Common Winter Tree Pests in Indiana

Posted on January 13, 2020 by Completetree

Although the majority of insects and similar pests turn in for the winter season, that does not mean they have disappeared. In fact, many species of bugs will brave the cold, harsh climates. Unfortunately, this puts our landscaping trees at risk since winter insects commonly target them for food and shelter.

If you are concerned about the quality and protection of your trees, continue reading to learn which winter tree pests to watch out for, as well as, how to treat or prevent them next year.

Red Spider Mites

Although they are also very active in fall and spring, red spider mites are still something to look out for in the winter season. What really makes them a nuisance is their omnivorous appetite, as they will feed on a wide variety of plants and shrubs. However, apple trees are their main love, and they target them quite aggressively this time of year. Any crevices near the bottom of the tree’s trunk are where the spider mites like to hang out during the winter.

Here they will hide until the climate warms up. Because of this innate habit of survival, it is difficult to spot a red spider mite infestation. They are very tiny, resembling small red speckles of dust, and will spin webs just like other spiders. Look for these signs if you suspect an outbreak within your landscaping. Fortunately, they are a bit easier to get rid this time of year because they are not reproducing as rapidly.

Aphids

Aphids are trickier winter tree pests since there are more than 4,000 known species around the world. This makes them harder to identify, which in turn, leaves many tree infestations misdiagnosed and mistreated. Furthermore, their high numbers allow their hordes to surmount a plant quickly. Their eggs are laid in the fall, and remain dormant within trees during the winter season. As a result, trees can experience a rapid decline in health and structural integrity.

Codling Moth Grubs

If you can picture a worm crawling out of an apple, like in those fairytale movies you used to watch as a kid, you might be imagining a codling moth grub. That is because these common winter tree pests target fruit trees, including apple trees, pear trees, and cherry trees. Like spider mites, they will enter the tiny crevices and hide away for the winter, which overall, damages a tree.

How to Treat and Defend Your Trees

There are plenty of ways to prevent pest outbreaks in your trees. The most effective method is routine tree care, namely trimming and pruning. This promotes healthy growth and lasting stability in trees. See our blog, “When is it Time to Trim My Trees?” to learn how to develop a routine schedule for your property. Weeding and mulching are two additional tasks that will make identifying pests easier.

You can also choose to apply a spray-on pest defender repellent on your trees in the fall for winter protection. Be sure to hire a professional company for tree spraying services. Another technique is to apply glue around your trees in the form of bands, which can prevent insects from crawling up the trunks and into the canopies.

Indianapolis Tree Care You Can Trust

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for prompt and professional Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We are experienced tree care technicians that can resolve your tree problems, regardless of your projects size or scope. We offer a wide range of tree removal and tree services, for both residential and commercial properties. We even offer free estimates and free tree care advice!

Common Glossary Terms for Tree Leaves

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Completetree

Trees are among the most important natural organisms on the planet. In order for trees to thrive, they rely on their leaves for many matters, from wind resistance and driplines, to photosynthesis. Continue below to learn more about tree leaves by reviewing a glossary list of common tree leave terms.

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Tree Leave Terms and Definitions

? ALTERNATE – Alternate tree leaves are staggered along a twig rather than directly across from one another.

? BLADE – Blades refer to the flat surface areas of broad tree leaf trees.

? BRACT – Bracts are modified leaves that grows a flower.

? BROADLEAF – Broadleaf trees are trees that have flat, thin, thins that typically shed once a year.

? COMPOUND LEAF – Compound leaves are those that have more than one blade (see definition above).

? CHLOROPHYLL – A green pigment in tree leaves (and cyanobacteria) that is in control of absorbing UV light in order to provide energy for photosynthesis (see definition below).

? DECIDUOUS – Deciduous trees lose their tree leaves in the fall, enter dormancy in the winter, and blooms again in spring.

? DRIPLINE – The perimeter around the canopy of a tree where the rains drips off of the leaves. See our blog, “How to Measure a Tree’s Critical Root Zone”, for help locating a tree’s drip line.

