Top 5 Reasons Your Tree Looks Unhealthy

Posted on November 24, 2020 by Timberlandtree

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 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.

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How to Identify a Dead Tree

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Timberlandtree

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 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.

Why Did My Trees Die This Summer?

Posted on September 28, 2020 by Timberlandtree

There are several reasons why trees and plants can fall ill or die in the spring and summer months of the year. Residential tree care can be a tricky leisure pursuit until you get the hang of things. Various causes and influences can cause a tree to die in the middle of the summer. Continue reading to understand why your trees may have died or fallen ill, and what you can do to protect your trees from being vulnerable in the future.

How to Understand Your Trees Better

Before diagnosing the cause behind a dead or dying tree, it is important to first determine the species and growth characteristics of the tree in question. The reason for this is to be able to accurately identify what it is your tree requires for average to normal growth, and compare it to any uncharacteristic growth and behavior patterns. This identification and understanding sets a person off in the right direction when it comes to solving residential or commercial tree issues. For example, it is good to know if your tree requires wet or well-drained soils, if its root system is shallow or deep-set, and if it is a deciduous or evergreen species of tree. This type of information can help you narrow down and decide what implications may or may not be affecting your trees health.

Common Causes of Dead or Dying Trees

One common cause of a dead or dying tree in the spring or summertime is tree transplanting. Tree transplanting is when a tree is removed from its initial growth spot, then transferred and reburied in a new place. The altered soil composition, potentially delicate root system, moisture levels, light conditions, and many other factors can negatively affect this relocation process. It can cause a tree to go into an adjustment state called transplant shock. When this occurs, the leaves of the tree change to a yellowish-brown color, curl up at the ends, wilt, and fall off. This ailment is called leaf scorch. It is caused from dehydration and nutrition deficiency, as a result of the relocation.

Another source behind tree deaths and illnesses has to do with residential and commercial development and new construction. Although construction damage is difficult to diagnose, it is a common threat to trees in residential and commercial landscapes. For example, when a new housing development is built, heavy equipment and machinery are driven on the soft ground above the root systems, wounding them overtime. The result is irreversible tree root damage. The root damage leads to slowed growth and eventually death because the root system cannot function properly to supply the tree with water and nutrients.

Besides new construction, utility workers can affect tree growth and health as well. Utility work is generally the last phase of construction, and it is imperative that they use proper trenching and grading techniques to protect trees from any harm. Even if a development site manages to protect the surrounding trees during the construction phase, utility work can turn it all around.

There are several other circumstances that influence tree health, and can cause tree to die or become ill. Poor drainage, high heat and temperatures, drought, lightening, and even excessive moisture can cause a tree to die or stop growing. It is unlikely that your trees suffer from pests and insect issues; which is why it is good to consider the situations mentioned above before treating your tree with fertilizers or insecticides. To prevent future tree difficulties, consult a professional Indianapolis tree service specialist in your community for advice and assistance with tree maintenance and rehabilitation. This is the most promising way to ensure your trees are protected, season to season.

Where to Get Affordable Fall Tree Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 to schedule your seasonal tree services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are licensed and experienced tree care contractors who offer a wide range of professional-level tree work for residential or commercial properties. Whether you need a stump removed, an entire lot cleared, or some simple, routine tree trimming and tree service, we are the pros to trust for quality work at the right price. Contact us today for a free quote.