How to Help Your Trees Through the Winter

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Timberlandtree

Now that winter is embracing us more and more each day, it is time to put more thought into the well-being of your landscaping trees. There are several types of winter tree damage that can affect your own property if the proper precautions are not taken. Although proper winter tree care starts much earlier in the year, it is still not too late to implement some strategies that will keep your trees protected through the winter season. Then once spring comes, you can develop a new annual tree care plan that will enhance the quality and strength of your trees.

Continue reading to learn what you can do to help your trees survive the winter.

Even the hardiest trees can be susceptible to certain winter weather conditions. Some of the harshest inclement weather conditions Indiana landscapes are subjective to each year include snowfall, ice accumulation, hail, heavy winds, and cold temperatures. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ensure your trees can withstand such inclement weather and climates, and enter their spring growth spurt with optimal energy.

Winter Tree Protection

In the winter, some of the most commonly-affected trees are young trees, newly planted trees, and sick or dying trees. The best method for protecting these kinds of trees is staking. Tree staking involves inserting a set of wooden or metal stakes in the ground alongside the tree’s trunk, and then attaching the tree to the stakes with tree-safe string or rope.

This setup provides stability in the midst of harsh winds and heavy snow accumulation. Even healthy and mature trees can benefit from winter tree staking. Larger trees, especially those that are sick or dead, must be cabled and braced, which is essentially the same concept, but with heavier hardware and materials. See our blog, “Should I Stake My Trees?” to learn more about this highly-recommended tree care practice.

Additional Tree Security Tips

Aside from bracing your trees for heavy winds and snow, you want to also insulate them against the cold winter temperatures. There are a few ways you can provide insulation for your trees. The easiest method is mulching. Always be sure your trees have enough mulch around their base to keep all that warmth and moisture underneath them. Furthermore, you can use burlap wrapping around the base of tree trunks to give an extra layer of insulation. This approach is generally reserved for young trees.

In the spring and fall, it is important to keep your landscaping trees properly pruned. Proper pruning will play an important role in how well your trees can withstand inclement weather come winter. Without proper pruning, trees experience branch overgrowth and over-development, which puts them at risk of breaking as a result of heavy snow and ice accumulation. By staying current on pruning, you can prevent branch and limb breakage.

Indianapolis Tree Services for Winter

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to schedule your needed Indianapolis tree services for your residential or commercial property. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree work at all scopes. Whether you need a stump removed, or an entire lot cleared, we are the pros to trust for quality work at the right price.

Timberland Tree Care Indianapolis, Indiana — Timberland Tree Care 317-348-0811

What is Tree Deep Liquid Root Fertilizing?

Posted on November 19, 2019 by Timberlandtree

For property owners that have multiple newly-planted, young, or sickly trees throughout their landscape, an arborist might suggest a process known as deep liquid root fertilization. In the tree care world, many people are wary about the effects of such fertilization. Does it really work? Do trees require fertilizer? And is the best method for this type of tree fertilization?

If you have similar questions, or simply want to learn more about deep liquid root fertilization, continue reading.

Deep Root Fertilization for Trees

Deep liquid root fertilization is a process that involves fertilizing the tree roots deep down inside the soil, rather than from the surface. It is generally accomplished by inserting a moderately-sized pipe 8 to 12 inches into the soil, just above the tree’s root system. And then using some form of air or water pressure, a liquid tree fertilizer is squirted down through the pipe, and directly onto the tree roots. This process sounds simple, but there are several factors involved that require the specialized training and equipment of a licensed tree care technician.

However, according to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the process of deep liquid root feeding is non-effective and unnecessary. They state that tree roots are generally located in the top 8 inches of soil, and fibrous enough to absorb sufficient amounts of water and nutrients to thrive. So inserting fertilizer deep into the ground is not needed to adequately reach the root system of a tree. The peculiar part is, many ISA-certified arborists sell this service. We wonder why.

Professional Tree Services

You don’t need the specialized, over-priced services of a licensed arborist to professionally care for your landscaping trees. An arborist is really only necessary if you have diseased or insect infested trees that require professional identification, diagnoses, and treatment. In almost all cases, a trained and experienced tree service technician is the perfect solution for affordable, quality tree care you can trust. Be sure they are licensed, and retain years of experience in the industry. With previous happy clients, you will know they should be a trustworthy choice for tree service.

