Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Wilt Tree Disease

Posted on September 1, 2017 by Curt S.

Oak trees are magnificent parts of our landscapes. So when they begin to show signs of disease or infestation, it is only natural for us to be concerned. Learn about Oak Wilt, a common tree disease that may be the cause of your current Oak tree problems.

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Oak Wilt is one of the most common infectious tree diseases in the country. It is caused by a fungus, Ceratocystis fagacearum. This invasive fungus enters a tree’s vascular tissues and incapacitates the water transportation lines within the tree. And without sufficient levels of water, a tree cannot survive.

Which Oak Trees are Susceptible?

All Oak trees can become victims of Oak Wilt, however, there are some species that seem to be more susceptible than others. Red Oaks, namely Spanish Oaks, are highly-susceptible, while on the other end of the spectrum, White Oaks are resistant to Ceratocystis fagacearum and are hardly ever affected by the disease.

Is Oak Wilt Contagious?

Oak Wilt is spread in one of two ways. The fungus can be carried from tree to tree by beetles and other insects, or it can spread through grafting roof. If you have an Oak tree that is currently affected, and it is located next to another Oak, there is a good chance the disease will spread through the root systems. However, the disease can also travel over long distances with the help of insects.

What are the Signs of Oak Wilt?

Although signs are hard to tell, you can try inspect your trees to determine whether or not Oak Wilt is to blame for their decline. Most often, laboratory cultures are the only way to truly know if Oak Wilt is present. White oaks exhibit leaf decline, such as wilting leaves, discolored leaves, dropping leaves, and dead leaves, while Red oaks barely show any signs at all. You will need a licensed tree care contractor to help with your tree diagnosis.

How Do I Protect My Tree From Oak Wilt?

Unfortunately, there is no way to control the spread of Oak Wilt, but there are ways to protect your tree from becoming infected. Preventative maintenance is the key to preventing Oak Wilt. This involve routine tree care, such as pruning, fertilizing, and spraying. Proper pruning is important to prevent open wounds in trees. For this same reason, you must also take extreme care when mowing the lawn or weed-trimming. It is also important to properly dispose of trees that were infected, otherwise, spreading will likely occur. An insecticide spray can be used prior to infection, as well.

Is it Possible to Cure an Infected Oak Tree?

Once a tree is infected with Ceratocystis fagacearum, it is a challenge to treat unless the tree is fairly young. The most common technique is to sever the root connections in order to stop the transmission of the fungus. However, this is not always a success if there is a large Oak Wilt epidemic in the area. There are no other current chemical treatments for Oak Wilt. Tree removal and root disconnection are the most effective treatments available.

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What is a Tree’s Critical Root Zone?

Posted on May 4, 2017 by Curt S.

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.

Measuring CRZ

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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
MATH: 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
MATH: 75.36/3.14 = 24
Tree Trunk Diameter = 24 inches

Indianapolis Tree Service

Budget Tree Care 317-590-1842

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for professional and affordable Indianapolis tree service. We are experienced tree care contractors who provide residential and commercial tree services, including both routine and major tree work. As out company name suggests, we have the tree service solutions that will fit your BUDGET! Call 317-590-1842 to request a free estimate, today.

Be on the Lookout for These Common Tree Diseases

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Curt S.

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Since we love our trees, it is natural for us to want to protect them. They are vulnerable living organisms just like us, so they are susceptible to disease and infection. There are more than 30 diseases that affect trees all across the country, many of which are preventable with proper tree care. They can either cause a serious decline in tree health, or worse, lead to tree fatalities.

Tree problems are the root of the frequency of expensive tree replacement in residential settings, and have even had a major impact on the commercial expense of future losses of products derived from forests. While most affect landscaping trees, these tree diseases can also affect large copses, forests, and more. Continue reading to learn more about some of the common tree disease we see here in Indiana.

Common Indiana Tree Diseases:

✤ Armillaria Root Rot

Also known as Shoestring Root Rot, the principle fungus is called Armillaria mellea, but several other pathogens are involved. These pathogens attack the base and the roots of a tree. They primarily attack conifers and hardwoods, causing a long list of health implications that eventual lead to death if left untreated. One of the most common is characteristic mushroom growth at the base of a tree. In most cases of Armillaria Root Rot, a tree is attacked when it is in an advanced state of decline (i.e. malnutrition, pest infestation, open bark wounds, etc.). In a weakened state, trees are more susceptible to diseases.

