Protect Your Trees Against These 5 Common Pests

Posted on June 12, 2017 by admin

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Your landscaping is something you have worked very hard to create. Hours of though and consideration coupled with the endless hours of physical effort to implement your tree and lawn care plan go out the window once your trees are infested or diseased. This is not only devastating to your trees, it is devastating to you as well. There are many nuisance animals and pests that can damage trees, but there are 5 pests in particular that have exponentially become a problem for landscapes over the years. Get to know these 5 pests below!

Tree Pests to Watch Out For:

❶ Asian Citrus Psyllid

This tiny gray-brown insect is a threat to citrus trees, and has affected various regions all around the world. Their most common targets include orange, tangerine, lemon, and kumquat trees. While it feeds, it injects a toxin into the plant tissues, causing leaves to curl up, discolor, and even turn black. They also carry and transmit a disease called “citrus greening”, also known as “huanglongbing” (HLB). It is one of the most fatal citrus tree diseases.

❷ Japanese Beetles

Accidently imported from Japan in a shipment of irises over 100 years ago, this beetle feeds on more than 400 plant species in the United States. Their feasting leads to skeletonized foliage. Some of their favorite targets include pin oak, linden, roses, hibiscus, grapes, raspberries, crabapples, crape myrtle, sassafras, Japanese maple, and Norway maple. Although they rarely kill trees, they can take out entire lawns and gardens.

❸ Asian Longhorned Beetle

Similar to the Japanese beetle, this beetle was first discovered not too long ago in New York. They are highly destructive since they tunnel into trees and cut off their water and nutrient distribution systems. Mid-to-late summer and fall are prime seasons for Asian longhorned beetles. Common targets include birch, willow, horse chestnut, elm, goldenrain tree, katsura tree, and maple.

❹ Hemlock Wooly Adelgid

This highly invasive and damaging tree pest has killed thousands of Eastern and Carolina Hemlock trees in just the past decade. The most distinctive sign of hemlock wooly adelgid infestation is an accumulation of white masses at the base of needles on Hemlock trees.

❺ Emerald Ash Borer

Imported from Asia and first discovered in Detroit 15 years ago, this bright metallic-green beetle is a devastating tree pest that targets solely ash trees. Their larva bore deep into the tree bark and feed underneath, which creates tell-tale L-shaped holes in the trunk. This activity interrupts the tree’s ability to distribute water and nutrients, which leads to crown dieback and bark splitting.

Tree Service in Noblesville, Indiana

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Call 317-537-9770 for professional and affordable Noblesville tree service you can count on. Whether you need stump grinding, tree removal, tree transplanting, trimming, pruning, shaping, or have problem with tree diseases, we can help! Our highly trained and experienced tree care technicians provide a wide range of tree services, including free estimates, consultations, coupons, discounts, and more. Contact us at 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Noblesville tree care, today.

What are Leaf Galls?

Posted on May 26, 2017 by admin

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Oak and Maple trees are beautiful, magnificent parts of nature. Unfortunately, they are also common targets for an unappealing, abnormal cell growths called galls. Leaf galls come in a wide range of colors and sizes, and appear in the form of blotches, balls, or bumps on leaves or branches. They can be perfectly harmless, some occurring as a result of an infection or wound, while other galls can be caused by insects and tree mites. Continue reading to learn more about leaf galls and what to do about them.

Tree Galls

As mentioned, leaf galls are abnormal cell growths on branches or leaves. They can appear as single bumps or a collection of complicated structures, and come in a wide array of colors, from plain brown to bright reds and oranges. They can form where insects eat or lay their eggs, because the interaction between the chemical stimuli and the plants hormones. They can also form at sites of infection caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Most of the time, leaf galls are not a serious problem and will not kill a tree. Infested leaves can still carry out photosynthesis at the normal rate of production. However, some cases can be serious enough to require professional intervention, such as Gouty Oak and Horned Oak gall. Also, if plants are smaller, leaf galls may stunt their growth because the plant’s water and nutrient distribution system is affected.

Tips for Managing Leaf Galls:

Do not do anything and just live with the condition. Because the presence of leaf galls is not always detrimental to a tree, it is best to just ignore them and go on with your life. Although unappealing, they will not kill your tree.

Try chemical sprays. Using chemical sprays is best suited for small trees that has poor health or has been free of foliage for several years. You must be careful using chemical sprays since they can actually kill helpful insects that keep galls away.

Tree care is always effective. Raking fallen leaves in a timely manner and pruning infested twigs and branches can be an effective method for controlling leaf galls. Talk to your local tree care contractor about the necessary tree services for your landscape.