? EVERGREEN – Evergreen trees do not lose their foliage, and remain “green” all year long.

? LEAF SCAR – When a leaf detaches from a twig, a mark is left behind called a leaf scar.

? LOBE – Tree leaf lobes are the protrusions that give a leaf its shape.

? MARGIN – Leaf margin refers to a leaf’s edge. Accordingly, the term entire margin refers to leaves that have smooth, non-toothed edges (see definition below).

? MIDRIB – The midrib is the primary vein of a leaf, also known as a rib.

? OPPOSITE – Two or three tree leaves that grow along the same twig, but directly across from one another.

? PALMATE – Tree leaves that have blades, lobes, or veins that are arranged in a way that is similar to fingers and hands.

? PINNATE – Tree leaves that have blades, lobes, or veins that are arranged in a way that is similar to feathers.

? PERSISTENT – Deciduous (see definitions above) tree leaves that fail to drop, and remain all year long.

? PETIOLE – Petioles are essential the stem, or leafstalk, of a leaf that connects it to a twig.

? SIMPLE LEAF – A leaf that has just one leaf blade with a bud at the base of the leafstalk.

? SINUS – Tree leaves that have indentations between the lobes and blades (see definitions above).

? TEETH – Leaf teeth are the notches on the outside edge of a leaf.

Where to Get Trusted Tree Care Advice

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced tree service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, stump removal, lot clearing, and more. If you want professional and efficient service you can trust, Complete Tree Care is the right call!

What are the Layers of a Tree Trunk?

Posted on July 12, 2019 by Completetree

One of the most interesting facts about tree trunks is that they have 5 different layers! Continue reading to learn more about these 5 tree trunk layer, including what they do!

? Tree Trunks

As mentioned, tree trunks have 5 separate layers to them. They are the outer bark, inner bark (phloem), the cambium cell layer, sapwood, and heartwood. Each layer has their very own purpose, but overall, the trunk’s primary job is to protect and support the tree. Look below to review each layer and what they do.

❶ Outer Bark

Like a shield, a trunk’s outer bark is there to protect the tree from its outside surroundings, including inclement weather, wildlife, pests, and more. It also controls moisture, by both preventing excess moisture in the rain and snow, and retaining sufficient moisture levels during dry seasons. It also provides insulation in cold weather and protects against sunburn in the summer.

❷ Phloem (Inner Bark)

The phloem, or inner layer of bark, is where food and nutrients are passed through the tree. This layer has a very important job, but a very short lifespan. It eventually dies, turns to cork, and becomes part of the outer layer of bark!

❸ Cambium Cell Layer

The cambium cell layer is interesting because it is the part of the trunk that grows. Each year, this layer produces more bark and wood as a reaction to the hormones being passed down from the leaves along the food pipeline. These hormones are called auxins, and they are very important because they stimulate new cell growth!

❹ Sapwood

Sapwood is new wood, and serves an important role as the tree’s water pipeline, delivering water to the entire tree. And as new sapwood is created, the inner cells lose their vigor and turn to heartwood.

❺ Heartwood

Heartwood is the most inner part of the trunk. It plays an important role in balance, stability, and security for a tree. Technically, heartwood is dead, but it does not atrophy or decay (unless the outer layers are jeopardized). It is made up of a hollow, needle-like cellulose fibers that are joined together by a glue-like chemical called lignin.

Additional Parts of a Tree Trunk:

The pith is made of soft, spongy parenchyma cells, which serve the purpose of storing and transporting nutrients throughout the tree. The medullary rays are cellular structures found in only some tree species., and appear perpendicular to the growth rings. The growth rings, also known as Dendrochronology, appear one at a time, once per year, darker in the fall and lighter in the spring and summer.

