4 Topsoil Problems That Can Negatively Affect Tree Health

Posted on July 11, 2022 by Completetree

If you are having trouble with your newly-planted or transplanted landscaping trees, it could be due to poor soil conditions. It is important for soil to retain the proper pH levels in order to be conducive to tree growth and ongoing health. Continue reading to learn about the top 4 most common soil problems, including what you can do about them.

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.

FAQS About Tree Care in the Fall

Posted on October 5, 2021 by Completetree

Just because summer is behind us doesn’t mean that our landscaping trees are through being cared for. In fact, right now is a prime time to tend to your trees. One of the most important things you can do for trees is care for them through all the seasons of the year. Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about fall tree care to learn what you need to do this season for your landscaping trees.

Fall Tree Care Indianapolis IN 317-783-2518

Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn Tree Care

Do I Need to Mulch a Tree in the Fall?

Mulch is not just necessary in the spring and summer; it is also highly impactful to soil and tree growth conditions in the fall. Be sure to mulch around the base of your trees, around 2 to 3 inches deep, to keep soil moist and protected all winter long.

Do I Need to Water a Mature Tree?

Mature trees have slowed in growth, making them more vulnerable to the hazards in their surrounding environment this time of year. They are more susceptible to pest infestations, diseases, blights, and wildlife tampering. To ensure proper growth and survival, mature trees need regular watering, all the way up until the very first snow fall.

When Do Trees Need to Be Pruned?

The prime time to prune trees happens to be coming up very soon! Pruning is vital to tree growth and overall tree health, as it promotes vigorous, healthy branch growth come spring and summer. The best time to prune trees is in the coldest part of the season, before the first snow falls. By this time, trees are fully in their dormancy stage.

Can I Prune My Trees Myself?

It is not wise to prune trees on your own. Several factors go into the process of tree pruning, so it requires extensive training and experience, as well as professional tools and resources to implement the job safely and effectively. Attempting to prune your trees can put you at risk of having an accident or being seriously injured, and incorrect pruning can harm your trees. Even small trees that do not require the use of a ladder should not be pruned by anyone but a trained professional.

Should I Top My Trees in Fall?

Tree topping also goes by the names, “tipping”, “hat-racking”, “heading”, and “rounding over.” Sadly, many people believe that tree topping is an effective form of pruning. The truth is that it is not an acceptable technique at all. In fact, tree topping is the most harmful tree care practice used for pruning trees. It can cause a long list of damage and health decline, including bark and tissue decay, sunburn, epicormic sprouting, pest infestations, and more.

Can I Plant a Tree in Fall?

The arborvitae industry standard suggests planting trees in the fall or early spring. The reason why the rule of thumb is to plant trees in spring or fall is because trees are in their dormant stage during these times. During dormancy, trees require less water, sunlight, and nutrients. This means their growth is significantly decelerated, making it easier for healthy root development. Dormancy and cool temperatures are the reason why spring and fall continue to be the best times to plant trees. These seasons are more likely to produce a healthy, mature tree.

Do your trees look like they could use some TLC this Fall? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for prompt and professional tree services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and residential clients all throughout the central parts of the state.

You Should Also Read:

How to Mulch Around a Tree
Fundamental Industry Advice for Tree Pruning
Top Advantages of Choosing Professional Tree Service

How to Mulch Around a Tree

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Completetree

Did you know that mulching is one of the most effective and beneficial method of tree care? In fact, properly mulching your landscaping trees can promote healthier, longer-lasting trees. Continue reading to learn the correct method of laying mulch around your landscaping trees, and where you can get affordable help with Indianapolis tree care near you.

Tree Care Services Indianapolis Indiana 317-783-2518

Spring is the Right Time to Re-Mulch Trees

When applied improperly, mulch can have negative effects on a tree’s health. For this reason, proper mulching methods are important, and should be practiced every spring. And since spring is here, it is time to start thinking about your seasonal tree care needs, including new mulch! Just a quick note, but mulching is not just a spring tree care task; it is also important to mulch your trees in the winter too! Get started in the Spring as soon as the ground has fully thawed. In the fall, you will wait until temperatures are pre-freezing, and then lay your mulch before the first winter front arrives.

Professional-Level Tree Mulching Advice

When it comes to mulching your trees, it is recommended to use organic mulch. Although inorganic mulch is tempting since it doesn’t need to be replenished as often, the benefits derived from organic materials and decomposition outweigh the benefits of using inorganic mulch. In fact, most arborists prefer to use an organic product.