Noblesville Tree Service

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Call 317-537-9770 for prompt and professional tree service in Noblesville, Indiana. We are highly trained and qualified tree care contractors with decades of experience in the tree service industry. And we provide residential and commercial tree care at the most competitive prices in town!

Learn Why You Should Be Planting Evergreen Trees in Your Yard

Posted on May 9, 2017 by admin

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If you are considering a landscaping upgrade, look no further than the pines, conifers, hemlocks, and spruces at your local tree nursery. Evergreen trees have so much to offer, and not just for a season or two, but year-round! Not only will your landscape look beautiful and timeless, it will deliver comfort and money-saving benefits that you wouldn’t believe! Continue reading to learn some of the top-most advantages to planting evergreen trees around your property.

🌲 Sound Barrier

When evergreen trees are planted strategically, and properly cared for to maturity, they can actually double as a sound barrier. This is perfect for properties near rushing waters, highways, common roadways, and more. Their thick firs help to absorb noise, making your property quitter and calmer than a property fully exposed to the elements.

🌲 Privacy and Fencing

The thick foliage of evergreen trees do more than block sound, they also block visibility. The privacy offered by evergreen trees is constant, as they do not lose their needles in the winter like deciduous trees do. It is a natural and cost-effective alternative to privacy fencing. As a natural fencing, mature evergreen trees also block snow drift, leaving your property more clear of snowfall. Compared to a slatted snow fence, a living evergreen fence is lower maintenance, cheaper, and higher performing.

🌲 Wind Break

Not only do evergreen trees block sound and snow, they also block strong winds. This is not only beneficial to the outdoor comfort and convenience of your property, it protects the structural integrity of your home or commercial building. Less wind also means cheaper energy bills since cold drafts are reduces and your property retains heat longer. In the winter, the trees block excess sun rays, keeping your property shady and your home cooler.

Noblesville Tree Care

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for Noblesville tree service at an affordable price. Our highly trained and experienced tree care contractors offer a wide range of commercial and residential tree services, including tree transplanting, tree removal, tree trimming, lot clearing, and more. We also offer coupons and discounts. Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate, today.

Which Trees are Best for Shade?

Posted on April 28, 2017 by admin

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

If your lawn is overexposed to the sun, outdoor entertainment and fun are not a part of your summer plans. When the sun is too strong, and your lawn has no shade, being outdoors can be very uncomfortable. The heat and light can be bothersome to you, but also to your guests, children, and even pets. For this reason, you may want to consider planting some shade trees in your yard. Not only does this provide cool shade on a hot summer day, it also increases your property’s overall value. Just be sure to choose a quality tree care company for effective routine tree service solutions. Having your newly-planted trees cared for by an industry professional is the best method for improving annual growth and increasing their lifespan. The first step is choosing the right tree for your lawn. Below, you will find a few of the top recommended trees for shade and beauty.

🍂 Red Maple

(Acer rubrum)

A Red Maple tree is a wonderful shade tree and a good fit for virtually all properties. This tree is not only great for shade and grows quickly, it is also highly revered for its beauty. It renders a pageant of colors, with something always red in every season. Winter red buds, red springtime flowers, deep red summer leafstalks, and brilliant red hues in autumn foliage are just a preview of the beauty this tree has to offer. It grows fast and well in hardiness zones 3 through 9, averaging heights between 40 and 60 feet, and widths up to 40 feet.

🍂 Dawn Redwood

(Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

On the subject of red trees, the Dawn Redwood is a terrific choice for those looking to add shade to their properties. Not only are they easily transplanted, they grow very fast, up to 4 feet a year! In fact, it is one of the fastest-growing trees in Indiana. In height, they average between 70 and 100 feet, and in width, they average up to 25 feet wide. They are suitable for hardiness zones 5 through 8.

🍂 Northern Catalpa

(Catalpa speciose)

The Northern Catalpa tree is interesting because they have unique twisting trunks and heart-shaped leaves, making them very beautiful. In addition, they are well-suited for residential landscapes, but can withstand harsh city conditions as well. They do produce fragrant flowers and fruit yields, so they should not be planted near areas where foot traffic is common, like sidewalks and driveways. They can drop and be slippery. They average in height between 40 and 60 feet, with an average width of 30 feet. Plant these in hardiness zones 4 through 8.

“ Indiana’s Hardiness Zone is 6 and 7”

Noblesville Tree Service

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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. Ask us about our competitive pricing and our tree service coupons! Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Noblesville tree service, today.