Indianapolis Tree Service You Can Trust

Make Sure Your Trees are Safe for Trick-O-Treaters!

Posted on October 29, 2019 by Timberlandtree

Are you expecting your usual crowd of Trick-or-Treaters this Halloween? If so, your most important priority is their safety. Many people go the extra mile to ensure their candy and treats are safe for consumption before handing them out to the community, but very few people consider the potential hazards that might be lurking around their property. One commonly overlooked hazard are dangerous trees. If there is a tree on your property that fits one of these descriptions, and is within the reach of the trick-or-treating pathway, it is important to take action fast in order to prevent dangerous accidents and injuries.

Continue below to learn how to prevent your property’s sick or damaged trees from toppling over on innocent passer-byers this Halloween!

Signs of a Risky Tree

Although you want your house to be spooky on Halloween, you don’t want it to be dangerous! So be sure you know your trees are in stable condition before inviting the public onto your premises. You can tell simply by looking at a tree whether or not it poses a risk of falling over, breaking apart, or losing a heavy limb. The most common signs that a tree is sick, diseased, or damaged include the following:

⚠ Heavy Tilting in One Direction
⚠ Early Leaf Loss
⚠ Dead Spots or Blights on Leaves
⚠ Unusual Leaf Behaviors or Changes
⚠ Peeling or Missing Bark
⚠ Wet or Slimy Bark
⚠ Insect or Pest Infestation
⚠ Exposed Roots
⚠ Uprooted Trees
⚠ Low Drooping Branches and Limbs
⚠ Cracked or Broken Limbs in Canopy
⚠ Swollen Trunk or Branches

Dead Trees and Newly Transplanted Trees

If you have a tree that is very old and dead, it could potentially be at risk of falling over at any time. This includes trees with heavy damage, such as lightning-struck trees and rotted tree trunks. Even trees that are not sick or dead can pose hazards, such as newly transplanted trees. Be sure to stake these well in order to prevent the possibility of them falling over on someone.

What You Should Do

If any of the trees on your property exhibit signs of poor health or potential hazard, contact a local Indianapolis tree service company for a professional inspection. They will use a comprehensive approach to examine all conditions and factors surrounding your tree, and make qualified recommendations for your best course of action. In most cases, the best course of action is to remove a dangerous tree. In some cases, the tree can simply be staked, or cabled and braced, to enhance stability.

Where to Find Professional Tree Care Near You

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for professional tree removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree service for both residential and commercial properties.

Should I Stake My Trees?

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Timberlandtree

Fall is just about here, which tells us it is time for landscaping preventative maintenance. Newly planted or young-growth trees require a bit more attention at the moment, as they can quickly fall victim to the harsh winds, inclement weather, wildlife tampering, and more, unless that is, certain precautions are taken before hand.

This makes your landscaping trees a top priority on your fall and winter home improvement to-do lists. One way you can promote root and trunk growth, as well as protect your trees from seasonal damage, is to stake them. But in order to obtain the best results, you must understand when tree staking is right, and when it is not.

Continue reading to learn how to determine whether or not you need to stake your landscaping trees this year.

Tree Staking Rules of Thumb

There are limits to how and when a tree should be staked. Keep in mind that not all trees will require staking, even some young or newly-planted ones. In fact, sometimes tree staking can do more harm than good if not implemented properly. You see, if staking is done incorrectly, it can actually have the opposite intended affect by stunting root and trunk growth with artificial support.

You see, trees use nature to develop strength and resistance. So to some degree, growing trees rely on challenging weather to condition them for a long life. As a result of improper staking and artificial support, a tree will grow taller, but not stronger, wider, nor more stable. This can lead to falling or toppling over down the line.

Although most trees will not require staking since natural wind currents and weather conditions help trees become stronger and more resistant, sometimes a young or newly planted tree needs a little assistance growing to its fullest potential. This is where tree staking comes into play.

If you have a newly planted tree on your property, it may need some help growing tall and strong. Staking may help to prevent fragile trees from storm damage, wind damage, breakage, leaning, and other undesirable conditions caused by instability and feebleness.

Indianapolis Tree Service You Can Trust

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for trusted Indianapolis tree services you can afford. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree work at all scopes. Whether you need a stump removed, or an entire lot cleared, we are the pros to trust for quality work at the right price.

