Homemade Maple Syrup: How-To Guide for Hoosiers

Homemade Maple Syrup: How-To Guide for Hoosiers

It’s easy to pick up a bottle of maple syrup at the store, but have you ever considered making your own?  Yes, it is a lot of work, but tapping your trees is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature’s bounty. And when you’re done, you’ll have the sweetest reward for your efforts. Of course, it can be tricky to know where to start. All you need is the right setup, a few tools, and a little patience.

How to Identify a Sugar Maple

The first step for homemade maple syrup is locating your trees. Homeowners with more mature trees might be pleasantly surprised to find that they have a sugar maple right in their backyard. Sugar maples can be recognized by their brown pointed buds, shaggy bark, and the five wide-lobed notches on their leaves. The Indiana DNR has a helpful guide to help you identify trees by their leaves.

Look to tap trees that are wider than 10 inches in diameter. If you don’t have any sugar maples available, you can also try tapping sycamores, box elders, or birch trees. They all produce sap as well, though the sugar maple will yield the most for your efforts—between 5 to 60 gallons of sap each year. It sounds like a lot, but 10 gallons are needed just to make one quart of maple syrup!

How to Tap Your Trees

The key to tapping your sugar maple tree is temperature. In order for the sugar maple sap to be good for making syrup, the daytime temperatures should reach about 40 F. In Indiana, the maple syrup season typically starts in February and wraps up in April. This is when an enzyme in the tree becomes active, transforming starch into sugar. Tap your trees during these ideal temperatures to get the best product.  Follow these instructions for tapping trees:

1. Drill a slightly angled hole upward into your tree, about 3 feet above the ground.
2. Tap a spile (the drip spout) into the hole.
3. Hang a sap bucket from the spile.
4. Wait for the sap to drain. About 1 drop per second is a good pace.
5. Collect the sap and store in a cool area.

Many of the tools needed for tree tapping can be found at your local hardware store. Or you may prefer to order them online.

How to Make Maple Syrup

Once you collect sap, it’s important to boil it off as soon as possible since sap can actually go rancid after 24 or 48 hours. Due to the large volumes of sap needed to make syrup, it may be easier to perform the initial steps outside over a fire pit. To transform sap in syrup, follow these directions:

1. Strain your sap through cheesecloth to remove any impurities.
2. Heat the sap to a strong boil so the water evaporates.
3. Bring the last few gallons indoors to finish heating on the stove.
4. Monitor the temperature with a candy thermometer—it should be ready at 219 F.
5. Pour your maple syrup into sterilized jars and enjoy!

Does making homemade maple syrup sound like a fun project? Whether this labor-intensive endeavor is for you or not, you’ll want to keep all your trees (including maple trees) in good health.  Ping’s Tree Service offers all the tree maintenance services you need to keep your trees healthy and beautiful…though you’re on your own with the syrup making!

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

Four Ways Ping’s Can Make Your Winter Better

Winter is not the most popular season in central Indiana.  It is often cold and dark and full of unpredictable weather.  But Hoosiers are good at looking at the bright side of things.  Snow-covered landscapes can be dazzlingly beautiful.  Cold weather can lead to cozy evenings with your favorite family or friends.  And inclement weather often provides opportunities to help or be helped by neighbors.  At Ping’s, we view winter as a time when we can offer services to make the season a good one for our customers.  With the required expertise as well as the necessary snow removal and tree service equipment, Ping’s can make your winter better in these four ways.

1. Snow Removal Service

One frustrating aspect of winter in the Midwest is that travel is more difficult.  Snow must be removed from roads in order for vehicles to safely pass.  We are fortunate that local governments take care of public roads. Yet there are still neighborhood streets and commercial parking lots that are not the responsibility of public road crews.  If you are responsible for making sure that a lot or subdivision is kept clear, Ping’s can help.  You tell us the trigger for plowing, and when we receive that amount of snow, we will send out a crew.  Day or night, you don’t have to worry.  Our snow removal service let you rest assured that snow and ice will be dealt with promptly.

