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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

Planting a tree is making an investment in your residential or commercial property.  Trees add value to your property and enjoyment to your activities.  In your yard, trees provide shade for outdoor living and beauty that can be enjoyed from within and outside of your home.  On commercial properties, trees can help keep energy costs low, screen unattractive views, and even contribute to a positive workplace atmosphere.  When you plant a tree, it may very likely remain in its place for the entirety of your life, or even beyond.  Therefore, you want to make the most of your investment by choosing just the right tree to plant.  To ensure you make the right choice, consider these questions.

What Kind of a Tree Are You Looking For?

First of all, you should think about why you are planting this tree and what you want from the tree.  Are you planting for shade?  Are you trying to add a particular aesthetic element to your yard or commercial property?  Do you want a flowering tree or a fruit tree?  Knowing what you expect from the tree will help you start making your list of possible trees that can be whittled down by additional considerations.

How Large Will the Tree Grow?

The sapling that you plant today will not stay small for long.  Sometimes it hard to imagine just how large your tiny transplant will eventually become.  But it’s important to consider the mature size of the tree before you plant.  Will the tree block beloved views or get in the way of power lines or permanent structures?  Consider also where the shade from the mature tree will fall.

How Fast Will the Tree Grow?

Another factor you may want to consider is the rate of growth of the tree you will plant.  Each tree variety has its own rate of growth.  Before planting, you should be aware that fast-growing trees often do not have as much strength as slower-growing trees.  You must weigh the short-term benefit against the liability that a weaker tree can be in the long run.

What Trees Do Well in Your Climate?

Finally, perhaps the most important consideration is whether a tree is suited to the location where it is planted.  Not every tree will thrive in every environment.  Obviously, a tree that does well in the tropics is not going to survive here in central Indiana.  Before you plant, think about your hardiness zone and whether a tree can tolerate the cold winters that we experience.  In addition, you need to consider the soil type and drainage in your yard.  Our clients often ask us what trees we recommend for planting in the Indianapolis area.  Of course, you must consider the particular conditions on your property, but the following list of trees that generally do well in our area is a good place to start.

• Small trees – crabapple, magnolias, Japanese maples
• Medium-sized trees – red point maple, Canadian red chokecherry, greenspire linden
• Large trees – swamp white oak, red oak, tulip poplar, elm

Fall is a great time to plant trees so if you’re considering making that investment, you may want to do it in the near future.  I hope this blog has given you some guidance in your choice of the right tree to plant in your yard.  And we can also help with the actual planting! Our experts can plant any tree for you, giving you the assurance that your tree will be planted in the correct way and given a good growing start.  Call us today at 317-298-8482 or schedule a consultation at your convenience.

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

Dollar Spot: A Fungus That May Affect Your Lawn

The first sign that there is a problem with your lawn is often a change in appearance.  Instead of the healthy, lush green carpet you expect, diseased grass will often be different in color or density.  One such difference that you may notice in your lawn is the discoloration caused by dollar spot.  You may have never heard of dollar spot, but it can cause pervasive damage to your lawn if it is not stopped.

What Is Dollar Spot?

Dollar spot is a disease caused by a fungus that affects bentgrass, bluegrass, fine-leaf fescues, perennial ryegrass, and zoysiagrass.  It shows up first with small yellowish green blotches, which may escape your attention.  As the disease progresses, it causes blades to become a tan color, affecting patches of grass about the size of a silver dollar.  If left unchecked, the disease will spread and patches will become larger.  Eventually, the entire yard may be damaged by the fungi.

What Causes Dollar Spot?

Much like we might catch a cold, grass can become infected when exposed to micro-organisms as well.  Activation of fungi spores cause dollar spot to develop.  The spores of this fungus may be present in your soil and spread by natural means.  They may also be spread through contaminated mowers, sprinklers, or other maintenance equipment.  The disease is exacerbated by wet turf, high humidity, and weather that is warm during the day and cool at night.

Can Dollar Spot Be Prevented?

Though soil may contain dollar spot fungus spores, this does not necessarily mean that dollar spot will develop.  The right conditions must be present.  Some of these conditions are out of your control.  For example, high humidity can promote the growth of the fungus.  But you do have some control over other factors, such as your watering and mowing habits.  Lawns should be watered deeply and infrequently and should always be watered early enough in the day to allow grass to dry out before nightfall.  It is also important to keep your lawn free of thick layers of grass clippings by mowing regularly.  Cut grass that is left on your lawn can give fungi a perfect environment in which to grow.

