Why is Tree Topping Harmful to Trees?

Many people believe that tree topping is an effective form of pruning. The truth is, it is not an acceptable technique at all. In fact, tree topping is the most harmful tree care practice used for pruning trees. Somehow, it has remained a common means to prune trees despite the tedious warnings from tree care experts. But there are times when trees can be topped.

Tree topping is an acceptable practice when performed on dead trees for the purpose of aesthetics or hindered views. If you want the best for your landscaping trees, continue reading to learn more about tree topping and its harmful effects on trees.

Unselective Branch Removal

Topping trees involves cutting most or all branches and limbs down to short stubs. Essentially, it is the process of removing tree branches and limbs without being selective or concerned. Tree topping also goes by the names, “tipping”, “hat-racking”, “heading”, and “rounding over.” The most common reason people choose to top a tree is to shorten it or reduce its size. Unless the tree is already dead, this is highly-detrimental to its survival. That is because tree topping is not an effective method for reducing the height or span of a tree. Homeowners also have trees topped when they feel that their tree is too large and may pose a danger in the future. But this is not an effective method for reducing tree hazards either. What topping will do is increase the risk of tree hazards and problems.

Tree Stress

Trees are living organisms, which means they too can experience a decline in health and well-being. And when they are treated improperly, they can become stressed, which can result in tree health decline and more. Stress is a common side effect a tree can experience as a result of tree topping. Most of a tree’s life-bearing crown is removed during the tree topping process, which inhibits their ability to obtain sufficient food. And when they cannot get enough food, they starve, thus triggering various other survival instincts and mechanisms.

For instance, it can trigger dormant buds to activate, which then prompts epicormic shoots to grow rapidly from every cut. This is the tree’s attempt to re-grow foliage as quickly as possible in order to survive. Unfortunately, topped trees often weaken and die because they cannot grow enough leaves back to sufficiently feed themselves.

Other Negative Effects of Tree Topping:

🌳 Decay occurs because the tree cannot close or heal its large cuts.
🌳 Exposed trees are prone to sunburn.
🌳 Epicormic sprouts can fall and damage property or injure people and pets.
🌳 Unhealthy trees attract pests and diseases.

Indianapolis Tree Pruning

Budget Tree Care

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 has decades of experience in the tree care industry, and provides a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump grinding, stump removal, lot clearing, and much more. Call 317-590-1842 to request an estimate for Indianapolis tree pruning, 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.

Wooded Lot? Consider Professional Lot Clearing Services

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.

Tree Bark Damage and Repair

Trees are inspirational and aesthetically pleasing. They are admired most for their gift of shade, bountiful harvests, beautiful scenery, and their part in nature’s course. This is why it is troubling to see trees whose bark has been damaged by harsh weather, vandalism, lawn mowers, wild animals, and more. Tree bark is important for a trees health because it protects the conductive wood and tissue beneath. Continue reading to learn how to repair damaged tree bark, and who to call for accurate and professional tree care advice.

Tree Bark Repair

When tree bark is damaged, the underlying tissue and wood can be exposed and detrimental to the tree. It is crucial to act fast before the tree becomes even more vulnerable; leading to extensive bark damage and overall harm. In short, when you see damaged tree bark, a few things will be in order right away. These include:

• Removing the Loose Tree Bark
• Facilitate Comprehensive Cultural Care
• Provide Adequate Irrigation
• Provide Adequate Fertilization
• Possible Bridge Grafting
• Preventing Further Damages and Threats

To remove loose tree bark, a person will need sterile and sharp pruning shears or a knife. Look for any bark that is loose, flapping, or bruised. This is the bark that will need to be cut off. It is important for a person to not damage the wood that is still alive and intact. 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.

Indianapolis Indiana Tree Bark Repair Services

For more information about tree bark repair and tree bark damages in Indianapolis, Indiana, call 317-590-1842 today. We are Budget Tree Care and we offer a wide range of services for wounded and diseased trees. Owner, Curt Scott, and the rest of our tree care team can facilitate proficient and effective Indianapolis tree services that can save or repair damaged trees. We also offer tree removal, tree transplanting, tree care, tree service, disease control, trimming, lot clearing, pruning, tree topping, and much more. Call 317-590-1842 for a free estimate regarding tree service or repair for damaged tree bark and more in Indianapolis, IN.

Winter Storm Damage Repair for Trees and Landscaping

Trees can experience different degrees of damage during a winter storm. The amount of damage to your trees depends on the age of a tree, a tree’s strength and sturdiness, and the severity of the storm. All these variables can influence the amount of damage your trees will acquire. So what does a property owner do with all these damages if they occur? The answer is to call a professional tree removal and care company. They retain the proper training, equipment, and tools to remove fallen or damaged trees safely; as well as, implement techniques to protect your existing trees from future damage. If you plan to tackle winter storm tree damage on your own, continue reading to learn more about what it takes to successfully care for and protect injured or vulnerable trees.