2. Removing Dead or Dangerous Trees

Winter weather brings with it conditions that can quickly take down a dead, dying, or otherwise weakened tree.  Strong winds, ice accumulation, or even heavy snowfall can put stress on trees.  Those that are vulnerable may lose large limbs or even topple completely.  At this point, you may experience more damage than just tree loss.  If a branch falls on a car, house, or commercial building, the results can be devastating.  No one wants to deal with the property damage and personal injury that can occur when a tree or branch falls.  If you know you have a vulnerable tree, Ping’s can help you avoid disaster by removing it now before nature gets the chance to take it out.  We have the tree service equipment required to make an easy fix to a potentially dangerous situation.

3. Emergency Service

Sometimes even with the best of forethought and preparation, winter weather will deliver a punch you weren’t expecting.  Even healthy trees can sometimes fall victim to gusty winds and weighty precipitation.  When this happens to you, Ping’s will help you make the best of it.  Our emergency tree service is available 24/7 to provide quick clean-up help.  We are ready to send our crews out anytime you need us, and we will see that the mess is taken care of safely and efficiently.

4. Getting Ready for Spring

One final way that Ping’s can help make your winter a little brighter is by helping you get ready for spring.  It doesn’t take long for most of us to tire of the dreariness of winter.  We start to dream of spring long before it arrives.  Ping’s can help you put your dreams into action.  Winter is a good time to trim up trees, getting them ready to grow as soon as the weather turns warmer.  We can also help you devise a plan for lawn care or landscaping during the warmer seasons.  After all, it won’t be long until you’ll be mowing your grass instead of scooping snow!

So sit back, enjoy the best of winter, and let Ping’s make the colder months more bearable.  Right now, we are offering a 15% discount on qualifying services performed before February 28th, 2018.  Call us today (317-298-8482) and let us know how we can help!

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

Trees really are amazing, and the more you know about them, the more amazing they appear.  For starters, their resiliency and their ability to endure the ever-changing environment is impressive. Have you ever thought about how trees survive the winter here in blustery Central Indiana?  Keep reading to learn more about trees and their amazing ability to tolerate harsh winter conditions.

Dormancy Reduces Trees’ Needs

It’s no secret that most trees lose their leaves in the fall.  This natural occurrence leaves trees without a way to produce food.  Green leaves convert sunlight into energy through the process of photosynthesis.  This energy is the tree’s food, which it uses to grow and function.   Obviously, there are no green leaves in the winter, which means no food is being produced.  Fortunately, trees handle this quite efficiently.  They simply go dormant in the winter.  During dormancy, trees do not grow and their metabolism slows down.  They only perform essential biologic functions, thus conserving energy.  The limited energy needs are met with food that has been stored in cells during sunny summer days.  When spring comes and the days lengthen and brighten, leaves again emerge and trees come out of dormancy.

Cellular Changes Keep Trees from Freezing

Lack of food is only part of the problem created by winter weather.  Trees also have to endure freezing temperatures.  They do not have the ability to move to a warmer climate or to shelter themselves in any way.  But they do have the ability to make incredible changes to their own cells that protect them from the cold.  One change is that cell membranes become more pliable, which allows water to move more freely out of the cell.  Secondly, the cells convert stored starch into sugar, which is used to sweeten the fluid within the cell.  This sweetened liquid has a lower freezing point so the water inside remains unfrozen while the water outside of the cell freezes.  Finally, the cell liquid itself actually transforms into an almost solid state which keeps the cell from crystalizing.  (For a more detailed explanation of these cellular changes, you can see this article.)

Trees are remarkable in their ability to deal with winter weather.  At Ping’s we think that this is only one of the ways that trees are amazing.  Our business is dedicated to providing the best preventative tree care as well as responding quickly and efficiently to tree problems and emergencies.  Call us for a free estimate and our expert arborists and technicians will help you protect these miraculous plants.

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

Tree roots constantly seek a water source, in doing so, they can spread very deep or very shallow and in a very large radius from the trunk. When roots spread at shallow depths, they will find their way under asphalt, sidewalks, and yes, driveways.

