Thriving in Dry Spells: Drought-Tolerant Trees for Indiana Landscapes

Posted on July 25, 2024 by Completetree

Indiana is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, with lush green fields and a variety of trees that add to the state’s charm. However, as climate conditions shift and droughts become more common, gardeners and landscape designers face a new challenge—how to maintain these beautiful outdoor spaces in the face of dwindling water resources. One effective solution is to incorporate drought-tolerant trees into Indiana landscapes.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of using drought-tolerant trees in your landscaping, highlight the best tree species suited for Indiana’s unique hardiness zone, and provide essential tips for planting and nurturing these trees to ensure they thrive even during dry spells.

Black Locust Tree - Robinia pseudoacacia — Black Locust Tree – Robinia pseudoacacia

Importance of Drought-Tolerant Trees

Reducing Water Usage

One of the most significant benefits of incorporating drought-tolerant trees into your landscape is their ability to thrive with minimal water once established. Unlike traditional tree species that require regular watering, these trees have adapted to survive in dry conditions by developing deep root systems and efficient water retention capabilities. By choosing drought-accommodating varieties, homeowners and landscape designers can significantly reduce their overall water usage.

Lowered Maintenance Needs

In addition to conserving water, tree species with a high drought tolerance often require less maintenance than their more water-dependent counterparts. They are more resilient to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments and other interventions. Furthermore, many drought-tolerant species have slower growth rates, which means less frequent pruning and shaping. This not only saves time and labor but also reduces costs associated with tree care.

Enhancing Biodiversity

Incorporating native drought-accommodating tree species into your landscape can also enhance local biodiversity. These trees provide essential habitat and food sources for various wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. By creating a diverse and thriving ecosystem in your garden, you contribute to the overall health of Indiana’s natural environment.

Best Drought-Tolerant Trees for Indiana

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

With its impressive size and distinctive lobed leaves, the Bur Oak is a standout choice for Indiana landscapes. This native tree is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent option for homeowners looking to reduce water usage. Bur Oaks can reach heights of up to 80 feet and provide ample shade, making them perfect for larger properties.

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

While commonly associated with wetter environments, the Red Maple is surprisingly adaptable and can tolerate periods of drought. This tree is known for its striking fall color, turning vibrant shades of red and orange. Red Maples prefer moist, well-drained soils and thrive in full sun to partial shade.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

The Eastern Redbud is a smaller, ornamental tree that is perfect for gardens and residential landscapes. It is drought-accommodating once established and produces stunning pink to purple flowers in early spring, adding a splash of color to your yard. This tree prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)

The Kentucky Coffeetree is a unique addition to Indiana landscapes, known for its large, compound leaves and irregular branching structure. This tree is highly drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions. Its open canopy allows light to filter through, making it a great choice for planting under power lines or in areas where a full, dense tree would not be suitable.

Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

The Black Locust is a fast-growing tree that is well-suited to Indiana’s climate and soil conditions. This tree is drought-tolerant and hardy, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to establish shade quickly. Its fragrant white flowers attract pollinators, adding to the tree’s appeal in a sustainable landscape.

Tree Planting and Maintenance Tips

Best Times to Plant a Tree

To ensure the successful establishment of your drought-accommodating trees, it’s essential to choose the right time for planting. The best time to plant trees in Indiana is during the early spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is more consistent. Planting during these seasons allows the roots to establish before facing the heat of summer or the cold of winter.

Proper Soil Preparation

Proper soil preparation is key to the long-term success of your trees. Before planting, test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels using a soil test kit, available at local garden centers or through university extension services. Most tree species that have high drought tolerance thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0) and benefit from the addition of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil structure and fertility.

If your soil drains poorly, consider amending it with sand or creating raised beds to promote better drainage. For trees like the Red Maple, which prefer more moisture, ensure that the planting area is located in a spot that retains some water without becoming waterlogged.

Steadfast Watering Schedule

While drought-tolerant trees are designed to withstand dry conditions, they still require regular watering during their establishment phase. After planting, water your trees deeply once a week for the first year. This encourages deep root growth and helps the tree acclimate to its new environment.

Once established, you can gradually reduce watering frequency. During extended dry spells, monitor your trees for signs of stress, such as wilting leaves or leaf drop, and provide additional water as needed. Mulching around the base of the tree can also help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Correct Pruning Techniques

Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your drought-accommodating trees. During the first few years after planting, focus on shaping the tree’s structure by removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This will encourage a strong central leader and improve air circulation within the canopy.

Once your trees are established, annual pruning during the dormant season (late winter to early spring) can help control their size and shape. Be cautious not to remove too much foliage, as this can stress the tree and reduce its ability to withstand drought conditions.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating drought-tolerant trees into your Indiana landscape is a smart and sustainable choice that offers numerous benefits, from reduced water usage to lower maintenance needs. By selecting the right tree species and following proper planting and care guidelines, homeowners and landscape designers can create stunning outdoor spaces that thrive even in the face of changing climate conditions.

If you’re considering adding drought-tolerant trees to your landscape, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local professional tree care company. Their expertise can help ensure your trees are planted and cared for properly, setting the stage for a flourishing and resilient yard for years to come.

Have you recently planted some new trees in your yard? Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for affordable tree services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. From precision pruning to soil analysis, pest management, and beyond, we offer comprehensive care tailored to your unique green space. We provide residential and commercial tree services, as well as certified arborist services.

