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.

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

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.

Emerald Ash Borer Treatment 317-348-0811

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.