A patch of dead bark on the south or southwest face of a young, thin-barked tree, usually between the ground and the lowest branches. Early on it looks faintly sunken and off-color and sounds hollow when tapped; later the bark cracks at the edges and sheets off, leaving dry bare wood with a sharp raised callus rolling in from both sides. If a row of trees was planted together, the damage lands on the same face of every affected one — that repeating pattern is what separates it from a mower or animal wound. Newly planted maple, cherry, crabapple, linden, honeylocust, and young thin-barked oak are the usual patients.
Not urgent
48 crews near Speedway · Free estimate · No obligation
The cambium — the living layer just under the bark that builds new wood and moves food down to the roots — was killed in that patch, and the tree is now conducting around a dead strip. A narrow strip gets grown over in a few seasons and leaves a scar. A strip that wraps far enough around leaves the tree partly girdled, and the crown above it thins as the remaining live tissue gets overloaded. Either way the exposed wood becomes an open invitation to borers and canker fungi that would not touch intact bark.
This is normally a tree trimming job, which around here runs $250 to $1,400 depending on size and access. Treat that as a range, not a quote — nobody can price it without seeing it.
820 S Roena St, Indianapolis, IN 46241
“Once again, Benito and his crew went above and beyond! We have used them twice for both tree removals and trimming/shaping. They are so professional…”
Jenny Rollins · 2 years ago · Google
1401 Lindley Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46241
Listed on Google but not yet reviewed there. Ask them for recent local references when they call.
Listed direct: (317) 513-2407
4484 N Vinewood Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46254
“Jesus and his crew did a fantastic job for a fair price! A free quote was provided and the job was started the next week in one day with excellent…”
Nikki · 2 months ago · Google
5150 Mecca St, Indianapolis, IN 46241
“Condados Tree Service was able to come out and give me a free quote and put me in their calendar immediately to get an extremely large tree removed…”
Ashe Amos · a year ago · Google
5050 Freyn Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46254
“Henry, arborist, quoted my job and pointed out a damaged cherry tree two feet from my house I hadn’t seen. I wanted a company with the right…”
Roberta Arsenault · 2 months ago · Google
6565 Coffman Rd Bldg D, Indianapolis, IN 46268
“I was thoroughly impressed with the BR Tree Service team that came out recently, braving the harsh cold (though thankfully it was sunny) to trim my…”
Shannon Rogers · 6 months ago · Google
1360 E 30th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205
“I had asked multiple tree companies to remove a partially fallen Ash tree that was lodged in between an adjacent tree. No company would touch it…”
Jeff C. Indianapolis · 4 months ago · Google
4404 W 72nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46268
“Posting publicly across Google ® From: Collins- in the heart Indy.. Meridian Kessler and the Butler Tarkington area 5+ 🌟 rating I was a bit concerned…”
Donna Collins · 4 months ago · Google
7059 Eagle Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278
“I was looking for some sidewalk repair and Mr. Martinez was recommended. Absolutely top-quality work at a very reasonable cost. Ruben is a consummate…”
Clint Collins · 2 years ago · Google
4180 N Keystone Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46205
“We are absolutely thrilled with the work Brad and Nova Tree Care did on 3 of our backyard trees. Probably the best experience, and price, we’ve had…”
Kathryn DeCloedt · 3 months ago · Google
2213 E 45th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205
“I highly recommend A Tree’s Worth this company did an awesome job cutting down a large tree in my front yard. My first point of contact was with Sal…”
Jacque Green · 4 months ago · Google
5340 W 79th St, Indianapolis, IN 46268
“Evergreen Landscaping of Indiana has been hands down the best lawn care and landscaping company I’ve used. From weekly lawn mowing to full…”
Info Eagle arborist · 6 months ago · Google
Distance measured from Speedway.