✤ Fire Blight

If you have fruit trees, you should be aware of Fire Blight. It mostly affects pear, apple, and plum trees, but can also affect many others. Fire Blight is caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, and commonly spreads by insects and rainfall. It gets its name from its characteristic effect on leaves, turning them into a blackish-brown color, which makes them appear burnt. This is usually the first noticeable sign of Fire Blight. Once a tree if infected, it can be treated with specialized tree disease treatment and proper tree pruning.

✤ Spruce Tree Disease

This disease is caused by the pathogens Phomopsis and Sphaeropsis, also referred to as Diplodia. These pathogens began attacking spruce trees 4 or 5 years ago in Indiana. Generally, they attack trees when they are in a weakened or vulnerable state. They add to the stress of the tree, causing a long list of complications, and often times, death.

Indianapolis Tree Service

Budget Tree Care 317-590-1842

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for professional Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We treat tree diseases, and provide a wide range of additional tree services for both commercial and residential properties across Central Indiana. We also offer senior discounts and competitive prices! Call and request a free estimate for tree work, anytime!

The Advantages of Tree Pruning for Winter

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Curt S.

Most would agree the spring and summer seasons in are the prime time to care for your landscaping and trees. But the truth is, it is important to pay attention to your trees during the wintertime as well. Winter tree care is highly beneficial for your landscaping trees in many ways, especially tree pruning. Continue reading to learn all the advantages of winter tree pruning, and protocol for prompt and professional tree service you can trust in your neighborhood.

Winter Tree Pruning

Treat pruning is the practice of trimming and cutting back tree branches for the purpose of stimulating new healthy growth. This is why tree pruning is so vital for winter. The harsh conditions are influential enough on landscaping trees, but add that with neglect, in your trees are not likely to survive the season. Tree pruning in the wintertime is a common practice because it promotes vigorous, healthy branch growth come spring and summer. The best time to prune trees is in the coldest part of the season. By then, trees are fully in their dormancy stage.

A Haircut for a Tree?

You can think of it as getting a haircut for yourself; if you want your hair to grow and be healthy, it requires occasional trimming, as well as other forms of care, like routine cleansing, conditioning, eating a healthy diet, taking vitamins, and more. In a similar sense, trees require the same type of care in order to grow strong and healthy. And winter tree pruning is exactly what they need this time of year.

Benefits of Pruning in the Wintertime

There are several advantages to pruning trees in the wintertime. These advantages are most visible come spring and summer when foliage and branches are full-grown and bursting with life and color. This includes flowers, leaves, and fruits. Pruning during the dormancy stage of trees also allows the exposed cuts to recover and heal better. This reduces the likelihood of tree diseases, pest infestations, and infections. There is also less of a chance for trees to wilt due to a lack of water. During the dormancy stage, trees to not require the same amount of water as they do during the growing seasons.

Indianapolis Tree Service

Budget Tree Care 317-590-1842

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for professional tree pruning services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Curt Scott, and his team of licensed tree care contractors, provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at the most competitive prices in town; hence the name “Budget Tree Care!” Call 317-590-1842 to request free estimate for Indianapolis tree service, today. Don’t forget to ask about our tree service coupons and discounts too!

5 Ways to Stop Moss Growth on Trees

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Curt S.

In the right setting, moss can be very attractive: along streams, cascading down a mountain side, clinging to river rock, etc. But in the wrong place, such as trees, moss is actually a detriment, and even a nuisance. That is because moss grows abundantly and fast, taking over lawns, gardens, and anything else in its way.

Moss also requires a substantial amount of water to thrive; so when living on a tree, the moss takes most of the water needed for the tree to survive. The outcome: a distressed, thirsty tree on the brink of death. But the good news is that moss is easy to remove and prevent. Continue reading to learn about 5 effective ways to stop the growth of moss on your property.

① Watering the Lawn

Water your lawn less frequently. But when you do water your lawn, water it deeply. This way, you can afford to water it less without the risk of your grass drying up and dying. And most importantly, when you water your lawn, be very careful to NOT get the trunks of your trees wet. This is the formula for moss growth.

② Test pH Levels in the Soil

Knowing your lawn’s pH levels is helpful when it comes to preventing moss growth. Use a store-bought soil testing kit to determine the pH level of your soil. Acidic soils can be balanced out with lime treatments. This will create unfavorable conditions for moss, preventing it from growing.

③ Aerate the Lawn

On the topic of soil, it is wise to aerate the lawn to prevent moss growth. If you do not want to aerate the soil, you can introduce new organic topsoil to your existing lawn soil. This will improve drainage, thus preventing standing water and moss growth.