FAQS About Oak Tree Care

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Timberlandtree

Oak trees are one of the most common species native to Indiana. It is highly likely that you have Oak trees on your property, or throughout your community. Although a strong and resilient tree, Oaks require a certain degree of care and maintenance in order for them to perform and look their best. If you have Oak trees in your yard, it is encouraged to learn some important information about taking care of them properly.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions many other homeowners have about Oak trees to get started.

Why Should I Choose Oak Trees for My Landscaping?

Oak trees are known for their dependability. As hardy trees that can achieve heights up to 70 feet, Oaks are great for shade, privacy, visual appeal, and even lumber. People also love acorns, which are the fruit Oak trees produce each year.

What Diseases are Oak Trees Susceptible to?

For the most part, Oak trees are resistant to pests and disease. They are prone to leaf galls, but these are mostly harmless. On the other hand, there is one tree disease that only attacks Oak trees, hence the name, Oak wilt. Oak wilt is a fungal disease caused by the fungus, Ceratocystis fagacearum. All Oak trees are susceptible to Oak Wilt, especially Red, Black, Hill’s, Pin, and Scarlet oak trees. It is important to treat or manage Oak Wilt because it can be spread to nearby trees. Common treatments include removing infected wood, reducing pruning, and roof grafting.

What are the Signs of a Dying or Dead Oak Tree?

Any sign that looks unnatural is a sign that something is wrong. Things to look out for when determining the health of an Oak tree are leaf discoloration, pest infestation, fungal growth, peeling or damaged bark, moist bark, premature leaf loss, and leaning. If you see any of these signs, your tree is probably under stress or in decline. A dead tree is colorless, leafless, and has no color to the inner flesh of twigs.

What Do I Do if My Oak Tree is Dead?

A dead tree can simply be left alone so long as there are no surrounding structures, and the area is not frequented by people or pets. Otherwise, a dead tree should always be removed as soon as possible to avoid hazards and accidents. Dead trees are weakened, making them more prone to falling over.

Who Can I Trust for Reliable Oak Tree Care in Indianapolis?

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to schedule your needed Indianapolis Oak tree service for your residential or commercial property. You may also request free estimates and advice, anytime! Whether you need a stump removed, or an entire lot cleared, we are the pros to trust for quality work at the right price.

What You Need to Know About Tree Mulching

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Timberlandtree

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 even pulverized rubber. When applied properly, mulch allows soil to retain sufficient levels of moisture. This not only improves the condition of the soil, it does so much more. This is why mulching around trees is such a critical part of tree care.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about mulching trees.

Benefits of Tree Mulching

You may already mulch are trees for the sake of having pretty landscaping, but you might be surprised to learn that your annual mulching routine does more than add value to your property. So if you are asking yourself, “Do I really need to mulch my trees?” the answer is, yes! Take a look at the most common benefits mulch provides our landscaping:

🌳 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;
🌳 And much more!

Mulch Application Tips

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! Here are some tips on how to properly mulch a tree:

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 tree care pros 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.

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.

Indianapolis Tree Services

What Causes Chlorine Poisoning in Trees?

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Timberlandtree

Like most things in life, too much of a good thing can turn out to be bad. In the case of trees and chlorine, the same theory applies. Although chlorine is a trace element essential to tree health, too much can be poisonous. Continue reading to learn more about chlorine poisoning in trees, including causes, treatment options, and prevention.

Chlorine Poisoning

When chlorinated water comes into contact with elements in the soil, chloride compounds develop, which are then imbibed by the tree roots. The excess content of chloride compounds in a tree will eventually lead to chlorine poisoning, which is detectable by signs of stress and decline. Not only can chlorine poisoning make tree leaves turn yellow, curl, burn, or drop prematurely, it can also kill a tree in a very short amount of time. Tree species that tend to be more susceptible or vulnerable to chlorine poisoning include maple trees, box elders, ash trees, crab apple trees, dogwood trees, horse chestnut trees, mulberry trees, pin oak trees, sweet gum trees, and yellow woods.