Get Professional Tree Care in Indianapolis

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We serve all of Central Indiana with a wide range of skilled tree removal and tree care services, for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you need a single tree removed, or simply require routine tree service, like trimming or pruning, we can deliver prompt and professional service at a fair price. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Take Care of a Live Christmas Tree

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Completetree

Now that Thanksgiving is over, many families are putting up their Christmas trees. If you are one of those families who love a real conifer, then you are probably already on the hunt for a good one. But finding the perfect tree is just the start; you must also do what’s necessary to ensure it stays perfect once it is in your home. Basically, it all comes down to routine tree care. Be sure you are prepared to take good care of your Christmas tree if you want it to retain its freshness, luster, and fragrance all month long!

Continue reading to learn some important maintenance tips for live Christmas trees, including how to prepare them, water them, and more!

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A Christmas tree will not require the same type of routine maintenance as would a tree that is planted in the ground with an attached root ball. Since Christmas trees have a severed the root ball, there is no need to provide it nutrients or sun; it will not be growing anymore. However, there are a few important things you can do to retain its freshness and appeal for as long as possible. Use the following tips to make your Christmas tree stand out among the rest!

Christmas Tree Care Tips:

🎄 Make a Fresh Cut Before Coming Home

If you have not already purchased and set up your Christmas tree, then be sure to make a fresh cut off the base of the trunk (at least one inch from the bottom) before you bring it home. You can ask the tree salesman to do this for you, or you can use a saw to do it yourself. A fresh cut allows the tree to intake water more efficiently, rendering more beautiful foliage and fragrance.

🎄 Do Not Place Your Tree By the Fire

Although Christmas trees and fireplaces seem to complement one another, they are not good neighbors. Not only can a live Christmas tree be a fire liability, heat sources in the home can accelerate evaporation and moisture loss in the tree. This will surely shorten its run. In addition to fireplaces, avoid setting up your tree near heat registers, space heaters, wood stove, TVs, computer monitors, and anything else that gets hot.

🎄 Water Your Tree ASAP

As soon as you have your freshly-cut tree placed in its stand in the spot where you want it, immediately give it some WARM water. A good Christmas tree stand should be able to hold 1 gallon of water or more, so give your tree as much as the stand will hold. In fact, it is common for a standard-sized Christmas tree to need 2 gallons of water on the first day it the stand.

🎄 Use Regular Tap Water

Do not to use any additives in the water, as there is no reason to since the tree is already severed from the root ball. Furthermore, such additives can cause premature moisture and pine needle loss. Scientific research has shown that tap water is best for indoor trees, so just use regular water from the sink to water your Christmas tree.

🎄 Inspect Your Tree Stand on a Daily Basis

Since you fill up the stand all the way, you do not have to water your Christmas tree every day. Instead, just check on it daily to ensure the water level has not dropped below the trunk base. If the cut section of the tree trunk is not in water, the base will seal up. So when the water level is close to the bottom of the Christmas tree, fill up the stand again with more warm water.

✨ Keep an eye out for next month’s blog about recycling your Christmas tree!

Professional Indianapolis Tree Service

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional tree service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We are highly trained and qualified tree care who provide a wide range of tree services for both residential and commercial properties, including tree trimming, tree pruning, stump grinding, stump removal, lot clearing, and much more. When you need quality tree removal services at a fair price, you have come to the right place!

How to Put a Stop to Vole Girdling

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Completetree

If you have ornamental trees in your yard, you may be at risk of a common nuisance wildlife occurrence known as vole girdling, which generally becomes a problem around fall and winter. Voles will chew the bark of planted and ornamental tree trunks, causing extensive bark and tissue damage. If you want your trees to grow tall and strong, you must put a stop to any vole activity on your property.

Continue reading to learn the most effective method for protecting your trees from nuisance voles.

Tree Girdling

Girdling is basically a chewing action. Voles will nibble and chew at tree bark and roots when there is not much else around for them to eat. This is why tree girdling is most noticeable in the early spring, once all the snow melts away. The most common trees targeted are fruit trees, especially apple trees, chestnut trees, and even junipers.

Signs of vole girdling are often very easy to discern. Look for wide patches of missing bark near the base of tree trunks, or on tree roots. Although not necessarily a sign of girdling, a common sign of a vole infestation is large spots of dead grass in your lawn. If you know you have a vole problem, you can prevent tree girdling more effectively by taking action before the damage can occur.

