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Honeydew produced by soft scales. (Joe Boggs, The Ohio State University Extension)

During these summer months, there are lots of things in the yard that demand your attention.  In addition to regular mowing, you may be busy with trimming, weeding, planting, mulching, and other assorted tasks.  But even while you are keeping everything looking nice, there may be a problem that is forming on your trees and shrubs without you even noticing.  Scale insects are so small that you may not notice their presence on a tree until they begin doing some real damage.

What Are Scale Insects?

Scale insects are a class of insects named for the protective scales that cover their bodies.  They are typical very small (up to 1/8 of an inch) and without any legs, they move quite slowly if at all.  Scale insects usually survive by finding a good spot along the veins of a leaf and sucking the sap from the leaf.  As long as the leaf continues to provide an adequate supply of sap, they will happily set up camp and stay.

How Do Scale Insects Harm Trees?

While this sounds like a nice arrangement for the scale insect, it doesn’t really work out so well for the tree or shrub.  A healthy tree produces a lot of sap and one scale insect probably wouldn’t do much damage.  However, like many pests, these insects reproduce rapidly and each new generation will find a comfy spot, usually on the same tree, and start sucking away.  The euonymus variety of scale insects can produce up to 3 generations each year!  A constant drain of sap will eventually take its toll on the tree or shrub.

What Other Adverse Effects Do Scale Insects Have?

In addition to putting stress on your trees, scale insects also make a mess in and under your trees.  As they are gorging themselves on sap, these little creatures are also excreting a sticky substance all over the leaves on which they live.  This substance, romantically known as honeydew, covers tree leaves as well as dropping onto the ground or anything else parked under the tree.  (The picture at the top right shows a leaf with honeydew.)  If left undisturbed, honeydew will often lead to the formation of a black sooty mold.

How Can Scale Insects Be Eliminated?

I’m sure you can see why no homeowner with a sound mind would want scale insects.   So what can you do to eliminate these tiny pests?  Due to the protective scale which covers these insects, they are often resistant to normal sprayed insecticides. Full-strength oil sprays may be applied directly to the tree’s leaves during dormant periods in an effort suffocate over-wintering egg masses. However, the timing of application is crucial to safe and effective elimination.  Oil sprays are usually applied in late winter or early spring and should not be applied to trees or shrubs that are fully leafed out.   The most effective and reliable method for getting rid of these pests is the use of systemic insecticides.

If you find that you have scale insects invading a tree, Ping’s Tree Service has the experience and expertise to take care of your problem.  With the mild winter we had this year, we have been seeing more of these sneaky little critters than usual.  But they are no match for our certified arborists.  Scales are not easy to displace once they have taken up residence, but Ping’s will do what it takes to send them packing.  Give us a call to schedule an appointment for a free consultation (317-298-8482).

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

There is nothing like a good thunderstorm to put nature’s awesome power on display.  Brilliant flashes of lightning, driving rains, high-speed winds, occasionally even the whirling vortex of a tornado.   With the intense energy that is packed in these storms, it is no wonder that they can do a lot of damage – to home, autos, and even trees.  While it is impossible to predict where or when a storm will strike, you can identify trees that may be more vulnerable to storm-related damage.  In general, any weakness in a tree can make it more susceptible to damage.  This weakness may be the result of previous damage, decay, structural abnormalities, or even environmental deficiencies.

Decay is a major cause of tree weakness.

When a tree experiences decay, some of its tissue is dying. Where once there had been strong, solid, living material, now there is soft, squishy, dead matter.  Obviously, this makes it less able to withstand any assault.  So what causes decay in the first place?  Decay can begin when there is a wound to the tree that allows the entrance of disease.  These wounds may result from improper bracing or pruning as well as damage done by a lawnmower or weed trimmer.  Improper mulching, overwatering, or inadequate soil drainage can also encourage decay.

Structural abnormalities can also make a tree vulnerable.

Trees with codominant stems, for example, can be more susceptible to storm damage.  This condition occurs when the tree has 2 or more stems that form the main trunk, each with approximately the same diameter.   While the tree may look strong to the casual observer, it is more likely to fail to withstand damage from a storm.  Another abnormality that can cause weakness is stem girdling roots. Roots at or just below the surface of the soil that partially or completely encircle the tree are known as stem girdling roots.  They take a toll on the overall health of a tree and often cause a weakness to form in the lower trunk.  High winds can cause the tree to then snap off at the weak point, bringing the tree down.

