The Impact of Climate Change on Tree Health

Climate change is having a profound effect on the health of our trees, and it’s time to take action. Trees are essential for providing us with fresh air, shade, and beauty; they also help reduce erosion and flooding. Unfortunately, as temperatures rise due to climate change, tree health is declining rapidly in many areas around the world. This can lead to increased pests and diseases that can further damage trees, leading to safety hazards such as falling limbs or full-on tree collapse. We must be proactive in addressing this issue by learning more about how climate change affects overall tree health and taking steps towards better tree care practices that will ensure healthy forests now and into the future.

In this blog post we will explore how climate change impacts tree health and offer some tips on what you can do to protect your trees from its effects.

Call 317-348-0811 for Tree Removal Service in Indianapolis.
Call 317-348-0811 for Tree Removal Service in Indianapolis.

How the Changing Climate Has Affected Our Planet’s Trees

Water For Trees

The first thing to note is that temperature changes can affect the amount of water a tree needs. As temperatures rise, trees need more water to stay healthy and survive. This could mean increased watering for your trees or providing extra irrigation in areas where there is limited access to water. Additionally, extreme heat levels can cause tree stress which makes them more vulnerable to pests and diseases. This can cause rapid growth, decay, or even death of a tree.

Routine Tree Care

Tree care practices are also important in keeping trees healthy during climate change. Regular pruning, mulching, and fertilizing your trees will help them withstand harsher weather conditions and keep them looking their best. Additionally, using soil that is rich in organic matter and keeping the soil healthy with proper aeration will reduce the risk of water stress.

Tree Sickness

Finally, one of the most important things you can do to protect your trees is to watch for signs of change such as the yellowing of leaves or branches that appear dead or dying. If you notice these signs, contact a certified tree care professional right away for help. They can provide you with advice on how to best care for your trees in the face of climate change and make sure they stay healthy and strong.

What You Can Do to Help With Climate Change

Climate change is having a serious effect on tree health, but it’s not too late to take steps towards protecting them. By understanding how climate change impacts tree health and taking the proper precautions, you can ensure your trees remain healthy for years to come. If you need help caring for your trees, make sure to contact a certified tree care professional that understands the impacts of climate change on tree health. Together we can ensure our forests remain beautiful and healthy no matter what changes may come.

Are you looking for professional tree care near Indy? Contact Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for licensed and insured seasonal tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide residential and commercial tree care solutions at economical prices.

Related Posts:

Winter Storm Damage Repair Solutions for Trees and Landscaping
Learn the Basic Anatomy of a Tree
Do We Have an Indiana State Tree?

When to Remove a Tree From Your Property

There are several reasons why a tree may need to be removed on a property.  Potential dangers, complications, and other circumstances can come as a result of poor tree care.  It is important to take caution of a tree that requires removal on a commercial or residential property.  This is because a tree that needs removed is most likely a tree that is a threat. 

Continue reading to learn when you might need to remove trees on your property, plus how to get started with a free tree removal bid in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Tree Removal Service 317-348-0811
Indianapolis Tree Removal Service 317-348-0811

Cases That Call for Tree Removal Service

Dead Trees

The most obvious reason for a tree to be cut down or removed is because it is dead.  Dead trees can pose a variety of potential problems, and even dangers.  For example, a dead tree can fall over onto a person’s property, or their neighbor’s property, and cause a significant amount of structural damage.  A dead tree loses stability every day.  Harsh winds or storms can easily know one down at any moment.  No one wants their children or pets to be a victim of a fallen tree.  If a tree is dead, it needs to be removed immediately.

Landscaping

Another reason to remove dead trees, or other trees, is for aesthetic value.  A dead tree is an ugly tree; and a tree obstructing a beautiful pond view is an unwanted tree.  These are two common reasons to remove trees from a property.  The appearance of a yard or property is greatly increased with well-kept landscaping.  Trees are a beautiful part of nature, but they can sometimes just be in the way.

