How to Identify a Dead Tree

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. Continue reading to learn how to tell if a tree is dead or diseased; and what to do if you determine that a tree has indeed expired.

Dead Tree Removal 317-590-1842

Indianapolis Dead Tree Removal 317-590-1842

Dead or Dying Trees

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:

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.

Got a Dead Tree?

Budget Tree Care

Budget Tree Care 317-590-1842

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for professional Indianapolis tree removal you can trust. We are tree service and tree care professionals that can answer any questions you have about dead or dying trees. We offer tree dead services, such as tree removal and stump grinding; but we also provide treatment for diseased trees and insect infested trees. We also offer senior discounts and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.

When is the Right Time to Remove a Tree?

You can usually tell when a tree starts to develop problems. There are several indications of a sick or dying tree. Loss of foliage, cankers, pest infestations, blisters, and more are all signs that there is something wrong with your tree. But even though you can see that your trees are in trouble, how do you know if they need to be removed or not? Continue reading to learn more about tree care, and when it is the right time to remove a tree.

Dead and Dying Trees

The rule of thumb to follow in the tree care industry is “a tree more than 50% damaged cannot be restored and should be removed.” When a tree is dead or dying, it doesn’t always fall, which means it doesn’t always need to be removed. A dead or dying tree needs to be removed if there are any valuable assets in the perimeter of the tree. In the case that it were to fall over, it could harm or destroy any surrounding structures or landscaping.

For this reason, a dying tree needs to be removed if it can pose a potential hazard to power lines, electrical boxes, homes, buildings, garages, stables, vehicles, car ports, yard décor, patios, decks, pools, play-sets, and more. If the tree stands is desolate, it can be left to die in place without any human intervention since it poses no threat to any of its surroundings.

However, even if a tree does not pose a threat, it can sometimes be an eye sore. To increase property appeal and value, it is wise to remove dead or dying trees in any location. If a homeowner is willing to spend the time, effort, and money, they can choose to routinely prune, trim, deadwood, and deep water a sick or dying tree in order to keep it alive as long as possible. But this is only recommended if the tree is less than 50% gone. Here are some other signs that indicate you should remove a tree that is more than half-way damaged:

• Leaning
• Trunk Wounds
• Peeling Bark
• Pest Infestations
• Large Dead Branches
• Dead Branch Stubs
• Leaf Discoloration
• Epicormic Shoots

Consult a professional tree care specialist to have your landscaping trees evaluated and serviced. They can provide tree care advice, information, and guidance, as well as, tree removal, tree maintenance, and more. It is important to care for your trees in order to sustain healthy growth and increase longevity.

Indianapolis Tree Care

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for affordable tree removal services in Indianapolis, and its surrounding locations. Owner, Curt Scott, provides a wide range of tree care for commercial and residential properties throughout Central Indiana. Choose from routine tree services like tree trimming, pruning, shaping, and fertilization, to tree removal needs like dead tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, and more. Call us today at 317-590-1842 and ask about our tree service discounts we offer in Indianapolis, IN.

Tree Removal Advice for Homeowners

In many facets and phases of life, preventative maintenance certainly has its rewards. The same belief can be applied to tree care. A dying or diseased tree is a potential threat to its surroundings. Cars, roofs, power lines, homes, and even people can be seriously harmed by a fallen tree. These kinds of trees are a lawsuit, repair bill, or insurance claim waiting to happen.

Don’t be left in the dark when it comes to tree removal for your residential property; instead, learn some important advice about looking after your trees and knowing when it is time to have them removed. Continue reading to learn more about tree removal, and how to find reliable and professional tree services in your home town.

Removing Trees on Residential Properties

Diseased, decaying, or dead trees can easily be knocked down in a large storm, heavy winds, or seasonal changes. It is very important to remove a tree in this condition before it becomes a threat to the people and surroundings in your neighborhood. This is one reason why routine tree care and maintenance is so important. Regular tree care is highly effective, and can help prevent trees from falling ill or being susceptible to disease and infestations. As a homeowner, learn how to detect whether or not your tree is in good health. The first step in preventing accidents is removing the threats that can make them happen. A tree may be in poor health if:

• Withered or Browning Leaves
• Soft, Porous, or Brittle Bark
• Deep and Long Vertical Cracks on the Trunk
• Sudden Leaf Loss
• Exposed Roots
• Elevated Ground at Base of Trunk
• Dark Colored Under-Bark

There are many more signs that suggest a tree is in bad shape. For a more accurate and reliable assessment of your trees, call a professional tree care company for help. They have the experience in the tree service industry that sets them apart from other lawn services. They specialize in tree maintenance, repair, removal, disease control, and more. If you are unsure about a tree on your property, contact a licensed tree service technician for professional assistance. Sometimes, a tree may be dormant for a season, or for other reasons. You never want to cut down a healthy tree because you mistake it to be dead. This is why a professional is best.

Indianapolis Tree Care Services

If you think you may need tree removal services in Indianapolis, call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 today. Curt Scott, and his team of licensed tree service technicians can quickly determine the condition and status of your property’s trees. Our services include tree removal, tree disease and treatment services, tree trimming, stump removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, and much more. We provide free estimates, discounts, seasonal coupons, DIY advice, and same-day service! Call us today at 317-590-1842 and speak to a licensed tree service specialist about tree removal in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

Why Did My Trees Die This Summer?

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.

Understand Your Tree

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 tree care 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.

For expert advice and information, call Budget Tree Care in Indianapolis, Indiana. Curt Scott and his team of licensed tree technicians are happy to take your call at 317-590-1842, during regular business hours. Budget Tree Care offers free estimates, DIY advice, information, references, tree removal and tree maintenance, coupons, discounts, and more! Visit our website today or call 317-590-1842 for information about dead or dying trees in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.