Tag Archives: tree care tips

How to Protect Your Trees From Deer Damage This Fall

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Usually when you see a deer, you feel honored and excited. And when it’s a buck, you really feel like you’ve hit the jackpot! However, frequent deer sightings can sometimes veer more towards a nuisance deer problem depending on the impact they have on your property, particularly on your trees.

In fact, many homeowners who live near wooded areas begin to question whether or not deer activity can harm their trees. Aside from grazing, many homeowners ask why bucks rub their antlers on newly-planted trees, and if this behavior can injure young trees. These are very good questions, and important information to your overall tree care routine.

Continue reading to learn why bucks are rubbing their antlers on your trees, and how to stop them from causing any damage with this behavior.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-590-1842

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-590-1842

Buck Behavior and Trees

Bucks rub their antlers against young trees because they are still flexible. There is a misconception about bucks who rub their antlers on trees. Many people in the past have assumed that it is due to the velvet that initially covers buck antlers. It was believed that this velvet was itchy, and bucks were simply relieving the irritation. But this can’t be true because antlers do not have nerve endings! Research shows that bucks most likely exhibit this behavior for a number of reasons. But the 3 most common include:

✓ To Mark Their Territory
✓ To Practice or Strengthen Neck Muscles for Battle
✓ To Arouse and Attract Fertile Does

Potential Damages

This distinctive buck behavior can harm trees. It can create open wounds in trees and break off bark. This leaves a tree more vulnerable to diseases, infections, and pest infestations. If a tree gets sick, it can quickly decline and die. So it is necessary to take action because deer will come back to your trees, season after season.

Protection

You have a few options to protect your trees from deer interference. You can install a fence around your property, which will inhibit deer from being able to enter your premises. If you are not interesting in such a large investment, you can install a perimeter fence just around your trees. You can make these using sheets of welded wire mesh, or you can purchase manufactured tree barriers or ornamental metal grates on the market.

Be sure they are at least 5 to 6 feet tall, and reinforced by 8-foot-tall rebar. The rebar should be pounded into the ground at regular intervals around the perimeter of the tree. If this doesn’t work for you, you can use corrugated plastic drainpipe. Cut it in half, lengthwise, and wrap it around the tree.

Indianapolis Tree Care You Can Trust

Budget Tree Care

Budget Tree Care 317-590-1842

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 to speak directly with a professional tree service technician about your tree removal and tree care needs. Feel free to request free estimates, information, or DIY advice while you have us on the line! And remember, we also offer emergency services, lot clearing, Emerald Ash Borer treatment, and much more! There is no tree job our knowledgeable and skilled tree service specialists can’t tackle! Call 317-590-1842 to request a free estimate, today.

What You Need to Know About Tree Bark Damage

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Pest, infestation, harsh weather, lawn mowers, landscape work, home remodeling projects, nuisance wildlife, and vandalism are just some of the common causes for tree bark defects. Because we love our trees so much and value the numerous benefits they bestow onto us, bark damage and decline is something we never want for our trees.

Continue reading to learn what your options are for a tree with bark damage, and who to call for trusted tree care advice.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-590-1842

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-590-1842

Mending Bark Damages

When tree bark is damaged, the underlying tissue and wood can be exposed, which is highly detrimental to the tree. It is crucial to take action as soon as possible, before the tree enters a heightened state of vulnerability. Once a tree is too weak, it can lead to extensive bark damage and overall tree decline. When you see damaged tree bark, there are some things you need to do right away. You may need to consult a licensed Indianapolis tree service specialist for advice on where to find the proper supplies, how to use them, and the best post-care instructions for your particular tree species.

To repair tree bark, you may need to:

❶ Remove all of the loose tree bark.

❷ Provide adequate irrigation and fertilization for the tree.

❸ Look into the possibility of bridge grafting.

❹ Plan and carry out an all-inclusive agricultural care schedule.

