How to Tell if Your Sycamore Tree is Dead

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Timberlandtree

Sycamores are grand trees that add decades of ambience to virtually any property. This means they also have substantial value; value that you, as a property owner, should protect. So, when you start to suspect that your sycamore tree is not doing so well, it is important to act fast, and evaluate your tree’s health. Continue reading to learn how to tell if your sycamore tree is dead, sick, or alive.

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Dead Trees

Dead trees are easier to spot than you think. In fact, there is a simple test that works almost every time. You can snap off a small branch and look inside. If the inner tissue is moist and green-ish, the tree is still alive. If the inner tissue is dull and dry, it is likely dead. However, this test is only recommended for smaller trees. When it comes to large sycamore trees, it may be more difficult to tell whether or not it is dead using this test. Fortunately, there are some other things you can do.

Large Sycamore Trees

It is important to act as soon as possible when you suspect a large sycamore might be dead. Large, dead trees are potential hazards since they are more prone to leaning, falling, and uprooting. Likewise, if a Sycamore tree is ill, and in decline, it is important to have it removed before it’s condition can worsen, thus turning it into a higher risk tree. Sycamore trees can grow very tall, up to 100 feet or more in the United States, so they can do a large scope of damage if they fall.

The first step you should take to determine the health of a large Sycamore is to do a visual inspection. Here’s how:

Look at the branches. If it is late spring or summer, and your tree still has bare branches, it could be dead or in decline.

Look at the leaves. If your tree has lost a significant amount of leaves, or is only growing leaves on one side, it could be dead or in decline.

Look at the trunk. Cracks, seams, wounds, or openings in the bark could be signs that the tree is dead. This could also be true if the bark is missing in big patches.

When to Remove a Sycamore

If your Sycamore tree is not leaning or tilting, and less than 50% of the trunk is not damaged, it is typically safe to keep it in place, and see if it gets better.

If your tree is more than 50% damaged on the trunk, or is leaning one way, it should be removed this year.

Where to Get Professional Tree Removal for Sycamores in Indianapolis

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to schedule your needed Indianapolis tree removal 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

Everything You Want to Know About the Black Gum Tree

Posted on February 27, 2020 by Timberlandtree

Gum trees may be popular among the Kookaburra birds, but they are not a high value tree here in the Northeastern parts of the United States. If you are looking to improve your property’s value, Black Gum trees may not be the best landscaping choice; however, if you are simply looking to upgrade the look of your landscaping, they are a great choice for ornamental value. From their waxy foliage in the spring and their brilliant summer and fall colors, to their resilient winter form, Black Gum trees are stunning all year round.

Continue reading to learn more about this interesting fruit tree.

Black Gum Trees (Nyssa sylvatica)

Tupelo Family (Nyssaceae)

☙ Habitat: Grows in acidic, moist soils that re well-drained. Found along the mid-Eastern and Eastern coastal parts of the United States. It is native to Kentucky. It is very adaptable and can even grow in swampy areas and dry uplands.

☙ Looks Like: The Common Persimmon, sourwood, Swamp Tupelo, and the Water Tupelo.

☙ Growth: It is a slow-growing, medium-sized, deciduous tree that begins pyramidal in its first stages, and then with age, develops a flat-top form.

☙ Leaves: Alternating, oval-shaped, and 3 to 5 inches long. They turn red in the fall and drop for the winter.

☙ Fruit: The fruit produced by Black gum trees is high in crude fat, fiber, phosphorous, and calcium, which makes it very attractive to small mammals and birds. They resemble blue colored grapes or berries, but they are not either of the two. They are a dark purple-like blue with a fleshy coating and ribbed pit. They are ripe in the fall.

☙ Flower: Black gum trees produce clusters of light green flowers that grow near the leaves.

☙ Height: It generally achieves heights between 30 and 60 feet, and widths between 20 to 30 feet.

☙ Hardiness: It is classified as winter hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 4.

☙ Sunlight: Based on the universal sunlight requirement rating scale for trees (0-5, with 5 being “full sun”), Black gum trees are classified as needing “two suns.”

☙ Value of Wood: Its timber is light, uniformed, and textured, making it a good candidate for containers, flooring, lumber, paper pulp, and more. Its value is on the low-side, making it an economical buy.

☙ Wildlife: The fruit of the tree attracts bees, birds, deer, and other small animals and insects.

Always Ask a Pro Before Planting

If you have questions about adding trees to your landscape, talk to a licensed tree care contractor for professional advice on choosing quality performing trees for your property. Certain trees provide higher value, such as evergreens and conifers. Learn how you can earn more benefits by choosing the right trees.

Indianapolis Fruit Tree Service You Can Trust

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to schedule your needed Indianapolis tree care 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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

The Common Signs of Emerald Ash Borers

Posted on May 17, 2019 by Timberlandtree

Here in Indiana, Ash trees are common targets of an invasive and destructive metallic-green beetle known as the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Nationwide, these voracious beetles are responsible for the destruction of over 50 million Ash trees! To make matters worse, Emerald Ash Borer infestations have a growth rate of over 5,000% per year, which means you must seek treatment the minute you notice signs of these invasive beetles.

Continue reading to learn how to tell if your Ash trees are infested with Emerald Ash Borers.

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Signs of EAB

The most distinctive sign of an Emerald Ash Borer infestation is the presence of “S” and/or “D” shaped holes in the bark. The most common symptoms include crown dieback, splitting bark, increase in woodpecker activity, and epicormic sprouting. Additional signs may include:

➥ Canopy Thinning and Die-Back
➥ Foliage Barenes
➥ Vertical Fissures on Bark
➥ Callous Tissue Formation
➥ Exposed Galleries under Bark Split
➥ Frass Accumulation (Mix of Saw Dust and Excrement)
➥ Sprout Growth from Roots and Trunk
➥ Larger-than-Normal Leaves

✨ Because several signs and symptoms of Emerald Ash Borer outbreaks are similar to other tree illnesses and pests, it is best to consult a professional tree care specialist to learn for sure whether or not your Ash trees are infested.

Possible Solutions for EAB

If your trees are infested with these destructive beetles, you have various options for rehabilitation. The most effective options are insecticide treatments or tree removal. By hiring an Indianapolis tree care company, land owners can learn methods to preventing pest problems and infestations in their trees. Prevention and routine maintenance are the best ways to protect trees from Emerald Ash Borers and other tree ailments.

Indianapolis Tree Care Service

Contact Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to request free information about Emerald Ash Borer treatment in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can also schedule a complimentary tree assessment. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree service at all scopes, including arborist work. Whether you need a stump removed, or an entire lot cleared, we are the pros to trust for quality results at the right price.