A Guide to Burning a Tree Stump

Posted on April 14, 2017 by admin

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If you are researching quick and effective ways to burn a tree stump, it is important to reconsider doing it yourself. Using fire to burn out an old tree stump can be a very dangerous job. Without the proper knowledge, tools, and hands-on experience, burning a tree stump is not recommended. Instead, contact a trusted Noblesville tree care company for safe and professional tree stump removal.

If you are committed to doing the project yourself, continue reading to learn what you’ll need and where to start. Be sure you are using the highest standards of safety, care, and concern when carrying out each step of the process. This starts with a phone call to your local fire department for information about your town’s outdoor burning laws. There could be a active burn or fire ban depending on the time of year, current weather conditions, and more.

What You’ll Need

You can purchase everything you need to burn a tree stump at any local home improvement store. They will have the supplies, equipment, and safety gear needed for stump burning and removal. These items vary in cost, but you can expect to set your budget at around $200 or so. Here is what you will need:

Steps:

❶ Set up your drill, wood-boring bit, and extender.

❷ At a 30 degree angle, insert your drill directly in the center of the top of the tree stump. Drill a hole 8 to 10 inches deep.

❸ Clear the bark debris from the hole. And then repeat the 2nd step over and over until you have several holes in the stump. Be sure they are at least 1 inch apart.

❹ Use your trowel to pour once scoop of saltpeter into each hole.

❺ Then using your cup and funnel, top off each hole with hot water. Continue this step until the potassium nitrate (saltpeter) as fully dissolved.

❻ Lay your scrap wood on top of the stump. Be sure your scrap wood is completely dry. If you do not have scrap wood, use a starter log. Many recommend positioning the scrap wood “tee-pee” style, starting from the ground.

❼ Using your matches, ignite your scrap wood or starter log.

❽ Remain with the stump at all times while it burns. Let it burn down and smolder until there is nothing left but ash.

❾ Use your shovel to break up big chunks of the smoldering stump. Remove all large chunks of leftover debris.

❿ Fill the hole with fresh soil. Top with grass seed.

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Call 317-537-9770 for Noblesville stump removal you can afford. Our experienced tree care contractors offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including stump grinding, stump removal, tree removal, lot clearing, and more. Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate from a friendly tree care contractor, today.

Tips for Putting a Stop to Nuisance Tree Moss

Posted on March 27, 2017 by admin

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Under the right conditions, moss can be quite stunning, and even beneficial. But in most cases of residential landscaping, moss is typically a nuisance. That is because moss can grow uncontrollably, taking over entire lawns and landscapes. This deprives plants, grass, and trees of water and sunlight, which are two fundamental elements. But with a little bit of preventative maintenance, you can control moss growth on your favorite trees.

Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for getting rid of moss on trees, and a few effective ways you can prevent moss growth in the future.

Moss Growth

In order to defeat your enemy, you must first learn what makes them powerful. In the case of tree moss, it is helpful to understand what makes moss grow. With this knowledge, you can then figure out how to eliminate everything moss needs to thrive, thus controlling its spread. Moss grows in shady, cold, and wet conditions. It usually grows on lawns that have trouble maintaining grass. By reducing these three conditions, you can control moss growth. Simply make changes to your outdoor environments in a way that makes it difficult for moss to survive.

Here are some tips on how to do just that:

❦ It is important to treat moss on both lawns and trees in order to control the entire occurrence.

❦ Start watering your lawn less often, but when you do, water it longer.

❦ If your property is usually pretty shady, trim trees around your yard to let in more sunlight.

❦ Test the pH levels in your soil. Moss grows in infertile soil conditions. Acidic soils should be treated with lime.

❦ Aerate your lawn and underlying soil to improve drainage and ventilation.

❦ Use your fingers to remove moss from trees. In the winter when trees are dormant, follow up with a power washer to rinse the hard-to-reach areas and finish the job. Be sure to let your tree trunks dry completely.

❦ Outsource professional tree service to take the best care of your landscaping trees!

Noblesville Tree Service

Tree Service Noblesville 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for affordable tree service in Noblesville, Indiana. We offer a wide range of professional tree services for residential and commercial properties. Ask us about our competitive pricing and our tree service coupons! Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Noblesville tree service, today.

Tips for Treating a Damaged Tree Trunk

Posted on March 8, 2017 by admin

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Tree trunks can be damaged in several ways. Mowing or weed cutting can sometimes lead to nicking the tree bark, while storms, pests, car accidents, and more can also cause tree trunk damage. Regardless of how a tree experiences damage, it is critical to manage the wounds before they can cause further harm, a decline in health, or death. If your tree trunk has just been damaged, learn your options for treating the wounds and saving your beloved tree. Once a tree trunk is damaged, the tree itself will attempt to protect itself from pathogens and microorganisms, which can invade the surrounding tissue inside the wound and harm the tree even more. Fungal growth, epicormic sprouting, loss of foliage, and pest infestations are all signs of declining tree health, which can be caused by untreated bark damages.