❺ Prevent further damages and threats with proper environmental modifications and routine tree care.

How to Remove Damaged Tree Bark

To remove loose tree bark, you will need a set of sharp pruning shears that have been sterilized (or a knife). Then look for any bark that is loose, flapping, or bruised, and cut off any areas that match these descriptions. It is important to not damage the inner bark and cambium cell layer that is still alive and intact. You only want to remove outer bark.

Cutting right at the line of decay is the best point of reference for safe tree bark removal. Providing adequate water and fertilizer is crucial in order to reduce the potential for tree disease and vulnerability. It also promotes strong and sturdy tree growth and tissue repair.

When tree bark is wounded or exposed, various wood-eating and burrowing pests can invade the tree. Emerald Ash Borers, Wood Beetles, and more can harm a tree’s health and damage it even further. Be sure that you are taking the necessary precautions to protect a newly-cut tree from pest infestations, bacterial infections, and fungal growth.

Indianapolis 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. We offer residential and commercial tree work, as well as, free estimates, senior discounts, and the guaranteed lowest price in town! That’s right; we guarantee to FIT YOUR BUDGET! Request an estimate, today!

Do I Need to Water a Mature Tree?

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Indianapolis Tree Care 317-590-1842

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-590-1842

Mature trees are prized possessions to us because they have flourished to the tree they were planted to be. Aside from the oxygen they produce, mature trees provide privacy, shade, appeal, energy efficiency, noise reduction, and various other benefits. For these reasons and more, we are keen on keeping them healthy and happy for years to come.
One of the most frequently asked questions about caring for mature trees is in regards to the amount of water they require for sustenance. Concerned property owners want to know if they should be watering their mature trees, or doing something more to care for them. Mature landscaping trees are assets, so it is important to know these facts. Continue reading to learn about caring for mature trees and how much you should be watering them, season to season.

Mature Tree Care

Just like young trees, mature trees require a certain degree of routine care and maintenance. This includes watering, pruning, fertilizing, and disease prevention. You see, mature trees have slowed in growth, making them more vulnerable to the hazards in their surrounding environment. They are more susceptible to pest infestations, diseases, blights, and wildlife interference. To ensure proper growth and survival, mature trees need:

• Proper Soil Conditions and pH Balance
• Regular Watering
• Seasonal Pruning
• Pest and Wildlife Prevention

How to Water a Mature Tree

☛ To water mature trees properly, you will need to take their age and climate into consideration. Here’s what you need to know:

☛ Larger trees require more water than smaller ones.

☛ If the forecast is calling for flooding rains over the next several weeks, you will not need to water your trees.

☛ If the forecast is moderately rainy to dry, you will need to give your mature trees one deep watering every month.

☛ In dry seasons or during extended periods of drought, water trees deeply twice per month.

Pruning and Disease Control

Mature trees should be pruned on a routine basis to improve foliage growth and branch strength, thus reducing the chances of branch breakage and other tree hazards. In heavily wooded areas, it is wise to have your trees sprayed with insecticides for added protection against pest infestations. Talk to a trusted Indianapolis tree service company for advice on how to care for your mature trees. They have the knowledge and experience to accurately assess your tree’s overall condition and health needs, provide professional recommendations, and implement any needed tree service for your landscaping trees.

Professional Tree Service in Indianapolis

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for professional tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer residential and commercial tree work, as well as, free estimates, senior discounts, and the guaranteed lowest price in town! Request an estimate, today!

Tree Care Tips for Homeowners Who Want to Add an Inground Pool

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Adding a pool to your property will certainly raise your home’s value; but be sure to take the proper measures to ensure your beautiful landscaping trees are not negatively affected by the construction and installation process. Trees add property value too! Continue reading to learn what you need to know about tree care before having an inground swimming pool installed.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-590-1842

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-590-1842

Preventative Maintenance Should Come Before Installation

Before construction begins for your inground swimming pool, be sure to talk to your contractor about their internal safety standards and practices in regards to landscape protection. You will want to know where they will need to enter your yard, which equipment will be driven on your lawn, which trees will need to be removed (if any), and much more. You will need to develop a plan together that will protect your trees during the construction process.