④ Remove By Hand

If you have loads of moss growing on one or more of your landscaping trees, you can instantly get rid of it by picking it off manually. Just be gentle doing so as to not jeopardize the integrity of the tree bark. In the winter time during their dormant stage, you can also use a power washer to remove moss from trees.

⑤ Hire a Tree Care Company for Tree Thinning Service

A licensed tree care company can provide tree thinning services to help with moss control. Thinning the branches of your landscaping trees will be beneficial for the trees because it lets in more sunlight to your property. Not only does this promote more food production in the tree, it prevents the cold, wet conditions that can lead to moss growth. Keeping your tree trunk dry is critical to moss prevention.

Indianapolis Tree Service

Budget Tree Care 317-590-1842

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for professional tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Owner Curt Scott is a licensed tree care specialist that offers a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at the most competitive prices in town. After all, we are called BUDGET Tree Care! Call 317-590-1842 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis tree service, today.

Trees of the Prunus Species are Poisonous to Livestock

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Curt S.

The Prunus species includes over 400 deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs that yield stone fruit. The most common stone fruit trees include cherry, plum, almond, apricot, peach, and nectarine. Although these fruit and ornament-bearing trees are lovely all year-round, and provide a long list of benefits for both society and nature, they do threaten the health and vitality of livestock, including cows, goats, pigs, sheep, bison, deer, alpacas, llamas, and even equines like mules, donkeys, and horses.

If you are looking to buy new farmland for your livestock and equines, it is wise to look out for Prunus trees. All 400+ species are poisonous to livestock, donkeys, and horses. Continue reading to learn more about Prunus toxicity, and which parts of stone fruit trees are toxic to livestock.

The Toxicity of Prunus Trees

All parts of Prunus trees are poisonous to livestock, expect the ripened fruit. The fruit is entirely edible when mature, and will not have an adverse effects on livestock, cattle, and equines. This refers to the actual cherries, plums, nectarines, peaches, almonds, and apricots. However, all other parts of the tree are toxic if ingested. A host of cyanogenic glycosides are the compounds in Prunus trees that make them toxic to livestock and many other animals.

Cyanogenic glycosides are cyanide molecules attached to sugar molecules, and they are located inside plant cell vacuoles. When the plant cell vacuoles of a Prunus tree are ruptured, the glycosides are released and allowed to come into contact with other parts of the plant tissue. When this happens, the compounds break down into their constituent molecules, sugar and hydrogen cyanide, which is a poison.

So when livestock chews on any Prunus plant material, whether twigs or leaves, they ingest these compounds. And once ingested, the poison prevents the animal’s red blood cells from releasing oxygen, which leads to suffocation. As little as two pounds of Prunus leaves can be fatal to full-grown cattle in a matter of minutes.

Management

If you have Prunus trees on your land, it is understandable if you cannot remove all of them. With large numbers, that could be unreasonable. So for those you cannot remove and are accessible to your livestock, be sure to have plenty of other forages for them to choose from. Livestock is very unlikely to eat Prunus species of tree unless they do not have an ample selection of fodder. Fencing-in animals or fencing-in Prunus trees are other effective methods of prevention. Be sure to also check your fields after a heavy storm to make sure branches and leaves of Prunus trees are accessible to your animals. Talk to your Indianapolis tree care company for advice on managing poisonous trees on your property.

Budget Tree Care

Budget Tree Care 317-590-1842

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for professional tree removal in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Owner, Curt Scott, is happy to answer your questions about tree care and tree service. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, you can trust us for honest and accurate tree care advice and information! We provide a wide range of tree services for residential and commercial properties. And best of all, we guarantee to fit your budget! Call 317-590-1842 to request an estimate for Indianapolis tree service, today.

Advantages of Professional Tree Service

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Curt S.

Landscaping is important to any homeowner that cherishes beautiful outdoor novelties and nature. Trees are a huge part of landscaping and property maintenance. Trees can add an undeniable degree of comfort, beauty, and character to any property. To care for them is a job in itself. Trees require routine care and maintenance in order to sustain their health and enable growth. A professional tree technician retains all the proper equipment and training to accurately facilitate residential and commercial tree services. There are several advantages of professional tree services; and a tree and landscaping lover should know them all!