Preventing Vole Girdling

The best way to prevent tree girdling is to mitigate the nuisance wildlife activity on your property. This includes making any necessary environmental modifications, and even hiring a professional wildlife abatement company for animal proofing services. Effective environmental modifications basically entail removing any food, water, and shelter sources used by nuisance wildlife. This includes making sure your lawn is cut very short. The less underbrush and ground cover, the less places voles have to hide.

When it comes to protecting gardens and fruit trees, you may want to try installing a type of fence or barrier. For instance, homeowners have had success with vole control by installing hardware cloth cylinders around the base of tree trunks. For best results, use a mesh fencing that is 1/4 inch or less in size, and bury it at least 3 inches into the ground.

Indianapolis Tree Care

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We are highly trained and experienced tree care technicians that offer commercial and residential tree services at affordable prices. Request an estimate or advice anytime. Call 317-783-2518 to learn more about tree care in Indianapolis, IN today.

Recommended Evergreen Shrubs for Hardiness Zone 6

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Completetree

If you are looking for quality shrubs and bushes to add to your landscaping, it is wise to go with evergreen species. Not only do they last year round and require very little maintenance, they add an unparalleled level of beauty and appeal to any property. Continue reading to learn some of the top recommended evergreen tree shrubs to consider for Indiana, which falls within Hardiness Zone Six.

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Woodward Globe Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Woodwardi’

This is a round-shaped evergreen shrub that exhibits a lacey, finely-textured appearance. It grows well in Hardiness Zones 3 to 7, reaching average heights between 4 and 10 inches tall, and 8 to 15 feet wide. In terms of cost, average prices range between $8 and $10, depending on the retailer and time of year. The Woodward Globe is the perfect addition to any residential or commercial landscaping that requires hedge lines.

Korean Boxwood

Buxus sinica var. insularis

This popular shrub is a great choice for those looking for attractive, low hedges since its foliage is dark and dense, and averages 2 ½ feet in height and 6 feet in width. Good for both residential and commercial landscaping in hardiness zones 5 through 9, the Korean Boxwood can also be easily pruned into ornamental shapes. For this reason, it is commonly used as a bordering shrub, and often seen along drives, driveways, lots, and more. It is a reasonably-priced bush, ranging between $4 and $7 per plant.

Youngstown Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Plumo

This shrub is highly revered for its brightly colored, shiny green foliage. Said to have almost a silver hue, the Youngstown Juniper grows low and spreads across its landscaping like a sheath of finely-textured evergreen grass. Its thin branches extend merely a foot off the ground. It is good for hardiness zones 3 through 9, and costs an average of $5 to $8, depending on the retailer.

Canadian Hemlock

Tsuga canadensis

Now there’s a name you can trust. Hemlocks are revered trees here in Indiana, so it is no surprise that an evergreen shrub of the same phylogeny is a recommended option. The Canadian Hemlock is a popular choice for hardiness zones 3 through 8 because it is a dependable privacy hedge. It grows well in either full sun or shade, or in both, making it low maintenance as well. Expect average costs to be between $3 and $5 per bush.

Indianapolis Tree Care You Can Trust

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for experienced tree service in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, stump removal, lot clearing, and more. If you want professional and efficient service you can trust, call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for all your tree care needs.

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Get Affordable Routine Tree Service in Indianapolis at Complete Tree Care!

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Completetree

Tired of paying too much for routine tree service? Do you need routine tree care but not sure it will fit your budget or agenda?

We Have a Simple and Affordable Solution!

Complete Tree Care is a family owned and operated company that has decades of experience in the tree service industry. When it comes to superior tree service, experience matters most; we have the hands-on experience needed to provide safe and effective tree care in a convenient time frame.

And if it’s routine service you are looking for, we are the professionals to choose for flexible scheduling, custom agendas, and unparalleled customer support! Our expert tree care contractors provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including tree trimming, tree pruning, thinning, fertilizing, deep root feeding, crown reduction, crown raising, storm damage clearance, stump removal, and much more.