As the roots naturally expand and thicken, they will displace everything around them creating tremendous potential energy. This energy is usually released upward (path of least resistance), resulting in the breaking, cracking, warping, or buckling of whatever structure is above.

Here, we will discuss measures you can take to repair damaged concrete, remove damaging roots, and how to avoid this issue in the future.

How Much of the Tree’s Roots Can Be Removed

The answer to this isn’t quite as simple as it may seem. Here are some factors to consider:

Tree Roots Three Inches or More in Diameter – When cutting roots this size, they typically will not grow back. However, a wound this large leaves the root susceptible to insect and disease. Often times, this allows rot to reach all the way back to the trunk, seriously compromising the health of the tree.

Tree Roots Less Than Two Inches in Diameter – Tree roots this size are typically able to regenerate. Removing them will only e a temporary fix.

Tree Roots Grow Far and Wide – Typically, you will find that one inch converts to about a foot and a half. That is, for every inch at DBH (Diameter at Breast Height – measured 4.5 feet above the ground), the roots will extend up to a foot and a half away from the tree trunk. A twelve inch trunk at DBH means roots are extending up to eighteen feet away from the trunk in every direction.

Tree Roots Are Sensitive to Disturbance – Tree roots seek out uncompacted soil rich in oxygen (like the soil under sidewalks and driveways). When the soil underneath a tree is compacted by heavy machinery or used as a storage area for a construction site, the roots beneath the surface are literally being choked to death. Eventually, this will result in the decline of the tree’s health, leading to its death.

Tree Roots Under the Driveway – Roots provide structural integrity to a tree. If they have grown under the driveway, the driveway is now a part of its structural integrity. Depending on the size and depth of the roots, removing them may lead to the falling of the tree in severe weather.

More often than not, by the time tree roots have buckled your driveway, you may be faced with the ultimate removal of the tree, if you are to break up and re-lay the affected portion of the driveway.

How to Repair Your Driveway and Save Tree Roots

If the tree is a keeper in your landscape and the roots in question are vital to its survival, there are construction options or methods which will allow the coexistence of the roots and your driveway. Here is one of the multiple options you may use:

Aggregate Surfacing – This technique requires the cutting and careful removal of the damaged concrete. Once the concrete has been removed, the surface below is covered with driveway fabric (aka: geotextile fabric), then four to five inches of dense grade aggregate (DGA) or road stone. The project is completed by using edging along the sides to prevent the aggregate from spreading laterally.

Tree Species, Watering, and Location Matter

Ultimately, it is the lack of planning or the proper information to form a plan that lead to situations such as these. Before planting a tree, you should be aware of its species, potential growth, root spread capacity, and if its roots are typically classified as invasive or not.

Location is a key factor in the survival of any tree or plant. Planting a tree too close to a structure is like inviting a bull into a china cabinet. As trees grow, they instinctively seek out water sources, expand their canopies, and potentially wreak havoc on the structure they were planted next to.

Once a tree is planted, frequent watering will help its root system to grow deeper. Shallow root systems often reflect insufficient watering or compacted soil further beneath the surface.

To learn more about proper planting, see: http://treecareadvice.blogspot.com/2015/12/properly-planting-canadian-hemlock.html

Professional Tree and Tree Root Removal

While the solution you choose may be an easy one, innocent mistakes may lead to a much more serious situation as your tree’s health declines and ultimately dies.

Before any steps are taken to remove a tree or a portion of its root system, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a certified arborist. An arborist is a tree professional trained to spot trouble pertaining to tree issues and how to efficiently resolve them.

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/tree-roots-buckling-concrete-driveway/

Holiday traditions vary from family to family, but the Christmas tree has been a long-standing symbol in American culture. Of course, that wasn’t always the case. Most of the first settlers would have thought it was strange to have an evergreen tree inside!  There are a lot of different stories surrounding this history, though a few things are for certain. For one, today it doesn’t matter what kind of tree you decorate in your home. Whether you’re loyal to live pine trees or you keep things easy with a decorative faux tree, the story of Christmas tree history is pretty interesting when you take a closer look.

