The Essential Guide to Tree Inspections

Ensuring tree health is an integral part of environmental conservation, and a well-inspected tree is a significant contributor to that goal. In this guide, we aim to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skill set to inspect trees effectively. You’ll be introduced to the basics of tree inspections, how to identify common tree diseases, and the importance of regular checks to maintain tree health.

This guide serves as your first step towards becoming an efficient steward of the environment, helping you understand and appreciate the subtleties of nature’s giants better than ever before. Let’s embark on this journey of learning and discovery together.

Call 317-783-2518 For a Professional Tree Inspection in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-783-2518 For a Professional Tree Inspection in Indianapolis Indiana

Understanding Tree Inspections

Tree inspections are a crucial aspect of tree care that involves examining trees for any signs of stress, disease, or damage. They play a significant role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of trees while also preventing potential hazards. Regular tree inspections can provide early detection and timely treatment for diseases, ensuring the longevity of trees.

There are two types of tree inspections – routine and hazard-specific. Routine inspections involve regular checks to evaluate the overall health of a tree, while hazard-specific inspections are carried out in response to a potential risk or damage caused by extreme weather conditions.

Identifying Common Tree Diseases

Tree diseases are one of the primary factors that can affect the health and longevity of trees. These diseases can be caused by various factors, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and environmental stressors. Some common tree diseases to look out for during inspections include Dutch elm disease, oak wilt, and emerald ash borer.

Dutch Elm Disease: Dutch elm disease is a fungal infection that affects elm trees, specifically those in the Ulmus genus. It was first identified in the Netherlands in the early 1900s and has since spread to other parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. The disease is spread by elm bark beetles, which carry the fungus from infected trees to healthy ones. Once infected, the tree’s water-conducting vessels become blocked, causing wilting and eventually death.

Oak Wilt: Oak wilt is a fungal disease that affects oak trees, particularly species in the red oak group such as red oak and black oak. It was first identified in Wisconsin in 1944 and has since spread to other states in the US. The disease is caused by a fungus that invades the tree’s water-conducting vessels, blocking water flow and causing wilting and death of leaves. It can be spread through root grafts between trees or by sap-feeding beetles.

Emerald Ash Borers: Emerald ash borers are invasive beetles that feed on ash trees’ inner bark, disrupting their ability to transport water and nutrients. They were first discovered in Michigan in 2002 and have since spread to many states in the US as well as Canada. The larvae of these beetles tunnel under the bark of ash trees, creating S-shaped galleries which can eventually kill the tree if left untreated.

During inspections, it is essential to observe the overall appearance of the tree, including the leaves, bark, and branches. Look for any visible signs of discoloration or abnormal growth. Also, pay attention to any insect activity or fungi growth on the tree.

Importance of Regular Tree Inspections

Regular tree inspections are crucial for maintaining tree health and mitigating potential hazards. Trees can develop diseases slowly, making it difficult to detect them with the naked eye. Through regular inspections, certified arborists and trained tree care professionals can identify early signs of disease and take appropriate measures to prevent further damage. Additionally, tree inspections can also help identify possible safety threats such as weak or damaged branches, which can pose a threat to people and property. By addressing these issues promptly, risks can be minimized and the safety of the surrounding area ensured.

Wrapping Up

Tree inspections are an essential part of maintaining healthy and thriving trees. They not only ensure the longevity of trees but also play a significant role in environmental conservation. By understanding the basics of tree inspections, identifying common tree diseases, and recognizing the importance of regular checks, you can become an effective steward of the environment. Remember to always consult a professional for complex issues and continue learning about different tree species and their unique needs.

If you suspect that your trees could use a professional tree inspection and health assessment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for licensed and insured tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana and get instant advice from a certified arborist today. We serve residential and commercial clients with comprehensive tree care solutions.

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How to Prevent Poor Tree Health

It is wintertime, so it’s expected for trees to be well into their dormancy stage. But there is a different between dormant trees and dying trees, even though the signs are virtually indiscernible at first glance. Dying trees are not green under the bark, and do not show signs of growth buds on their branches. Talk to a local tree care contractor to assess the condition of a tree that has given you some concerned. They will be able to determine whether or not your tree is dormant, dead, or dying. When it comes times to ask yourself what caused your tree to experience problems, you will need to understand a few things about tree care.

Continue reading to learn what it takes to ensure landscaping trees remain healthy and hazard-free assets to your property.

Indianapolis Tree Removal Services
Indianapolis Tree Removal Services 317-783-2518

What You Need to Know About Tree Health

Fundamentally, trees need water, nutrients, and sunlight to survive. But trees really need a lot of water. In fact, some trees require hundreds of gallons of water each day! There are several other factors that influence the health of a tree (i.e. soil, weather, pollution, over-crowdings, etc.), but these three elements are the most influential. If even one of them is disturbed, it can cause the tree distress, and eventual decline in health. And a spot of decline leaves a tree in a more vulnerable state, making it more susceptible to pest infestations and tree diseases.

Fortunately, there are plenty of effective ways to make sure your trees survive the winter, and thrive throughout each upcoming season. Below are some important tree care tips to consider if you are concerned about the condition of your landscaping trees.

Professional Tree Care Advice to Follow All Year

Provide routine tree care, including trimming, pruning, watering, fertilizing, and mulching. Pruning dead branches is especially important to prevent tree cankers, weevils, and blights.

Use a professional tree care company for major tree work, like tree removal, stump grinding, tree diseases, infestations, and more.

Only plant drought-tolerant tree species if you live in a region where hot-spells and dry-spells are common.