Treating Tree Wounds

When it comes to treating tree wounds, the first priority is time. You must act fast before outside pathogens and microorganisms have a chance to invade the wound and make matters worse. The longer you wait to treat a wound on a tree, the less chance it has of survival. Depending on whether the trunk is wounded or the bark fell off entirely, you have a few options for treatment.

Torn Bark – If the bark of the tree is torn off completely, or ripped in a way that it hangs, you may be able to successfully re-attach the bark. If re-attached properly, the nutrient lines can match up and fuse back together as it heals overtime. Simply realign the bark exactly as it fit before, and secure it in place with standard duct tape. Leave the tape on for at least 2 weeks. If the bark has crumbled off, it cannot be re-attached. In this case, it is important to simply clean the wound.

Wounded Tree – If a tree trunk is scratched or cut, there is no bark to re-attach. Instead, combine a mild dish liquid and clean water to create a safe cleaning solutions. Then apply the mild soapy solutions with a clean cloth or sponge in order to remove whatever pathogens might already exist inside the wound. Allow the wound to air-dry. This step must be done as soon as you are aware of the injury. The faster you treat the wound, the higher the chances are for it to recover. In some cases, there is nothing you can do because a tree is not healthy or strong enough to recover from bark wounds.

If your wounded tree does not heal with a month’s time, you will need to seek professional tree service.

Noblesville Tree Service

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Call 317-537-9770 for Noblesville tree service you can trust. We are experienced tree care contractors that offer a wide range of professional tree services for residential and commercial properties. We offer everything from routine tree services to major tree work, and more. And don’t forget about our tree service coupons! Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for tree service in Noblesville, Indiana.

How Valuable is My Tree?

Posted on February 20, 2017 by admin

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Your trees are not just valuable to your personal comfort and quality of living. Sure they are beautiful additions to your landscaping, promote healthy wildlife activity, and provide much-needed shade on sunny days; but trees also retain monetary value. In fact, they can increase your property value depending on their age, species, location, condition, and more.

Whether you need to know if your tree is a total loss after a severe storm, or how much your landscaping trees contribute to your overall property value, it is important to use an effective method of valuation. If you are interested in knowing the value of your landscaping trees, continue reading to learn the most common method for tree appraisals, and who to call for professional and honest service in your town.

Tree Appraising

There are several technical methods for appraising tree value, but many involve confusing legal jargon, property loss factors, and tax codes. The easiest and most common method for evaluating the worth of landscaping trees involves a much simpler approach. It is called the “trunk method”, and works well for informal tree valuations. This method uses a mathematical formula, with each influential factor making up a certain percentage in the equation. The top 3 factors applied to obtain an overall value include tree species, location, and condition. Base value and cross section area are additional components to the trunk method equation, but are more complex because they are computed using equated market values and trunk measurements.

The Standard Trunk Method Formula:
Tree Value = Base Value × Cross Section Area × Species × Condition × Location

Top 3 Key Elements:

Tree Species – The species of a tree is important because it identifies the quality of the wood, blooms, and yields. But tree species also ascertains its attractiveness, adaptability, and its overall desirability. Species of tree that retain weed-like qualities are less valuable than quality hardwoods and ornamental trees. For instance, an Oak tree retains a 100% species value, while a Black Gum retains only 30% value. Also, conifers tend to have more value than deciduous species.

Tree Location – In terms of appraising real estate, location is always a major factor. The same theory applies to tree value. When a tree is located in an area that provides indoor energy efficiency for a home, shade for the patio or backyard, or privacy from public roads or neighbors, it can be more valuable than a tree that is hidden within an isolated copse. Also, trees that add beauty to the property are more valuable too; a tree in the front of the house is more valuable than trees in a wooded back area of the property.

Tree Condition – The overall condition of the tree is important in determining its value. This includes a tree’s age, roots, health, and strength. Mature trees are very valuable compared to newly-planted ones. And unhealthy trees are less valuable than ones that are free of wounds, pest infestations, and disease. Also, if a tree poses a potential hazard, they are not only lower in value themselves, they can also lower the overall property value if not remedied. Common hazards include trees that are dying, leaning, or obstructing power lines and property.

Is Your Tree a Loss?

