Month: October 2017

Trimming trees is an important tree care activity.  When you trim your trees, you are able to remove dead or diseased branches, reduce burdensome weight from the tree, and promote new and healthy growth.  However, like many activities, tree trimming is only helpful when it is done right.  When tree trimming is done improperly, it can actually cause more problems for the tree than simply doing nothing.  Here are a few negative consequences that can result from improper tree trimming.

Marred Beauty

One of the difficulties of properly trimming a tree is that it is hard for an untrained trimmer to know where to make cuts as well as how to make them.  Common mistakes include cutting branches off the tops of the tree (topping), trimming the ends off the ends of the branches (tipping), and cutting a disproportionate number of branches from one area of the tree.  All these can cause trees to look awkward, and sometimes it can take a long time to outgrow the effects of a bad trim!

Diseased Branches

When you trim a tree, you are making a cut into the wood.  This is by definition an injury to the tree.  Open wounds on a tree can easily allow pests and organisms inside and cause infection.  Though disease may begin in these areas of weakness, there is no guarantee that they will stay there.  Infection or infestation can have a harmful effect on trees and may even lead eventually to death and the necessity for removal.

Weakening Trees

When improper pruning techniques are used and disease results, trees can quickly become weakened.  Sometimes the inner wood of the tree becomes less dense or even dies while the outward, visible parts remain looking normal.  A weakened tree is a dangerous tree.  While trees can go on looking outwardly strong, an undetected weakness will make the tree vulnerable.  Strong winds, ice, or any jarring hit can cause branches to break or even entire trees to fall.

Property Damage

In addition to the long-term effects of improper tree trimming, there are also some immediate dangers.  When trimming large branches, you may accidentally drop a branch onto nearby property.  Branches are heavy and when falling from any height, they can cause quite significant damage.  These kinds of damage are easily avoidable by using properly trimming techniques, such as securing branches.

Personal Damage

Even more destructive than property damage is the potential personal damage that can occur.  Trimming trees is not without risk to the trimmer.  Falling branches as well as accidental injury from trimming tools (such as chainsaws) are the most common causes of damage.  These kinds of injuries can be serious and even fatal.  It is important to use the utmost care when using such powerful tools on large, heavy trees.

As you consider the harm that can result from improperly trimming trees, you may come to the conclusion that this is a job that is best left to the professionals.  Our tree technicians and arborists know the best techniques to quickly and safely trim your trees.  We will trim your trees properly in order to leave them stronger, healthier, and more beautiful than before.  Schedule your tree trimming today by calling 317-298-8482 or scheduling online.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

There are a number of things you can do to help your trees survive the winter when they go dormant. Almost everything about winter; the ground freezing, the heat of daytime followed by freezing nights, snow and ice storms can all damage your tree.

Trees are known for their ability to survive through the winter and then spring back to life during the spring. Today we’ll be taking a look at just how trees are able to do this, and we’ll learn something about nature as we go.

Let’s start by looking at dormancy and some of the measures 72 Tree and you can take to help your trees survive the coldest months.

Dormancy in Deciduous Trees

Dormancy is one of the coolest tricks Mother Nature knows. This is when a tree stops producing food during the winter and no longer needs the photosynthesis process or the leaves involved in it. So leaves have to be removed to conserve energy. Deciduous trees produce a chemical called abscisic acid (ABA) in the terminal buds that connect leaves, telling leaves it’s time for them to go.

ABA prevents both deciduous and coniferous trees from growing. This impeded growth is another part of the dormancy process, further reducing how much energy the tree consumes. As the tree enters a conservation state, the metabolism of the tree slows down; using the energy from stored food slowly to maintain vital functions.

Winter Tree Care

Pruning – You should wait until dormancy to prune your tree, when you aren’t likely to damage new growth. Late season growth is particularly at risk from pruning, as it hasn’t had the time to prepare for winter months. Ice crystals may form within new growth and rupture cell walls. If they aren’t pruned properly, they are likely to die off during the spring.

Visit here for more pruning tips and instructions.

Mulching – Winter drought is a problem caused by a tree shrub or plant losing more moisture than can be absorbed. While you aren’t able to control the weather, you have some influence of the effects of it. Putting a thick layer of organic mulch down before winter temperatures set in helps to insulate the roots. The mulch also prevents runoff and moisture loss, benefiting the overall health and hydration of the tree.

Please note that trees don’t freeze entirely, even in a dormant state. Looking at the tree shows you they prepare on the cellular levels. It sounds incredible, but much of the work a tree does to survive winter is happening under the bark inside the tree.

Remove Build-up of Ice and Snow – It’s likely that you might see snow build up on your tree or cling to the branches of it following some bad winter weather. It’s important that you leave the snow be and don’t shake it off. There’s a good chance that the branches have frozen solid and become brittle. Shaking them could damage the tree or even cause these limbs to break off and fall, which is a serious hazard. If you find yourself in this situation then call in a tree professional to evaluate the situation. They will be able to advise the best course of action to take.

Trees Spring Into Life Following Dormancy

Trees will start springing back to life as the days get longer and the temperatures get warmer. If you took care of them properly, then you’re in for another year of beauty and shade provided by a healthy tree. Taking care of them, by the way, means doing absolutely nothing and letting nature take its course. After taking care of the seasonal pruning, you’ll have done enough to protect your tree. Trust the natural survival mechanisms of your tree to handle everything else.