Indiana Hardy Trees That Can Be Planted in Full Sun Locations

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Completetree

Finding a tree that you like to look at is just one aspect of choosing the right tree for your lot. There are plenty more factors to consider if you want your tree to grow strong and last a long time. One such factor that seems to hold homeowners back from reaching their landscaping goals is overexposure to sun. Especially for new construction homes, there can be many areas of a lot that do not have any sources of shade.

In this case, planting a tree that is not suitable to full-sun exposure can end in failure. After all, how frustrating would it be to spend several hundred dollars on a new tree, only for it to decline the following season? Even a 30 or 90-day guarantee from your landscaping retailer won’t help since often times, damage shows up the season after too much sun exposure.

Continue reading to learn which species of tree are both hardy to Indiana, and suitable for a full-sun location in your yard!

Drought-Tolerant, Full-Sun Tree Species

The USDA Hardiness Zones for Indiana are 5 and 6, specifically 5b, and 6a, and 6b. Common trees that are hardy to Indiana zones include Ash, Cedar, Pine, Hemlock, Elder, Birch, Beech, Cherry, Walnut, Chestnut, Buckeye, Hickory, Locust, Magnolia, Maple, Oak, Poplar, Sweetgum, Sycamore, Willow, and more. However, the most common tree species that do very well in Indiana climates, plus can thrive in full-sun or drought-tolerant conditions include:

American Sweet Gum
Autumn Blaze Red Maple Tree
Ash Tree
Ginkgo Trees
Quaking Aspen Tree
Yoshino Cherry Tree
Kwanzan Cherry Tree
Autumn Cherry Tree
Okame Cherry Tree
Blue Point Juniper
Sugar Maple Tree
Emperor One Japanese Maple

Robinson Crabapple Tree
Amberglow Redwood Tree
Red Dogwood Tree
White Dogwood
White Kousa Dogwood Tree
Butterfly Bush
Dura Heat River Birch
Eastern Redbud
Redbud Trees
Superior Hybrid Poplar Tree
American Sycamore Tree
Blue Moon Reblooming

Tree Planting Tips

When you plant a new tree, you can expect it to require a little more attention than the rest of your landscaping trees. That is because the root system is still being introduced into the soil and acclimating to its new surroundings. Here are some tips that will put you on a path of success:

For the first several months, you must check the soil every day, and water your transplanted tree every few days. Just be sure to not over-water; two or three times a week is a great starting off point. If it rains, check the top few inches of soil around the base of the tree for moisture first.

Laying mulch around the base of your trees is a highly effective method of supporting healthy growth and prolonging their life. Although you do not need to re-mulch every week, it is important to check on your mulch beds every day to ensure they are still doing their job.

It is important to inspect the branches of your transplanted tree every day to assess its pruning needs. Pruning should take place right after you transplant your tree. No more than 25% of a tree’s foliage should be removed in a year. Be sure to have a licensed tree service company perform your annual pruning needs to ensure that the proper ANSI tree pruning standards are applied.

Inspect your tree every day to ensure it is growing as it should. If it is not, fertilizer may be an option. Fertilizer should only be applied AFTER the first year of tree transplanting. Stressed trees should never be fertilized.

It is important to minimize the level of danger that can be imposed onto your new tree. This includes taking into consideration lawn mowers, sprinkler systems, nuisance wildlife, pets, herbicides, pesticides, and more.

Get Trusted Tree Care Advice and Tree Service in Indianapolis

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!

Recommended Evergreen Trees That Grow Fast

Posted on February 11, 2019 by Completetree

It’s just about tree planting time, which means you need to start planning your landscaping renovations right now. Adding more trees to your property is a great way to improve energy efficiency, snow fencing, wind barriers, outdoor comfort, privacy, and more. Evergreen trees are the perfect choice of species here in Indiana since they remain fully covered in foliag all year long. If you want quick results with Evergreen tree growth, consider planting some species that tend to have faster growth rates.

Continue reading to learn which species of evergreen trees are recommended for fast growth and quality performance.

✨ The USDA Hardiness Zones for Indiana: 5 through 6, specifically 5b, and 6a, and 6b.

Arborvitae

Some species of Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) can grow as much as 3 to 5 feet each year. If you are looking for fast growth and dense foliage, these versatile, pyramidal evergreens will do the job while also meeting the budget. They grow best in Hardiness zones 4 through 8, reaching an average of 15 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Suggested species of Arborvitae include

Japanese Cedar

Another fast-growing evergreen tree is the Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria), which can achieve heights of 50 feet or more. They also have excellent tiered branch expansion and foliage density, which provides superior privacy, wind reduction, shade for energy efficiency, and snow fencing. They grow best in Hardiness zones 5 through 9, making Indiana the perfect region for these efficient trees.

Blue Arrow Juniper

If you are looking for an evergreen tree species that can grow tall and remain in quality condition with very little maintenance, a Blue Arrow Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) is the right choice for your property. These low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for trees are excellent growers in zones 4 through 9, achieving heights of 20 feet on average, and widths up to 4 feet. They are resistant to pests and disease, and withstand cold and hot temperatures throughout the changing seasons.

Leyland Cypress

Depending on where you live in Indiana, the Leyland Cypress may or may not be the most confident choice. They grow best in in Hardiness zones 6 through 10, making Indiana just eligible for good growth. Be sure to check the USDA Hardiness Zone map to see of your region is a good match for Leyland Cypress trees. If it is, you are in luck, because these evergreens grow to 60 feet tall!

Are You in Need of Professional Tree 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.