Denver weather plays a major role in the overall health of your soil. Spring thaws, summer storms, and excessive wind can lead to soil erosion, which can pose a whole host of problems. The loss of topsoil, water runoff, and even property damage can be the result of soil that’s been left to erode over time. Luckily, there are several solutions for keeping your soil where it belongs in your Denver landscape.

Understanding Your Landscape

Your property is unique and its slope, soil type, and drainage patterns will determine your erosion risk and what solutions will work best. Steeper slopes, for example, are more susceptible to erosion, because water travels downhill, taking soil along with it. Landscapes with loose soil can also be more prone to erosion. 

Start by observing your property and taking note of potential erosion risks. If you’re not sure what to look for, ask a professional arborist for help. We can provide solutions to keep your soil healthy.

Natural and Sustainable Solutions

There are several natural ways to protect your soil from eroding, like planting vegetation, mulching, and creating rain gardens.

Planting Vegetation

Planting shrubs, trees, and ground cover can keep soil in place. Their fibrous root systems grow into the soil and tie it in place, so it sticks around. Ground cover like creeping phlox and wild stonecrop are great choices for sloped landscapes.

Mulching

Denver’s hot, arid climate can dry out soil and make it difficult for your soil to absorb water. By adding mulch, you’re providing a protective layer to help with water absorption and keep water from flowing right across the dirt (which can lead to erosion.) Mulch also keeps weeds from growing in your yard and protects your tree’s roots from being exposed to the elements.

Creating Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are excellent additions to Denver properties. These depressed areas are filled with plants like grass and flowering perennials to soak up excess rainwater and runoff on your property. This keeps water from flowing across vulnerable soil and prevents erosion. It also serves as a beautiful focal point in your landscape.

Structural Solutions

Sloped landscapes and areas that are prone to more severe erosion need extra protection. Structural solutions like terracing, gabion walls, and slit fences can all help to protect the soil from being whisked away.

Terracing

Terracing creates leveled, short steps that are installed down a slope. This reduces the amount of runoff on sloped areas and keeps soil from eroding down the hill. A well-constructed terrace will ensure that your topsoil doesn’t wash away along with the nutrients underneath.

Gabion Walls

A gabion wall is a type of retaining wall that’s made from stacked stones that are tied together with wire. These walls keep your soil where it belongs while allowing water to pass through at a slow trickle. This effectively prevents erosion.

Slit Fences

Slit fences are a temporary fix during construction or when you’re planning out a more permanent solution for erosion control. Metal stakes hold a fabric upright to act as a barrier so that your topsoil remains intact when heavy rain and runoff occur.

Additional Tips for Erosion Control

Without a plan for erosion control, your soil and property can quickly become damaged. Here are some additional ways to protect your topsoil and ensure that your landscape is protected from water runoff:

• Direct your downspouts away from the foundation to keep water away. This prevents soil erosion around your house.
• Minimize the amount of foot traffic that occurs on bare soil. This is especially important on sloped landscapes.
• Consult a professional arborist for help in determining the best solutions for complex erosion problems.

Contact American Arbor Care Today!

At American Arbor Care, we’re committed to keeping Denver landscapes healthy and thriving. If you’re concerned about erosion on your property, contact us today. We’ll help you determine the best solutions for your unique space to prevent erosion for good. 

Trees are massive, and they require a lot of nutrients to stay healthy as they grow. Denver soil poses a few challenges that, with a little effort, we can amend, so our trees get the nutrients they need to thrive. At American Arbor Care, we know how to fix local clay-heavy soil and soil that’s low in organic matter. Let’s look at how you can amend your soil to improve the health of your trees.

Understanding Your Soil

Different plants require different types of soil to survive, and it’s important to know what type of soil you have in your yard. There are different types of soil, including:

1. Clay: This soil is heavy, dense, and high in nutrients. This soil retains moisture and makes it hard for roots to grow.
2. Sandy: Sandy soil is dry, low in nutrients, and typically acidic. Roots grow easily, but moisture passes through too quickly.
3. Silt: Silt soil is light and easily compacted. It’s rich in nutrients and optimal for plant growth
4. Loam: Loam is a mixture of the three soils above.

Testing your soil can help you determine what you need to add for your tree’s roots to grow properly, for moisture retention, and for the right amount of nutrients to be present.