Growth Rate

Some trees can grow to be very large and very old.  Oak trees, for example can grow to extreme widths and lengths.  If the tree is close to a home or building, overtime, this could pose a problem.  The tree roots can become obtrusive to plumbing pipes and foundations.  This can be costly to repair. 

Tree Diseases

A diseased or dying tree is another red flag.  Trees that are infested or sick need to be removed to prevent further contamination.  Insects like fire ants and Emerald Ash Borers inhabit and kill trees. Other tree diseases are harmful and can greatly reduce the likelihood of new tree growth, like oak wilt, blight, leaf scorch, cankers, and more.

Tree Hazards

Sometimes, trees need to be removed because they pose certain risks or hazards. Examples include leaning trees, damaged trees, sick trees, or trees that are obstructed important assets or edifices. 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, a tree can be staked or braced to create stability.

If you have a questionable tree on your property that might need to be removed, you are on the right track. Contact Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for licensed and insured tree removal service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial customers all throughout the surrounding Indy areas.

Related Posts:

Where to Get Prompt and Professional Emergency Tree Removal
How to Identify a Dead Tree
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Indianapolis?

Summer Tree Care Tips for Fruit Trees

Fruit trees are one of the seasonal pleasures we look forward to each summer. Everything from apples and pears, to peaches, oranges, and more, the summertime fruit yields are extraordinarily sweet and satisfying. But the problem with these trees is common pests. Not only do we enjoy the fruits we grow on trees, insects and wildlife love them even more! In order to protect fruit trees from nuisance pest interference, you must take certain precautions into consideration and apply some helpful practices into your standard tree care routine.

Continue reading to learn how you can stop nuisance pests from destroying your fruit trees, year after year.

Fruit Tree Care Indianapolis Indiana 317-348-0811
Fruit Tree Care Indianapolis Indiana 317-348-0811

How to Protect Fruit Trees in Summertime

Wildlife Tampering

Pests of all kinds, including wildlife, are problematic for fruit trees. If over harvested, the tree can struggle to perform well the next season, rendering fruit smaller and less ripe. Try installing metal tree wraps around the base of your fruit trees to make it difficult (or near impossible) for wildlife to grip the trunk and climb the tree.

You can also consider installing chicken wire, fencing, electronic sound machines, and motion-lighting. It is also helpful to place moth balls or sprinkle cayenne pepper and cinnamon around your trees. Pests like raccoons and squirrels hate these smells. Just be careful using ground pepper on your lawn if you have dogs and cats.

Pests and Disease

Unfortunately, fruit trees are incredibly delicate, and they are highly vulnerable to pathogens, fungal infections, and diseases. As they move toward their dormant season, hazardous pathogens burrow within the bark, and then mature when the weather gets warmer. This prevents trees from blooming and growing properly, thus eliminating its wonderful yields.

Another problem for fruit trees is anthracnose, or tree cankers. Apple trees seem to be a common target. Anthracnose is caused by several types of organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. An initial sign of anthracnose is dead tree bark, while extreme conditions lead to tree decline and fatalities. If it does not kill a fruit tree overtime, it weakens it enough to make it susceptible to other fatal tree conditions.

Tree Treatments

You can have your trees sprayed annually with a chemical repellent that works to prevent pest interference. These are safe for the environment and for trees and are proven methods of insect and pest control in extreme cases. This coupled with proper tree care can protect your trees all season long! Just be sure to choose a reputable tree service for outstanding results at a fair price.

Would you like some professional advice and guidance for your trees? Contact Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for licensed and insured tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial customers.

Related Posts:

Environmental Threats That Will Kill Your Landscaping Trees
FAQS About Oak Tree Care
What is Tree Deep Liquid Root Fertilizing?