Tree Root Damages

There are various elements that can damage a tree’s root system. For example, freezing temperatures and frost can freeze up the ground around the base of the tree; causing roots to work harder for heat and survival. Heat is lost and the tree suffers from lack of nutrients and will most likely die. Placing mulch around the base of trees before harsh winter weather begins can help a root system retain heat within the soil. It acts as an insulator and protects a tree from severe winds, freezing temperatures, snow, frost, and ice storms.

Sun Scald

Sun scald certainly sounds like something that would happen in hot weather; but the truth is, sun scald occurs in the colder months of the year. In the winter time, trees have lost their leaves. This leaves them bare, bald, and more vulnerable to elemental conditions. Sun scald is when a tree is overexposed to sun reflections. This causes the bark to peel and crack, causing large tree fissures. If your trees are susceptible to sun scald, then try covering the trunk with a tree wrap or plastic covering. Blocking the reflection of the sun can reduce tree bark damage overtime. It is best to wrap a tree before freezing temperatures begin.

Broken Branches

The weight of ice, snow, and water can break off tree branches in the winter. Broken tree limbs and branches are problems for a number of reasons; not only can heavy branches fall and damage property or injure another person, it damages the tree as well. By wrapping branches and weal limbs with burlap or applying ground stakes for tree trunk support, you can potentially avoid fallen or broken tree branches in your yard.

Indianapolis Tree Care

For more information about winter storm tree damage in Indianapolis, Indiana, call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 today. Owner, Curt Scott, and his team of licensed and insured tree care technicians offer a wide variety of tree services, including winter storm protection. We offer free estimates, discounts, coupons, tree removal, tree disease treatment, repairs, restorations, stump removal, lot clearing, and more. Call 317-590-1842 for a free estimate and information about preventing trees from needing winter storm tree damage repair in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

Effective Leaf Removal Tips for Homeowners

When we start to see the tree leaves falling and turning colors, we know that the seasons are changing. Although the pretty fall colors are easy to admire, most homeowners would rather admire them somewhere other than their own property. We take pride in our landscapes and remain eager to improve on it all year round. When the leaves fall, it can certainly interrupt a beautiful looking lawn. Although we don’t really enjoy leave removal, there are some helpful techniques that can speed up the process. Continue reading to catch up on some quick and effective leaf removal tips for residential and commercial properties.

Raking Leaves

Raking is the most basic and common strategy when it comes to removing leaves from lawns, yards, driveways, and more. Although it can be laborious and time-consuming, leaf raking is an age-old method of leaf removal that has proven to be reliable and effective at the same time. To save time and energy, use a wide-clawed rake that has an extra-wide raking surface for faster leaf removal. Be sure to continue moving your feet around to avoid any strain on the back. Try to not bend and stretch your back because this can cause soreness and possible injury. Hold the rake in front of your and walk backwards as you work.

Leaf Blowers

Although leaf blowers are more expensive than a rake, they are becoming the more desirable method of residential and commercial leaf removal. This is because they do faster work in less amount of time. So long as the leaves are dry, electric and gas powered leaf blowers work very well. They can eliminate a large pile or accumulation of leaves in a yard in less than half the time it would take using a rake!

Once the dry leaves are removed, it only requires a minimal amount of manual labor to remove the wet leaves stuck to the grass, pavement, or ground. There are a few drawbacks to leaf blowers that might be important to know. For example, some leaf blowers are gas powered, which can be more expensive (buying gasoline), and worse for the environment. Also, they are more expensive and can be loud; so use them during an appropriate time of day!

Mulching

Before attempting to rake the leaves in your yard, determine whether or not it’s the right time. Meaning, if it is early autumn, then your grass is still growing; so you do not need to rake quite yet. Instead, drive your lawn mower over them to grind them up and use them as grass food or bag them and toss them away. Contrastingly, in late fall, grass has stopped growing and the leaves can be removed.

Leaf and Tree Care in Indianapolis, Indiana

If the leaves on your trees are giving you concern, call Budget Tree Removal at 317-590-1842 for licensed tree care in Indianapolis, Indiana. Curt Scott, owner and operator, is happy to give you advice about your tree leaves and how to guarantee bountiful blossoms in spring and summer. We also offer free estimates, discounts, tree care coupons, DIY advice, and more! If you have questions about how to stop the leaves from falling of your trees next year, give us a call at 317-590-1842 for professional Indianapolis tree care advice and service.

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.

The Importance of Winter Tree Care

When the seasons change and autumn fades into winter, trees become dormant. This means they are not active when it comes to growth and consumption. This hibernation stage is a natural defense mechanism against potential adverse weather conditions winter can promise each year. Although a dormant tree is not actively growing, it still requires a particular degree of care if you desire abundant and luscious trees come spring and summertime. Fortunately, tree dormancy allows home owners or tree care technicians to better facilitate a wide variety of treatments and car techniques to further protect the trees and influence positive growth for the following seasons. Continue reading to learn more about these recommended tree care approaches and who to call for professional advice or assistance this winter.