If you need to know the value of your tree in order to determine whether or not it is a loss and should be removed, it is recommended to hire a professional Noblesville tree care company for an accurate assessment and proficient service. They have the experience, knowledge, and resources to assess the overall needs of your tree and implement them safely and effectively, all in a convenient time frame.

Noblesville Tree Service

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for professional and affordable tree service in Noblesville, Indiana. We are highly trained and experienced tree care contractors that offer a wide range of commercial and residential tree services at the most competitive prices in town. We also offer tree service coupons and discounts all year long! Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Noblesville tree service, today.

Why is Winter Tree Pruning Important?

Posted on February 15, 2017 by admin

It is common to think that tree pruning is something done in the spring and summer, when trees are in full bloom. But it is quite the opposite. Tree pruning is much more beneficial in the winter, and for many reasons. Continue reading to learn why winter tree pruning is so valuable to your time, money, and of course, landscaping trees.

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Pruning Trees in Winter

Although the idea of working in harsh winter weather is unappealing and inconvenient, when it comes to tree pruning, it is worth the sacrifice. In fact, one of the most noted benefits of winter tree pruning is the effects it has on trees come spring and summer. It promotes new, vibrant growth, so you can expect to see abundant blooms, greener foliage, and fuller canopies.

Winter tree pruning is also beneficial because trees are dormant during this time. Pruning is less invasive, and the tree cuts recover faster, before new growth begins. This reduces the chances of infections and pest infestations in fresh tree cuts. It also reduces the likelihood of trees running out of water. Trees require more water when pruned during their active growth seasons, but during their dormancy, there is no active growth, so trees require less water to survive.

Another terrific benefit of pruning trees in winter is the ease of it all. When trees are in their dormant stage, they have no foliage, which allows tree professionals to see branches better. Without an obstructed view, pruning can be accomplished better, faster, and safer.

There are many more advantages of tree pruning, regardless of which season you choose to have yours serviced. Talk to a trusted tree care company about your tree pruning needs for professional advice and recommendations.

Noblesville Tree Service

Tree Service Noblesville 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for Noblesville tree service you can trust. We are highly trained and experienced tree care specialists who offer a wide range of commercial and residential tree services, including tree pruning, tree fertilization, tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing, and more. We also offer tree service coupons and discounts! Call 317-570-9770 to request a free estimate for tree pruning in Noblesville, Indiana today.

How to Measure the Age of a Maple Tree

Posted on January 26, 2017 by admin

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

As humans, most of us know exactly how old we are right down to the very minute. In fact, you can easily guess the age group of a person just by looking at them. But when it comes to Maple trees, determining age is a bit more tedious than just taking a simple glance. Although you can “count tree rings”, this method is not always the most accurate nor efficient.

If you want to learn the age of a Maple tree, all you have to do is look a little closer. By assessing the physical characteristics and conditions of a Maple tree, such as size, bark, and water usage, you can accurately gauge which stage of life it’s in: youth, adolescent, adult, or senior! Continue reading to learn how to measure the age of a Maple tree looking for these clues and more.

Getting Started

You will need a few tools and materials to accurately measure the age of a Maple tree. This may include measuring tape, rope, gloves, and perhaps a ladder. Once you have everything you need to get started, you can move onto the investigative portion of the process! Here are some methods to try:

Measure the canopy’s height and width. Then compare your measurements to those of a fully-grown Maple tree. This will tell you if it’s older than 10 years or younger since many Maple trees grow an average of 10 feet in the first 10 years, and then top out at 15 feet.

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Take a closer look at the bark. Most Maples experience changes to their bark, both in color and texture, as they grow older. For instance, the Sugar Maple is known for its straight tree trunk, whose bark starts out smooth when young, and becomes looser and disheveled as it grows older. Research the type of Maple tree you are investigating and look up bark changes and maturity.

Use math to calculate the age of your Maple tree. Measure up the tree trunk 54 inches, and then tie a rope, string, or measuring tape at that exact point. This string will give you the circumference you need to compete the equation. Divide the circumference by pie (3.14) to get the diameter. To determine the age, first determine which type of Maple tree it is: silver, red, Norway, black, or sugar. Multiple the diameter by the following numbers depending on the type of Maple:

Silver = 3
Red = 4.5
Black = 5
Sugar = 5.5
Norway = 4.5

Example: If the circumference is 2.4 inches, the Maple Tree is around 3 to 4 years old.

Noblesville Tree Service

Noblesville Tree Service 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for Noblesville tree service you can trust. We are licensed and insured tree care contractors with decades of experience in the tree service industry. We offer a wide range of commercial and residential tree services at the most competitive prices in town. And don’t forget to ask us about our tree service coupons! Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for tree service in Noblesville, Indiana today.