When mulching your trees, keep in mind that using too much can actually be detrimental. Over-mulching can lead to tree stress, excessive ground moisture, root rot, tree and bark diseases, insect and rodent infestations, tree girdling, reduced air penetration, unbalanced soil pH, and more. To be safe, keep mulch depths between 2 and 4 inches.

Be sure to check the project area for adequate water drainage before applying mulch. If the water drainage is poor, then too much mulch may lead to many of the above-mentioned tree problems. Try using less mulch for areas with inadequate drainage.

Before applying new mulch over existing mulch, first measure the depth to prevent over-mulching. If the depth is still 2 to 4 inches, do not apply new mulch. Instead, use a rake to release the top matted layers and refresh the look of the mulch. If faded, visit your local gardening store for a spray-on, water-soluble, vegetable-based dye to brighten up the color. Also, be sure to also spread out any piles that may have built-up against the tree trunk. The base of the tree should be exposed.

Do you need professional Indianapolis tree care or tree assistance? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis Indiana tree services you can trust. We serve residential and commercial clients.

You Should Also Read:

The Common Process of Tree Fertilization
Get Spring Tree Service Deals in Indianapolis at Complete Tree Care
How to Prepare Your Trees for Spring Weather Conditions

Facts About Over-Watering and Under-Watering Trees

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Completetree

Unlike our own species, trees do have voices they can use to tell us they need more water or have had enough. For this reason, it is important to be the voice of trees, and learn what signs they exhibit to let us know their watering needs. Continue reading to learn the common signs of over-watered and under-watered trees, and what you can do to help a suffering tree.

Tree Watering Basics

The general rule of thumb for water trees varies depending on the age, species, condition, and location of a tree. For instance, newly-planted and transplanted trees should be watered regularly enough so that the top 12 inches of soil remains moist to the touch. This averages out to around 4 to 8 gallons per week. Mature trees needn’t regular watering, and instead, should just be properly mulched and watered during dry spells. For sick trees, watering should be increased, or as instructed by a licensed arborist.

Since tree watering needs vary on species, location, climate, season, and more, there is really no way of establishing a universal rule of thumb. However, you can learn how to spot the signs of over-watering and under-watering a tree. This knowledge can help you take better care of your trees, and respond to nutritional issues early on, before they can turn fatal for your trees.

Signs of an Over-Watered Tree:

☙ The base of the tree is always wet to the touch. Although the mulch bed surrounding the base of the tree should retain moisture at all times, there should also be a period of the day when the mulch is dry on top. If the mulch is always wet, even when other mulch beds and tree bases are dry, it could mean it has been given too much water.

☙ Blooms do not grow to size. If the blooms, flowers, or fruits on your tree do not fully-bloom, and instead wither and drop, it could mean that they are getting too much water. If the blooms turn light green or yellow in color, it could also mean over-watering.

☙ Green leaves are fragile and break off. If your tree sprouts foliage that is green, yet break off easily to the touch, it could be there is an over-watering issue. If you notice a pile of green leaves around the base of your tree, it may signify the same issue.

Signs of an Under-Watered Tree:

The signs of an under-watered tree are quite similar to those of an over-watered tree. So be sure you look closely to see the difference. Common signs include:

☙ Leaf Wilting or Curling
☙ Browning Edges or Tips on Leaves
☙ Thin or Thinning Canopy
☙ Under-Sized Leaves
☙ Off-Color Leaves
☙ Premature Fall Color Changing

☛ QUICK TIP: Can you stick a screwdriver into the ground below your tree? If you cannot do so easily or at all, your tree definitely needs more water!

Indianapolis Tree Service Professionals Who Can Help

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.

Essential Tree Care Tips to Get Your Spring Started

Posted on March 26, 2020 by Completetree

Be sure you know exactly how to manage your landscaping trees this spring with these vital tree care reminders!

Indianapolis Tree Care Service 317-783-2518

Critical Root Zone (CRZ)

The critical root zone of a tree is also referred to as a “tree protection zone.” Essentially, it is an invisible or imaginary circle that runs along or just outside the dripline of a tree. This area is important to a tree because it is where the most critical tree roots are located beneath the ground. That is why it is also called a “protection” zone. These are the roots that require the most protection and care. Adequate mulching is an effective method for protecting your tree’s critical root zone. In fact, in terms of tree health, mulch is just as important as fertilizer and water.

