Monthly Archives: May 2018

Is My Tree Susceptible to Lightening?

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After the performance of last night’s lightning storm, it is expected to have some concerns about your landscaping trees. Trees can be struck by lightning and extensively damaged; they can split in half, catch fire, or even explode! If you are concerned about your tree’s vulnerability to storm damage such as lightning strikes, continue reading to learn what you need to know to protect your trees and your property.

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Why Trees Get Struck

When a storm occurs, lightning strikes in the path of least resistance in order to reach the ground. Water is a better conductor of electricity than air, so it makes sense that lightning would be attracted to trees since they are full of water and sap. The moisture inside trees makes them a direct target for lightning, and the worst possible place to take cover in a storm.

Most often, lightning-struck trees are damaged to the point of decline since their root systems are fried from the electrical current; so they eventually die. Other trees experience lighter amounts of damage, but never fully recover, and some avoid damage altogether after a direct strike. Trees that manage to escape lightning damage are usually those soaked from heavy amounts of rain, causing the lightning to quickly flash over the bark without leaving behind any scarring or structural injury.

Protecting Trees From Lightning

Choosing tree species that are less prone to lightning strikes is an effective preventive method that works well. Tree species like oak, elm, pine, tulip, cottonwood, ash, maple, sycamore, hemlock and spruce, are more susceptible to lightning strikes since they retain more moisture and sap in their wood. If a tree on your property is damaged by lightning, it likely will need some corrective pruning; if it is dead as a result of the strike, it will likely need to be removed. Common treatments for lightning-damaged trees include water management, bark repair, pruning, fertilization, pest control, and monitoring.

Lightning Protection Systems

For areas that are highly susceptible to lightning strikes, such as trees located within 25 feet of buildings and housing, homeowners can install a lightning protection system to help prevent landscape damages. These systems are designed to not attract lightning by dissipating the electrical charge before it can build to high levels. Although they are generally expensive and require a lot of labor and materials, their performance values are widely supported by many who have had them installed. Talk to a local arborist or Noblesville tree service for help with tree care protection plans. They can give you the best advice for your particular landscaping and tree species.

Noblesville Tree Service

Tree Service Noblesville 317-537-9770

Tree Service Noblesville 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for Noblesville tree service at an affordable price. We provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at the most competitive prices in town. In fact, be sure you check out our tree service coupons and discounts too! Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate, today.

How to Protect Fruit Trees From Rodents

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With summer just around the corner, and warm weather here, you can expect your fruit trees to bloom their delicious yields any day now; that is, if they already haven’t! Unfortunately, you are not the only one waiting for those sweet, juicy fruits; rodents, especially rats, also love to pillage fruit trees, leaving you with “slim pickins’.” If you have noticed in recent years that your fruit trees seem damaged and bare come early-to-mid summer, it could be a pest problem. This season, try some protecting your fruit trees from pesky rats before they can destroy them.

Continue reading to learn some tips that can help stop rats from damaging fruit trees.

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Environmental Modifications

The first step is to make certain changes to your exterior property so that there is nothing left to attract rodents. Rodents are attracted to two primary things: food and shelter. If you eliminate all food sources, such as pet bowls, garbage cans, squirrel feeders, bird baths, and more, you can help thwart rodent activity. Similarly, eliminating nesting areas, such as log piles, compost boxes, and openings to patios and garages, can also help stop rodent activity. Furthermore, you need to remove anything that allows rats to climb to the tree tops, including large, overhanging branches, and vines.

Tree Pruning

Pruning your trees is an effective way to keep them protected from rodent interference. When branch and canopy growth are controlled, they do not reach other areas that could allow rats access. This includes rooftops to sheds and houses, garages, power lines, telephone poles, and more. If branches and canopies are not touching anything else, it is more difficult for rats to access the fruit.

Tree Positioning

If you are planning to plant new fruit trees in your yard, be sure to space them apart properly. Sufficient tree spacing is vital to prevent rats from running tree to tree and eating all the fruit. If you have already planted the trees, consider transplanting them, or applying another preventative technique.

Trunk Guards

You can install rat guards on the trunks of your fruit trees, which help reduce the traction underneath rodents’ feet. These guards are generally made from a sleek material, like tin or aluminum, which makes it virtually impossible for rats to climb. They should be installed around the trunk at the base of the tree after the tree has been trimmed.

Pest Control

If you have a consistent rodent problem on your property that is too out of control, you need professional pest control services. They will suggest and implement a wide range of solutions for your particular situation. Avoid using poisons or repellents near your fruit trees since these can contaminate your trees and possibly harm your health.

Noblesville Tree Service

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for professional tree service in Noblesville, Indiana. We offer a wide range of professional tree services for residential and commercial properties. We offer free estimates, free advice, senior discounts, tree service coupons, and much more. Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate, today.