Many tree weaknesses can be addressed.

The good news is that many of these weaknesses can be avoided or treated.  First, evaluate the condition of your trees often.  Look for dead branches that need to be removed, places where damage has already occurred, and structural problems like codominant stems or stem girdling roots.  Second, leave major tree work to the professionals.  Rather than trying to prune your tree or attach needed cables or braces, it really is best to get someone who will do it right.  If you see a problem or just suspect that something is not right, call an arborist.  They are trained to know what to look for and what can be done to mitigate the problem.

The experienced staff of certified arborists at Ping’s Tree Service is happy to come out and take a look at your trees anytime.  Our experts know how to spot a potential problem and what to do to handle it.  We will give you a free assessment with any recommendations for treatment.  Call us at 317-298-8482 with your concerns or schedule your free assessment today.  We will help you protect your trees against the fury of the next Indiana thunderstorm.

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

Leaves affected by apple scab.

The winter of 2016 was a mild one in central Indiana, and it was a needed relief after the two unseasonably cold and snowy winters preceding it.  We all enjoyed the benefits of a more temperate winter.  Yet as often happens, this much welcomed mildness is not without a downside.  Now we must deal with the increase in insects and disease that often accompany warmer temperatures and fewer blizzards.

More Insects.

The harsh weather of winter is hard on insects.  Prolonged freezing temperatures will kill more insects as the frost level pushes deeper into the ground, reaching to places where more insects are hibernating.  In a mild winter the ground will not freeze as far down, allowing for more insect to survive.  Insect populations get another boast when warm weather arrives earlier in the spring without a resurgence of cold.  In these circumstances, bugs can begin reproducing earlier and have more time to build up in numbers.

It is easy to see that this increase in insect populations can have some negative consequences.  Obviously, insects are pests and having more of them will require more effort to keep them from wreaking havoc.  One area where the reach of more insects must be battled is in plant care.  From crops to landscapes, from trees to perennials, all plants are exposed to more attacks from insect pests after a mild winter.  In particular, the tree care specialists at Ping’s are seeing an increase in scale insects, especially in maple, tulip, oak, and crab apple trees.

More Disease.

In addition to an increase in insects, mild winters can also result in an increase in disease experienced by plants and trees.  Mold, in particular, can be a real problem after a mild winter.  Mild winters produce the kind of wet and mild conditions that mold thrives in.  Not only are temperatures more suitable to the growth of mold and other diseases, but the fact that more precipitation falls as rain rather than snow leaves the ground soggy and wet, a perfect environment for the growth of mold, fungus, and bacteria.  Our arborists are currently battling attacks from fungi such as apple scab and anthracnose.

There are many advantages to a mild weather, but it is not without its drawbacks.  Now that the seasons have changed, it is important to be aware of the accompanying increase in insects and disease.  If you have considered the Plant Health Care Plan offered by Ping’s, now is a perfect time to start.  Our certified arborists will monitor the health of your trees and guard against disease and infestation.  Visit our website to read more or give us a call (317-298-8482) to talk to a tree specialist.

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

Mulching is a great practice that can contribute to the health of trees and plants as well as the overall beauty of your landscaping.  But too much mulch will not help – in fact, it can be detrimental to trees and plants.  Here is an overview of the damage that can be done when you get too aggressive in your mulch application.

1. Trapping too much moisture around trees.

   One of the key benefits of mulch is that it helps keep moisture in the soil around plants and trees.  However, too much water held in the surrounding soil can be devastating.   When mulch is piled too high or mounded up the base of the tree trunk, it can retain too much moisture, causing the roots, bark, and cambium to rot.  The cambium is the layer of tissue just under the bark which transports water and nutrients to the leaves of a tree.  Without it, your tree will die.

2. Choking out the oxygen in the soil that plants need.

   We don’t often think of plants needing oxygen, but they do.  And they receive this oxygen through their root system.  Too much water in the soil prevents the roots from getting the oxygen they need, literally choking them.  When roots are deprived of oxygen, they cannot live and neither can the plant or tree.

