Every spring, mulch starts going down across Northwest Indiana—and unfortunately, so do a lot of preventable tree problems. Mulch is one of the best things you can do for your trees… when it’s done correctly. But when it’s not, it can quietly cause stress, decline, and even long-term damage. Here are the most common mulching mistakes we see—and how to fix them. 1. The “Mulch Volcano” This is by far the most common issue. You’ve probably seen it: mulch piled high against the t

Each spring, trees seem to come back to life almost overnight. Bare branches begin to swell with buds, leaves appear, and flowers soon follow. But behind this seasonal transformation is a fascinating biological system that trees use to survive winter and prepare for new growth. Understanding how tree buds work can help explain why timing is so important for tree care in early spring. What Exactly Is a Tree Bud? A bud is a compact structure that contains undeveloped plant tiss

As winter fades and temperatures begin to rise, March is an important time to check in on the health of your trees. Trees are just beginning to transition out of dormancy, making early spring the perfect time to identify problems and prepare them for a healthy growing season. Here are a few things homeowners should be doing to care for their trees this time of year. Inspect Trees for Winter Damage Cracks like this should be addressed before the limb fails completely. Winter w

Root collar disorders—often caused by girdling roots or a buried root flare—are some of the most common structural and physiological problems affecting urban trees. Because the issues begin below the soil line, they can go unnoticed for years until decline is well underway. Early identification is key to preventing long-term canopy loss, structural failure, and tree death. What Is the Root Collar? The root collar is where the trunk transitions into structural roots. This zone