Causes of Tree Chlorine Poisoning

There are several factors that influence the extent of damage caused by chlorine poisoning, all of which depend on the unique environmental surroundings. The most common factors that influence how harmed a tree is from chlorine poisoning include the time of year, length of time the tree was exposed, total concentration of chlorine in the tree, and just how the tree took in the chlorine water. City water is safe for trees. However, although municipal water has safe levels of chlorine, groundwater can be affected in various ways. Some common causes for chlorine in groundwater might include:

☑ Swimming Pool Water Runoff
☑ Swimming Pool Leaks
☑ Water Contaminated by Heavily Salted Roads and Driveways
☑ Air Pollution
☑ Naturally Occurring Chloride Salts in Soil
☑ Tampering
☑ And More

Prevention Tips

The number one rule is to never water your trees if the water smells like chlorine. From there, you can have your personal water supply tested and treated for high chlorine concentrations to ensure your hose is delivering safe water for your gardens. Another helpful approach to preventing chlorine poisoning in your landscaping trees is to keep them at least 10 feet from chlorinated swimming pools. If your soil is testing high for chlorides, consider incorporating some gypsum to drive out the excess chlorine content. The general rule of thumb for gypsum is 58lbs. per 1,000 square feet.

If your tree is already suffering from chlorine poisoning, water it thoroughly and deeply to extract the excess chlorine from the ground. You may also need to have the tree removed if it is too far damaged. Talk to a trusted tree service provider for advice on removing a sick or dead tree from your property. Not sure if your tree is dead? Stay tuned for our next blog to learn the signs of a dead or dying tree!

Indianapolis Tree Service

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for professional tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree service for both residential and commercial properties.

What is Tree Pollarding?

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Timberlandtree

When it comes to tree maintenance, the most common method for branch and foliage control is tree trimming. However, there are additional approaches that are used in the industry, some of which are recommended, while others are against best practices. These methods include pruning, topping, reduction, and a less common approach known as pollarding.

It is important to understand the meaning and difference among these tree maintenance variations if you are planning to have any tree work done on your property. Not only will it better educate you on the proper needs of your landscaping trees, it will give you the knowledge you need to avoid unlicensed tree service scammers who use the terms interchangeably to purposely confuse and mislead clients, which unfortunately, is more common than you think.

Continue reading to learn about tree pollarding, and how it differs from the other tree services mentioned above.

Tree Care Best Practices

In the tree care industry, there are good, bad, and acceptable tree trimming and pruning practices. In fact, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) developed these standards for proper tree pruning, which are used collectively among true professional tree service contractors. These standards are called the ANSI standards, also known as the American National Standards Institute A300.

In addition to these standards, there are other acceptable tree trimming methods, but this does mean that they are always recommended.

Tree Pollarding

Tree pollarding is considered to be an acceptable approach to tree trimming. The process involves removing fundamental branches in order control the shape and size of a tree, perhaps for landscaping architecture, hazard abatement, or similar need. It must start when a tree is very young, and continue once every two years.

Crown Reduction

Also referred to as tree reduction, this practice is also considered acceptable, but only under certain circumstances. Such factors that influence the application of tree reduction include tree species, location, condition, and more. The process involves removing a predetermined quantity of branches and limbs for the purpose of abating obstructions or improving aesthetics.

Tree Topping

Although an offered tree service among several tree care companies, tree topping is not considered to be an acceptable practice. The dramatic cuts made to flatten the top and sides of a tree render it highly vulnerable to disease, pests, sunscald, dehydration, and more. This practice is only recommended for dead trees, dying trees, or trees that are causing extreme obstacles or safety hazards to the public.

Indianapolis Tree Trimming Services

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to schedule Indianapolis tree trimming service for your residential or commercial property. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree work at all scopes. Whether you need a stump removed, or an entire lot cleared, we are the pros to trust for quality work at the right price.

What is the Difference Between Tree Trimming and Pruning?

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Timberlandtree

When it comes to tree care, one of the most delicate tasks is pruning. Just one simple pruning error can mean the difference between a thriving tree and a declining tree. And on the topic of differences, one of the most common mistakes made in tree care is misunderstanding the difference between trimming and pruning a tree.

Continue reading to learn some facts about tree trimming and pruning, including their differences, benefits, and more.

Trimming vs. Pruning a Tree

The primary differences between trimming and pruning a tree are the time of year they are performed and the types of tools used to perform them. Below is a basic explanation of both tree services, and why they are important for your landscaping trees.

🍃 Tree Trimming

Tree trimming is more of a light, routine tree practice that is implemented to support better-looking canopies, reduce obstructions caused by the canopy, and promote growth of foliage. This practice concentrates more on removing specified twigs and leaves to create a more balanced canopy and to let more sunlight in for better growth. Tree trimming is often reserved for ornamental trees and shrubs, but can be performed on other trees.