Origins of the Tradition

Decorating homes with evergreen boughs has been customary since ancient times. From the early Romans using evergreens to Ancient Egyptians hanging green palms, the symbol has long held meaning for various cultures. Families would often celebrate the winter solstice with this type of greenery. Hanging boughs in the home and around entryways was meant to be an inspiring reminder that spring and summer would return once again.   Although wintertime greenery was popular in many areas around the world, the country with the biggest role in the tree as we know it today is Germany. Known as the Tannenbaum, the Christmas tree story for Germans typically dates back to the 16^th century. It was during that time that Christian families started associating the decorative trees with the birth of Christ.

Coming to America

From Germany, the Christmas tree was eventually brought to America. Though it did take some time to catch on. Some accounts suggest that German settlers in Pennsylvania had a tree on display in the 1830s. Another story also dates to the mid-1830s. But in that version, the tree was set up by a Harvard professor in his Cambridge, Massachusetts home. Both sound likely enough since the tradition was common in Germany. The rest of the nation just needed a little more inspiration before adopting the tradition as their own.

Growing Acceptance

Fast forward to 1846. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are often credited with popularizing the Christmas tree to those outside of Germany. The spark was pretty straightforward. Because Albert was German, the royal family posed for a sketch in front of a decorated tree at Windsor Castle. That image was later published in the Illustrated London News. As the news spread, it helped popularize the tradition both in Britain and in the fashion-forward society in New England.

Current Popularity

As time progressed, another trend started to emerge. While Europeans preferred having a Christmas tree that was smaller (around 4 feet tall), Americans tended to like trees that were bigger. By the 1890s, it wasn’t unheard of to have trees that stretched all the way to the ceiling. It’s a decorating style that we still see today!  Size does vary according to personal taste from home to home, but the bottom line is that the Christmas tree enjoys near universal popularity.  Almost every home (and some businesses too) in America will have a Christmas tree this year.

As you tend to your Christmas tree inside, don’t forget to peak at your blue spruce, pine, and fir trees outside. If you start to have problems with your outdoor trees, be sure to give Ping’s Tree Service a call at 317-298-8482. Our crew would be happy to consult with you on any tree issues you might notice. With our residential tree care services, your trees can remain healthy and beautiful all year long—even through winter.

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

Whether you see trees interfering with power lines on your property or in the public right-of-way, it is important that you do not take matters into your own hands. When trees come in contact with power lines, they may break or bring the power lines crashing down. 72 Tree has seen this cause power outages in Alpharetta and notes these scenarios should be taken very seriously.

The trees are treated as seriously as the potential electrical hazard. The City of Alpharetta Tree Ordinance protects the city’s trees (both alive and dead) and imposes heavy fines for the unlawful cutting or removal of them.

Trees Interfering With Power Lines in the Public Right-of-Way

Alpharetta residents should report any tree on public property which poses a hazard to power lines by visiting Georgia Power or calling (888) 891-0938 and press option #2 – dangerous condition.

If storm-damaged limbs or a diseased tree has fallen and is obstructing the roadway, dial 9-1-1 (day or night) and provide as much information as possible for a swift and accurate response by emergency services. For occurrences in or on all other public property, contact the City of Alpharetta Arborist – David Shostak at (678) 297-6229.

Tree Branches Are Touching My Power Lines

When tree branches make contact with power lines, do not take any measures to correct the situation. Keep any and all ladders, equipment, and hands away from the tree and the power lines to avoid electrical shock.

In this situation, there are two options to safely have the situation mitigated:

Contact a tree professional properly licensed and trained to trim or cut the tree. Most professional tree services will make sure that the proper permits are acquired before starting any work.

Contact Georgia Power to advise of the tree and its potential danger. Georgia Power doesn’t attend to a single request on private property, typically they will cut and trim entire rows of trees. However, depending on the severity of the situation, they may respond or direct you to who can resolve the situation.