FAQS About Oak Wilt Tree Disease

Oak trees are magnificent parts of our landscapes. So when they begin to show signs of disease or infestation, it is only natural for us to be concerned. Learn about Oak Wilt, a common tree disease that may be the cause of your current Oak tree problems.

Oak Tree Care Indianapolis Indiana 317-348-0811
Oak Tree Care Indianapolis Indiana 317-348-0811

Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Wilt

What is Oak Wilt?

Oak Wilt is one of the most common infectious tree diseases in the country. It is caused by a fungus, Ceratocystis fagacearum. This invasive fungus enters a tree’s vascular tissues and incapacitates the water transportation lines within the tree. And without sufficient levels of water, a tree cannot survive.

Which Oak Tree Species are Most Vulnerable to Oak Wilt?

All Oak trees can become victims of Oak Wilt, however, there are some species that seem to be more susceptible than others. Red Oaks, namely Spanish Oaks, are highly-susceptible, while on the other end of the spectrum, White Oaks are resistant to Ceratocystis fagacearum and are hardly ever affected by the disease. 

Will Oak Wilt Spread to Other Trees?

Oak Wilt is spread in one of two ways. The fungus can be carried from tree to tree by beetles and other insects, or it can spread through grafting roof. If you have an Oak tree that is currently affected, and it is located next to another Oak, there is a good chance the disease will spread through the root systems. However, the disease can also travel over long distances with the help of insects.

What are the Signs of Oak Wilt?

Although signs are hard to tell, you can try inspecting your trees to determine whether or not Oak Wilt is to blame for their decline. Most often, laboratory cultures are the only way to truly know if Oak Wilt is present. White oaks exhibit leaf decline, such as wilting leaves, discolored leaves, dropping leaves, and dead leaves, while red oaks barely show any signs at all. You will need a licensed tree care contractor to help with your tree diagnosis.

How Do I Protect My Tree From Oak Wilt?

Unfortunately, there is no way to control the spread of Oak Wilt, but there are ways to protect your tree from becoming infected. Preventative maintenance is the key to preventing Oak Wilt. This involves routine tree care, such as pruning, fertilizing, and spraying. Proper pruning is important to prevent open wounds in trees. For this same reason, you must also take extreme care when mowing the lawn or weed-trimming. It is also important to properly dispose of trees that were infected, otherwise, spreading will likely occur. An insecticide spray can be used prior to infection, as well.

Is it Possible to Cure an Infected Oak Tree?

Once a tree is infected with Ceratocystis fagacearum, it is a challenge to treat unless the tree is fairly young. The most common technique is to sever the root connections in order to stop the transmission of the fungus. However, this is not always a success if there is a large Oak Wilt epidemic in the area. There are no other current chemical treatments for Oak Wilt. Tree removal and root disconnection are the most effective treatments available. 

Do your oak trees require some professional tree trimming or pruning this season? Contact Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for licensed and insured tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We provide residential and commercial tree work.

Related Posts:

FAQS About Oak Tree Care
How to Take Down a Large Oak Tree
Environmental Threats That Will Kill Your Landscaping Trees

Tips for Watering an Old Tree

Mature trees are prized possessions to us because they have flourished to the tree they were planted to be. Aside from the oxygen they produce, mature trees provide privacy, shade, appeal, energy efficiency, noise reduction, and various other benefits. For these reasons and more, we are keen on keeping them healthy and happy for years to come.

One of the most frequently asked questions about caring for mature trees is in regard to the amount of water they require for sustenance. Concerned property owners want to know if they should be watering their mature trees or doing something more to care for them. Mature landscaping trees are assets, so it is important to know these facts.

Continue reading to learn about caring for mature trees and how much you should be watering them, season to season.

Tree Care Services Indianapolis Indiana 317-348-0811
Tree Care Services Indianapolis Indiana 317-348-0811

Tree Care for Mature Trees and Shrubs

Just like young trees, mature trees require a certain degree of routine care and maintenance. This includes watering, pruning, fertilizing, and disease prevention. You see, mature trees have slowed in growth, making them more vulnerable to the hazards in their surrounding environment. They are more susceptible to pest infestations, diseases, blights, and wildlife interference.