Your trees are often stressed during winter. Knowing ways to lessen the impact is helpful. Learn these preventative tree stress methods to give your trees a greater chance at prolonged health and life. 72tree.com/winter-tree-stress-prevention-and-protection-tips/

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/helping-trees-survive-winter/

The growing season is quickly coming to an end.  Mowing will soon become unnecessary as the cooler weather settles in and grass enters a dormant stage.  But there are still lawn care activities that need your attention.  In fact, some of the things you do now can actually affect the healthy and beauty of your lawn next spring.  One such activity is lawn aeration.  If you are uncertain about what lawn aeration is and whether you should do it, keep reading.

What is Lawn Aeration?

Aeration is the practice of making small holes in the surface of a lawn.  The preferred method of lawn aeration is to insert hollow cylinders into the ground.  The cylinders force 2- to 3-inch long plugs out of the soil and leave behind holes of the same depth.  Alternately, insertion of spikes can also be used for aeration, but this method is not as effective since it does not remove plugs from the soil.

Benefits of Lawn Aeration

But you may be asking yourself why anyone would want to make holes in their lawn?  The simple answer is that it actually helps the lawn to be healthier.  Some key benefits of lawn aeration include:

• It reduces compaction of soil
• It prevents thatch from building up on the surface of the soil
• It allows better circulation of air
• It improves the absorption of water, fertilizer, and nutrients by grass roots

In short, aeration helps grass get what it needs to live and thrive.  It is especially helpful for soils that experience heavy traffic or are in generally poor condition.

Combine with Overseeding

Often homeowners follow lawn aeration with overseeding, which is the process of scattering grass seeds over existing grass.  For lawns that are thin or nearly bare, overseeding can significantly improve the look and health of the turf.  Combining the two boosts the effectiveness of overseeding.  When sown on aerated ground, seeds have a better opportunity to settle directly on the soil.  This promotes germination and root growth.  As more individual grass plants grow and become established, the lawn will become more thick and lush.  It will also be healthier and better able to fight disease and withstand drought and other damage.

Lawn aeration and overseeding are valuable lawn care practices that every homeowner should consider, especially if there are signs of soil compaction or thinning grass growth.  Fall is the ideal time to perform these activities to give the grass seed time to germinate and become rooted before colder weather arrives.  If you think your lawn could benefit from aeration and overseeding but aren’t sure how to do it (or just don’t want to), Ping’s can get it done for you.  Just like we provide expert tree care that keeps your trees healthy and beautiful, we can also provide services to keep your lawn healthy and looking great.  Call us at 317-298-8482 to schedule aeration and overseeding.  Our work now will help you get your lawn ready to grow in the spring.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com

Enjoy Fall Colors Right Here in Indianapolis

Autumn in central Indiana is a delightful season.  Football games, fall festivals, corn mazes, and pumpkin-flavored everything are a few highlights in the autumn season.  But trees are the undisputed star of autumn.  As the temperature drops and the days shorten, the leaves on the trees will begin their transformation.  In weeks, they turn from lush green to brilliant yellow, fiery orange, blazing red, bronzy brown, and even majestic purple!  At Ping’s, we love trees year-round, but we must admit there is a unique splendor to the woods in the fall.  If you’re looking for a good place to enjoy the fall color show in the Indianapolis area, here are a few ideas.

Take A Walk in the Park

While much of Indiana is flat, there are places to enjoy more interesting landscapes.  Often these interesting landscapes have been set aside as state, city, or nature parks.  Some popular parks which provide access to the changing leaves include Brown County State Park and Turkey Run.  However, if you’d like to stay a little closer to home, try an Indy park.  As an example, the trails at Holliday Park provide a great place to enjoy the colorful autumn display on terrain that is decidedly different from the flat ground that characterizes most of the Indianapolis area.  These trails are moderately easy to navigate and provide many opportunities to interact with nature.  A walk from Holliday Park’s nature center will take you past wooded slopes, ravines, ponds, and eventually the White River.  Holliday Park is just one of many local parks.  For a list of those within Indianapolis, see the Indy Parks website.

Head Back to School

Enjoying the beauty of nature may not be the most common reason for visiting a college campus, but it’s still a good one.  Many universities boast beautiful common areas for their students to enjoy.  One that is easily accessible to Indianapolis residents is the Butler campus.  The wooded areas around Hinkle Field House and Holcomb Observatory provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic with a view of the changing sights of the season.  Keep heading north from there and you’ll run into the Central Canal, where you can continue your scenic walk.  If you’re in the mood for a trip out of the city, the campuses of Indiana University and Notre Dame also provide popular autumn destinations.

Follow the Trail

A great way to take in the scenery of autumn is to do it while you walk or bike.  The mild fall weather makes exercise more enjoyable and the surroundings can be a wonderful distraction.  Trails throughout the city provide a place to experience nature while you get moving.  Fall Creek Trail is just one example of the trails available to the color-seeker.  Located on the east side of Indianapolis, this trail follows Fall Creek and loops around Fort Harrison.  Find nearby trails at this website.

I hope this blog has given you some ideas for good viewing of the changing leave, but perhaps the best place to enjoy the beauty of autumn is in your own backyard!  Ping’s can help you care for your trees and ensure that you can continue to enjoy them for years to come.  We offer expert advice and services, including tree trimming, insect and disease management, and fertilization.  If your trees are not thriving as they should be, our certified arborists can diagnose the problem and recommend necessary treatment.

This post first appeared on https://pingstreeservice.com