Watering

One of the most important parts of taking care of your trees is to make sure they have adequate water. This is especially true for newly planted trees and young trees. After a tree is planted, it is important to water it immediately, then continue watering it regularly over the next two years. Mature trees only require watering during periods of drought, when the soil feels dry to the touch. Keep in mind that too much water can be just as harmful. So, it is important to use just the right amount to keep your trees in good health. To check, use your garden trowel to penetrate the soil 4 to 6 inches deep, then pry the soil back and feel the dampness of the soil.

Mulching

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. Mulch helps retain moisture and block out excess heat and UV exposure. This helps to keep a tree in good health. If the mulch seems low, put down another layer. Apply new mulch entirely, every year. The rule of thumb when it comes to proper mulching is to keep layers between 2 and 4 inches deep, and at least 6 inches from the base of the trunk.

Staking

See our recent blog, “How to Prepare Your Trees for Spring Weather Conditions” to learn all your options for staking a tree. From there, you can better determine which type of supplementary structural support or protection your landscaping trees need to survive the season. Common industry methods include cabling and bracing, propping, guying, and of course, staking. Talk to your local tree care specialist about tree staking methods and advice when in doubt. They have the tools, training, and knowledge to guide you in the direction of healthy tree care.

Fertilizing

Tree fertilization helps to make up for any nutrient deficiencies that might be at play. It provides added nutrients, which in turn help a tree grow strong and healthy, and thus, live much longer. Not only does this help a tree look beautiful and deep in color, it gives the tree durability and an increased resistance to inclement weather, disease, pests, nuisance wildlife, and other forms of environmental bearings.

Trimming and Pruning

One of the most important tree services you can outsource for your landscape is pruning. Not only does pruning promote healthy growth, it also encourages flowering and fruit production, making prettier and more profitable trees. In addition to pruning, tree trimming is a highly beneficial, and often times quite necessary, tree service that is something to consider for your property. Tree trimming helps control overgrown limbs and canopies that can pose potential dangers and obstructions.

Professional Tree Care Service for Indianapolis

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for prompt and professional Indianapolis tree service you can trust. 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 Use Trees as Hedges

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Completetree

Right now, you are planning out your spring landscaping duties, which might include adding a fence of trees in your backyard. If you want to use trees as hedge plants, it is wise that you do your research first. There are many errors that can jeopardize the health, value, and aesthetics of trees. Continue reading to learn what you need to know before planting a hedge of trees this spring.

Start With the Proper Tree Species

The most important factor that will make or break your tree hedge is the tree species you choose. To choose the proper tree species for the project, you must consider both the growing condition of the site as well as the purpose your hedge is intended to serve. Deciduous tree species will grow differently, and offer different functions. For instance, if you want year-round privacy around your backyard firepit, you’ll need an evergreen tree that has thick foliage from root to tip. If you want an effective windbreaker, choose tall-growing deciduous or conifer tree species.

Then Choose the Right Site

As for the growing site, not only must it have good soil conditions, sufficient sunlight, and proper water drainage, it must also have enough space for the trees to grow to maturity. Compared to shrubs, trees require much more room to grow in hedge form. If you are using conifers to provide a tall screen, they should be spread around 6 feet apart, and trimmed infrequently. If you are not planning on trimming the hedge fence, you will need to spread them even farther apart. If you want a thicker fence, plant a double row of trees. Keep in mind that your tree fence will look sparse for several years, as it will take some time for the foliage to thicken up and widen.

Recommended Hedge Trees to Consider for Indiana:

? American Arborvitae
? Amur Maple
? American Beech
? American Holly
? Carolina Hemlock
? Cornelian Cherry
? Douglas Fir
? Eastern White Pine
? Leyland Cypress
? White Fir

Licensed Indianapolis Tree Service You Can Trust

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. As professional tree specialists, we know precisely how to manage each and every tree service job requested of us. We only use quality equipment to carry out our tree care services and never neglect safety. And if you have a tree emergency after regular business hours, we offer two separate after-hours phone lines!

How to Prepare Your Trees for Spring Weather Conditions

Posted on February 11, 2020 by Completetree

With Spring right around the corner, now is the right time to be thinking about tree cabling, staking, and bracing. These are excellent tree protection measures to take in order to reduce the likelihood of tree damages caused by heavy winds and rainstorms, which spring is known for. Continue reading to learn about each method of tree protection, and what you can do to ensure your landscaping trees are ready to take on the seasonal inclement weather up ahead.