To ensure proper growth and survival, mature trees need:

☑ Proper Soil Conditions and pH Balance
☑ Regular Watering
☑ Seasonal Pruning
☑ Pest and Wildlife Prevention

How to Water an Older Tree

To water mature trees properly, you will need to take their age and climate into consideration. Here’s what you need to know:

▶ Larger trees require more water than smaller ones.

▶ If the forecast is calling for flooding rains over the next several weeks, you will not need to water your trees.

▶ If the forecast is moderately rainy to dry, you will need to give your mature trees one deep watering every month.

▶ In dry seasons or during extended periods of drought, water trees deeply twice per month.

Tree Pruning and Disease Control for Old Trees

Mature trees should be pruned on a routine basis to improve foliage growth and branch strength, thus reducing the chances of branch breakage and other tree hazards. In heavily wooded areas, it is wise to have your trees sprayed with insecticides for added protection against pest infestations. Talk to a trusted Indianapolis tree service company for advice on how to care for your mature trees. They have the knowledge and experience to accurately assess your tree’s overall condition and health needs, provide professional recommendations, and implement any needed tree service for your landscaping trees.

Are you looking for professional tree work for your old or new landscaping trees? Contact Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for licensed and insured tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial customers all throughout the surrounding Indy areas.

Related Posts:

What is Tree Deep Liquid Root Fertilizing?
Can I Prune My Tree in June?
Should I Stake My Trees?

Why are My Tree Leaves Brown and Dead at the Edges?

As with all living organisms on the planet, trees are vulnerable to illness and decline. But with the right tools and resources, you can protect your trees from falling victim to common tree diseases. If you have noticed a sudden change on the leaves of your shrubs and trees, it could be due to a tree illness. One of the most common signs of a diseased or infected tree is browning and curled leaf edges.

Continue reading to learn which tree diseases are usually responsible for browned and curling tree leaves, plus what you can do to prevent further decline in your affected landscaping trees.

Indianapolis Indiana Tree Service 317-348-0811
Indianapolis Indiana Tree Service 317-348-0811

Leaf Scorch

Leaf scorch is also known as leaf wilt and leaf burn. The signs of leaf scorch are easy to identify. Leaf burn will cause tree leaves to brown at the edges, curl up, wilt, and fall off.  In evergreen trees, the pine needles will simply turn brown or orange in color. The reason behind leaf wilt is lack of hydration and nutrients.  Something occurs beneath the ground that prevents the root system from successfully pulling water and nutrients from the earth and distributing it through the veins of the leaf system. The lack of food and water causes the leaves to wilt and die. 

Leaf scorch is not curable or reversible; however, a tree can recover and begin producing new, healthy foliage if proper care is taken. The first step in turning leaf wilt around is determining the source of the problem. This can be from a variety of situations, from new construction development to drought and high heat intervals. Be sure to consult a professional Indianapolis tree service professional for an accurate and reliable diagnosis.

Leaf Blight

On the subject of leaf disorders, leaf blight is another common disease that affects the leaves of prevalent North American hardwood trees.  The authentic name of leaf blight is Anthracnose and is most commonly spotted in the eastern parts of the United States. This syndrome is customarily marked by several burn-like blotches that look like dead spots or holes on tree leaves. Leaf Blight is caused by a fungus that reproduces by means of spores.

During long rainy or windy seasons, these microscopic spores can quickly travel through the air. They need wet weather to germinate. Anthracnose is not a deadly disease in most cases; however, a tree can suffer from persistent defoliation. The repetitive loss of leaves can cause the tree to become weak, making it vulnerable to other tree diseases. Again, in this situation, it is best to consult a professional in the tree service industry for dependable advice and guidance concerning residential or commercial tree care.