Major Tree Work and Free Amenities

Aside from routine service, we also provide major tree work, such as tree removal, dead-wooding, lot clearing, and more! On top of a wide selection of tree care services, we also offer free estimates, free advice, and cleanup is included on every job! Our licensed and insured tree service contractors retain a full inventory of innovative equipment and materials that allow us to deliver outstanding results, safely and efficiently. No matter how large or small your tree service needs may be, our professional tree specialists are fully-equipped and eager to assist!

You Can Trust Us

As a fully-licensed, insured, and bonded tree service business, you can trust us for honest and friendly service at a fair price. We are members of the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List Approved, and even have a certified arborist available for invasive tree care needs, like pest and disease treatment and control. And in the case that you have a tree emergency after regular business hours, we offer two separate after-hours phone lines!

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable contractor, and request a free estimate for Indianapolis tree service, today.

Complete Tree Care Wants to Give You a New Year Deal for Tree Service in Indianapolis!

Posted on January 6, 2017 by Completetree

Take Advantage of Fantastic Savings for 2017 Tree Service and Tree Removal!

Complete Tree Care wishes to celebrate the New Year all year! Even though the holiday has come and gone, we are still extending the season’s cheer with fantastic savings and terrific deals for residential and commercial tree services in Indianapolis! And why shouldn’t we?

As a family owned and operated company, we understand the value of a dollar, which is why we are committed to delivering outstanding tree service at economy-based prices! We are proud members of our surrounding community, and it is important to us that any homeowner can afford professional tree service. In fact, we have the most competitive prices in town and even offer free estimates and advice!

30 Years of Experience and a Commitment to Customer Service

But here at Complete Tree Care, we aren’t just competitively priced; we retain a wide range of important credentials too! Our contractors are licensed and insured with over 3 decades of hands-on experience. And we also retain the latest advancements in technology and equipment. So you can count on us to provide quality work, safely and efficiently. Choose from any of our tree services ala carte, including tree removal, tree trimming, tree pruning, stump grinding, lot clearing, and more. Or set up an affordable routine tree service plan with one of our knowledgeable and friendly contractors!

Why choose us? We’re so glad you asked!

We value more than just fair prices and outstanding results. We are also deeply committed to providing quality customer support and service. We are always happy to answer questions and give free tree care advice to any inquirers or clients. We are here to help and that is our goal! We also have more than 30 years of experience, which makes us tree service experts; so you can trust us to deliver the customer service and results you expect from a professional tree care company.

How to Measure a Tree’s Critical Root Zone

Posted on October 17, 2016 by Completetree

Adequate mulching is an effective method for protecting your tree’s critical root zone or CRZ. In fact, in terms of tree health, mulch is just as important as fertilizer and water. It is important to know how to locate and measure your trees CRZ so that you may better protect it from inclement weather and pests.

Continue reading to learn more about a tree’s critical root zone and how to measure yours. You can do it all on your own and even include your kids for a great learning experience. All you need to get started is a tape measurer, a pencil, and a calculator!

Tree Protection Zone

The critical root zone of a tree is also referred to as a tree protection zone. Essentially, it is an invisible or imaginary circle that runs along or just outside the drip line of a tree. This area is important to a tree because it is where the most critical tree roots are located beneath the ground. That is why it is also called a “protection” zone.

These are the roots that require the most protection and care. Although you can estimate your tree’s CRZ by looking at the drip line, it is better determined by measuring it. You will need a long tape measurer, something to write with, paper to record your measurements, and a calculator to multiply your numbers.

Calculating the CRZ

To determine the actual radius of your tree’s CRZ, you must first measure the circumference of the tree trunk. Be sure to measure the trunk at 4 feet above the ground to ensure an accurate measurement. The general rule of thumb is that for every inch of tree trunk, the radius increases by 1.5 feet.

