How to Calculate Tree Critical Root Zones

Taking care of your landscaping trees requires more than personal effort; it requires a little knowledge and understanding, too. A fundamental part of learning about tree care is knowing a tree’s critical root zone. A critical root zone, or CRZ, is essentially an imaginary boundary surrounding the base of a tree. Although the perimeter is imaginary, the meaning and importance is very real.

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

Instructions For Measuring CRZ

The imaginary boundary mentioned above should start at the drip line of a tree. This is where the water drips from the borders of the tree’s canopy. Imagine an open umbrella with water pouring on top. The circle of water created around the umbrella is similar to a tree’s drip line. For thinner trees, it is best to imagine the dripline a little farther out just to be sure all roots are taken into account.

Rather than locating (or guessing) a tree’s dripline, you can simply measure it yourself by hand. To measure your tree’s CRZ, start with some simple math. Measure the diameter of the tree trunk, and then multiply that number by 1.5. Here is an example:

Tree Trunk Diameter = 24 inches
Critical Root Zone = 1.5 ft2
24 x 1.5 = 36
CRZ Radius = 36 feet

When measuring your tree trunk, start at an area that is 5 feet from the base. This is a more accurate measurement of the trunk diameter. Another way to find the tree trunk diameter is to measure the circumference of the tree trunk and multiply it by 3.14 (pi). Here is an example:

Trunk Circumference = 76.36 feet
Critical Root Zone = 1.5 ft2
75.36/3.14 = 24
Tree Trunk Diameter = 24 inches

Fall Season Tree Care

Fall is the time of year when the leaves on trees begin to change color and eventually fall off. This can be a beautiful sight, but it also means that trees need special care to stay healthy. Here are some tips for taking care of your trees during the fall season:

🌳 Prune any dead or dying branches to help the tree stay healthy.

🌳 Mulch around the base of the tree to help protect the roots from cold weather.

🌳 Make sure the tree is getting enough water, especially if the leaves are turning brown.

🌳 Wrap the trunk of the tree with burlap or another type of fabric to protect it from freezing temperatures.

By following these tips, you can help your trees stay healthy and beautiful during the fall season! 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
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What is Tree Deep Liquid Root Fertilizing?

Types of Tree Trimming Services and When You Might Need Them

It is important to care for the trees on your property to increase stability, safety, growth, and of course, appearances. Trees are beautiful assets that greatly influence the value of any property. They can also make or break a first impression of a landscape.  Most homeowners are interested in maintaining a beautiful landscape for their home, which includes knowing accurate and effective tree care. Tree trimming is one of the basic tasks that all trees must have in order to achieve all of the above. 

Continue reading to learn some general tree trimming advice that can be applied to virtually all varieties of trees in Indiana, plus where to get trusted tree service near you.

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

Tree Trimming

Winter Pruning

All trees, especially deciduous ones that lose foliage at the end of a growth season, should be pruning during winter. This is because in the winter, trees are dormant and do not grow. Without any leaves obstructing one’s view, it is simple to identify where to trim. Winter pruning also allows the clipped limbs and branches to recover before spring and produce even more bountiful blooms, fruits, nuts, and flower blossoms

Trimming Low Hanging Branches

When you begin to notice low hanging limbs and branches from the trees on your property, it is time to start trimming. Low hanging branches can actually be a risk to people and any structures nearby. A heavy limb or branch can easily crush a car, crack a roof, break a fence, or possibly injure a person. They can also clog gutters and interfere with other drainage systems which can lead to costly repairs and complicated lawsuits. Harsh weather and strong winds are all it takes for a limb to break free and cause damage to its surroundings. 

Professional Tree Services

The best way to ensure you are caring for the trees on your property correctly is to consult a professional tree care company. They retain the latest technologies and industry knowledge to accurately identify dead trees, problematic branches, tree diseases, and effective solutions. If you live in a heavily wooded lot, using a professional tree service company is strongly recommended. It can be dangerous and overwhelming caring for various species of trees on your own without any formal training, equipment, or experience.

Typical Tree Trimming Services:

◾ Residential
◾ Commercial
◾ Inspections
◾ Pruning
◾ Shaping
◾ Crown Reduction
◾ Crown Balancing
◾ Thinning
◾ Topping
◾ Heading
◾ Tipping
◾ Hat-Racking
◾ Rounding Over

Are you looking a trusted tree service company that can deliver affordable and reputable tree care for your residential or commercial property? Contact Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for licensed and insured tree trimming in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial customers.

Related Posts:

What is the Difference Between Tree Trimming and Pruning?
Can I Prune My Tree in June?
Will Tree Topping Damage Trees?

How to Prevent Lightning Strikes to Landscaping Trees

Spring is the time for rain, and as of recently, storms as well, abundant with torrential downpours, lightning, and thunder. Although rain and thunder are not really threats to your property, lightning strikes are. And lightning is especially attracted to trees. If you are concerned about the safety of your landscaping trees this season, add some things to your tree care to-do list to protect them against lightning damage.

Continue reading to learn a strategic tree care method that can effectively prevent lightning strikes to trees, plus what to do if a tree sadly falls subject to one.

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

Tree Protection is an Essential Part of Tree Care

Trees are important assets, adding both appeal and function to our properties. Not only do trees make our landscapes look nicer, but they also provide protection against wind, snow, excessive sun exposure, and much more. One of the most essential elements of a tree care plan is tree protection. When it comes to lightning strikes, sadly, most trees don’t survive. So, if you live in a region like Indiana that sees a lot of rainstorms, it is wise to incorporate lightning strike protection to abate the risk.

Why Do Trees Get Struck By Lightning?

Trees are common targets of lightning strikes because they are excellent conductors of electricity. Trees are filled with water, which is a prime electrical conductor. Also, trees are tall, and reach great heights in the sky. This tends to put them at the front of the line when it comes to a lightning bolt striking from above.

Lightning Strike Prevention for Trees

The number one method of preventing lightning strikes in trees that involves installing a copper cable that is connected to a lightning rod. This rod is attached to the tip of the tree and is designed to attract and divert electrical currents coming from lightning in the sky. The copper cable runs down a copper pole that is staked in the ground next to the tree but outside of the tree’s drip line. The cable should never be attached directly to the tree. In fact, the tree is typically fitted with specialized fasteners that prevent any contact from happening.

It is not recommended to install lightning strike prevention systems yourself. Although lightning strike protection for trees can come with an expensive price tag, the mitigation of lightning strike damage to your landscaping trees is an essential strategy toward increasing your property’s resale value.

If your tree was struck by lightning, is it wise to have it removed for reasons of safety, but to also prevent pest infestations. Contact Timberland Tree Care at 317-348-0811 for licensed and insured tree removal service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial customers.

Related Posts:

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Environmental Threats That Will Kill Your Landscaping Trees

How to Help Your Trees Through the Winter

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.

Indianapolis Tree Services
Indianapolis Tree Services 317-348-0811

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?

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.

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

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.

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

What You Need to Know About Tree Mulching

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.

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

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

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 Causes Chlorine Poisoning in Trees?

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.

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

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.

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

What is Tree Pollarding?

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.

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

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.

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