City of Alpharetta Ga Tree Ordinance

Specimen Trees – In the City of Alpharetta, specimen trees are provided special protection under the law. The damage, destruction or removal of these trees (dead or alive) without a permit may incur severe fines and penalties. There are also heavy replanting requirements when a specimen tree is lawfully removed. Contact the City arborist for further details regarding specimen trees at (678) 297-6229 or via email: [email protected]
 
Specimen tree size criteria is as follows:

Understory Trees – 8 inches DBH and greater

Overstory Trees – 24 inches DBH and greater

Pine Trees – 30 inches DBH and greater

DBH – “Diameter at Breast Height” is a standard measurement method of the diameter of the trunk of a standing tree. The diameter of the trunk is typically measured 4.5 feet above the ground (unless otherwise specified).

Tree Density Requirements – Tree density for single family residential property owners. The City of Alpharetta requires a minimum tree density on the property’s plantable area. Homes built prior to 1992, have a required minimum density of 20%. If built after 1992, a 30% minimum density is required.
 
For the determination of coverage for both understory and overstory trees, the City of Alpharetta provides a worksheet to accurately calculate the percentage. Questions on this matter should be directed to the City arborist at (678) 297-6229 or through email: [email protected] 

For complete tree removal requirements in Alpharetta Ga, visit www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/community-development/tree-removal

Seek Professional Advice Before Cutting or Trimming Your Tree

Before taking any action regarding trees in Alpharetta, seek the advice of an ISA Certified Arborist, tree cutting and removal service, or the City of Alpharetta’s Arborist Division. The potential cost of acting alone or out of haste is too great.

Always remember that when trees pose a hazard to life, taken down power lines, or have fallen and obstructed the road, stay clear of the affected area, do not drive over the power lines, and dial 9-1-1 for an immediate response.

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/power-line-interfering-trees-city-alpharetta-ga-ordinance/

Five Good Children’s Books About Trees

Giving gifts to children at Christmas-time can be a source of joy for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even family friends.  If you are considering what to give the kids in your life, books always make good gifts.  Even before they can read, children love to have books read to them.  Kids will often latch onto favorite books and request that parents read them over and over.  We’ve compiled a list of some good children’s books about trees that kids will enjoy and learn from.

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf  by Lois Ehlert

Kids love to learn about the world around them.  This book is perfect for teaching kids about trees and how they grow and change.  The simple words and brightly colored pages of Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf are appealing even to toddlers and small children.

Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall and Sheri Halpern

Books help kids make connections between themselves, the world, and other books.  Kids will gain a greater understanding of the nature they experience every day through this book.  The complex ecosystem of trees, plants, and animals will come to life as kids point and listen.  A recipe for apple pie is included in this book and offers an engaging activity to extend the opportunity to learn.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault

Kids can’t help loving Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.  And it’s as fun to read as it is to listen to.  The prominently featured coconut tree provides the background for an interesting way to review the uppercase and lowercase alphabet.  Don’t tell the little ones that this book is educational – its sing-song wording will have them chanting along and learning without even knowing it.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Books have the ability to teach more than just facts.  They can also teach listeners and readers about values.  The Giving Tree illustrates the value of sacrifice and selflessness is a very vivid way.  This book gives you an opportunity to shape the character of the kids in your life.

The Legend of the Three Trees by Catherine McCafferty

Making sense of the world is not always easy for adults, and it can be even more difficult for kids.  Great books can bring make the complexities of the world more easily understood.  The Legend of the Three Trees presents a vivid picture of God’s loving care for the world He created.  The message of this classic is timeless and comforting to kids growing up in a world that doesn’t always make sense.

Trees positively impact our lives in so many ways.  These books can help kids start to appreciate trees and all they provide for us.  We hope you have found this list helpful and that it gives you some good gift ideas for the kids in your life.  All of us at Ping’s wish you a Merry Christmas.