Experience and Training

A professional tree care company employs teams of highly trained and experienced tree technicians. These teams usually have anywhere from ten to twenty years of experience on average. Experience and training combined, they can accurately and safely remove trees, trim trees, and provide all other tree care services on any type of property. If your property is in a heavily wooded area, these chores are not an easy DIY job. Professional tree service is incredibly helpful for large wooded lots, lot clearing, stump removal, and more; jobs that an average home or property owner can’t accomplish on their own.

Licensed and Insured Work

On top of experience and training, it is comforting to have professional service that is licensed and insured. A good choice for a reliable tree care company should have these qualities to responsibly provide tree services to their clients. Knowing that the work is insured protects you as a consumer, as well as, ensures quality work that is backed by the company.

Safety

One of the most important advantages of professional tree service is safety. There are several ways a person can injure themselves during a tree removal or maintenance job. It is crucial to use proper equipment and practices to service trees in any way. A professional tree technician understands how to properly handle trees and the tools that are used in the industry, without harming themselves or jeopardizing anyone else or their property. If a tree is cut incorrectly, it can fall in the wrong direction; perhaps on someone’s fence, roof, or car! A professional tree service company will avoid these accidents because they retain all the proper tools, equipment, knowledge, and experience.

Indianapolis Tree Service

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 to speak with a professional tree service technician in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Curt Scott, and his team of trained and qualified tree care specialists, have over 30 years of experience in the tree service industry. We offer residential and commercial tree services, including tree trimming, tree removal, stump removal and grinding, lot clearing, and much more. The best part is, we guarantee to FIT YOUR BUDGET! Call 317-590-1842 for affordable tree removal services in Indianapolis, IN all year round!

Get Rid of Unsightly Tree Stumps for a More Attractive Landscape

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Curt S.

Homeowners all over the country desire a more attractive front and backyard. Who doesn’t? Various initiatives like gardening, lawn care, décor, patio construction, and more are useful and effective methods to improving the look of your yard. But these are things you can add or implement to a landscape to make it look better. What about the things you should take away? Unsightly tree stumps and dead trees are ugly and unappealing. These are things that need to be removed to make your property look better. To improve the look of your yards, get rid of unsightly tree stumps as soon as possible, and be on your way to a more attractive landscape.

Stump Removal and Stump Grinding

When it comes to getting rid of tree stumps, a professional tree service is required. They retain the proper licensing, tools, training, and equipment to facilitate these kinds of job safely and correctly. Not only can improper tree work be a hazard to you, it can be a danger to the surrounding property, neighbors, children, houses, parked cars, and more. Tree accidents can be fatal if left in the hands of a novice. Always call a professional tree service company that has the experience to remove tree stumps without jeopardizing the safety and well-being of your property and surrounding landscape.

When it comes to tree stump removal, a professional technician uses a variety of tools and methods for extraction. The type of removal process and tools required for the job largely depends on the size, age, and condition of the stump. A tree service technician will not know which tools and equipment they need until they get their hands on the job and see the stump in person. Tools like manual saws, axes, chainsaws, blades, grinders, ropes, bungee cords, and more are used to remove or grind down tree stumps. Alternative methods to stump removal include the usage of chemicals to breakdown the stump and basically disintegrate it; or covering in topsoil to promote natural decay. The quickest solution to tree stump removal is usually stump grinding. A professional tree care company has what it takes to get this job done for you at the right price.

Stump Removal Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for professional and affordable stump removal and stump grinding services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner Curt Scott, and his team of trained and qualified tree technicians, are happy to answer any questions you have about tree care, tree removal, stump removal, and more. We offer free estimates, DIY advice, emergency services, discounts, monthly specials, and a wide range of tree care services. Whether you need residential tree care or commercial tree service, we are the professionals for the job. Call us today at 317-783-2370 for more information about stump removal services and more in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

Popular Pest Control Products for Trees

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Curt S.

When it comes to protecting your trees and landscaping, safe and effective pest control products can be a fantastic approach. There are several varieties of insecticides to choose from, all for various types of pests and vermin. Some products are toxic and unsafe for trees and nature; however, there are also safe and effective solutions available for purchase as well. It is simple to find these environmentally-free pesticides; just be sure to read labels and do your research. This will ensure your trees, shrubs, and landscaping are safe and protected, as well as the surrounding environment. Continue reading to review some common and popular selections of pest control products for trees and more.

Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect Control

This product comes in a blue bottle with a big red banner that reads, “Bayer Advanced”. It is beneficial for mature trees and/or a large numbers of trees. Because it is a concentrated formula, it provides protection for twice the number of trees and will not wash away with heavy rain or weather. To use, simply mix with water and pour at the base of the tree or bush. It also provides an entire year’s worth of protection, up to 12 months. It is scientifically designed to kill all pests and prevent infestations during this time; including Emerald Ash Borer, ticks, beetles, termites, and more. It not only protects trees, it also protects and treats shrubbery of all kinds. A one gallon bottle generally costs $155 plus taxes. Bayer also provides a wide selection of pest control products for various landscaping protection needs; from fruit trees to rose gardens, and more.

Martin’s Dominion Tree and Shrub Insecticide

This tree pest control products can be used to treat trees, bushes, gardens, shrubs, lawns, and more. It comes in a 32 ounce bottle that costs $24 plus tax. It protects trees and landscaping from insects like aphids, crickets, grubs, ticks, beetles, and more. This product is simple to use. The directions simply require the solution to be mixed with water, and then applied to the soil and base perimeter of trees and other landscaping. It is rain-proof, safe to use, and non-toxic to the surrounding environment. Like most insecticides, this one treats trees and landscaping for up to one year. For twelve months trees and landscaping are protected from nuisance pests and insects.

Zylam Liquid Systematic Tree Shrub Ornamental Insecticide

This product can be used as a drench, tree band, soil injection, or applied to bark and foliage. It protects trees and landscaping from pests and insects like Emerald Ash Borer, crickets, beetles, grubs, larvae, and more. The solution is designed to target insects through contact and ingestion. It even targets insects that hide underneath leaves by moving intravenously through the leaf. This product is safe and non-toxic to the environment; providing up to one year’s worth of protection. It is a clear and odorless solution that is easy to use and administer. This product can be purchased in a 10 court bottle for $155 plus taxes.

Budget Tree Care in Indianapolis

Here at Budget Tree Care, our highly trained and experienced tree service technicians provide affordable treatment and protection for trees and landscaping in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our owner, Curt Scott, has more than three decades of experience in the tree service industry and offers the best deals and rates for tree care in Indy. In addition to tree disease control and pest control protection, we offer tree removal, tree trimming, pruning, shaping, lot clearing, and much more. Call us today at 317-590-1842 for a free estimate regarding tree pest control and tree protection services in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding districts.

Wooded Lot? Consider Professional Lot Clearing Services

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Curt S.

Homeowners and property owners everywhere are dissatisfied with their wooded lots. In order to make room for new construction, building, and excavation projects, trees, shrubbery, hills, and more need to be leveled and removed. So who can provide this type of service? The answer is a professional tree removal and service company.

Licensed and experienced companies that retain the proper equipment, training, and qualifications, can offer lot clearing services for residential or commercial construction. Lot clearing involves a comprehensive agenda and specialized tools and training to facilitate safely within a timely fashion. If you need to get rid of a wooded lot, call a professional tree service company in your city. Continue reading to learn more about lot clearing and the process it involves; as well as, where to find reputable service you can trust.

Commercial and Residential Lot Clearing

Lot clearing is not just for new construction; or for homeowners that wish to remove a selection of trees in order to install a new backyard swimming pool. Lot clearing can also be a service for storm damage victims. An abundance of trees, bushes, shrubbery, dirt, branches, and storm debris can be quite overwhelming at first site. Fortunately, there is a professional service that provides assistance with cleanups such as these. Not all tree service companies provide lot clearing services. These services are usually offered by more seasoned and experienced tree service companies.

Removing a large number of trees and landscaping can be strenuous and complex. It is never recommended for a novice or amateur to attempt tree removal on their own. It can be very dangerous and a person can get face potential injury or death. Always outsource a professional tree removal company for lot clearing service and storm damage cleanup and repair.

Professionals are highly trained, licensed, and certified to use the equipment necessary for proper lot clearing and tree removal. These instruments include high powered chain saws, timber jack tools, heavy-duty chains, cranes, tractors, excavators, bulldozers, more. These machines, tools, and equipment require expert training and certification for safe and proper operation.

Indianapolis Lot Clearing Services

If you are looking to remove a large number of trees and landscaping from your residential or commercial property, trust Budget Tree Care for safe and affordable Indianapolis lot clearing services and tree removal. Owner, Curt Scott, and his team of highly trained, experienced, and licensed tree care technicians provide exceptional tree services at prices home and business owners can afford. We retain the latest technologies and state of the art equipment that allows us to facilitate a wide range of Indianapolis tree services, including lot clearing and more. Call us today at 317-590-1842 for a free estimate or information about tree removal or lot clearing services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties.