Dollar Spot: A Fungus That May Affect Your Lawn

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

The Advantages of an Arborist

It might be tempting to think that caring for trees is a simple task.  Trees grow in nature without human interference or assistance.  So you might assume that the trees growing in your yard don’t need much attention or care.  This assumption is wrong.  While in the wild trees die all the time without much notice, you probably don’t want to lose even a single tree in your yard.  To keep your trees looking healthy and beautiful, they do need care.  An arborist is often the best resource to care for your trees.  They can help in the following ways:

Arborists Recognize Tree Problems

Some problems that a tree may experience are easy to spot.  However, many are not. Because only a fraction of the tree is visible, you may not see that a tree is sick, weak, or even dying.  By the time you do see symptoms, sometimes irreparable damage has been done.  The trained eye of the arborist, on the other hand, can often spot trouble at an early stage.  Arborists must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of tree care in order to become certified.  Additionally, they are required to complete ongoing education to maintain certification so they know about the latest research and techniques.

Arborists Understand What Trees Need

In addition to recognizing sick trees, arborists also know how to attend to healthy trees.  They are knowledgeable about what trees need for proper growth and development.  Administering good care can often avoid common tree problems later.  Arborists can help with all of the following and more:

• Fertilizing
• Treating nutrient deficiencies
• Preventative sprays
• Treatment for diseases and insects
• Trimming and shaping trees
• Cabling and bracing of branches
• Removing trees
• Planting trees

Arborists Exercise Best Practices of Tree Care

Knowing what to do and being able to do it well are two different things.  Arborists don’t just have theoretical knowledge.  They also have an abundance of practical knowledge.  This wealth of wisdom comes from years of experience working with trees.  Certified arborists know the best way to do necessary tree care activities.  Tree care often requires the use of chemical or mechanical interventions, which can cause additional damage if done improperly.  Novices can sometimes do more harm than good. In contrast, most good arborists know what to avoid in order to preserve a tree’s health.

Ping’s Tree Service appreciates the value of highly trained and experienced arborists.  We have several ISA  certified arborists available to consult with you about your trees.  Call us today at 317-298-8482 to schedule a tree inspection or to get help from an arborist about a specific tree concern.

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

People have different tastes in clothes, houses, and cars, but when it comes to lawns, everyone wants the same thing.  They want a green, healthy lawn that looks beautiful and well-maintained.  Since a great-looking lawn does not happen by itself, you will find homeowners working hard in their yards throughout the year.  Unfortunately, there are enemies of a healthy lawn that seem to always be at work to destroy your lawn, including the following.

Worms and Insects

Some of the most devastating enemies of a healthy lawn are worms and insects.  While nature is full of these little critters and many are beneficial for grasses and other plants, some can be damaging and even lethal to grass.  One common pest that can do significant harm to your lawn is the white grub.  If you see birds or small animals feeding in your yard, you probably have a problem with grubs.  Luckily, grubs are fairly easy to treat.  Usually a chemical called Imidacloprid will get rid of grubs and allow your lawn to return to health.

Diseases

Another enemy of a respectable lawn is disease.  There are many fungi and bacteria that can find their way into your lawn and attack the grass growing there.  These disease-causing agents do not affect all grasses alike.  Each type of fungi and bacteria will attack certain types of grass.  They also only do damage under certain conditions.  This is why you may notice grass starting to die at the change of the season.   Changes in the moisture or the temperature of your lawn may cause these diseases to flare up.

Animals and Kids

More noticeable than small insects and microscopic pathogens, animals can also be enemies to your lawn.  Dogs in particular can tear up grass and make it hard for it to grow.  Once grass has been uprooted, it is difficult to promote its growth.  Overseeding may be necessary, but even this measure will be futile if the behavior continues.  Kids can also be hard on your grass, especially if they like to dig in a favorite spot, but they usually grow out of these damaging habits in a few years!

Lack of Sunlight

Plants need sunlight to grow so it is not surprising that grass will suffer when it doesn’t get adequate sunlight.  This often happens under large trees that block the necessary rays.  Grass that does not receive enough sunlight will become thin.  The lawn may even become completely bare under thick trees.  A good pruning of the trees above the bare spots will encourage grass proliferation.  It may also be helpful to apply more grass seed once the offending trees are cut back.

Compacted Soil

In addition to sunlight, plants also need nutrients from the soil.  Compacted soil is an enemy of a healthy lawn because it keeps grass from reaching vital nutrients.  Roots cannot develop normally in compacted soil.  Fortunately, aeration is an easy remedy for compacted soil.  In fact, aerating your lawn annually will help to keep your yard healthy and beautiful.

Misapplication of Fertilizer

Finally, did you know that you can be an enemy of your quest for a good-looking lawn?  Even while you are working diligently to promote healthy growth in your lawn, you might be doing more damage than good.  Fertilizer can be very beneficial to your lawn, but misapplication of fertilizer can be harmful.  Uneven application of fertilizer might leave your lawn looking striped instead of uniform. Overfertilizing will cause your grass to turn yellow or even die.

If you feel like you need a little help making your lawn live up to your dreams, Ping’s has the solution.  We have a lawn care program that will give your grass just what it needs when it needs it.  We can evaluate what enemies are attacking your lawn and how to tackle them.  Whether you need an ongoing lawn plan or a one-time targeted application or service, Ping’s has the expertise to get your lawn looking great.  Call us today at 317-298-8482 to get started!

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

Signs of an Unhealthy Tree

When a tree is dead, it is obvious.  At that point, there is little to do except to remove the tree to avoid damage to any nearby commercial or personal property.  It is much more beneficial to identify a tree that is struggling for one reason or another.  Unfortunately, it is not as easy to spot the signs of an unhealthy tree.  Since the inner workings of a tree are largely unseen, you need to be aware of some telltale signs that something is wrong with your tree.