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

If you have trees in your landscape, you should already know the immense value they can bring to your property. More-so, you should be aware of the danger they may pose if left uncared for. Keeping your trees healthy, well pruned, and vibrant works to create a diverse landscape ecosystem while boosting your home’s curb appeal.

The Role of an Arborist in Your Tree Care

When in the planning stages or the implementation phase of your landscape, consulting an ISA Certified Arborist will keep you from making potentially costly mistakes. Some trees should never be planted near structures, while others (with invasive root systems) should not be located near water supply lines, driveways or asphalt.

As your landscape grows and ages, the role of a Certified Arborist is to help you maintain your trees properly pruned, trimmed, and more importantly – healthy. When those trees are compromised by disease, pest infestations or severe weather, it is a properly trained and equipped arborist who can determine the best course for its removal.

Watch how our Roswell Ga arborist (https://georgiaarborist.org/Sys/PublicProfile/246617/62524) coordinates the removal of a high-risk tree using a 275 ton crane:

What is an Arborist?

Simply put, an arborist is a tree care professional. They are trained and have invested significant time in the study of planting, caring for, treating, removing, and overall maintenance of trees, either individually or in an ecosystem.

What is an ISA Certified Arborist?

For nearly a century, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) has been a fundamental part in both the science and education within the tree care industry.

To become an ISA Certified Arborist, an individual must reach a level of knowledge and practice in the art and science of tree care. To carry the title “certified”, a comprehensive exam (created and developed by leading tree care experts) must be passed. It cannot go without mentioning that this process and certification are completely voluntary.

It doesn’t stop there. In order to maintain certification, Certified Arborists must follow a strict code of ethics and continue their education. Due to this aspect alone, when you call on a Certified Arborist, more-than-likely, the individual will possess the most current knowledge and practice available in the tree care industry.

NOTE: ISA Certification can attest to the knowledge of a tree care professional. It does not measure the standards nor the quality of service or performance.

The Hiring of a Tree Care Professional

All ethical Certified Arborists will agree that the decision to hire a tree professional should not be taken lightly. It is important to do the research and “know” who you are contracting to manage your tree issues. All ISA certified arborist are listed here: http://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist

Look for reviews, ask for references, check out current or past projects to see (first hand) the quality of their work. It cannot be overstated, the necessity to be comfortable with the services provided by your tree professional, as that relationship may be ongoing for many years.

72tree.com staffs a master arborist to help Roswell residents with tree removal, cutting, disease, or assessment services. We look forward to assisting you and preserving the health of your trees and plants.

This article was first published on: http://www.72tree.com/what-is-an-isa-certified-arborist/

Life in central Indiana is good.  There is so much to be thankful for every day.  However, in November we give our blessings more thought than usual.  As you consider all the reasons you have to be thankful, don’t forget about trees.  Though you may rarely give trees a thought, they really do make life better in a variety of ways.  Here are just a few reasons to be thankful for trees:

Trees Encourage Better Breathing

Breathing is so natural that we rarely consider how reliant we are on our ability to breath in and out.  Yet the reality is that without the ability to breath, we cannot live.  In order for breathing to continue, we must have breathable air.  Trees contribute to the air composition in a significant way.  Their natural processes actually use carbon dioxide and give off oxygen, which people and animals need for life.  Trees (along with other plants) ensure a constant supply of oxygen for animal respiration.

Trees Reduce Pollution

Not only do trees provide the necessary constituents of our air, but they also reduce the pollutants that can affect air.  Odors, gases, and particles that pollute the air can be absorbed by the leaves and wood of a tree.  In this way, trees act as a natural air filter.  Trees also help to reduce water pollution by conducting water into the ground where it can be absorbed.  This reduces runoff and allows water to instead soak into the ground, where the soil filters out pollutants.

Trees Conserve Water and Energy

It’s terrible to waste the resources we have.  Trees help us to steward our natural resources, especially water and energy.  They help keep the nearby environment cooler by providing shade and by releasing water vapor into the air.  When trees are planted near homes and businesses, they diminish the amount of energy that is needed to cool these buildings.  Trees also reduce the rate of evaporation from the ground and keep more moisture available for lawns and other plants.