What If I Have Dollar Spot?

If you find that your lawn is infected with dollar spot, you can rest in the knowledge that it is fairly easy to treat.  For mild cases, treatment with nitrogen fertilizer may stop the spread of the fungus.  In more severe cases, a fungicide may need to be applied.  When your lawn experiences problems, including dollar spot, the professionals at Ping’s can help.  We can evaluate your lawn, identify the problem, and implement the solution.  We offer full-service lawn care as well as treatments for specific lawn problems.  Visit our website for more information or give us a call at 317-298-8482 for a free quote.

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

If you are trying to do some research to determine what it costs to get a tree removed in the Portland, Oregon area, you might find that the prices vary. There is not always a “one size fits all” price for these types of projects, because it depends on a variety of factors. We all would like a reliable formula or app for removing a tree, but unfortunately, that app doesn’t exist yet. Sometimes tree removal costs $50 and sometimes a single tree removal can cost $25K.

While there’s no definitive answer or formula to determine the average cost of tree removal, there are five main factors that go into determining the cost of tree removal. Prices will be mentioned below but remember that they are estimates and just an average cost to remove and not a price guarantee. Every tree is different and therefore every project will be different, whether it’s large tree removal, stump removal, or log splitting.

When researching prices for Portland tree removal, keep these factors in mind.

1. Size of the Tree

The size of the tree is the number one factor that can affect how much tree removal will cost. Both the height of the tree as well as the crown spread of the tree are factors that are considered by arborists.

Most people have difficulty getting the accurate height of their tree just by guessing. Luckily, there is an app for finding out how many feet tall your tree is and you can download it here. If you stick with guesstimates, a single story of a house is about 15 feet.

If your tree is larger than your house, it’s likely that removal of that tree has passed the $1,000 price range. If it towers over your whole neighborhood at over 100 feet, then you’ve probably passed $2,500 in removal costs.

Spread is a much harder thing to estimate, but for something like a large oak tree that spreads over three yards, it can be harder to remove, because of its large diameter and the many branches that make up the tree’s canopy. The average cost to remove a tree that has a three-yard spread is probably not going to be under the $2,500 mark.

2) How Many Obstacles Surround the Tree

The more a tree overhangs your house, the more it costs to remove. If the roof of your home includes a skylight or is made up of cedar shingles, tree removal will cost more. If a tree is within 10 feet of your home, it will likely cost more than $2,000 to remove, because extra precautions need to be taken to ensure everything around your home is kept secure and safe.

Additionally, if you have large items like RVs, hot tubs, or a playground sets in your yard, it is a good idea to move these things while your arborist is working to ensure no damage occurs from falling limbs or branches. Working around these things takes extra time and that translates to a higher than average cost to have the tree removed safely.

How close is your tree to existing communication or power lines, especially high voltage power lines? If the tree is close to these, it will cost affect the tree removal price. A tree that grows next to high voltage lines likely over $2,000.

3) Do you Have the Required Permits?

Portland’s trees are a vital and protected resource of the city, so it is important to check with the city government to find out what permits are required. Portland requires formal approval for removal of ‘street trees’ which grow in the public right-of-way, as well as on private property. Trees over a certain size or in a certain district may also require permitting.

Though it may seem thrifty to bypass this process, fines of $1,000 and greater will quickly void any savings. A consultant at Urban Forest Pro can help you navigate this permitting process to protect yourself. Once you have your questions answered and you have filled out the paperwork and have received a permit, you can start shopping around for estimates on tree removal.

4) How Easy is it to Access the Tree

Is the tree easy to access with tree removal equipment? For example, a backyard tree costs more to remove than a front yard tree, simply because arborists will need to maneuver large equipment to and from the space.

If it is difficult to gain easy entry your backyard space or the team must go through the garage, the cost of the tree removal can add to removal expenses. So, if you plan to remove a fence, consider doing that before you take the tree down, so you can save on tree removal expenses.

While it may seem obvious, a tree on a cliff costs more than a tree on flat ground. If the tree is located on a steep space or the terrain is rough and not easily accessible, your price estimate will likely be higher.

Another thing to note is that if the team of tree removal experts needs to obtain city parking permits to reserve parking on your street, there will be an additional cost added to your estimate. For example, if you live in the 97210-zip code, expect to pay $200 more just for parking.