Tree Location

If trees are too close to a swimming pool, several inherent risks are posed. Not only can the leaves and pollen jeopardize the clarity of your pool water and add to the amount of manual maintenance you need to do, it can affect the tree root system. Trees that are too close are more likely to develop root stability problems, which can lead to tilting, tipping, and falling. This can subsequently cause the tree to experience health issues and eventual decline. As for your pool, the filter can be affected by all the falling tree debris, resulting in costly repair and replacement bills.

The general rule of thumb is to make sure trees are at least 2 ½ times the tree’s trunk diameter away from the lip of the swimming pool. Here’s an example on how to do the math:

Tree Trunk Diameter = 36 Inches
36 x 2.5 = 90 Inches
*This tree should be at least 90 inches (7.5 feet) away from the pool’s edge.

Pool Installation Crew

It is important to discuss how your pool company plans on installing your pool. That is because the impact of construction equipment and crew members can be highly detrimental to existing landscaping trees. Compaction of the critical root zones of trees can be easily prevented by simply discussing the concern upfront, and strategizing a way to avoid tree damage during the construction phase. Certain tree species are more resilient to this type of stimuli, such as live oaks. However, it is still important to take the necessary precautionary measures anyway. Other tree species are particularly vulnerable under such conditions, such as Hackberry trees. These will quickly split, rot, and decline if impacted negatively by pool construction.

Additional Tree Care Tips:

🌳 It is best to install pools in the fall or winter when trees are dormant. The stress of the construction and hot summer heat can take a large toll on landscaping trees.

🌳 Watch out for root damage when the pool installers begin to trench the ground. Roots should be cut cleanly, and never ripped or torn. This could cause uneven regeneration or root rot.

🌳 Contact an experienced Indianapolis tree service company for more advice on tree care.

Indianapolis Tree Care

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 residential and commercial tree work, as well as, free estimates, senior discounts, and the guaranteed lowest price in town! Request an estimate, today!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Pruning Trees

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Indianapolis Tree Pruning 317-590-1842

Indianapolis Tree Pruning 317-590-1842

Tree pruning is one of the most important tree services you can provide for your landscaping trees. When done correctly, pruning trees delivers beautiful, robust, and bountiful blooms come spring and summer. That is because proper tree pruning promotes new healthy growth, which simultaneously improves its appearance. And healthy growth allows trees to grow brighter, greener, and fuller with every blooming season. But tree pruning is not effective if it is not carried out properly. It is important to learn what you should and shouldn’t do in terms of pruning trees. Continue reading to learn the top-most do’s and don’ts of tree pruning.

Please DO:

Hire a licensed and insured tree care contractor for professional tree trimming and pruning services. They have the proper knowledge, skills, training, and resources to get the job done, safely and efficiently.

Ask your tree care contractor for licensing and insurance information, and

Ask your tree care contractor if their tree pruning services meet the standards for tree pruning (also known as ANSI A300), as set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Note: If they do prune according to the ANSI standards, their written estimate should also be written to reflect these specific ANSI A300 standards.

Remember that improper tree pruning can damage your landscaping trees long-term, and even cause premature tree death, disease, and pest infestations.

Take the time to inspect your trees after a severe rain or wind storm. If serious tree wounds are left untreated, it can harm the tree.

If there is damage to your trees after a storm, contact your trusted tree care contractor for storm damage clearance and tree removal services for fallen trees. They may even need to trim or cut branches to remove hazards and obstacles created from the storm damage.

