Tag Archives: tree removal Indianapolis

The Difference Between Angiosperm and Gymnosperm Trees

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There are various tree species here in Indiana, ranging in color, size, shape, growth patterns, and more. But all trees can be categorized into one of two categories: deciduous or conifer. Deciduous trees shed their foliage in the fall and re-bloom them in the spring. Conifer trees, also known as evergreens, keep their foliage all year long. When trying to determine if a tree is an angiosperm or gymnosperm, your first step is to determine if it is a deciduous or conifer.

Continue reading to learn the difference between an angiosperm and gymnosperm in order to improve your tree identification skills!

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-590-1842

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-590-1842

Angiosperms

Angiosperms are a taxonomic class of flowering trees. These trees produce seeds that, when matured, is enclosed in an ovule (usually a fruit). For example, an apple is the mature seed that an angiosperm tree produces. The apple is the ovary, or ovule. Angiosperm trees lose their leaves in the fall, and regrow them in the spring, making them a deciduous tree. They are classified as hardwoods, and include species like oaks, maples, dogwoods, and more.

Gymnosperms

Gymnosperms are a taxonomic class of non-flowering trees that produce a mature seed that is not enclosed inside an ovule of any kind. A pine cone is a perfect example. Also known as “naked seed”, gymnosperm trees are softwoods, and do not lose their foliage in the winter. This makes this conifers. Species include pine trees, cedars, spruces, and firs.

General Rule:

🌲 Conifers are gymnosperms.
🌳 Deciduous trees are angiosperms.

Exceptions to the Rule:

🌲 Gymnosperm trees do lose their foliage in the winter, such as ginkgo, dawn redwood, and bald cypress trees.

🌳 Some angiosperms keep their leaves in the winter, such as live oak, sweet bay magnolia, and rhododendron trees.

Where to Get Superior Tree Care Advice

Budget Tree Care

Budget Tree Care 317-590-1842

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 to learn how we can help you with your tree concerns and tree service needs, today. From tree removal and tree trimming, to stump grinding, tree disease treatment, and more, our professionals are prepared to deliver exceptional Indianapolis tree service for both residential and commercial properties.

Why is Tree Topping Harmful to Trees?

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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.

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!

Advantages of Professional Tree Service

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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!

The Proper Way to Mulch a Tree

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Did you know that mulching is one of the most effective and beneficial method of tree care? In fact, properly mulching your landscaping trees can promote healthier, longer-lasting trees. Mulch is a man-made product generally composed of organic materials like wood chips, pine needles, manure, and other types of compost. But it can also be made from non-organic materials like rock, stone, Geo-textile fabrics, and pulverized rubber. When applied properly, mulch allows soil to retain sufficient levels of moisture. This not only improves the condition of the soil, it does so much more!

Benefits of Tree Mulching:

• Promotes overall tree health
• Controls weed growth
• Insulates soil
• Protects tree roots from extreme temperatures
• Prevents certain plant diseases
• Improves soil aeration and drainage
• Gives landscaping a well-groomed look
• Mulch decomposition improves soil fertility
• And much more!

When applied improperly, mulch can have negative effects on a tree’s health. For this reason, proper mulching methods are important, and should be practiced every spring. And since spring is here, it is time to start thinking about your seasonal tree care needs, including new mulch! Continue reading to learn how to properly mulch a tree.

Tree Mulching Tips

When it comes to mulching your trees, it is recommended to use organic mulch. Although inorganic mulch is tempting since it doesn’t need to be replenished as often, the benefits derived from organic materials and decomposition outweigh the benefits of using inorganic mulch. In fact, most arborists prefer to use an organic product.

When mulching your trees, keep in mind that using too much can actually be detrimental. Over-mulching can lead to tree stress, excessive ground moisture, root rot, tree and bark diseases, insect and rodent infestations, tree girdling, reduced air penetration, unbalanced soil pH, and more. To be safe, keep mulch depths between 2 and 4 inches.

Be sure to check the project area for adequate water drainage before applying mulch. If the water drainage is poor, then too much mulch may lead to many of the above-mentioned tree problems.

Before applying new mulch over existing mulch, first measure the depth to prevent over-mulching. If the depth is still 2 to 4 inches, do not apply new mulch. Instead, use a rake to release the top matted layers and refresh the look of the mulch. If faded, visit your local gardening store for a spray-on, water-soluble, vegetable-based dye to brighten up the color. Also, be sure to also spread out any piles that may have built-up against the tree trunk. The base of the tree should be exposed.

Budget Tree Care

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 when you need professional tree service in Indianapolis or throughout Central Indiana. Owner, Curt Scott, has more than 30 years of experience in the tree care industry and offers a wide range of affordable tree services for residential and commercial properties.

Budget Tree Care

Budget Tree Care 317-590-1842

From tree removal and stump grinding, to tree trimming, pruning, lot clearing and more, our team is fully equipped to manage any size job. As a locally owned and operated business, we guarantee the lowest prices in town! Call 317-590-1842 to schedule routine tree service in Indianapolis, IN today.