Similarly, the closer your property is to Portland central, the easier we can reach you, so savings in fuel and time will be passed along to you. In suburban or isolated areas, flexible scheduling can help to avoid excessive costs. This could be done by arranging to have work performed at the same time as your neighbors.

5) What’s the Condition of the Tree?

The condition of the tree will impact the price of its removal. If the tree is dead, rotten, diseased, severely cracked or in such bad shape that it cannot be easily cut down, it typically costs more. This is because the removal of sick or dead trees is more difficult than healthy ones.

If your tree has fallen on your house due to decay, removal typically costs upwards of $5,000 because of the severity of the job. The silver lining for kind of this situation is that your homeowner’s insurance will usually cover this type of tree removal.

6) Expectations of Tree Removal Costs

Removing small trees or large trees requires assessing what repairs might need to be done in case something goes awry. For example, does your home have custom gutters or does your yard have an in-ground pool? The cost of potentially needing to repair these things goes into the cost of the removal.

Furthermore, we take into account the amount of clean up that needs to happen once the job is done. Removing trees can be a messy job and we want to leave your yard in the condition we found it. But, we will need to factor in time to clean up after our work, so you can continue to enjoy your exterior space with minimal disruption.

7) Time of Year

Spring is a beautiful time in the Pacific Northwest, and it is the time when trees show their true colors. As a result, the warmer months are the busiest time for tree service, and our scheduling backlog increases quickly. If a project does not require immediate attention due to a hazardous condition, you may arrange to schedule your appointment for tree or stump removal during the months of January, February or March at a potentially reduced cost. As a bonus, frozen ground and snow cover can help minimize the impact of tree removal on your lawn.

Tree Removal Portland, Oregon

If you are looking to hire a professional to find out the average cost to remove a tree or stump, keep in mind that each project is different. We understand that doing research on tree removal services can be a bit overwhelming, so it is okay to get several quotes to compare.

Urban Forest Professionals is happy to provide you a free estimate so you have an idea of what your project will encompass. Our arborists are experienced in the field and come licensed, bonded, and insured and we are glad to answer any questions you have regarding your specific project.

We serve the Portland Metro area as well as Vancouver, WA and its surrounding areas. Contact us today to find out more information about the tree removal process.

Check out our Angies List reviews.

This post first appeared on https://www.urbanforestprofessionals.com

One of the most basic needs of trees is water.  In order to continue to grow and flourish, every tree needs adequate water.  Everyone knows this, but it raises the questions of whether you need to water your trees and how that task is best accomplished.  This blog will answer your questions about watering trees.

It’s Important to Water Newly Planted Trees

For newly planted trees, regular watering is a necessity.  After planting, trees should be watered immediately.  This helps the tree to settle into the soil and replaces moisture lost during the planting process.  After planting, it can take several years for trees to become fully established.  Trees should be watered regularly for a few years throughout the growing season.  This is especially important during hot and dry summer weather, which can take its toll on trees and necessitate supplemental hydration.  We recommend watering newly planted trees every other day, giving them a good soaking at the drip line with a soaker hose, when the temperature is over 80 degrees.

Established Trees Do Not Usually Need Watering

While watering is vital for trees during the first two to three years after planting, it is generally unnecessary after that initial time period.  Trees that receive adequate water in the first few growing seasons will develop a healthy root system, which enables trees to withstand periods of dryness.

Be Careful to Avoid Overwatering

Watering is important, but overwatering can be disastrous.  Too much water can quickly kill a young tree.  Soil should be moist but not wet.  To determine whether you should water, check the soil at a depth of 2 inches.  If soil at that depth is moist to the touch, then you do not need to water.  On the other hand, if the soil is dry, you should water your tree.  How often a tree should be watered will vary depending on how much rainfall it is receiving.

How You Water Matters Too

Trees do not benefit from shallow watering.  In fact, shallow watering encourages shallow roots, which can be unhealthy for a tree.  A deep soaking once every few days will encourage roots to become well-established.  Watering should be done at the drip line (the ground under the outermost leaves of the tree) and just beyond.  This method best imitates natural rainfall.

Proper watering is one crucial element of tree care though it certainly isn’t the only one.  For other, more complicated tree care tasks, such as fertilizing, pruning, or treatment of infection or pests, the experts at Ping’s are ready to help.  We can even plant trees for you!  Give us a call at 317-298-8482 or schedule an appointment online.

