How to Identify and Treat Oak Wilt

Posted on September 6, 2017 by Completetree

Oak Wilt is a debilitating vascular fungal disease that can affect all species of oak trees. Learn what causes this transmittable tree disease, how to identify the signs, and what you can do to stop it from killing your majestic oaks. Continue reading to cover these topics and more.

Oak Tree Care Indianapolis IN — Call 317-783-2518 For Oak Tree Service in Indianapolis Indiana

Oak Wilt Tree Disease

As mentioned, oak wilt is a vascular fungal disease. It is caused by a fungus that enters and obstructs a tree’s inner vascular system where water and nutrients are distributed throughout the tree. Since the fungus enters this internal transportation system, it affects the entire tree rather than an isolated spot. Furthermore, if these food and water lines are inhibited, it can cause a tree to enter a quick decline. For this reason, it is important to address an oak wilt outbreak before it can take over your tree.

Distribution

There are many ways tree diseases can be spread, however, oak wilt is primarily transmitted through beetles or root grafting. Beetles can carry the fungus from one tree to the next, while underground roots of an infected oak tree can share water and nutrient lines with the root system of a nearby tree. This also spreads the fungus. Once an oak tree is dead from the disease, it is no longer transmittable, unless it is a Red oak. Red oak trees should be properly burned and disposed to prevent further outbreaks.

Signs and Symptoms

Live oaks and red oaks exhibit different signs of oak wilt. For live oaks, one of the most common signs is a called veinal necrosis. Leaves develop chlorotic and necrotic veins, in which the leaf veins turn yellow, and then turn brown. This occurrence is usually one of the first noticeable signs of oak wilt disease. From there, additional leaf decline and rapid foliage loss usually takes place, followed by a 1 to 6 month health decline period, and eventually, death. Red oak trees infected with oak wilt do not experience veinal necrosis. Instead, leaves simply wilt and turn colors of pale green, brown, and bronze. They remain attached for the most part, but red oak trees will only survive anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks once infected.

Treatment

Certain species of oaks are not likely to die from oak wilt, including Post oaks, chinquapins, and bur oaks. The most common treatment for oak wilt is a series of bimonthly fungicide injections called Propiconazole. This fungicide is applied through macro-injection of the root flares. This application technique generally gives the best results, however, the fungicide treatment does not guarantee the tree’s survival. Propiconazole fungicide treatments are also effective methods of oak wilt prevention. Talk to your local Indianapolis tree service company about your options for Oak wilt prevention.

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We are highly trained and experienced tree care technicians that offer commercial and residential tree services at affordable prices. Request an estimate or advice anytime. Call 317-783-2518 to learn more about tree care in Indianapolis, Indiana today.

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.

How to Water a New Tree

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Completetree

If you have recently planted a new tree in your landscape, it is important to provide it with the proper care and attention it needs to thrive, and ultimately, reach full maturity. When trees are young or new, they require a different care regimen compared to an established tree, especially more water. For this reason, it is important to familiarize yourself with some new tree after-care facts.

Continue reading to learn how you should be caring for your new tree.

Water is Key

The most important aspect in caring for new trees is water. Newly-planted trees do not yet have a fully-grown root system, making it harder to take in the levels of water needed to survive. Because of their premature, lacking root system, new trees require a lot more watering. It is better to water deeper, and less often, as opposed to watering often, but not deep enough. Sprinkler systems do not provide the adequate amount of water a new tree needs, so be sure to always use a garden hose and nozzle attachment.

How to Water

Before you set out to water your new tree, check the moisture level of the surrounding soil. You will need to check the soil closest to the root ball of the tree (4 to 6 inches deep), so you will need a shovel to move around mulch and dirt. If the soil around the root ball is quite moist, wait to water the tree.

Check back the next day or the day after. If the soil is cool and slightly moist, it is time to water. You do not want to wait until the soil is dry. Water deeply every few days, checking the soil moisture levels before you start. Deep water can keep soil moist for a week or longer, so always check the soil before you water.

Seasonal Watering

If it is wintertime, the natural precipitation levels are adequate enough to provide a tree with the proper amounts of water. That is because trees are dormant in the winter, and require less sunlight, nutrients, and water to survive.

Indianapolis Tree Service Contractors

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.

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.

Complete Tree Care Has a Brand New Website!

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Completetree

Complete Tree Care is a family owned and operated tree service company based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. We have been serving Hoosier communities all throughout Central Indiana for more than 33 years, and remain dedicated to being the best customer-oriented tree service business around. Our highly trained and experienced tree care specialists provide a wide range of tree services for both residential and commercial properties.

And now you can view all our professional tree care services and more on our brand new website!

Find What You’re Looking For FAST!

Complete Tree Care’s new website is not just informative, it is easy to navigate and find just what you’re looking for. Every link you need is listed right at the top of our home page! Instantly locate our contact information on our “Contact Us” page! And when you need tree service, simply hover over our “Tree Services” page to reveal a drop-down list of all the tree care work our company provides! Or you can simply click on the link. Then you can choose from one of the listed options, including tree removal, tree trimming and pruning, stump removal, tree care, tree diseases, and much more.

With the exclusive tree care pages available on their new website, you are sure to find the right information about the exact tree service you need in Indianapolis! Remember you can also call our office directly at 317-783-2518 and speak with a friendly office attendant about tree care and more, anytime!

View Our Credentials!

At Complete Tree Care, we are proud of our 30+ years of experience, steadfast reputation, and proficiency in the industry. This is why we list our most admirable credentials right on our Home Page! Review everything that makes us a good choice for tree service and tree removal in Central Indiana! Not only are we members of the BBB, we are also Angie’s List Approved and even received the Super Service Award in 2015!

Don’t Forget to Check Out Our Pictures!

Another fantastic feature on our brand new tree care website is our Pictures Page! You can look at several pictures of tree damages and tree work projects are team manages on a daily basis. You can see there is no job too big or too small for the highly trained and experienced team of tree service specialists at Complete Tree Care!

Indianapolis Tree Service You Can Trust

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional tree service and tree removal in Indianapolis, and throughout Central Indiana. We offer tree removal, tree trimming, pruning, shaping, topping, crowning, and much more. Our teams are fully-equipped to provide stump grinding or stump removal services for any size tree trunk. We are happy to provide free tree care estimate and advice anytime. Call 317-783-2518 during regular office hours for information about tree services in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding locations.