3 Winter Tree Damages to Watch Out For This Season

Wintertime is not a great time for trees. Not only are they more susceptible to health and structural difficulties, it is more challenging for you to implement the proper inspections needed to ensure they remain in good health throughout the entirety of the season. For these reasons, it is wise to hire a professional tree service provider for all your winter tree care needs. Otherwise, your landscaping trees may fall victim to one of the top 3 most common winter tree problems.

Continue reading to learn what these common winter tree problems are, and where to find the best tree service in town.

Indianapolis Winter Tree Service 317-590-1842
Indianapolis Winter Tree Service 317-590-1842

Among all of the possible problems that trees can experience in the winter, the top three you need to watch out for are cold damage, frost heaving, and seasonal drought. For each, here is a brief explanation of their causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies:

❅ Cold Damage

The high and low seasonal temperature spectrum can greatly affect trees, especially if they are already weakened or sick. The afternoon sun can be very warm for trees, and then the nightly lows bring them back into a freeze. These changes cause a condition informally known as “cold damage”, which is often distinguishable by a wide range of symptoms, such as cracked or peeling bark, and even inner bark damage. Trees that experience late seasonal growth are more vulnerable to cold damage.

To reverse cold damage, you will need to implement a customized and strategic tree care plan with the help of an industry professional. To prevent cold damage in your landscaping trees, you will need to do the same, except ahead of time, before the winter season is upon us again next year.

❅ Frost Heaving

Frost heaving is a typically winter tree problem, especially in regions where snow and ice are abundant. This condition starts in the soil. As the outdoor climates freeze and fluctuate, the underground water within the soil beneath trees also freezes. This occurrence develops ice in the soil, which causes the soil to swell upwards towards the base of the tree trunk. You may have seen the ramifications of this condition before in concrete, sidewalks, and pavements.  Frost heaving is a problem for tree because it weakens and damages roots, which can then make a tree more susceptible to toppling over.

Frost heaving is not something you can really prevent. If it does occur, you will need professional tree service to ensure the tree is not a hazard or liability. Routine tree care is vital to grow strong, healthy, resistant trees; if you stay on top of tree care, a tree has a better chance of surviving frost heave.

❅ Seasonal Drought

You would think that trees get plenty of water in the winter with all of the snow, but the reality is that freezing temperatures can cause a tree to lose water reserves at a much faster rate; so fast, they cannot absorb enough water from the ground in time to replace the loss. This results in winter drought, which can be identified through a number of symptoms like branch loss, cracking bark, wildlife infestation, and death. Seasonal drought can also lead to late growth in spring, sunburnt leaves in the summer, and premature foliage loss in fall.

To help trees avoid seasonal drought, your best approach would include the assistance of a tree care professional. They have the knowledge and resources necessary to ensure your landscaping trees are healthy and ready to take on winter conditions. In addition to tree service, you can also help tree’s retain moisture through adequate mulching, year-round.

Where to Get Affordable and Trusted Tree Service

Budget Tree Care
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 care solutions at the most competitive prices in town. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Protect Your Trees From Cold Temperatures

This time of year, many of those who have invested in nice landscaping are concerned about cold temperatures effecting their young and mature trees. They wonder if all this snow and cold weather can harm a tree’s health, or worse, kill it before warm weather emerges once again. The short answer to this question is yes.

Continue reading to learn how trees are affected by cold temperatures and extreme climate conditions we often see in winter, and what you can do to protect your trees year-round.

Indianapolis Tree Service

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-590-1842

Tree Health and Stability

Like virtually all living organisms, trees too can be negatively affected by cold temperatures and inclement weather. This is especially true for long bouts of extreme weather conditions. Several environmental elements, climates, and weather conditions can affect the overall health and stability of a tree. And from these harsh winter temperatures and weather, endless issues may arise. Trees can lose their water and nutrient supply during these seasons, which can eventually cause them to dry up from undernourishment and water deficiency. This commonly occurs when the ground freezes, thus prohibiting tree roots from absorbing water.

Another major concern in the wintertime is excessive snow accumulation, which can cause trees to bend and break. Of course a large tree that is also unstable is a hazard. Weak and vulnerable trees can fall on people, houses, cars, and buildings; causing costly repairs, or worse, injury and death. It is wise to prevent large amounts of snow from accumulating at the base of your trees for the above two examples. Not only will lack of snow prevent a weakening tree trunk, it will reduce the ground temperature, thus preventing the ground from freezing and the trees not being able to absorb water.

Preventative Maintenance for Winter

Fortunately, there are several ways you can protect your landscaping trees from suffering any harm caused by extreme cold and harsh winter climates. In order to protect trees in the winter, or during long periods of colder climates, is to be prepared and put in the needed effort. This starts with ensuring your trees are healthy before the winter approaches, so that they are in good condition to face harsh weather and cold temperatures.

Furthermore, it is important to keep nuisance wildlife and pests away from your trees, implement autumn pruning and trimming, and maintaining proper mulch levels. Even a late winter pruning can be beneficial to your trees, as it can provide extra protection against cold weather and snow. Consult with a local and trusted Indianapolis tree service provider for the best advice regarding winter tree care.

Affordable Winter Tree Service

Budget Tree Care

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.

Budget Tree Care Offers a Wide Range of Professional Services!

When it comes to your property’s value and appeal, why settle for less? Budget Tree Care knows just how important your landscaping trees are, and as leaders in the tree service industry, we provide expert tree care you can trust!

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-590-1842
Here at Budget Tree Care, our licensed contractors have been serving the Indianapolis communities with expert tree work for more than 25 years, and provide a wide range of both residential and commercial tree services, including tree removal, tree trimming, pruning, stump removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, and a lot more! Continue reading to see all the services we offer our surrounding Indianapolis towns and neighborhoods.