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

Cultivating Good Mowing Habits

Mowing is not a sport, a hobby, or an art, but we do spend a lot of time doing it.  Most Americans like to have a well-kept lawn.  Our lawns are a source of pride for many of us, and we work hard to make sure that the grass is always an acceptable height.  Since we spend so much time mowing, we should at least make sure we are doing it right.  By following these principles for good mowing habits, you can get the most out of your mowing investment.

Keep Equipment in Good Condition

Good mowing starts with having the right equipment.  Regular maintenance will keep your mower running and ready to go when you are.  At the end of each mowing season, any remaining gas should be drained from your mower before you put it away for the winter.  When you get your mower out at the beginning of the season, it is helpful to have it tuned up and looked over by a lawn-mower mechanic.  This will hopefully prevent you from running into problems and having to take your mower in for repair when you need it most.

In particular, it is important to make sure that the blades on your mower are sharp.  Dull blades can be damaging to your lawn.  A dull blade will essentially tear your grass rather than making a clean cut.  An uneven cut will cause grass to be more vulnerable to attacks from disease and pests.  Mower blades should be sharpened at least twice per mowing season, more if your mower gets heavy use.

Choose the Right Time to Mow

Some tasks on your to-do list can be done anytime, while others have less flexibility.  There are no hard and fast rules about when mowing should be done, but there are definitely some guidelines.  First of all, you need to know the ideal height for your grass, which varies depending on grass type.  This helpful article from DIY Network can help you figure out what’s best for your particular variety.  In general, you don’t want to cut more than 1/3 of the height of the grass at each mowing.  Following this recommendation will help the grass to thoroughly recover from the stress of mowing.

Additionally, you will want to make sure that the grass is dry when you mow.  Wet grass can clump and accumulate on your lawn.  As it decays there, these clumps can be a breeding ground for microscopic pests.  They can also prevent your lawn from receiving adequate sunlight in the affected areas.

Prepare Before You Mow

You might be ready to just jump in and start mowing right away, but some preparation is best.  Trimming and edging before you mow will give you the best results.  Doing this prep work will benefit your grass and your mower as well as trees, plants, and other landscape elements in your yard.  And best of all, it also makes actual mowing time quicker and more enjoyable for you.

Resist a Mowing Rut

Finally, mowing can be a repetitive task, and you may be tempted to do it the same each time.  Maybe you feel like you’ve found a pattern that works and you’re going to stick to it.  However, it is better for your lawn if you change things up from mowing to mowing.  Following the same pattern can contribute to the problems of turf wear and soil compaction.  To prevent this, change the direction in which you mow. Go one direction this week and the opposite direction the next.  You can even challenge yourself to mow diagonally across your yard from time to time.  It doesn’t really matter how you do it as long as you don’t always do it the same way.

We are in the middle of mowing season.  Right now, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to hone your mowing skills.  But if excelling at mowing is not your dream, maybe you’d like to delegate your mowing duties to the experts at Ping’s.  We’ve got an experienced crew that is ready and willing to take this never-ending task off your hands.  Visit our Landscape page to learn more or call us at 317-298-8482 to learn more.

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

Best Practices for Tree Care

Trees are so plentiful that sometimes we can take them for granted.  We should not forget the many ways that trees make our lives better.  First of all, they contribute to the complex environment that living organisms rely on by releasing the oxygen that is vital to our existence.   Aesthetically, trees make the world around us beautiful and interesting.  On the practical side, they increase property values and improve energy efficiency by shading and cooling buildings.  Needless to say, trees are valuable to us all and we should all do our part to preserve them.  Here are 6 tree care practices you can implement to help ensure your trees will endure for many years to come.

Inspecting Warns of Problems

One of the easiest things you can do to protect your trees is to simply keep your eyes open.  Look at your trees up close and with an eye that is looking for what might be wrong.  Some (though not all) problems will display visible signs.  Since some problems might escape your notice, it is also a good idea to have a professional inspection.  Ping’s has trained, certified arborists on staff, who are trained to find and address tree problems.

Mulching Regulates Moisture and Temperature

Because they are not mobile, trees are unable to protect themselves against some negative environmental elements.  They must endure high winds, lightning strikes, and extremes in temperature and moisture.  Winds and lightning are unavoidable, but mulching can help regular moisture and temperature for trees.  Mulch keeps the soil around a tree from becoming waterlogged or dry.  Its protective layer also mitigates the effects of extreme cold or extreme heat on the tree.   When mulching, it is important to use proper techniques; see our blog for more information.