Choose Professional Tree Service

Sadly, there isn’t a whole lot you can do to prevent your landscaping trees from disease. But with the right knowledge, you can look out for changes in tree health and catch problems early on. Knowledge coupled with routine tree service is the best formula for preventing tree decline in your landscaping trees. Talk to a local and trusted tree service company in Indianapolis for help determining the best tree care plan for your property.

Are you looking for a qualified Indy tree care contractor to help you bring out of the best of your verdant landscape? Contact Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for licensed and insured tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial customers with comprehensive tree service solutions at the right price.

Related Posts:

3 Trending Pest Control Products for Trees and Shrubs
How to Identify a Dead Tree
Reasons Why Your Tree Died Over Winter

Reasons Why Your Tree Died Over Winter

Now that Spring is upon us, plants and buds are sprouting every day. But if your tree is still behind on bud or leaf production by the end of April, it could mean that it died over the winter. Now, if your tree turned orange or brown, you can safely assume it’s gone. Although you gave your tree all the attention and care necessary for healthy growth, sometimes there are certain factors at play that are simply out of your control.

Continue reading to learn some reasons why your tree might’ve died, and what you should do if you have a dead tree on your property.

Dead Tree Removal Indianapolis Indiana 317-348-0811
Dead Tree Removal Indianapolis Indiana 317-348-0811

Why Trees Usually Die

Although there are several reasons why tree can die, usually more than one, the causes behind tree deaths can be narrowed down to four factors: catastrophic events, environmental conditions, pests and diseases, and old age. Obviously, catastrophic events are rare, and include incidents like earthquakes, forest fires, hurricanes, explosions, car accidents, and more. Again, these are rare, and trees dying more commonly due to internal conditions, pests and illness, and old age. Most often, landscaping trees experience distress and eventually die as a result of negligent tree care.

Environmental Conditions

Environmental conditions include things like poor soil quality, droughts, lack of sunlight, grading, water drainage, pollution, storms, inclement weather, and more. These can influence the tree’s ability to thrive by obstructing water and nutrient intake and making it more vulnerable to pest infestations and disease. Of course, there are things you can do to help the trees thrive during times of drought, poor drainage, and the weather. It is important to discuss tree care with your local Indianapolis tree service company for professional advice and information on tree protection.

Pests and Diseases

Trees are susceptible to a wide variety of pest infestations, wildlife damage, and diseases. Diseases are very common tree killers, including blights, fungal growth, root rot, and more. Pests like borer beetles and termites will quickly deteriorate trees health. Even nuisance wildlife likes squirrels, woodpeckers, and more can damage trees health. Again, you need licensed and insured Indianapolis tree service contractor for help managing dying or distressed trees.

Old Age

Most often, trees die simply of old age. Although trees can live hundreds of years, they do eventually expire. However, the process is very slow and even take centuries to complete. If you suspect that your trees dying, it is important to have a licensed tree service company in Indianapolis inspect your tree and assess and safety concerns it may pose to your property. It is strongly recommended to have dead or dying trees removed as soon as possible.

If your tree is dead, now is a good time to have it removed. Contact Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for licensed and insured tree removal service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial customers all throughout the surrounding Indy areas.

Related Posts:

How to Tell if Your Sycamore Tree is Dead
How to Identify a Dead Tree
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Indianapolis?

Environmental Threats That Will Kill Your Landscaping Trees

Trees, just like all other landscaping, gardens, and flower beds, are susceptible to damage and injury all year long. There are various elements, conditions, circumstances, pests, diseases, and more that can hurt a tree and potentially cause death. Do what are these things that can harm your trees and how can you prevent something like this from happening?

Continue reading and learn what outside elements and influences can damage or kill your trees, and who to call for more information about tree care and protection.