Remove dead or dying trees IMMEDIATELY. The longer they are on your property, the more problems and hazards they can potentially impose.

Thin out any underbrush and small tree canopies to improve the vigor of your other trees. Provide canopy thinning in the spring to promote more sunlight and healthy growth.

Where to Get Trusted Indianapolis Indiana Tree Service Year-Round

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional tree inspection services from a certified arborist in Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding locations. Our certified tree service company in Indianapolis delivers a wide range of skilled tree removal and tree care services for residential and commercial properties. If you have a tree emergency, we also offer same day service, and two separate after-hours phone lines. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

4 Winter Storm Preparation Tips for Landscaping Trees

Winter storms can bring about a mixture of freezing rain, snow, ice, hail, lightening, and more. So long as you have strong, healthy trees, you can rest assure they will stand up to this type of inclement, seasonal weather that is to be expected. But if you have young, weak, newly planted, or vulnerable trees on your property, there is a smaller chance that they will thrive through a winter storm spell. If you do not do what it takes to protect your landscaping trees from winter storm conditions, you are at a much higher risk of waking up to storm damaged trees.

Continue reading to learn the top 4 winter storm preparation tree care tips, and how to get started with a professional tree inspection.

Indianapolis Tree Pruning 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Pruning 317-783-2518

4 Ways to Stronger and Healthier Trees

Routine Tree Care and Pruning

Trees with denser canopies, strong branches, and healthy roots are trees that will stand up to winter weather and storms. In order to achieve this for your landscaping trees, they should be serviced at least bi-annually by a licensed tree care provider for tree pruning, fertilizing, trimming, and inspection. Tree pruning is one of the most vital routine tree services that make for stronger, healthier trees, and should be the main area of focus in the fall or early spring. Talk to your Indianapolis tree service company to learn your recommended tree care schedule.

Year-Round Mulching

Trees need to be mulched if you want any chance at success. Mulch plays many important functions for trees, and the roots below. With a wide perimeter of mulch around the base of your trees, the root systems are well-moistened, and the trunk is protected from potential lawnmower damage. Furthermore, mulch contains organic constituents that are pertinent to the nutrition of the soil and quality of the root system.

Mulch is a year-round necessity for trees, as it preserves the heat of the sun and prevents the ground from freezing in harsh temperatures. All of this helps promotes healthy tree growth come spring and summer. When mulching your trees in spring and fall, aim between 2 and 3 inches of mulch at the base, but be sure not to allow the mulch to “crawl” up the trunk of the tree.

Protection Against Lightning

Although lightening is not a major threat during the winter season, you still need to protect your trees against lightening damage year-long. This way, your trees will remain strong and resilient when the winter weather is upon us. To do this, consider installing a quality lightning protection system. These devices will direct electrical currents away from the tree, sending them down a sequence of wires and into the ground.

Tree Cavity Management

Tree cavities might not seem like they are a big threat, but they are a common influence on how well a tree can withstand inclement winter weather conditions. The more hollowed a tree, the less stable it is, and therefore, more susceptible to strong winds and rains, or heavy snow and ice. So, keep an eye out on all tree cavities, and monitor their progress. If you are noticing that one tree cavity is growing too large, you will need to have that tree inspected, and possibly cabled or braced for the winter.

A Complete Tree Care Offers Winter Tree Protection Service in Indianapolis

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for trusted winter tree service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We are a family owned and operated Indianapolis tree care company that offers the most competitive prices for tree trimming and pruning, tree removal, stump removal, and more. Our tree service pros serve both residential and commercial clients all throughout the Central parts of the state. Request a free estimate or advice, today.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Should I Remove a Leaning Tree?

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), any tree that is leaning more than 15 degrees as a result of wind force or damaged root system should be taken down. Now, the question is, “to what degree is your tree leaning?” Well, in order to find out what degree your tree is leaning, you will need a professional tree inspection.

Continue below to learn more about the dangers of leaning trees, including how to spot the signs of a dangerous tree, as well as, who to call for professional Indianapolis tree service you can trust.

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518

Common Signs That Indicate a Tree Might Fall Soon

Now, if your landscaping tree is small, or very young, you might not need to worry about any particularly dangerous conditions. Small, young trees are not as heavy or dense as older, more mature trees. For this reason, they tend to do less damage to any of the structural surroundings, as well as people or pets walking by. However, if your tree is moderate sized or larger, it can be a potential hazard to its surroundings, including people and pets.

There are several signs you can look for when doing your own inspection of your leaning landscape tree. Mostly, you want to look for damage. The top signs of a tree that’s preparing to fall soon include holes in the trunk, deep cuts or cracks in the trunk, dead or dropping branches, tight branch growth, root rot, and of course, visible leaning. If you are not sure if your trees leaning or not, you can always take a picture of it, wait one year, and then take another to compare. Or, you can enlist the services of a local Indianapolis tree care company for expert diagnostics you can trust.

How to Get Started on a Professional Tree Safety Inspection

In order to get the safest and most accurate answers to your leaning tree questions, you will need to hire a professional Indianapolis tree service company for a tree safety inspection. Professional companies are licensed and certified to perform residential and commercial tree work in the state, but they are also highly trained to identify and predict tree health problems. They retain the proper equipment to accurately diagnose whether or not your landscaping tree is a danger. Not all leaning trees need to be removed, as mentioned before. If your tree is not leaning more than 50°, it can likely be stabilized through tree cabling and bracing or tree staking.

Where to Get an Affordable Indianapolis Tree Safety Inspection

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for comprehensive tree inspection services by a certified arborist in Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding locations. 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.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518