Excessive Broken Branches

In the winter, and even in the early spring, trees are dormant.  It is difficult to evaluate the health of a tree during this time.  One sign that may be noticeable is an excessive amount of broken branches.  All trees will lose some branches in the winds and ice of winter.  However, trees that are unhealthy or weak for whatever reason will experience an increase in branch loss.

Leaning Trees

Another sign of trouble that is observable during any season is a tree that leans.  Healthy trees have strong trunks that support the weight of branches and foliage.  The dense wood can normally withstand the day-to-day assault of nature.  Trees that have been weakened by disease, pests, or structural abnormalities do not have this strength and may succumb to the constant pull of gravity.

Unusual Leaves

As leaves begin to appear in the spring, there are other signs to notice.  Unsurprisingly, trees that are not healthy may have leaves that do not look healthy.  You may observe leaves that are slow to develop in the spring.  Leaves may also be a smaller size or an unusual color.  In short, if a tree’s leaves look unusual, you may want to have the tree inspected to see if it is healthy.

Absent Leaves, Flowers, or Fruit

Beyond just being slow to appear or abnormal in form, sometimes leaves are completely absent in a portion of the tree.  This is an obvious warning sign, which probably means that part of the tree is dead or dying.  Similarly, a lack of flowers or fruit on a tree that normally bears them can indicate that the tree is not healthy.

Abnormal Fungi Growth

While absence of leaves, flowers, or fruit can indicate a problem, the presence of mushrooms or other fungi can also be a warning sign.  These organisms feed off dead tissue so if you see them on or around your tree, it probably has areas that are dead or dying.  This is a sure sign that you need to take action to save the tree.

Out-of-Place Shoots

A healthy tree looks like a normal tree.  From the roots to the trunk to the branches and leaves, everything is where it should be.  However, there are trees that seem to have branches growing out of the base of the tree.  While these are technically shoots and not branches, they are out of place and they indicate that the tree may have a problem.

Visible Insect Activity

Finally, one sign of an unhealthy tree that is easy to spot is the presence of pests.  Sometimes you might see the insect.  Other times you might just see evidence that they have been there.  Examples of evidence you might see include eggs, chewed up leaves, or sticky residue.  If you think a tree may be infested, it is always a good idea to get an expert opinion.  While some pests are harmless, many can do significant damage.

Paying attention to your trees can help you see the signs that a tree is unhealthy.  If you can catch a problem before it’s too late, it may be the difference between a dead tree and a tree that endures for many years.  If you suspect that you have a tree with a problem, it’s probably time to call our arborists out for a consultation.  We will conduct a thorough inspection and give you our recommendation for the best outcome.  Spring is a great time to have a tree inspection done.  Give us a call at 317-298-8482 or schedule online at your convenience.

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

Helpful Information About USDA Hardiness Zones

When adding plants or trees to your landscape or yard, it is important to evaluate whether a particular plant will do well in the spot you have picked out for it.  Plants are living things that are sensitive to the environment.  Not every plant or tree will thrive in every location.  One element of the environment that can have a significant impact on plants is temperature.  Knowing your hardiness zone can help you assess the compatibility of a tree or plant with your location.

What Are USDA Hardiness Zones?

The USDA has divided the country into 13 hardiness zones.  These zones have been developed to indicate the average lowest temperature for a specific location based on historic temperature data.  Each zone (Zones 1 through 13 from coldest to warmest) represents a 10-degree temperature range of the average minimum temperature.  The zones are further divided into A (colder) and B (warmer) subdivisions.

Indianapolis and the surrounding central Indiana area fall in Zones 5B and 6A. Zone 5B has an average minimum temperature between -15 and -10 degrees Fahrenheit.  Zone 6A has an average minimum temperature between -10 and -5 degrees Fahrenheit.  Visit the USDA website to view a detailed map and find the hardiness zone for your zip code.

Why Do Hardiness Zones Matter?

Is it important to know your hardiness zone?  If you plan to do any landscaping or planting on your property, it definitely is important.  The hardiness zone tells you how cold you can expect temperatures to get on the coldest days of winter.  Temperature is one component of the climate that can have a serious negative effect on plants.  All trees and plants have a range of temperatures which they can tolerate.  A tree or plant that experiences temperatures outside of that range may even die from the exposure.  You should only plant those trees and plants that can tolerate temperatures expected in your hardiness zone.

How Can Hardiness Zones Help You Plant Smarter?

The hardiness zone is very important for trees, shrubs, and perennial flowers.  However, for annual flowers, this doesn’t matter.  They cannot survive the colder temperatures of winter and are meant to bloom beautifully for the summer and then die.  However, if you are planting perennial flowers, shrubs, bushes, or trees, you will want them to live through many years.  This means that they must be able to withstand both the warm, sunny days of summer and the bitterly cold days of winter.

Temperature vary greatly from season to season (or even day to day here in central Indiana).  Planting vegetation in the sunny days of spring, it’s hard to remember that the icy days of winter will come eventually.  As you consider what to plant, make sure you investigate your hardiness zone and whether the tree or plant you are considering will thrive there.

Nature can be harsh without protection from the elements.  People live in houses and wear clothes to keep the wind, heat or cold, and precipitation from harming us.  Even animals can move to shelter from storms or extreme temperature.  In contrast, a tree, shrub, or plant must endure nature’s best and worst without the ability to move or cover itself.  Without the ability to protect themselves, plants are very vulnerable to extreme weather.   Fortunately, the USDA hardiness zones can help you determine whether a plant is suited for your location before you plant it.

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