Winter Tree Service Indianapolis Indiana
Winter Tree Service Indianapolis Indiana 317-348-0811

Inclement Weather is the #1 Threat

Storms, harsh weather, freezing temperatures, and other types of elemental conditions can damage, harm, or kill trees. In freezing temperatures, the ground around the base of a tree can freeze up.  When this happens, the underground soil around the roots freezes as well, causing damage to the root system.  On top of frozen soil, tree fissures can begin to develop, causing cracks, crevices, and peeling in tree bark. Loose or fallen bark exposes the inner tree trunk, making it more vulnerable to damage as well. 

Harsh winter storms and winds can easily break weak or damaged tree limbs and branches.  When snow accumulates on tree branches, they can weaken and eventually break off. A heavy branch can cause massive amount of destruction if it falls on a roof, or even worse, a person.  Exposed and bare trees are also susceptible to sun scalding.  This is when the bark of the tree weakens and peels from too much sunlight. 

Pest Outbreaks and Tree Diseases

Just like animals and humans, trees can fall ill as well.  There are a few common tree diseases and threats that can jeopardize the well-being of any landscape.  For example, tree can sometimes have pest control problems.  Insects such as Ash Borers, wood beetles, and other sapsuckers like to feed on sugar-rich inner tree bark and can damage trees from within.  They can build nests and use up all the tree’s nutrients for their own gain.  When a tree is being robbed of all its nutrients, it will not survive.  Other tree diseases include leaf wilt, leaf scorch, tree blight, fungus growth, bacterial growth, viruses, slime flux, and more.

Additional Threats to Trees

There are several things that can cause damage to trees or kill trees.  It all depends on a tree’s surrounding environment and the extent of care it receives.  For example, trees can be damage by animals, children, moving, construction, and much more.  Additional influences that can damage or kill trees in residential or commercial areas include gas leaks, lawnmowers, air pollution, fire damage, nuisance animals, improper pesticide application, girdling roots, poor water drainage, lack of moisture or water, underground utility lines, transplant shock, gradation changes, septic tanks, weedkillers or herbicides, wire fences, and puncture wounds.

Hire a Tree Service Company to Be Sure Your Trees are Safe

It is important to first identify the type of issue your trees are experiencing, and then call a professional tree care company for information, estimates, and advice on what steps to take next in order to see your trees. It is recommended to have your trees inspected by a licensed Indianapolis tree care company to be sure they are actually vulnerable to any of the above mentioned conditions or situations.  A professional tree service contractor can advise you on how to further protect your trees from harm.

Indianapolis Indiana Tree Services at the Most Competitive Prices Around

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to schedule your needed Indianapolis tree services for your residential or commercial property. Whether you suspect your trees are dead and need removed, or you are unsure about the health and safety of your landscaping trees this winter, we are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who can help. We offer a wide range of professional tree work at all scopes, from tree and stump removal, to lot clearing, routine tree service, and much more.

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

Top 5 Reasons Your Tree Looks Unhealthy

Does a tree on your property look like it has seen better days? If you have noticed a decline in your tree’s health, there is likely a perfectly good reason. Accordingly, there is usually a perfectly good solution. However, identifying a problem with your tree is the first step. Continue below to learn the top 5 reasons why your tree looks unhealthy, and whether or not you need to remove it before the weather changes again.

Indianapolis Indiana Tree Service
Indianapolis Indiana Tree Service 317-348-0811

Tree Health is Impacted By its Surroundings

There are many reasons why a tree can suddenly experience a decline in health, as there are virtually endless variables within a tree’s surroundings. From soil and microorganisms, to moisture, wind, climate, sun, and more, the list of influential factors goes on and on. When it comes to a sick looking tree, the most likely causes are pests, disease, invasive species, drought, or improper planting. Take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding your tree and determine which factors might be contributing to its unexpected decline.

❦ Tree Pests

There are many types of insects and organisms that survive or can be found on trees. Of these, most are harmless, however, some are highly destructive. Insects that can infest and damage trees include boring beetles, spiders, mites, ticks, termites, and more.

