Hardiness Zone facts for Trees, Flowers, and Plants

Posted on November 12, 2018 by Completetree

Wikipedia defines a hardiness zone as, “a geographic area defined to encompass a certain range of climatic conditions relevant to plant growth and survival.” If you are planning to remodel your landscaping this year or next, you will need to know some important facts about the Indiana hardiness zone map. Continue reading to get started!

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Facts About the U.S. Hardiness Zone Map

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location.” This map is based on the average minimum temperature that occurs during the winter, per year, over the past 30 years. Here are some more pertinent facts!

🍃 The Hardiness Zone Map was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

🍃 It is the most commonly-used reference for growing trees, plants, flowers, crops, and more.

🍃 It defines 13 regional zones according to annual extreme minimum temperature.

🍃 Annual extreme minimum temperature is the lowest average temperature during a period of one year.

🍃 If a tree species is categorized as being hardiness zone 10, it means that it can withstand a minimum temperature of 30.2 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

🍃 Various forms of the Hardiness Zone Map have been developed to match other regional climates, such as Canada and other countries.

🍃 The UK Royal Horticultural Society and US Sunset Western Garden Book systems are other forms of hardiness rating classifications.

🍃 You can find the zone for your specific zip code by visiting this USDA.gov webpage and selecting your state.

🍃 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.

🍃 Warmer zones, such as 9 through 11, are located in the southern parts of the country where you’ll find more tropical-like flora, such as Palm trees.

🍃 Central and northern coastal areas are middle zones, between 6 and 8.

✨ We hope you enjoyed these popular agricultural facts! Be sure to share them with all your gardening friends! If you have questions about tree care, contact a licensed Indianapolis tree service company for expert information and advice you can trust.

Indianapolis Tree Service

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Call A Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for prompt and professional Indianapolis tree service. We are experienced tree care technicians that can resolve your tree problems, regardless of your projects size or scope. We offer a wide range of tree removal and tree services, for both residential and commercial properties. We even offer free estimates and free tree care advice!

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.

Indianapolis Tree Care

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.

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.

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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Is There a Difference Between Tree Sap and Tree Resin?

Posted on June 19, 2018 by Completetree

One of the most common questions about trees has to do with their secretions. Sap and resin, although similar in thought, are actually quite different from each other. Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about tree resin and tree sap, including the qualities that make them so different.

Tree Sap

All trees produce a “sap”, to some degree. Tree sap is a translucent, thin, watery, slightly amber colored substance (just a tad little thinner than standard honey) that develops within the xylem and phloem cells of the trees. These cells are responsible for transporting water and nutrients throughout the tree, and carry water, hormones, sugar, and other minerals elements.

As a result, sap contains sugar and water, and extracted from trees using buckets and spiles. Maple syrup comes from the sap of Maple trees. A tree uses sap in two ways; they either: 1) pull sap from the water in the soil, transport it up through its trunk, and send it out through its leaf pores (stomata), or 2) sap flows down off of the leaves, towards the roots and other parts of the tree, because it contains the vital sugar (food) the tree synthesized in its leaves during photosynthesis.

Tree Resin

Also known as “pitch”, tree resin is thicker, tackier, and darker than tree sap. Deciduous trees do not make resin; it is only produced by trees that belong to the Pinaceae family, such as pine, fir, and cedar. Resin forms in the outer cells of the trees, also known as the inner and outer bark. Outer bark is also known as the phloem. You can make a cut into a resin-producing tree, and see the resin ooze out of the bark. The resin is meant to work like a scab; it closes up the wound and protects it from outer elements while it heals.

Resin is sticky and clear, and composed differently than tree sap. It is composed of compounds secreted by or deposited in the tree and sometimes contains high levels of chemical properties. For this reason, it is used for a variety of commercial and industrial applications; maple syrup is not one of them. Resin is used to manufacture commodities like ink, lacquer, varnish, jewelry perfumes, and many other commercial products.

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Top 4 Signs That Indicate a Tree is Dead

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Completetree

Now that spring is here, you should be seeing some changes in your landscape. Grass is getting greener, plants are starting to bud, and wildlife activity is increasing every day. With a little more time, all the trees and flowers will soon be blooming and producing as they do every year. However, some trees do not make it through the winter, which is why now it is a good time to check your trees and ensure they are still alive and healthy.

If your trees are currently in decline, there may be a chance to restore them with proper tree care and treatment. If your trees are dead, they may need to be removed or trimmed back. A licensed tree service specialist can make this determination for you after just one visit.

In the meantime, continue reading to learn the top 4 common signs that indicate a tree could be dead.

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❶ Bare Branches

One of the most obvious signs that a tree is not healthy is branch loss. If you notice that a tree on your property looks bare this spring because it failed to produce a full canopy of foliage, it could be having health issues or close to dying. In the case that half of the tree’s canopy is full and bright and the other half is bare, it could be a sign that the tree is sick with a disease. Common tree diseases that cause foliage loss include Oak Wilt, Fire Blight, Emerald Ash Borer, Root Rot, and Crown Rot. If a large tree is diseased and loses half its canopy, it could become a safety hazard since the imbalance of foliage weight can cause the tree to fall.

❷ Trunk Damage

After you take a look at the tree’s canopy, you need to inspect the trunk. A tree’s trunk will provide good evidence if it becomes ill or malnourished. Look closely for vertical cracks. This kind of tree damage is a good indication that it is not doing well in terms of health. It may still be alive, but something is interfering with its health and structural integrity. Tree trunks should have bark that protects the inner parts of the trunk responsible for nutrient and water absorption and distribution. If you see patches on the trunk that are completely smooth and bark-free (almost like finished wood), whether large or small, it is a bad sign.

❸ Fungal Growth

The appearance of mushrooms and similar fungal growths are a common sign of a dead tree, or tree decline. To look for fungal growth, pay close attention to trunk and the base of the tree. This is where it likes to grow since it is usually darker and cooler. If you see fungus on the trunk, it is likely that the trunk is rotted on the inside and the tree is dead.

❹ Root Damage

Root damage can be hard to spot on a relatively young or newly planted tree. However, you can sometimes spot root damage yourself. For instance, look to see if the tree is leaning to one particular side. This is an indication that the root system is damaged or weakened. You can also look for epicormic shoots. These look like misplaced branches growing out of the bottom of a tree trunk. These two signs often indicate that a tree has damaged roots. If the tree roots are very large and stick out of the ground, look for damages done by lawn mowers, construction, wildlife, and pests. To confirm accurately if a tree has root damage, you would need to contact a licensed Indianapolis tree service for a professional inspection and assessment.

Still Unsure if Your Tree is Dead or Alive?

? Perform a Scratch Test!

Pull a few twigs from the tree and scratch a portion of the bark off. If the inner tissue is moist and green, the tree is alive. If it is brittle and dry, the tree is dead. Be sure to test three or four branches to be sure.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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