3. Exposing plants to excessive heat.

   You may have noticed as you have applied mulch that it can sometimes give off heat.  This heat is created as the mulch decomposes.  When mulch is applied too thickly, this heat can become trapped without a way to escape into the air.  Plant tissue that is exposed to this heat may suffer irreversible damage.

4. Creating a haven for bacteria, fungus, and other pests.

   While to all appearances, a thick layer of mulch may seem like a protection for plants and trees, it actually can harbor harmful organisms.  A wetter soil environment, which is maintained by an abundance of mulch, makes a perfect place for bacteria and fungus to grow and thrive.  Obviously, these are a threat to trees and plants.  Furthermore, insects and small animals can find shelter in mulch, and these pests can inflict chewing damage to the tender bark or cambium of a tree.

The important thing to remember is that mulch is good, but too much of a good thing is definitely harmful in this case.  Even if you see neighbors or professional landscapers applying thick “volcanoes” of mulch around trees, you will save yourself a lot of trouble with a more conservative application.  In general, you should keep mulch less than 3 inches deep, and it should not be applied directly against tree trunks.  If you have a question about tree care, call the professional arborists at Ping’s Tree Service (317-298-8482).  We have the expertise to answer your questions and accurately evaluate any problems with your trees.

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

Spring Has Sprung: Time for Planting Season

As the weather continues to warm up, property owners are getting ready to pick their favorite trees and get them planted during prime tree-planting season.  Spring is a great time to add new life to your landscape, and getting trees planted early can aid in their growth and survival throughout the year.  When choosing a tree specimen to plant, there are several factors to keep in mind.

Location.  How close will the tree be to a structure?  Do I need it for shade?  Will it attract birds to the area?  Will it enhance the overall appearance of the property?

Availability.  Are these trees readily available in the area?

Size.  How large will this specimen grow?  How much will it spread out?

Hardiness.  How will the tree stand up to the changes in temperature and conditions of the area?

Rate of Growth.  How fast will the tree grow?

Space.  How much room is available to allow the tree to grow naturally?  How much room does it need above and below ground?

Appearance.  Does the tree fit the landscape around it?  How will it look when fully matured?  What is the color and texture of the bark, flowers, foliage, fruit, etc?

Nourishment.  What are the moisture requirements for this specific specimen?  What type of fertilization is needed?

Maintenance.  What type of pruning will be needed to keep this tree looking its best?

Need help choosing your tree?  Our Certified Arborists are experts in tree selection and planting.  They analyze the area by considering soil conditions, presence of channelized winds, proximity to structures and other important factors to determine the tree specimen options that will best thrive and add curb appeal to your property.

Don’t forget to check your community restrictions and what is allowed by HOA’s and municipalities.  Also consider having the utilities marked on your property before getting your heart set on a particular location.  Call 811 for the national “Call Before You Dig” hotline to get assistance.

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

Winter is here and the days are short and gray. Even though the weather is blustery, there is still plenty to appreciate in our urban forest. There may not be many flowers, and most of the colorful leaves of autumn have fallen. However, wintertime also brings unique opportunities for color. Winter interest plants can create beauty in your yard even during the most dismal months. If your landscape is a bit drab at the moment, this is the perfect time to let our Portland certified arborists help you research which species can add life to your landscaping in the wintertime.

Portland Certified Arborists’ Tips on Winter Interest Trees

Think Evergreen. Here in the Pacific Northwest we are graced with some of the largest evergreens on the planet. Don’t take them for granted. Our evergreens provide a comfortable backdrop and also work hard as valuable structural plants in the landscape. Rhododendrons, Camellias, Andromeda, Cypress, and other evergreen species work well in our wet winters. Broadleaf evergreens such as Southern Magnolia and Madrone, while larger trees, also work well in our Pacific Northwest climate.

Go for Contrast. Evergreens make a nice backdrop for other plants such as Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) or Coral-Bark Maple (Acer palmatum “Sango Kaku”). Birchbark Cherry (Prunus serrula) and Himalayan Birch (Betula jacquemontii) also have nicely-textured bark. Winter interest plants might not be known for their flowers, but they have other features such as multi-layered or brightly colored bark that provide rich textures in the landscape.