Trees Create a Functioning Habitat

In nature, organisms need each other.  Trees are no exception.  Many other plants and animals rely on the trees that they share an environment with.  Some animals nest in the branches of trees.  Others enjoy the shelter trees provide.  Some trees also provide food for animals.  The loss of trees from a habitat would have a destructive effect.

Trees Provide Resources

Not only do trees provide life-giving resources to surrounding animals, they also provide resources to people.  Wood from trees has long been a source of heating as well as a durable building material.  Trees also provide some of the best food that nature has to offer.  Fruit trees, such as apples and cherries, and nut trees, including walnuts, hickory nuts, and chestnuts, can easily be grown right here in central Indiana.

Trees Increase Property Values

The beauty of trees is obvious.  Whether the buds of early spring, the full green foliage of summer, or the brilliant colors of fall, trees attract our attention and please our eyes.  Trees bring beauty to any property and thereby raise the desirability and value of the property.  Since trees are relatively inexpensive to plant and maintain, they make good investments for any property, whether commercial or residential.

Trees Improve Relationships and Wellbeing

Imagine your neighborhood without trees.  If all the trees disappeared, would it make a difference in how you felt about yourself and your neighbors?  Research says that it would.  Trees provide many intangible benefits to individuals and communities.  They help bring a sense of unity by giving people comfortable places to gather together.  In addition, just enjoying the beauty of trees can comfort us and improve our overall outlook.

With all that trees contribute to the world, we should be thankful for them.  We should also take good care of them and ensure that they will endure for many years to come.  Ping’s can assist you in your tree care efforts.  Call us at 317-298-8482 to enlist our help with planting, fertilizing, trimming, or treating trees for pests or diseases.

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

How to Care for Newly Planted Trees

As we tell our customers all the time, fall is the best time to plant a tree.  A previous blog explains that trees planted in the fall have the benefit of three seasons to adjust to a new environment before the stress of summer’s heat hits.   If you recently planted a tree on your residential or commercial property, you may be wondering how to best protect that investment.  There are simple steps that can ensure your newly planted tree gets off to a healthy start.

Provide Adequate Water

Water is essential to the ongoing life and health of every tree.  For a newly transplanted tree, it is especially important.  Planting is extremely stressful for a tree.  Without the established root system that trees develop over the years, a new transplant doesn’t have the ability to search the soil for needed moisture.  If a newly planted tree doesn’t get the hydration it needs while building a healthy root system, it may not survive. For this reason, it is important to water trees during dry periods for the first few years after planting during which time the root system is being established.

Weed Around the Tree

During times when the soil is dry, all plants will compete for whatever water can be found in the soil.  Since water is vital for a tree’s survival, you will want to make sure that there are no unwanted plants competing with your newly transplanted tree for water.  Get rid of all weeds that are growing near the base of the tree and weed regularly to make sure that these nuisance plants don’t have a chance to put down their own roots.

Apply Mulch Correctly

To help keep moisture in the soil around a newly planted tree, it is a good idea to mulch around the tree.  This will also prevent weeds from springing up and diverting moisture from the tree.  However, it is important to apply mulch correctly.  Mulching too heavily or too close to the base of the tree can cause serious damage to any tree.  For more information on how to mulch correctly, see our blog on this topic.

Delay Pruning

We’ve talked about what to do for your tree, but there are also things you should not do.  Heavy pruning is one tree care task that should not be done immediately after planting.  While sometimes it is necessary to take off a few branches, in most circumstances it is best to delay pruning for at least a year.  You don’t want to add more stress to an already stressed tree.

The investment of a tree can yield rewards for many years to come.  It is worthwhile to administer proper care to newly planted trees as they become healthy and established.  Put the effort in now and you will have a beautiful tree to enjoy for years to come.  Ping’s would love to partner with you in keeping your trees strong and healthy.  From planting to trimming to diagnosing problems, the experts at Ping’s know how to apply best tree care practices. We’ll help you get the most out of your tree investments.

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