Fertilizing Provides Nutrients

Because trees don’t always get adequate nutrients from the soil, fertilizing trees is a good practice.  This is particularly true in suburban neighborhoods whose soil has been stripped of its rich topsoil.  If you are unsure about how to apply fertilizer or if you’d just rather not mess with it, Ping’s can fertilize your trees for you.

Applying Insecticide Protects

Nothing can ruin the health of a tree like an invasion of pests.  They can literally eat the life out of a tree.  Applying insecticides can often solve a pest problem if it is found early enough.  Preventative insecticides are also an option when you suspect that your tree may be a target for certain pests.  A consultation from an arborist can help you determine the best course of action.

Pruning Promotes Growth

It may not seem to make sense, but sometimes to get more tree growth, you need to cut the tree back.  Pruning branches that are weak, unproductive, or just in the way can actually spur a tree to increased growth.  The tree is able to concentrate resources into the remaining branches, making them stronger and healthier.  The Ping’s team has many years of experience in pruning trees.  We can get your trees trimmed up and ready to grow.

Bracing Protects Weak Branches

Finally, in some cases, trees need an extra measure of protection against damage from weather or other assault.  While wind, snow, ice, or other extreme weather could inflict harm to a tree at any time, it becomes more likely when part of a tree is weak.  Weakness can be the result of structural deformity, previous damage, or disease.  When a branch is weak, it is often necessary to either remove it or brace it to keep it from falling and causing damage to life or property.  Ping’s has the expertise needed to provide safe bracing for damaged or weak branches.

Together these 6 activities represent good practices for maintaining healthy trees.  With years of experience, Ping’s knows the best ways to implement these practices.  We can help you keep your trees strong and vigorous for years to come.  Call us at 317-298-8482 to schedule any of these services or for a consultation from an arborist or schedule online at your convenience.

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

Avoiding Lawn Care Scams

Lawn care takes center stage during the warm months of summer in central Indiana.  Everyone is busy at work to keep the lawn looking healthy and green.  From mowing to edging, from fertilizer to pest control, significant effort goes into lawn maintenance.  Often homeowners and commercial property owners reach the conclusion that lawn care is too much for one person to handle.  There are many lawn care companies who are ready to provide lawn care services.  Yet not all of them deliver all that they promise.  These tips can help you avoid being ripped off by lawn care companies.

Ask Questions

As you start to consider hiring a lawn care company, you should be prepared to ask some questions.  You can learn a lot by simply talking with a representative about the company and their offerings.  Find out how long they have been doing lawn care work and how many employees they have.  Ask questions about their process such as how often they provide service.  Inquire whether the company is a member of any professional organizations.  If the representative seems unable to answer questions, you might be skeptical of their ability to deliver reliable service.

Check for License and Insurance

One specific question that you’ll want to ask is whether the company has the proper license and insurance.  Local regulations require lawn care companies to have a license to apply fertilizer and insecticides.  Furthermore, companies need to have insurance to protect you in the case that something goes wrong and your lawn is damaged.

Do Your Research

Beyond asking questions, you should also investigate the company from other sources.  If your neighbors have used the company, talk with them and find out whether they have been happy.  Social media networks give you an opportunity to find out what people beyond your circle of acquaintances think.  You can also check to see if the company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.  The BBB will also have a list of complaints against companies that have been filed with them.

Get It In Writing

When you are serious about hiring a company to perform lawn care, make sure you have a contract.  The contract should spell out exactly what will be done and how much it will cost.  Additionally, you should not pay for the service until it is actually completed.

The bottom line when it comes to hiring a lawn care company is trust.  Your lawn is a reflection on you so you want to be sure that any company you hire will do a good job.  For years, you’ve been trusting your tree care needs to Ping’s Tree Service.  Now you can trust your lawn care needs to us too!  Ping’s is accredited with the Better Business Bureau.  In addition, we are also certified with the Office of Indiana State Chemist for proper management and application of treatments for tree, plant, and lawn services and currently employ 7 ISA-certified arborists. See our website for a full description of our 6-step lawn care program.  Call us at 317-298-8482 or schedule online today for a free estimate on our lawn care services.

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