Winter Flowers. Hope is not lost for those looking for winter flowers. Witch hazel (Hamamelis) may still be found blooming in December in some Portland gardens. Evergreen shrubs such as Andromeda and Daphe odora also flower in winter. These can be matched with evergreen or flowering perennials, such as hellebores, or shrubs, such as Hazel, with its twisting branches and flowering catkins.

Zen-Inspired Gardens. These gardens bring peace and tranquility to the landscape and to the inner mind, and provide a welcome respite from the worries of the city. The good thing about Japanese and Chinese style gardens (we have lovely examples of both in Portland) is that they focus not on showy flowers but on creating harmony with the natural backdrop that our large conifers provide. Many of the plants listed above also work well in Zen-inspired gardens. Japanese Maples are a classic Zen garden selection, particularly those varieties that boast vibrant or textured bark. The leafless silhouette of a Japanese maple is, on its own, the perfect fodder for meditation. Hinoki Cypress (Chameacyparis), Yew Plum (Cephalotaxus), Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens), and Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo “Teeny”) are good choices for Japanese- and Chinese-style gardens, and these species grow well in our climate. Learn more about Pruning a Japanese Maple.

The Snow Garden. Snow brings the perfect opportunity for winter gardening. The idea is to plan ahead for the stark contrast of snow. For instance, while cutting back perennials in the fall, you can leave long spiky flowers to dry in place. Snow will provide a magical, white backdrop for the flower stalks. This can be complimented with the plants or techniques listed above for background or additional interest. Another idea is to plant a deciduous Larch. These unique conifer trees drop their needles in the winter. Imagine the breathtaking effect of a Larch’s newly fallen needles on a soft bed of new snow.

Think ahead: Portland Tree Planting and Pruning. Take good care of your yard’s landscape and it will provide a wonderful environment to enjoy, even during the winter months. Preparation is a key ingredient for a successful winter garden. Design is one of our Portland tree services, and we would love to create and plant a living palette of year-round color for your yard. From species selection, to pruning, to removal, and tree planting, Portland homeowners can trust UFP with any tree-related need. Our arborists are ISA-certified, fully licensed, and insured. We take care to do the job right because we know that is what you expect, and because we are passionate about the health of our urban forest. Call us today to discuss our tree-planting services.

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

Proper tree pruning on any property helps breathe new life into the overall look of the landscape. It not only helps to maintain tree health, but it greatly adds to the appearance and appeal of the surrounding area. There are many reasons why property managers should consider having the trees on their managed properties pruned regularly. Here are a few of the most important ones.

Visibility.

Overgrown trees can block customers from seeing signs advertising the business or from viewing the property itself. This is where the property manager should take extra care to ensure all trees are trimmed accurately in order to provide as much visibility as possible.

Clearance around the building.

All too often, trees are planted too close to a building or structure. General tree trimming guidelines suggest a clearance of 5 to 10 feet of clearance. Property managers don’t want to have to continually be trimming back overgrown branches, so it’s a good thing to have a Certified Arborist put a tree pruning plan in place. A good plan will include pruning the entire tree, not just one side.

Parking.

Overgrown trees with low hanging branches can prevent the use of all available parking spots by making it impossible for a vehicle to access the space. Property managers want to keep those parking lot trees adequately pruned back so as to allow their customers plenty of room to park their cars and trucks. Having those trees regularly maintained can keep your lot looking nice and inviting to your patrons.

Ping’s Tree Service recommends contacting a Certified Arborist who can provide a professional evaluation of your trees and give recommendations on their individual needs. We currently have 7 Certified Arborists on our staff who are experts in all tree species, especially those located here in Indiana. We would love the opportunity to help you maintain the beauty of your managed properties.

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

Winter Is Coming!

Fortunately we missed out on Winter Storm Jonas and the massive amounts of snow it dropped on the east coast. However, winter is not over yet. Even though we had a little warm up this week, meteorologists predict that February is going to be a very snowy month for us here in the Indianapolis area.

Winter storms and heavy snow can cause severe stress and damage to trees. If your trees experience damage from these types of storms, there are a few things for you to consider.