Beneficial Tree Services for Winter Protection

Even though the weather is changing, trees and landscapes still require the same level of attention and care. There are several options a person can facilitate to influence proper growth, sustenance, and protection for their trees during the winter time; however, not all trees require the same type of maintenance. Fir trees, maples, oaks, and fruit trees are very similar, but may require slightly different treatment plans. It is best to consult a professional tree service technician for advice and assistance on this matter. Here is a list of the recommended tree services to consider implementing throughout the winter in order to achieve beautiful and vibrant trees and fruits come spring:

• Tree Trimming
• Tree Pruning
• Dead Wooding
• Fertilizing
• Tree Shaping
• Tree Topping
• Disease Control
• Tree Thinning
• Tree Cabling and Bracing
• Deep Root Feeding
• Crown Reduction and Balancing
• Tree Injections
• Tree Feeding
• Tree Restorations
• Tree Removal

Depending on the type of tree, current status of the tree, and the time of year, the level of care will differ for each service. Not all trees will require every service listed above in the winter time. It all depends on the state of the tree and the tree’s particular needs. Nonetheless, caring for your trees in the winter time is highly advantageous and shows in the spring and summer seasons. Fruits taste better, are healthier and more abundant as well! Leaves are thicker, flowers are brighter and more colorful, and the trunk will be strong and sturdier than ever! Be sure to consult a licensed and insured tree service company for accurate and reliable advice on winter tree care for your property before getting started on your own.

Indianapolis Tree Service

For more information about winter tree service, call Budget Tree Care in Indianapolis, Indiana today! Owner and operator, Curt Scott, is happy to answer all your questions about winter tree care and more. He and his team of tree service specialists have more than three decades of experience in the tree removal and service industry. Budget Tree Care provides all tree services for residential and commercial properties. They also offer free estimates, coupons, discounts, DIY advice, and more! Call 317-590-1842 for winter tree care services and more in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

Signs and Symptoms of an Emerald Ash Borer Infected Tree

Residential and commercial property owners value their well-maintained landscapes and foliage. It is important to most land owners that their trees are healthy and appealing. On top of tree trimming, pruning, fertilizing, and other common tree care, eliminating infestation threats is equally important for a tree’s health. Continue reading to learn about the Emerald Ash Borer, as well as, the signs and symptoms of an EAB infestation.

The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus Planipennis)

The Emerald Ash Borer has been infecting North American trees and foliage for as long as man has been around. These beetle-like insects are easily identifiable and somewhat beautiful, in a way. They are a bright green, metallic looking insects with a half inch long flattened back and purple abdominal sections beneath their wings. As mentioned before, they are quite beautiful, but extremely detrimental to the well-being of our trees. They are originally found in the eastern parts of the world, such as Russia, Japan, Korea, and China. It wasn’t until 2002 that Emerald Ash Borers were discovered in North America. They most likely came from ash wood being transferred into the states. They mostly affect Ash trees, but can cause implications to other surrounding foliage as well. They attack stressed or dying trees, but can also invade perfectly healthy Ash trees.

Signs and Symptoms of Emerald Ash Borer

There are several ways to identify an Ash Borer infestation in Ash trees and other foliage. Their activities and behaviors leave clues behind that can only suggest an Ash Borer problem. Here is a list of common signs and symptoms of a tree infected and overcome with Emerald Ash Borer colonies:

• Splitting Bark
• Canopy Thinning and Die-Back
• Foliage Bareness
• Vertical Fissures on Bark
• Callous Tissue Formation
• Exposed Galleries under Bark Split
• Serpentine-Shaped Larvae Feeding Galleries in Bark
• Frass Accumulation (Mix of Saw Dust and Excrement)
• D-Shaped Holes in Trunk
• Increase Woodpecker Activity
• Sprout Growth from Roots and Trunk
• Larger-than-Normal Leaves

Treatment for Emerald Ash Borer Infestations

A property owner has only a few options when it comes to rehabilitating trees infected with Emerald Ash Borer colonies. The only possible treatments and options for Emerald Ash Borer infestations is insecticides or tree removal. By hiring a tree care company, land owners can learn methods to preventing pest problems and infestations in their trees. Prevention and routine maintenance are the best ways to protect trees from Emerald Ash Borers and other tree ailments.

For more information about the Emerald Ash Borer or Ash Tree removal, call Budget Tree Care in Indianapolis, Indiana at 317-590-1842 today. Curt Scott and his team of fellow licensed and qualified tree technicians have more than 30 years of experience in the tree care industry. They offer free estimates, consultations, discounts, and more! Call today for our help with tree care and pest control in Indianapolis, IN and all 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.