But DO NOT:

Prune trees on your own. Several factors go into the process of tree pruning, so it requires extensive training and experience, as well as, professional tools and resources to implement the job safely and effectively. Attempting to prune your trees can put you at risk of having an accident or being seriously injured, and incorrect pruning can harm your trees. Even small trees that do not require the use of a ladder should not be pruned by anyone but a trained professional. And more importantly, never hire a fly-by-the-night tree service business. Be sure they are licensed, insured, and have been in business for several years.

Indianapolis Tree Pruning Services

Budget Tree Care

Budget Tree Care 317-590-1842

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for tree pruning and tree trimming service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are licensed and insured tree care contractors that retain extensive experience in the tree service industry. We provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, all guaranteed to fit your budget! Call 317-590-1842 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis tree pruning, today.

Is My Tree Being Attacked By Emerald Ash Borers?

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Ash trees are a common species here in Indiana. But unfortunately, through the months of May and August they are primary targets for an invasive beetle called the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). These flat-backed, metallic-green beetles are not from around here though. They arrived from Asia over a decade ago inside packing material made from Ash wood. And although first detected in Detroit, Michigan in 2002, they are now found all across the mid-West and eastern coasts as a result of interstate commerce and transportation of Ash firewood, nursery stock, and logs.

Identify Ash Trees

When EABs attack Ash trees, you can see the signs and symptoms within a few days. To determine if your trees are Ash trees, look at their branches and the placement of their twigs. Ash trees have branches with twigs that grow opposite of each other, somewhat like human arms. If the twigs are staggered, it is not an Ash tree. If you do have Ash trees, the next step in determining if they are under attack by EABs, you need to learn the signs and symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Keep in mind that many signs and symptoms of Emerald Ash Borer attacks are similar to other tree diseases and Ash tree pests. So it is best to talk to a professional tree care specialist to know for sure if your Ash trees are infested, or simply ill from other circumstances. Here are the common signs and symptoms Ash Trees exhibit under stress from Emerald Ash Borers:

EAB Symptoms:

Woodpeckers – If Ash trees are experiencing increased woodpecker activity, it is a sign that Emerald Ash Borers are present. Woodpeckers love these juicy larvae, and will feed on them constantly if they are in your Ash trees.

Epicormic Sprouting – This is a common symptom of a tree under duress. Epicormic sprouting is when a tree starts to grow branches and leaves from anywhere it can, as a desperate attempt to thrive. These branches and leaves usually grow from the base of the trees and the trunk.

Bark Splits – Vertical splits in the bark occur from callus tissue growth that develops as a result of larval galleries. In fact, you can often see larval galleries underneath bark splits.

Crown Die-Back – After several years of EAB larvae feeding, Ash trees will suffer from upper and outer crown die-back. Since EAB larvae prevents adequate nutrition and water intake for an Ash tree, the leaves begin to drop and the branches begin to die throughout the canopy. Foliage discoloration at tree tops can also occur.

EAB Signs:

Letter-Shaped Holes – Holes that appear in the shape of an “S” or a “D” are common signs of larvae galleries and emergence holes for adult beetles. They are usually around an 1/8 of an inch wide. Larval galleries create the S-shaped holes, while emerging adult beetles create the D-shaped holes.

Larvae – If you can see larvae feeding underneath an Ash tree’s bark, then it is most likely an EAB infestation. They are cream-colored larvae, slightly-flattened and up to 1 ½ inch long.

Beetles – If you can see adult green beetles, they could very-well be Emerald Ash Borers. It is encouraged to contact a licensed tree service company for help identifying EABs, and resolving Emerald Ash Borer problems.

Budget Tree Care

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for professional tree removal and tree care in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Owner, Curt Scott, has several decades of experience in the tree care industry, and uses the latest advancements and technologies to provide quality tree service at an affordable price. In fact, we guarantee to FIT YOUR BUDGET! Request a free estimate or free tree care advice, anytime. Call 317-590-1842 to speak with Curt directly, and see for yourself just how affordable Indianapolis tree service can be!