicles, buildings, homes, patios, bridges, power lines, telephone poles, man-made structures, landscaping, and more. It is important to know what a dangerous tree looks like so that you can prevent serious and costly accidents.

Continue reading to learn the signs of a tree that has a high risk of falling, and who to call for trusted tree removal service near you.

Indianapolis IN Tree Removal Company 317-783-2518

Common Tree Hazards to Look Out For

Many factors can lead to a tree falling over, including construction damage, storm damage, wildlife tampering, disease, and more. The most common causes are undernourishment, tree disease, and pest infestation. These factors can quickly throw a tree’s health into decline, which renders a tree weak and more vulnerable to dying. And a dead or dying tree has a high risk of falling over. When it comes to a tree potentially falling over, here are the top signs to lookout for:

► Leaning Trunk – The most obvious sign that a tree might fall over is if it is leaning to one side. This blatant indication of imbalance is a forewarning that something is not right with the tree. This makes the tree a hazard, and it should be removed as soon as possible. Something as minor as a windy day can cause it to finally topple.

► Increased Wildlife Activity – A hole in the tree trunk is a great place for wildlife to take shelter, including birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and more. However, too much wildlife activity can be a sign that a tree is not as healthy as it could be. This is especially true with insects. If you notice an increase in bugs, it could be a result of a sick or dying tree.

► Trunk Cavities – Many times, a tree will self-prune and drop branches from the trunk. This causes holes in the trunk, which then lead to tree decay, pest infestation, and wildlife activity. However, according to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, as long as there is enough wood surrounding the hole, there is a good chance the tree will not fall.

► Rotting Roots – Root rot is a common tree disease that occurs as a result of several factors. And unfortunately, it is hard to spot. Look to the base of the trunk for signs like excessive or sudden mushroom growth or moist bark. Fungi growth generally implies that the tree is rotting from within, which puts the tree in an incredible unstable condition. Also look at the leaves. When a tree loses leaves from the outside in, it is a sign that something is wrong with the root zone.

Do you want to protect your landscaping trees from becoming a liability or hazard in Indiana? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis Indiana tree services you can trust. We serve residential and commercial clients all through the central parts of the state.

Why You Should Remove Tree Branches That Overhang the Roof

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Completetree

Trees are valuable assets to any property. The older the better, and homeowners strive to keep their trees healthy and growing exponentially for as long as possible. For this reason, we often feel some hesitation when it comes to trimming back those beloved limbs of our favorite landscaping trees. But in many cases, it is absolutely necessary, like when tree branches get too close to the roof or other structures of your home or building.

Continue reading to learn why it is important to promptly remove or trim back tree branches that are hanging over or touching your rooftop.

Indianapolis Tree Trimming and Removal 317-783-2518

The Concern With Overhanging Tree Limbs

There are many reasons why tree limbs are a threat to roofs and other related or nearby structures, like chimneys, fascia, soffits, vents, and solar power systems. Not only can overgrown or touching tree branches cause structural damages to your most valuable assets, but they can also pose several safety issues for people inside and outside.

Structural Damages

Touching, grazing, or overhanging tree limbs can scrape and scratch shingles and roofing materials, which can lead to premature curling, peeling, shingle loss, and moisture rot. Overtime, this can even lead to holes in the roof, which can cause attic leaks and serious water damage.

Tree branches that overhang or touch roofs can also cause localized leaf loss, which leads to an accumulation of leaves inside your gutter system and on top of your roofing. Overtime, the sitting foliage and debris will develop excessive moisture, causing mold and mildew growth. Such growth, if never uncovered and treated, can lead to roof deterioration and subsequent leaks.

Safety Risks

When tree limbs are in regular contact with your roof or siding, they will eventually experience damage of their own. As a result, tree limbs weaken and wane, which increases the likelihood of them breaking off and falling onto or nearby your home. A falling tree limb can cause serious injury to people and pets, even if they are small.

How to Manage Overhanging or Overgrown Tree Branches

To prevent a damaging or dangerous situation brought on by overgrown or overhanging tree branches, begin with smart tree planting. Plant trees away from the side of the house or building, taking into account the average growth expectancy of the particular species you are planting. Furthermore, stay current on all routine tree service, including spring and fall tree trimming and pruning.

Always Hire a Professional Tree Removal Company

Never attempt to remove overhanging or overgrown tree limbs yourself. One incorrect cut can lead to a serious accident or damage to your property. It is necessary to hire a professional Indianapolis tree removal service to have any overgrown tree branches safely trimmed back and pruned according to ANSI standards. They have the proper tools, equipment, resources, and training to ensure your trees are safely managed, year-round.

Are you looking for professional tree service near you? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for affordable tree trimming and tree pruning in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We provide residential and commercial tree services.

How to Stop Deer Damage to Trees in Fall

Posted on November 4, 2021 by Completetree

Usually when you see a deer, you feel honored and excited. And when it’s a buck, you really feel like you’ve hit the jackpot! However, frequent deer sightings can sometimes veer more towards a nuisance deer problem depending on the impact they have on your property, particularly on your trees. In fact, many homeowners who live near wooded areas begin to question whether or not deer activity can harm their trees.

Aside from grazing, many homeowners ask why bucks rub their antlers on newly-planted trees, and if this behavior can injure young trees. These are very good questions, and important information to your overall tree care routine.

Continue reading to learn why bucks are rubbing their antlers on your trees, and how to stop them from causing any damage with this behavior.

Tree Removal Services Indianapolis IN 317-783-2518

The Link Between Bucks and Trees

Bucks rub their antlers against young trees because they are still flexible. This is informally known as buck rubbing. There is a misconception about bucks who rub their antlers on trees. Many people in the past have assumed that it is due to the velvet that initially covers buck antlers.

It was believed that this velvet was itchy, and bucks were simply relieving the irritation. But this can’t be true because antlers do not have nerve endings! Research shows that bucks most likely exhibit this behavior for a number of reasons. But the 3 most common include:

☑ Bucks rub to mark their territory.
☑ Bucks rub to practice or strengthen neck muscles for battle.
☑ Bucks rub to arouse and attract fertile does.

Deer and Buck Damage to Trees

This distinctive buck behavior can harm trees. It can create open wounds in trees and break off bark. This leaves a tree more vulnerable to diseases, infections, and pest infestations. If a tree gets sick, it can quickly decline and die. So, it is necessary to take action because deer will come back to your trees, season after season.

Tree Protection Tips for Deer Tampering

You have a few options to protect your trees from deer interference. You can install a fence around your property, which will inhibit deer from being able to enter your premises. If you are not interested in such a large investment, you can install a perimeter fence just around your trees. You can make these using sheets of welded wire mesh, or you can purchase manufactured tree barriers or ornamental metal grates on the market.

Be sure they are at least 5 to 6 feet tall and reinforced by 8-foot-tall rebar. The rebar should be pounded into the ground at regular intervals around the perimeter of the tree. If this doesn’t work for you, you can use corrugated plastic drainpipe. Cut it in half, lengthwise, and wrap it around the tree.

Do you have trees on your property that need to be removed as a result of deer and buck damages? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional and affordable tree removal in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and residential clients.