Tag Archives: tree species

Indiana Hardy Trees That Can Be Planted in Full Sun Locations

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

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

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

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

Drought-Tolerant, Full-Sun Tree Species

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

    American Sweet Gum
    Autumn Blaze Red Maple Tree
    Ash Tree
    Ginkgo Trees
    Quaking Aspen Tree
    Yoshino Cherry Tree
    Kwanzan Cherry Tree
    Autumn Cherry Tree
    Okame Cherry Tree
    Blue Point Juniper
    Sugar Maple Tree
    Emperor One Japanese Maple
    Robinson Crabapple Tree
    Amberglow Redwood Tree
    Red Dogwood Tree
    White Dogwood
    White Kousa Dogwood Tree
    Butterfly Bush
    Dura Heat River Birch
    Eastern Redbud
    Redbud Trees
    Superior Hybrid Poplar Tree
    American Sycamore Tree
    Blue Moon Reblooming

Tree Planting Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get Trusted Tree Care Advice and Tree Service in Indianapolis

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced tree service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, stump removal, lot clearing, and more. If you want professional and efficient service you can trust, Complete Tree Care is the right call!

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

The Best Trees for Hanging Seated Swings

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For this Spring season, give your children the gift of their very own tree swing! The great news is that it is easy to do, so long as you select the proper species of tree for the job. Not only should the tree be structured properly to house a seated wing, it should also be sturdy enough to support the weight of your kids when they play, which means you need a mature tree with strong roots.

Continue reading to learn which tree species are recommended for seated tree swings, as well as, some tips that will ensure you build yours safely and securely.

Indianapolis Tree Service
Indianapolis Tree Service 317-783-2518

Trees for Swings

Your first priority when choosing a tree in your yard for a seated swing is species. You must choose the proper species since not all trees are designed to hold weight and routine tampering. Recommended trees include oaks, maples, sycamores, hornbeams, beeches, willows, spruces, and poplars. But keep in mind that tree species is only part of the selection process. You must also choose the right type of tree. Not only do you want to choose a tree that has a higher canopy so that branches and limbs are not an issue, you want to select a tree that is mature and has the right structure for a swing.

Look for a mature tree, between 10 and 15 years old, to hang your swing from. Mature trees have stronger root systems, which means they are less prone to uprooting or falling, and can support extra weight (between 60 and 70 pounds). Also, you want the tree to be healthy, free of disease, and in an area that is not located near any potential hazards or obstructions. Basically, you want a clear perimeter around your tree, or at least in the trajectory and landing zone of the swing, of 6 feet or more.

Lastly, you want to select a tree that has the right branch structure. Although you might be looking for the straightest or flattest limb, you really want to look for the sturdiest. You can always adjust the swing straps to the height of the limb above if it is not even. You want the branch to be able to support at least 60 or 70 pounds, or the average weight of your children.

Tips and Tricks for Hanging a Tree Swing

✏ The swing should be at least 6 feet away from the trunk of the tree for safety and function.

✏ For the wooden seat, choose cedar or redwood to avoid wood rot.

✏ The seat should be between 15 and 25 inches long, and 10 to 12 inches wide.

✏ Sand the edges of the wooden seat to prevent scrapes and splinters.

✏ Only trust a level to ensure the seat is balanced and even.

✏ If you are using a tire, rather than a seat, be sure to drill some holes in it to avoid water accumulation.

Get a Professional Tree Inspection to Be Sure Your Trees are Strong

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for comprehensive tree inspection services 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