Tree Protection

The very root of tree protection starts at the very beginning of a tree’s life. Routine tree care, such as fertilizing, mulching, watering, trimming, and pruning, are all vital to the overall success of a tree’s health and survival. Without proper tree care, trees do not grow to their fullest potential, and as a result, are weaker and more susceptible to damage, disease, and pest infestation.

Along with proper tree care are several methods you can implement to ensure your trees are protected during seasons of inclement weather, namely spring. This is especially important for young or newly planted trees. Among the various methods of tree protection, cabling, bracing, and staking are the most popular and effective.

Tree Cabling and Bracing

The objective of tree cabling is to limit the degree of movement in certain branches and limbs, or for the complete tree. This is accomplished by installing a variety of cables, wires, and hardware like anchors and hooks. Tree bracing is similar to cabling in many ways. It is implemented with the purpose of maintaining certain distance and limiting movement between two leaders (trunks) of a tree. Rods are used to keep two trunks from growing farther apart, or moving sideways against each other. Bracing is also used reconnect broken limbs.

Tree Staking

Young or newly-planted tree require additional support throughout the entire year, until they are strong enough to stand on their own. Tree staking is one practice that is perfect for this job. Tree staking helps protect unstable trees against all sorts of environmental damage, including storm damage, wind damage, breakage, leaning, and other destructive conditions.

Tree Guying

Tree guying is the practice of securing a tree to the ground with the purpose of reducing movement. In turn, this prevents the tree from toppling over or breaking apart. It is traditionally implemented by installing anchors to a tree and in the ground, and then connecting them with a cable.

Tree Propping

Tree props are built and installing in the ground to act as a backing or support for trees. They are installed to support both trunks and limbs, and mostly used for trees that are leaning or in the way. For instance, if a tree has a large limb that dangles over and blocks your gate, you could use a prop to keep the limb from drooping so slow.

Call Us for Trusted Tree Services in Indianapolis

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for prompt and professional Indianapolis tree service you can afford. 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!

Are Rabbits Damaging Your Trees?

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Completetree

In our last blog, we discussed how to protect your landscaping trees from territorial bucks. But there is another species of animal that you should also watch out for: rabbits. Rabbits are a common tree pest this time of year, and their bad habits can cause your trees to suffer a swift decline. If you notice even a minor level of rabbit activity around your property, it is wise to take the proper precautions in protecting your trees from damage.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about rabbits and tree damage in spring.

Tree and Shrub Rabbit Damage

During the spring, rabbits target young trees and shrubs for the inner tissue between the bark and wood of the trunk and stems. They start at the base of the trunk, and work their way around the tree; a behavior known as tree girdling. This eventually kills a tree because the downward flow of nutrients from the foliage to the root system is disrupted.

Other animals are known for this type of tree damage too, such as voles. In fact, see our blog, “How to Put a Stop to Vole Girdling” to learn more. This feeding activity increases when springtime yields are in bloom. Their favorite trees and shrubs to pillage include apple, barberry, burning bush, crabapple, flowering quince, honey locust, pear, raspberries, redbud, roses, serviceberry, and winged euonymus.

If you have any of these trees or shrubs on your property, you can be sure rabbits are on the hunt, nearby. Even if you do not have these particular kinds, but other trees and shrubs, your property can still be a target this season. This likelihood is increased when food is scarce and rabbit populations are high, which often occurs in the springtime when their reproduction cycles are most active.

Protection Against Nuisance Rabbits

Fortunately, there is plenty of precautions you can take to ensure your trees and shrubs are guarded against rabbits and other types of pests. The best method that has been an accepted practice across the board is fencing and chicken wire. Since rabbits can dig and burrow, you must plant chicken wire fencing a foot into the ground, followed by an actual fence tall enough so rabbits cannot jump over.

Another approach is tree wrapping. You can wrap a tree in a metal sheet, which obstructs their ability to access the bark. This, however, can be high maintenance and not visually appealing. Your best option is to discuss your tree care agenda with a licensed tree care professional who can give you advice and instruction based on extensive hands-on experience.

When nothing else seems to abate the rabbit damage to your trees, you may require professional wildlife control assistance, which includes making certain changes to your landscaping to thwart nuisance animal activity altogether.

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.

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.

Top 4 Soil Problems and How to Solve Them

Clay Soil

Compacted Soil

Hard-to-Dig Soil

Rocky Soil