Seasonal Guide to Tree Care

An Important Note about Mulching

Our Philosophy

At Broad Ripple Tree Service, our philosophy towards tree maintenance is simple:  Do only what is necessary.

These are the basic things which should be done keep your trees healthy:

• Raise the lower limbs
• Remove deadwood and snags
• Repair broken limbs
• Fertilize as needed

Learn more about how to properly care for your trees at: 

Purdue's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources 

Int'l Society of Arboriculture (This is a fantastic resource for property owners)

Spring

• Prune visible winter damage on all trees
• This is a great time of the year to plant trees. It is less stressful on the tree to plant before the dry, hot temperatures begin.

Summer  

• Watch trees, shrubs and lawn carefully for signs of pest and disease.
• Water your trees through out the summer, but especially during times of drought.  This can make the difference between life and death for a tree.

Fall

• Fertilize weak trees after they go dormant.

Winter

• If possible keep deicing salt away from the roots of your trees. 
• Remove heavy snow from trees and shrubs, especially evergreens
• Late autumn, winter and early spring are good times to have tree work done because prices are lowest during the colder months.    

Mulching accomplishes several key objectives.  It helps to:

          1) prevent weed growth

          2) conserve moisture in the soil

          3) cool soil surface and stabilize soil temperature

          4) add organic matter to soil

          5) improve the aesthetics of the landscape

   Girdling on a young tree           Bad "volcano" Mulching               Good Mulching

     Send your questions to:  andi@broadrippletree.com

     7055 Coffman Road

     Indianapolis, IN  46268

     (317) 293-1336  

     Fax: (317) 291-1917 e