Improving Soil Health

Once you know what type of soil you have, how can you improve it? Let’s look at three of the main ways to amend your soil.

1. Add Organic Matter

Organic matter like compost, composted manure, and other organic amendments can instantly add nutrients to your soil that your plants desperately need. To determine what type of nutrients they need, ask your local arborist for advice. 

If you are just planting a tree, mix some organic matter into the soil around the hole where it will be planted. If your tree is already established, simply add a layer of compost around the base of your tree. Allow it to soak into the soil over time when it rains or the tree is watered.

2. Mulch

Mulch adds a protective layer around the base of your tree, so the roots remain at a comfortable temperature. Mulch also helps with water retention, which is especially helpful in areas with sandy soil. Place a layer of mulch, no more than 4 inches, directly on top of the soilcompost around your tree’s base to help it break down and feed the roots below. Make sure you choose the right type of mulch and apply the right amount to keep your tree healthy. Your local arborist can help you determine how much and what type you need for your particular soil and trees.

3. Aeration

Aeration isn’t always necessary, but it’s an excellent choice for compacted soil. A core aerator removes small plugs of soil so that water and air can get to the roots below. This loosens the soil and helps plants to grow and thrive. The best time to aerate is in early spring.

Additional Tips for Denver

Here are a few additional tips for Denver landscapes:

• If your soil is particularly sandy or contains a lot of clay, adjust your watering strategies accordingly. 
• Select tree species that are native or well-suited for Denver’s soil conditions.
• Use regular maintenance practices like mulching, adding organic matter, and aerating when necessary, to keep your soil healthy.

Got Questions About Your Soil? Contact American Arbor Care!

Denver trees require healthy soil to remain healthy and strong. A weakened tree is susceptible to diseases, fungi, and falling during a storm. If you’re not sure what type of soil you have or how to amend yours, contact the pros at American Arbor Care. Our arborists have extensive training in soil health and tree needs in Denver, and we’re committed to serving our neighbors, one tree at a time. 

Plants need to be exposed to the right amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow properly. Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn’t always provide these factors on time in Denver. Our semi-arid climate means homeowners need to be diligent about sustainable landscaping practices like reduced water usage and picking low-maintenance plants for their landscaping. Let’s look at some of the ways you can incorporate sustainable landscaping practices in your yard.

Core Principles of Sustainable Landscaping

Sustainable landscaping involves thoughtfully designing your landscape with your local climate and soil conditions in mind. Here, in the Denver area, we recommend Xeriscaping, a landscaping practice that focuses on planting drought-tolerant and native plants that will help you conserve water and reduce the need for mowing the lawn. The seven principles of Xeriscaping are:

1. Plan and design your landscaping
2. Prepare and amend the soil
3. Select drought-tolerant and/or  native plants
4. Reduce the amount of grass
5. Water efficiently
6. Mulch 
7. Perform maintenance when needed

By creating a Xeriscape, you can design a space that’s attractive, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly.

Xeriscaping also helps to conserve water usage, which is especially important in Colorado. Homeowners can add additional water conservation techniques and practices to cut down on costs by using:

• • Rain barrels
• • Cisterns
• • Efficient irrigation systems

It’s also wise to think about when you water your plants each day and how often. Early evening or morning is best so that water has a chance to soak into the soil before it evaporates in the sun.

Plant Selection for Denver

Native plants are always the best choice for your landscape, no matter where you live. These plants have adapted to our climate and soil conditions, making it easier to keep them happy in your yard, and they’ll attract pollinators nearby. If you want more information about native plants, check out the Denver Botanic Gardens Plant Select® program.

Drought-tolerant plants do best in our semi-arid climate. Examples of drought-tolerant plants that are perfect for your Denver landscape include:

• • Angelina Stonecrop
• • Apache Sunset Hyssop
• • Blue Avena Grass
• • Big Bluestem Grass
• • Chocolate Flower
• • Deep Red Oriental Poppy
• • Fringed Sage
• • Rocky Mountain Penstemon
• • Santa Fe Aster
• • Yellow Columbine

Another trick to keeping water usage at a minimum is to group plants together that have similar watering needs. That way, you can soak the plants that need it most more often, while allowing others to rest in between waterings.

Additional Sustainable Practices

Mulch serves many purposes in home landscaping. It’s aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also incredibly beneficial for your plants. Mulch adds a protective layer near a plant’s vulnerable roots, keeping temperatures even during hot summer days and chilly spring nights. It also helps to retain moisture so that roots have a chance to soak up rainwater before it’s gone. Over time, mulch breaks down, allowing nutrients to leech into the soil and feed the plants.

Organic mulches like wood chips, bark, pine needles, shredded bar, and even lawn clippings can protect your plants and provide the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.

Ready to Create a Sustainable Landscape? Call American Arbor Care Today

Sustainable landscaping looks great, protects the environment, and is relatively easier to maintain than other landscaping practices. By selecting native plants that are drought-tolerant to create a Xeriscaping solution, it’s much easier to help them thrive. Experienced arborists and landscapers have the knowledge and tools to help you plan a landscape that’s set up for success. If you’re ready to create a sustainable landscape, reach out to your local arborists at American Arbor Care. We’ll help you design the perfect Xeriscape for your yard that adds curb appeal and is easy to maintain. Contact us today to get started!

A lush, green lawn is every homeowner’s dream, but if you aren’t careful, you can do more harm than good. Before you purchase a lawn fertilizer, make sure you know how it impacts the trees and shrubs in your yard, so you can take measures to keep your plants safe. Let’s take a closer look at lawn fertilizers, and what you need to know before purchasing one for your yard.

Understanding Lawn Fertilizers

There are several different types of lawn fertilizers, and not all of them are safe for trees. Some are synthetic fertilizers, while others are made from natural products. Weed and feed, a common type of lawn fertilizer, is composed of a fertilizer, which “feeds” your lawn and contains a weed killer that eliminates weeds, and can choke out your grass. Although it’s extremely efficient at nourishing grass and killing weeds, the weed killer in these products can’t differentiate between the types of plants you intend to kill and the ones you want to keep. Unfortunately, tree roots can mimic the qualities of some weeds.

To keep your trees and shrubs safe, purchase a lawn fertilizer that’s natural, and apply it carefully without getting too close to your trees and shrubs. Pay close attention to your trees and shrubs to make sure they’re not being negatively affected by the fertilizer you’ve applied to your lawn.

The Relationship Between Trees, Shrubs, and Lawn Fertilizers

A lawn fertilizer is designed to nourish the grass, so it grows lush and green. It’s formulated specifically for your lawn, and it’s not designed to nourish other plants like shrubs and trees. Many lawn fertilizers won’t affect your trees and shrubs at all, but fertilizers that contain a synthetic weed killer can damage their roots. That’s because trees and shrubs have similar features to broadleaf weeds, and a weed killer doesn’t know the difference. 

To fertilize your trees and shrubs, it’s best to start with a soil test. That way you can tell what nutrients they’re lacking and which ones need to be replaced. Most often, Denver trees and shrubs are nitrogen deficient, and they’ll thrive with a fertilizer that has a 2-1-1 or a 3-1-1 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Factors Influencing the Impact of Lawn Fertilizers

Different types of trees and shrubs will react differently to lawn fertilizers. That’s because some may be more susceptible to being injured by weed killers and other synthetic chemicals. Other species of trees and shrubs may be more tolerant and adaptable when exposed to lawn fertilizers, and they won’t be affected at all.

When it comes to lawn fertilizers, it’s always best to be safe. That means purchasing fertilizer that’s natural and keeping it away from your tree and shrub roots. When in doubt, it’s also a good idea to ask the experts.

Best Practices For Applying Fertilizers Near Trees and Shrubs

When you decide to fertilize your lawn, it’s best to apply the fertilizer during the fall, early in the morning, while the grass is still wet with dew. Using a spreader, begin by fertilizing the perimeter of your yard, and then move inward, avoiding the bases of trees and shrubs. If you are worried that your lawn fertilizer is damaging your trees and shrubs, you can thoroughly soak the lawn, which will dilute the fertilizer and wash it away.

Fertilize Your Lawn Safely With American Arbor Care

At American Arbor Care, we’re committed to keeping lawns in the Denver area healthy and looking their best. We’re happy to answer questions and provide services to ensure that your landscape looks fantastic. Contact us today to get started.

Landscaping your yard can be an exciting process, but it’s easy to get bogged down by all the plants you can pick. When it comes to choosing the right plants for your yard, it’s much easier to successfully grow varieties that are native to the Denver area. That way, they’re already acclimated to our semi-arid climate and clay loam soil.