Generally, tree trimming is performed during growth cycles, as the trees are developing their canopies. Most often, tree trimming is a task that can be performed by home and property owners themselves. On the other hand, it is strongly recommended to have it done by a professional Indianapolis tree service provider to ensure the job is done in adherence to industry best-practices.

🌳 Tree Pruning

Tree pruning is a bit more invasive, and therefore, riskier. Overall, pruning is performed to ensure the protection and survival of a tree by stimulating new, healthy, vigorous growth come the following spring. This practice focuses on eliminating branches and limbs, rather than twigs and leaves. Not only does this require more specialized equipment and heavier labor, it also requires an astute knowledge of tree pruning standards. That is because improper pruning practices can kill a tree in just one season.

You see, tree pruning is much more complicated than simple trimming because deeper, more complex cuts are made in the bark of a tree, which means a job can quickly go wrong if not carried our according to industry best practices. In fact, it is necessary to implement tree pruning jobs according to the ANSI standards, also known as the American National Standards Institute A300. The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) developed a set of standards for proper tree pruning that is used among true professional tree service contractors.

Tree pruning should only be carried out by a licensed tree service contractor who is experienced with ANSI tree pruning standards. Furthermore, it is a task that should only be implement while trees are in their dormant state, usually between fall and winter. If carried out any other time, trees can have difficulty recovering from the cuts and changes to their biology, and as a result, experience premature leaf drop, leaf discoloration, diseases, and other forms of health decline.

Indianapolis Tree Trimming Services

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for professional tree trimming services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree service for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a tree removed, a stump ground, or an entire lot cleared, we are the trusted tree care contractors who can get the job done right the first time, and at a price you can afford. Request a free estimate, today.

Learn the Basic Anatomy of a Tree

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Timberlandtree

Trees are important allies in life for all living organisms on Earth. Did you know that we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, and trees breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen? It’s a true partnership that deserves love and care. There are infinite and correlated benefits trees offer our planet, and even more reasons to admire them.

If you own property with landscaping trees, it is encouraged to take good care of them all year-long to support a long life and endless privileges. To develop an effective tree care plan for your home, it helps to learn some fundamental facts about trees first. A good place to start is with their basic anatomy!

Continue reading to learn the basic parts of a tree and what they do.

Roots

Tree roots are generally located within the top 3 feet of soil, beneath the base of the tree trunk, and can expand 4 to 5 feet past the dripline of the crown. The drip line is basically the perimeter of the tree at its fullest width. Think of an umbrella standing on its handle; the drip line would be where the water drips off of the edge of the umbrella canopy and around the handle. The roots are critical to a tree because they are in charge of collecting and distributing water and mineral nutrients throughout the tree’s internal system. They are also important for stability since they keep a tree strong and grounded, anchoring in place.

Trunk

The trunk provides the shape and support of the whole tree, and holds up the crown. It transports the sugar made by the leaves, and water gathered from the soil. A tree’s trunk is broken down into different primary parts: the inner and outer bark, the cambium cell layer, the sapwood, and then the heartwood. The inner and outer bark are for protection, while the cambium cell layer is the growth center. The sapwood layer transport water like a pipeline, and the heartwood is the central, supportive pillar of the tree.

✨ Stay tuned for our next blog that will further detail the various parts of a tree trunk and their roles!

Branches

From the tree trunk sprouts the branches, limbs, and twigs that eventually sprout foliage, like leaves, flowers, and fruit. In fact, the primary role of tree branches is to provide a foundation for these things to grow! Aside from providing a place for leaves and more to grow, they also aid in the transportation and distribution of water and minerals throughout the tree.

Leaves

Leaves are the first thing we see and admire on a tree during its peak seasons. But leaves serve a higher purpose than simple appeal. Tree foliage comes in all sorts of different colors, shapes, and textures, but they are serve the same purpose, which is to carry out photosynthesis, and thus, make food for the tree and ultimately release oxygen into the air for us to breathe.

Where to Find Professional Tree Care Near You

Timberland Tree Care Indianapolis, Indiana

Whether you need a tree removed, a stump ground, or an entire lot cleared, we are the trusted tree care contractors who can get the job done right the first time, and at a price you can afford. Request a free estimate, today.