☙ Residential Work

Our licensed tree service contractors provide tree work for all residential properties. Regardless of your property’s size and scope, we are fully equipped to provide all routine and major tree services within a time frame that’s convenient for you!

☙ Commercial Work

In addition to residential work, our company is fully equipped to take on large commercial tree projects as well. From tree and underbrush removal to storm damage clearance, stump removal, routine tree care, and more, there is nothing we can’t do for your commercial landscaping trees.

☙ Tree Removal

Tree removal is our specialty. We remove trees of all sizes, shapes, and conditions, including dead trees and hard-to-access trees. Our professional, state of the art equipment can stand up to any tree that needs felling. We use a strict concentrated approach to keep you and your property safe.

☙ Tree Trimming

We offer a wide range of seasonal tree care services, including tree trimming, tree pruning, fertilization, topping, transplanting, and much more. Tree trimming is essentially for so many reasons, so be sure you follow up throughout the seasons so your trees remain happy and healthy all year long.

☙ Storm Damage Clearance

Harsh storms, strong winds, and other types of seasonal weather can cause tree damage, which can be both dangerous and unattractive for any type of property. Trees can lean, limbs can break off, branches can split or fall, all of which can create dangerous hazards and obstructions. If you have a fallen, leaning, or storm damaged tree, it is important to get professional tree service as soon as possible.

☙ Stump Removal and Stump Grinding

After a tree is removed, there is still a stump to hide. If you want your stumps hidden, we offer professional stump grinding services. If a stump is not something you want on your property at all, we offer speedy stump removal services too!

☙ Lot Clearing

Whether commercial or residential, sometimes a lot needs to be cleared. We are fully equipped and trained to clear a lot of trees and underbrush, regardless of the job’s size and scope. We know the importance of your surrounding landscape, and takes great care to provide effective lot clearing solutions that will not disrupt or destroy your property.

Tree Care on a Budget!

Budget Tree Care

Budget Tree Care 317-590-1842

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for professional tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer full-service, residential and commercial tree care and tree removal, and we guarantee to fit your budget! Let our highly-trained and experienced tree care contractors show you how to get your trees looking beautiful and healthy this season! Call 317-590-1842 to request a free estimate, today.

How to Protect your Landscaping Trees when Shoveling Snow

If you live in Indiana, or a region of the country where snow is likely come wintertime, then you may face a separate agenda for landscaping care then the rest of the nation. Snow fall can bring beautiful ambiance and family fun; however, when it comes to your beloved landscaping and trees, snow can be a faint threat unless confronted properly. It is important as a home or property owner to know how to take care of landscaping and trees.

Your trees reduce outside noise, allow privacy, encourage wind flow for cool breezes in summer, and much more. Be sure to protect your investments and sustain an aesthetically pleasing outdoor ambiance by learning about proper winter tree and landscaping care. Continue reading to learn, specifically, how to shovel snow without harming trees and landscaping on your property this winter.

Snow and Ice Removal Products Can Cause Landscaping and Tree Damages

When the snow comes down, we begin our wintertime rituals. This includes sprinkling our de-icing products, salting our driveways, and of course, shoveling snow. Unfortunately, some products on the market today may contain ingredients that are harmful to our trees and landscaping. Materials like rock salt and other de-icers can contain elements like sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride; all of which can be harmful to vegetation if over applied. Urea, a plant fertilizer is another strategy used to melt snow and ice; but it can also harm plants and trees if over applied. Common damages are dead grass and plants, scald pots, burn marks, cracked bark, peeling tree bark, and many more.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to using harsh products with high salt amounts. For example, many property owners are discovering that environmentally friendly options work well. Materials like sand, sawdust, wood shavings, granite dust, and even cat litter are safe for pets and the environment. They are also cheaper and can potentially save a person hundreds of dollars each year!

Proper Snow Shoveling Can Eliminate Tree Damages

When it comes to actually shoveling snow, it is important to take your time. Improper use of a shovel can damage plants, roots, and trees. It can be difficult determining where a plant lies, or tree roots begin beneath five inches of snow; but use these guidelines and tips next time you need to shovel your walkways, patios, porches, and driveway:

Safely Shovel Snow around Trees and Landscaping:

• Use a broom to gently sweep the first two layers of snow away from tree bases, plants, and garden perimeters. Sweep gently until base or perimeter is virtually exposed.

• Shovel slowly and in small amounts.

• In heavily covered areas away from trees and landscaping, use the shovel to push the snow rather than lift the snow.

• Use a plastic shovel near trees and foliage rather than aluminum or other metallic shovels. Plastic is less harmful to trees and plants.

• Do not attempt to remove ice from tree limbs. It can cause branches to break off or become damaged.

• Wait until snow and ice are melting to clear covered tree limbs and plants.

Always protect yourself when shoveling snow near covered trees and landscaping. You can easily become injured if a large chunk of ice or snow falls on top of you. Be sure to let a friend or loved one know you are shoveling snow near tall or heavily snow-covered trees before you leave. It is recommended to hire professional snow removal companies to assist you in difficult or dangerous snow removal jobs. For easier tasks, be sure to still protect yourself from falling ice, snow, and branches.

Indianapolis Tree Care Professionals

Ask our Indianapolis tree care professionals about removing snow and ice safely this winter. Call 317-590-1842 and speak directly with Curt Scott, owner and operator of Budget Tree Care, or one of our other licensed and experienced tree technicians. We are among the leading tree removal and maintenance companies in Indianapolis and can offer you the most proficient and accurate advice or service for tree care, tree removal, tree diseases, landscaping advice, snow removal, and much more! We service all counties and cities in Indiana! Call 317-590-1842 for any questions or a free estimate for winter tree care in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties.