As you consider creating or adding to your landscaping in Denver, native plants are one of the best options to choose. Not only are they sustainable with minimal effort, but they will work well with the overall environment. All of these factors will save you time and money. Learn what native plants are, what benefits they have and what trees and shrubs in the area are native.

What are Native Plants?

Are you interested in adding landscaping to your yard? Whether it be flowers, trees, plants or shrubs, you will want to factor in aesthetics, time and maintenance the plant will need. Before you go out and purchase many different types of plants, considered the plant life that is native to the area. Native plants, also known as indigenous plants, are ones that originally grew in your area’s soil and climate. They can thrive with the area’s insects, birds, and animals as well. Native plants are the best option for an area, as opposed to introducing foreign plants into your soil.

Benefits of Native Trees and Shrubs

Native trees and shrubs will greatly benefit your landscaping. Being they grew in the area; they are the most compatible plants to purchase. This will provide valuable savings to your pocket. First, they have adjusted to the climate and amount of rainfall in the area. This means you can let nature takes its course without having to spend as much money on a watering system. Tying into that, this type of plant also has adjusted to the various birds and insects in the area. You will be able to spend less money on pesticides as they have adjusted. You will also be supporting your local ecosystem by incorporating native plants into the area. Learn more about why native plants matter.

Area Native Plants

There are many gorgeous trees and shrubs that are native to Colorado. When it comes to trees, evergreen and pine trees are commonly seen and indigenous in the area. There are so many others if you are looking to change up the overall appearance of your landscaping. One of the best things you can do is read Colorado State University’s Native Shrubs for Colorado Landscapes, to compare which trees and shrubs are best for the altitude you live in. Some highlights include gorgeous golden currants that provide a pop of bright yellow to lighten things up or wild roses with a bright pink color. Looking for something different? Try the silvery lead plant, which has a western desert feel with pops of color.

To find native trees and shrubs to add to your landscaping, American Arbor Care will help. It is also important to consider early Spring maintenance for your Denver landscape. From all of your plant, tree and shrub needs, to advice for the best trees and shrubs for your yard, American Arbor Care has certified arborists that will help. Be sure to check out our latest American Arbor Care special offers and call us at 303-639-8584 to get started.

When it comes to maintaining your landscaping, there is still work to be done during the winter months. Just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean you should take a break from lawn care. Winter pruning is a necessity. From the ins and out of winter pruning and steps to take, to spring landscaping ideas, there is much to be done. Learn more from these tips from your local tree service company to make sure your yard is ready for spring.

What is Winter Pruning?

Over time, bushes, trees and other plants began to have dead pieces. If these are not cared for, it can impact the overall growth of the plant. Many think pruning is only a necessity in the warmer months—which is not the case. In fact, the winter months are the best time to handle pruning. If anything, it is a great time to review your plants and landscaping to see what does need to be trimmed. During this process, the homeowner will simply need to remove any dead leaves, twigs, etc., which will encourage new growth within the plant.

Steps to Take

Pruning your plants is not a hefty task. While it takes a little bit of effort, it shouldn’t be too difficult. It is worth your time to update. When pruning, get started by looking at all the elements of your landscaping. If there are any dead or dying branches, leaves, etc., it is important to trim those off. When pruning, be careful to not cut off all the way to the root of the plant. It is ideal to trim in places where twig connect. Be sure to leave some room because it will help with the growth of the plant. When it comes to the actual pruning, make sure you handle the task on a day that isn’t rainy or humid. For more help with winter pruning, read Winter Pruning Guide for Trees and Shrubs.

Spring Landscaping Checklist

With spring just around the corner, there are many tasks to complete to make sure your landscaping boosts your curb appeal. Winter is a great time to make sure you are ready for the work you will do in the spring. First, make sure you have the proper supplies and outdoor tools to cut and maintain your grass and landscaping. Then you can also work to eliminate weeds, even in the winter. Next, you will most likely need to seed your landscaping. You can take time in the cooler months to make sure you have all the seeds that you need to plant once the weather gets warmer. You can also put together any plans for future work you would like to complete in the spring.

When it comes to your tree and shrub needs this spring, American Arbor Care can help. As you make your list for spring, be sure to read The Importance of Tree and Shrub Pruning in Denver During Early Spring. If you need help, let us know! Contact American Arbor Care in Denver, CO today!

Many people hang up their hoses or turn off their sprinklers and irrigation systems once late fall and early winter hits. However, contrary to popular belief and assumption, it is important to water your Denver landscaping during winter. Another concern to keep in mind during dry conditions are turf mites. Learn more about watering your lawn during the winter and signs of turf mites, as well as how you can prepare for your spring landscaping.

Watering Landscaping in the Winter

During dry winters, turf mites are one of the reasons it is crucial to keep your yard watered all year long.  That is not the only reason, though. For the overall life and longevity of your trees, shrubs, plants and other landscaping, it is important to keep your lawn hydrated throughout the year, even in the cold climates. Failure to do so can injure your landscaping long term. There are a few conditions to watering. In Colorado State University’s Fall and Winter Watering, they tell homeowners to water lawns when the temperature is 40 degrees or higher. When watering, you should only water in the middle of the day so the water is less likely to freeze. The article has more tips to ensure you water your lawn properly during the winter.

Turf Mites

There is a culprit that you might least expect that can do some damage to your beautiful lawn: turf mites. Turf mites are small pests that thrive in dry climates. The most likely time for them to appear? Shortly after winter. You know you have an issue when spring rolls around and you have brown patches of grass in your lawn. The drier a winter is, the more likely your lawn is to fall victim to these nuisances. In extreme circumstances, you may have to replace the sod in your lawn if the area can’t be recovered. However, by watering your lawn, you can reduce the risk of getting turf mites. Learn more about these small pests in Year Round Gardening: Turf Mites May Be to Blame for Brown Lawn Patches.

Preparing for Spring

With spring, just around the corner, February is the best time to begin making your landscaping plans and preparations. As you take inventory of your land, you can look out for warning signs and issues, such as turf mites. You can make your plans on what you would like to add, if anything, and what supplies you will need. Even though it is cold outside, you can still take time to trim shrubs and bushes. You can also pull any weeds. If you have any hardscaping, it is also a good time to make sure nothing is cracked or falling apart.

As we move into spring, you can trust in the experts at American Arbor Care for all of your tree, shrub and lawn care needs. Learn more about the importance of tree and shrub pruning in Denver during early spring for more tips. For help with your lawn, call us at 303-639-8584.

When you’re chopping up vegetables or meat for dinner, it can be very frustrating when the tool you are using is dull. Cutting now becomes a chore, however there is a simple fix. Sharpening that knife, could make cooking dinner faster, safer and less strenuous on your hand. Now if we apply the same principle to landscaping tools, you will see the same positive effects when you take care of your tools properly.

Chainsaw

If you own a chainsaw, you know that while it is a very handy tool for backyard maintenance and upkeep, it can be dangerous to use. It’s necessary that you know how to properly handle this tool before you use it. If you are a seasoned chainsaw expert, regularly inspect your saw each time  you use it is a must. Because chainsaws can be very dangerous if not used properly, make sure you are wearing safety gear such as a helmet, goggles or glasses and gloves. One of the biggest issues is when the saw kickbacks. Many injuries have happened when a chainsaw has kicked back and the operator was unprepared. Make sure your chainsaw is properly maintained and repaired to avoid injury by use.

Lawn Mower

Remember when you were a teenager cutting your parents grass? Whether you used a push reel mower or a gas powered machine, if the blades weren’t properly sharpened and greased, cutting the grass was a nightmare. The lawn mower is one of the most common landscaping tools that everyone has in their garage, and so everyone should know how to maintain and notice of your mower needs to be repaired. Pay attention to the engine throttle and the undercarriage where the blades sit. Read the owner’s manual before starting on an repairs. To keep it properly maintained start a care regimen at the end of each mowing season before you put it away.Follow these tips:

• Remove the gasoline from the tank
• Make sure the oil is clean and at the proper level
• Remove all the grass and debris from the undercarriage

In the Spring follow these tips to start mowing season off right:

• Get the mower blades sharpened
• Change the spark plugs
• Add fresh gasoline to the tank

Learn more about how to pick the right mower for your lawn.

Safety Gear

One of the most important landscaping tools is having the proper safety gear such as a helmet, safety glasses, long sleeve clothing, close toes shoes and gloves. These items can help protect your body from machine malfunctions or unforeseen accidents. When inspecting your landscaping tools, you should be wearing proper safety gear and make sure all tools are turned off and in safety mode.

If you aren’t sure what the proper way to repair or maintain your landscaping equipment consider contacting a professional. With Spring right around the corner contact the experts at American Arbor Care for more information about landscaping, tree/shrub pruning & removal, insect/disease management, tree planting, fertilization, weed control, stump grinding, mulching, consultation, and more!