1. Assess the Minor Damage. If your trees have acquired minor damage with only the smallest branches being injured, then generally there is no major threat to the tree. You may need to clean up the broken twigs and branches or have the crown thinned of bent or twisted limbs. But overall, the tree shouldn’t be in danger or distress.
2. Asses the Major Damage. Tree damage that consists of large broken branches, missing bark that has been torn off, or trunks that are splintering can be signs of major damage and pose a risk to the health of your tree. That tree may require more maintenance or may need to be removed. A certified arborist is able to evaluate the health and safety of your tree in this situation.

Note: If it has been determined that the tree is not worth saving, have it removed as soon as possible. Leaving the tree to die can result in it becoming a hazard tree which increases the risk to yourself and the tree crew that will remove it. Increased risk requires special tools and techniques to safely remove the tree and will therefore increase the cost of the tree care work.

So whether it’s minor or major damage, take time to do a quick evaluation of your trees after a winter storm. If there is any damage, we’d love to help. Ping’s Tree Service offers a FREE Estimate on pruning, trimming, and tree removal services.

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

Now that the Christmas holiday has passed, it’s time to get your decorations put away and dispose of your Christmas tree. Recycling Christmas trees will provide mulch to the city parks for trails and landscaping to be used as needed. Here is a list of where you can get drop of your live, bare trees in and around the Indianapolis area:

Marion County

• Broad Ripple Park (1610 Broad Ripple Ave.) south lot
• Ellenberger Park (5301 E. St. Clair St.) west of pool in main parking lot
• Garfield Park (2432 Conservatory Drive) MacAllister Center
• Gustafson Park (3110 Moller Road) near the front entrance
• Krannert Park (605 S. High School Road) north parking lot
• Northwestway Park (5253 W. 62nd St.) near the recycling bins
• Perry Park (451 E. Stop 11 Road) soccer field parking lot
• Riverside Park (2420 N. Riverside Drive) tennis court parking lot
• Sahm Park (6801 E. 91st St.) soccer field parking lot

Please note that from now until January 31, trees can be dropped off from dawn until dusk.

Note: DPW will NOT offer curbside Christmas tree pickup this year

Fishers (until Feb. 1, 2016)

• ​Brooks School Park, 11780 Brooks School Road
• Cumberland Park, 10580 Cumberland Road
• Roy G. Holland Memorial Park, 1 Park Drive

Johnson County (until Feb. 11, 2016)

• ​Center Grove High School, 2717 S. Morgantown Road, near the tennis courts
• Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., Franklin, near the Purdue Extension Office
• Indian Creek Intermediate School, 1000 S. Indian Creek Dr., Trafalgar, near the teachers’ parking lot
• McCarty Mulch, 100 Bluffdale, Greenwood
• Curbside pickup will be offered in GREENWOOD through January.

Hendricks County (until Feb. 13, 2016)

• ​Brownsburg Yard Waste Recycling Center, 90 Mardale Drive, Brownsburg
• Plainfield Yard Waste Recycling Center, 7020 South CR 875 East, Plainfield
• GreenCycle-McCarty, 494 South CR 200 E, Danville

Carmel and Westfield

Curbside Christmas tree pickup is available for free on your regular trash days.

♦ Once again, please make sure to remove all decorations, including your tree stand, before dropping off your tree.

♦ Also, it’s important to know that you should never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. This may contribute to creosote buildup and could cause a chimney fire.

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

TCIA Professional Communications Awards Winner!

Ping’s Tree Service is proud to announce it has been awarded a Professional Communications Award from the Tree Care Industry Association — TCIA. More than 20 years old, this program honors marketing and communication excellence within the tree care industry.

In August, we submitted our tree frog ads for entry into the TCIA Professional Communications Awards. These ads were created as part of our company branding initiative and have received a generous amount of positive responses in our advertising areas.

TCIA evaluated each entry on the overall appearance, content quality, adherence to American National Standards Institute and Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards, and its success in achieving the company’s marketing and communications goals.

To learn more about TCIA’s Professional Communications Award program, visit TCIA.org.

About the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA): Founded in 1938, TCIA is a public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture. It has more than 2,300 member companies who recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance. TCIA also has the nation’s only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that adhere to industry standards for quality and safety; maintain trained, professional staff; and are dedicated to ethical and professional business practices. With access to the latest and best safety standards and training, the typical TCIA member company has 50% fewer accidents than a typical non-member.

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