Invasive Species

Like tree pests, there are certain species of wildlife that are invasive in local communities, and consequently, harmful to trees as a result of their natural behaviors. Animals like raccoons, opossums, squirrels, coyotes, deer, voles, and even fungi and lichen can cause damages to tree if too heavily targeted.

Disease

Trees are living organisms, and like all living organisms, they are susceptible to illness. There are various tree diseases that can affect landscaping trees, such as Oak Wilt, Anthracnose, Dutch Elm Disease, Oak Blight, and Thousand Cankers Disease.

Drought

Trees require a certain amount of water in order to thrive optimally. If your tree looks unhealthy, it might not be getting enough. Even in winter during dormancy, trees require water. Moist soil indicates a well-watered tree. Simply re-water when the soil feels dry to the touch more than an inch deep.

Improper Planting

One of the most common reasons trees experience decline is because they were not properly planted. Not only do trees have to be planted at a certain depth in a hole with a certain diameter, but they must also be properly prepared for planting. This includes burlap maintenance and watering.

Talk to an Indianapolis Tree Service Expert for Seasonal Tree Care Advice

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.

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

How to Identify a Dead Tree

Trees are a vital part of our ecosystem, as well as a beautiful addition to our landscapes and yards. When a tree is dying, it can take years to reach the end. Some trees can take up to two years or more to entirely perish. Trees also die from the inside out, so it can be difficult getting an accurate status of health with just a glance. If a tree is diseased, dying, or dead, there is a chance it could impose a threat on its surroundings. 

So in the spooky spirit of Halloween, continue reading to learn how to spot a dead tree, including how to decide if it should be removed for safety reasons.

Indianapolis Indiana Dead Tree Removal
Indianapolis Indiana Dead Tree Removal 317-348-0811

How to Tell if Your Tree is Dead or Dying

All living organisms can become ill, and trees are no different. There are various ways a tree can get sick, including disease, storm damage, vandalism, soil compaction, over fertilization, and much more. The root of the problem, as you could say, could be a multitude of circumstances. It is important to determine the reason behind diseased or dying trees in order to prevent more trees from getting sick or dying.

To figure out the status of a tree’s health, there is a simple scratch and snap test you can administer at any time of the year. You must be patient, however, because it requires you to monitor the tree throughout the seasons. It is a simple test that can prove whether or not your tree is sick, dying, dead, or just dormant. 

How to Perform the Tree Health Test:

As the seasons change, pay close attention to the branches of the tree. Look for little green buds on the branches and limbs. This is a sign that the tree is still growing and producing flora for the spring.  These buds are in line to becoming new branches. 

The next part of the test is to actually break off a small limb of the tree. Notice if it snaps abruptly and cracks off, or if it bends and bows. This determines the moisture of the tree. Dry trees are not producing anything. Look inside the branch after you break it off; does it have a moist yellowish-green center?  If so, it is a sign of good standing health. You do not want to see a dry, brittle limb that snaps off quickly and crumbles in your hand.

Another aspect to investigate on a tree is the bark. Dry, dark brown, brittle bark is a bad sign. A living tree has a green moist under part that signifies good health. Use your fingernail or a small knife to scrap a piece of bark off the tree.  Here is where you can see if the under parts are healthy or not.

What to Do if You Have a Dead Tree on Your Lawn

Keep in mind that some dead trees are hazards and must be removed as soon as possible. See our blog, “Make Sure Your Trees are Safe for Trick-O-Treaters!” for some helpful advice that can translate to all seasons of the year. Then be sure to choose a licensed and insured Indianapolis tree service company to perform any needed tree removal, safely and up to code.

Where to Get Fast Dead Tree Removal in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for dead 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 services for both residential and commercial properties. You may request free estimates and advice, anytime! Whether you need a stump removed, or an entire lot cleared, we are the tree care professionals to trust for quality work at the right price.

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