Shrubs that are Native to the Denver Area

Shrubs are the perfect addition to any garden or home landscape. They offer soil stability, better air quality, and a nice habitat for small animals. Aside from practical purposes, shrubs also provide beauty and color to your yard.

Here are some of the best native shrubs to add to your Denver landscape.

Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus)

Dark green leaves with a fuzzy silver underside bring subtle color to your landscape, and silver-white fruit is present from spring through fall. Deer especially love to nibble on the fruits from these shrubs, and thanks to their hardy structure, these shrubs and small trees are incredibly tolerant of different soil types and moisture levels.

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

Also known as bitter-berry, this large shrub can grow up to 30 feet tall. Clusters of white flowers in the spring give way to bright red fruits that slowly fade to a dark purple hue from August to September. These shrubs form very dense thickets filled with sour chokecherries that can be made into jams and jellies once they’ve ripened.

Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus)

This lovely shrub is easy to grow in well-drained Denver soil, and it thrives in full sun. Rabbitgrass is a hearty shrub, reaching heights of four to seven feet tall, with grey-green leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer and fall. Plant Rabbitbrush in a place where it can spread, since it’s known to self-seed. Don’t worry though, it’s not invasive, and it won’t take over your entire landscape.

Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)

Also known as Juneberry, these lovely shrubs can grow from 3 to 15 feet tall, thriving in all types of habitats and growing conditions. The leaves are small, round and thin, and it produces white flowers and small, dark fruit that looks like berries. They make the perfect landscape plant, thanks to their lovely white flowers in summer and showstopping foliage in the fall. They grow best in partial shade or full sun.

Silver Sagebrush (Artemisia cana)

Silver Sagebrush grows in most types of soil, and it can withstand high moisture levels, including occasional flooding. This sweet-smelling shrub grows wild in forests and grasslands, and it’s a lovely addition to any home landscape. Typically growing to heights of 24 to 48 inches, this evergreen shrub has leaves that look soft and delicate, and soft white flowers that bloom in midsummer.

The Advantages of Planting Native Shrubs

Native shrubs are the best choice for Denver landscapes because they’ve adapted to our unique environment. Plants that are native to their region grow best in their native climate and soil conditions. This results in plants that are hardy, healthy, and low-maintenance.

Aside from adapting to the local environment, native plants are a valuable resource for native wildlife. Small birds and other animals that live in the Denver area have grown to rely on these plants for shelter and food, and native shrubs are outstanding at purifying the air and improving the quality of the water.

Incorporate Native Plants in Your Home Landscape

If you’re shopping for native plants for your home landscape, contact us at American Arbor Care. Our experts would be happy to help you select plants that fit your budget and home’s aesthetic best.

Diseases can infect and kill even the strongest trees in Denver. It’s important to know what types of diseases can affect your trees, and how to spot and treat them effectively. Let’s look at some common diseases that affect trees in Denver, and what you can do to keep your trees healthy.

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a fungus that affects ash, elm, maple and sycamore trees, among other deciduous trees and shrubs. Ideal conditions include rain and fog late into the winter and early spring, and it thrives in humid conditions. Anthracnose causes dark spots to appear on leaves and they’ll begin to curl. Fungicides can treat the disease, but it’s much easier to prevent the problem before it’s present. Anthracnose doesn’t typically kill a tree, but it causes unsightly damage and weakens the tree, which can leave it vulnerable to other diseases and infestations.

Canker

There are many different types of canker, including Cytospora Canker, Thyronectria Canker, and 1000 Canker Disease. They affect a number of different Denver trees, and they can be fatal without treatment. A canker is a dead area that’s located on the bark of a tree’s trunk or branches. If you spot symptoms of canker on one of your Denver trees, it’s important to apply treatment right away. In some cases, it can be pruned away, but without treatment, the tree will eventually die.

Dutch Elm Disease

Dutch Elm Disease is caused by a fungus that spreads to the bark of elm trees by bark elm beetles. This aggressive disease will infect a tree and can kill it within a year. In other cases, the disease may only infect one branch or a cluster of branches. Look for wilting and yellowing leaves that fall early from one branch or many. If diagnosed quickly, infected branches can be pruned, which allows the tree to remain healthy and strong.

Fire Blight

This bacterial disease affects apple, crabapple, pear, and quince trees. Symptoms can be spotted on the entire tree, from its blossoms and fruit to its limbs and trunk. Typically, the bacteria enters through a wound on the tree, creating cankered areas that look wet, green, or brown. There are many preventative measures that can be taken to prevent Fire Blight and at the first sign of infection. Trust your tree experts to diagnose and treat this disease quickly in order to keep your trees healthy.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that can infect the leaves of plants that produce apples, lilacs, and roses. The telltale white powder indicates that the plant has been infected and needs swift treatment. You also may notice white or black spore-like spots on the leaves. Powdery Mildew, if left untreated, will make it difficult for the tree to get the nutrients it needs, which will weaken the tree and make it more likely to become sick with other diseases or infestations. With quick treatment, Powdery Mildew can be cured.

How to Keep Your Denver Trees Healthy

Just like humans are susceptible to getting sick, trees can become sick with a variety of infections. The best way to keep your trees healthy is by ensuring that they’ve got the nutrients they need to thrive. Taking time to fertilize and prune your trees annually will ensure that they’re strong and healthy. Some trees also need preventative fungicidal treatments in order to ensure they’re protected from common diseases.

If you’d like to ensure that your Denver trees are healthy, strong, and able to weather any storm, contact us at American Arbor Care. We’ll help you determine the best plan of action for each tree, so it’s fully prepared for any pest or disease exposure that may occur.

Denver experiences four seasons each year and over 300 days of sunshine. Although nothing compares to living in a place with such varying weather conditions, they can quickly take a toll on your landscape. Luckily, there are several things you can do to protect your plants through the transitional months in the spring and fall. At American Arbor Care, we’re happy to provide tips and tricks to keep your plants in good condition all year long.

Spring and Fall in Denver

When winter dwindles and spring arrives, the temperatures begin to rise in the Mile-High City. As plants begin to bud and bloom, the weather can be unpredictable and extremely wet, posing a risk to vulnerable plants. It’s also not uncommon for Denver to experience snow in March and early April, and homeowners must take the necessary precautions to protect their plants.

Fall brings a burst of color and chilly temperatures as plants go dormant in preparation for winter. During these seasons of unpredictable temperatures and heavy precipitation, homeowners must be aware of the weather so they can keep their plants from suffering from shock when the weather fluctuates.

Assessing Landscaping Vulnerabilities

Native plants know how to weather Denver’s ever-changing climate, but they are still vulnerable to frost and moisture. During the transitional seasons, it’s important to keep an eye on the forecast so you can protect your landscape from frost damage and moisture problems. Take an inventory of your current landscape and learn about each plant’s needs. Are your trees and shrubs properly pruned, and do they have a protective layer of mulch around their bases?

If you do have vulnerable plants or plants that need extra protection, gather your supplies and take preventative measures ahead of time, so when spring and fall arrive, your landscape will continue to thrive.

Tips for Protecting Your Landscape

Although it’s tempting to get out in your garden on the first warm day of spring, it’s best to wait a few weeks. That way, you can avoid the risk of spring frost that can quickly damage or kill newly planted shrubs or trees. The best way to protect established plants from spring frost is by taking preventative measures in the fall. 

Before winter arrives, add mulch to areas around the bases of trees and shrubs to insulate the soil and keep them from being exposed to extreme temperature changes. This protects their roots during spring’s fickle weather and also locks in moisture where it’s needed most.

Fall is also the best season for pruning trees and shrubs. Take advantage of mild autumn days to trim away dead branches that can pose a risk to your property when wind and snow arrive. Otherwise, you can risk falling branches and property damage during winter blizzards and spring storms.

If a spring frost is in the forecast, cover vulnerable plants with burlap sheets to add a layer of protection. Other methods work as well, but avoid using plastic sheets. They’ll cause more harm than good.

Plant Selection and Placement

If you’re adding to your landscape, carefully choose where each plant will thrive. Consider their light and moisture needs and plant them in places that will receive adequate sunlight all year. Pick native plants that know how to thrive through each of Denver’s four seasons. A landscaping expert can help you select plants that look great and will grow with little maintenance in your unique lawn.

Trust American Arbor Care With Your Seasonal Landscaping Needs

If you’re worried about your plants, contact our experts at American Arbor Care. We’ll help you create a preventative plant to ensure that your landscape looks great year-round, and we’re happy to suggest new plants to add to your existing Denver landscape. That way, you’ll be equipped to care for your plants no matter what weather brings.