Tag Archives: tree care tips

What Causes Chlorine Poisoning in Trees?

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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?

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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