So once you have the circumference, you just multiply the diameter of the trunk by 1.5, and then you will have the proper radius for your trees critical root zone. In order to get the diameter, measure it’s circumference and multiply it by pi (3.14).

Here is an example:

Trunk circumference = 45 inches
45 ÷ 3.14 = 14.5
Trunk diameter = 14.5 inches
1.5 feet = 18 inches
14.5 × 18 = 261 inches
261 inches = 21.75 feet

CRZ = 21 feet 9 inches

In this example, you would measure 21 feet and 9 inches out from the tree trunk in all four directions, and then connect all four points to create a circle. Within this imaginary circle would be the tree’s critical root zone. It is important to keep this area adequately mulched all year long to protect the base of the trunk and underlying soil from dehydration, insufficient nutrition, disease, and pests. Talk to your local Indianapolis tree care specialist about protecting your trees with routine tree service.

Indianapolis Tree Care

Call A Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for free advice regarding routine tree service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We have extensive experience in the tree care industry and provide a wide range of tree services for commercial and residential properties. Our tree care services include tree trimming, pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, stump removal, lot clearing, and much more. Call 317-783-2518 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis tree care, today.

Need-to-Know Glossary Terms for Tree Care

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Completetree

If you are a new homeowner, or simply new to the landscaping and gardening world, you will soon discover that trees are an important part of your property, and require routine care in order to grow and thrive to their full capacity. One place to start when it comes to tree care is terminology. By reviewing some common tree care terms, you will better understand your research and be better prepared to discuss your tree care needs with a professional.

Continue reading and you will find a helpful glossary full of need-to-know tree care terms used for residential and commercial tree service.

Tree Care Terminology

Tree care is phrase used to describe the requirements and process for maintaining healthy, thriving trees. This includes routine inspections for pests, insects, and tree diseases, as well as, routine tree trimming, pruning, fertilizing, watering, and more. Already a bit confused? Don’t worry! These terms, along with a few others, will be covered below!

Crown or “Canopy” – This is the upper part of a tree. It is measured from the lowest branch to the longest, most outward branch, and again to the highest point of the tree. This includes all branches, leaves, and foliage.

Tree Trimming – Shortening the limbs and twigs of trees for the purpose of adding light and air flow, removing dead or disease branches, reducing obstructions, promoting new growth, and more.

Tree Pruning – Selectively removing branches or stems for the betterment of the whole tree. This is done for the same purposes as trimming.

Tree Thinning – This is a preferred method of tree pruning. Selectively removing interior growth and thinning out branch tips.

Tree Shaping – To selectively trim foliage and branches of trees to achieve an appealing or desired shape.

Tree Topping – To completely remove all top portions of a tree. It is considered by many to be an unnecessary and highly-detrimental practice.

Tree Pollard – This is a drastic means of tree pruning that involves the removal of all green growth and foliage, giving trees a “hat rack” appearance.

Shirt Raise – To prune only the lower branches and foliage of trees. This enables better access, reduces obstructions, and promotes more sunlight.

CODIT – Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees.

Dead-Wooding – Removing all dead, dying or diseased branches, twigs, limbs, and growth on a tree.

Root Prune – Severing sections of tree roots that pose hazardous or structural threats to its surroundings.

Stump Grinding – Shaving or cutting down a tree stump so that it is ground level.

Stump Removal – Extracting a whole tree stump from the ground.

Deep Root Fertilization – Inserting a probe (soil needle) 8 to 12 inches into the soil below the base of a tree, and then injecting a liquid fertilizer directly to the root system to provide additional nutrients for a tree.

Tree Spraying – To spray liquid insecticides and fungicides on trees to protect from pest infestations and tree diseases.

A Complete Tree Care – The Indianapolis tree care company to call for expert advice and tree service at an honest and fair price.

Call A Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for professional tree removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our tree care specialists have more than 30 years of experience, and retain the knowledge and skills needed to deliver quality tree service in a convenient time frame. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, from tree trimming and tree pruning, to lot clearing, stump removal, and much more. Call 317-783-2518 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis tree service, today.