Text
OR CALL
303.639.8584

Author: americanarbor

Denver Tree Care Encyclopedia: Eastern Redbuds
americanarbor December 22, 2022

What Does an Eastern Redbud Look Like?

Each spring, Eastern redbud trees burst with beautiful pinkish-purple flowers, followed by the growth of lovely reddish leaves. As spring turns into summer, the heart-shaped leaves slowly turn green, transforming into a bright yellow by autumn. The Eastern redbud is a small tree that has low branches, and they’re often found growing beneath much larger trees in forests. They’re delicate-looking, with thin branches, especially when the flowers bloom in the spring.

Each summer, seed pods, called legumes, grow on the branches of an Eastern redbud. These edible legumes grow to around two inches in length.

Where Does it Grow?

Native to New Jersey all the way to northern Florida, and as far west as Missouri and northern Mexico, the Eastern redbud grows well in all kinds of soil. They’re especially abundant in the mesic woodlands throughout Kentucky. Eastern redbuds prefer moist, well-drained soil, so they thrive in the front range. They’ve also learned to adapt to Denver’s alkaline and clay soil conditions.  

These delicate-looking trees grow best in zones four through nine, allowing them to withstand the climate in most areas of Colorado. They do prefer protection from extreme weather, but can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F at elevations below 6,000 feet. 

How Big Does it Get?

Eastern redbuds are small, delicate, and beautiful. They grow to about 20 feet tall, with a spread just as wide, and their branches give them a lovely, rounded shape. Their growth rate is slower than most trees, increasing about seven to ten feet every five to six years.

What Does it Need to Grow?

Eastern redbud trees are fairly easy to grow. They adapt well and can handle a variety of conditions.

What Type of Soil Does it Need?

Eastern redbuds prefer soil that is well-drained and moderately moist, with a pH that is acid or basic. If your soil does not have access to plenty of water, your tree may benefit from regular irrigation.

How Much Light Do They Need?

Plant Eastern redbuds in areas that see full sun or partial shade. These small trees thrive in plenty of sunlight, but they also grow well in areas that receive filtered sun as well.

Are They Native to Colorado?

Although they grow well in Colorado, Eastern redbuds are not native to our state. In fact, they’re native to areas east of the Mississippi River, while the Western redbud is native to California.

Interesting Facts

  • George Washington transplanted redbuds to his gardens at Mount Vernon in 1641.
  • Redbud flowers and the legumes that grow in summer are edible, and many birds, bees, and insects feed on them throughout the year. 
  • Native Americans boiled and roasted the legume seeds for food, and they ate the flowers raw.
  • Today, in some parts of Appalachia, people use the green twigs from Eastern redbuds to spice gave meat. They call it Spicewood.
  • Many years ago, people used extracts from the inside of the bark and roots of Eastern redbuds as medicine.

If you’d like to learn more about Eastern redbud trees, contact us today. Our tree experts at American Arbor Care would be happy to provide information about trees that grow best here in Denver.

Should You Plant Aspen Trees in Denver?
americanarbor December 2, 2022

Aspen trees are known for their beautiful trunks and magnificent foliage, and it’s no wonder that many people consider adding them to their home landscapes. However, before you head out to your nearest nursery, it’s important to learn about an aspen’s needs, so you can determine whether it will thrive in your unique yard, soil, and climate.

What Do Aspen Trees Look Like?

Aspens are easily identified by their bright white bark that’s dotted with black scars where branches have been self-pruned along its lower trunk. Golden heart-shaped leaves contrast with the white bark, making these trees a fan favorite for home landscaping purposes. Unfortunately, aspen trees don’t grow particularly well in every region.

Where Do They Grow?

Aspens have learned and adapted to grow in many regions, but they prefer gravelly soil that’s acidic, well-drained, and moist. This type of soil is most common in higher elevations. Here, in Denver, the soil is much different. Our soil is more alkaline (meaning it has a higher pH), and it contains more clay. This makes drainage more difficult, and fragile roots have more trouble reaching to find a water source. Denver’s climate is also drier and hotter than aspens prefer, making it more difficult for them to grow and thrive in our region. 

Although Denver’s soil and climate are not an ideal environment for aspen trees to grow, they can successfully thrive in our region — with a lot of help.

How Do They Grow?

Aspens are truly remarkable trees. In fact, one tree is just a small part of a larger organsim, called a stand. A stand of aspens is considered the world’s largest living organism, with a main life force of roots connecting all of the trees below ground. The stand of aspens in Utah’s Fishlake National Forest has been in existence for over 80,000 years, and it’s the world’s oldest — and heaviest — living organism. 

These stands (or clones) reproduce new aspen trees by sending up sprouts from the roots, and each new tree is a genetic replicate of all the growing nearby. 

How Long Do They Live?

In ideal climates, aspen trees can live for 150 to 200 years. In Denver, their life expectancies aren’t nearly as long. Since aspens are prone to disease and insect damage, they’re already fragile, and Denver’s soil and climate aren’t ideal for them to grow and thrive. Because of this, most aspen trees in Denver only live up to 25 years before they succumb to disease, insect infestation, or poor health.

How to Grow Aspen Trees in Denver

Although Denver is not the perfect location for aspen trees to grow, it’s still possible to have a healthy aspen in your landscape. In order to successfully grow this particular tree, you’ll have provide extra TLC, and you’ll have to amend your soil. When choosing the right spot to plant your aspen tree, make sure the soil is slightly acidic and well-drained. You may need to add gravel and the proper nutrients in order to achieve the right pH level. 

It’s also important to think about the root structure before planting your aspen. Will it have room to grow and spread out, without damaging the foundation of your home or other structures? Make sure you give your tree plenty of room to spread out, or else you’ll end up with problems several years down the road.

If you’d like to learn more about aspen trees, or if you’d like to know what trees to plant in Denver, we’d be happy to help. Contact us today.

<strong>Denver Tree Care Encyclopedia: The Colorado Blue Spruce</strong>
americanarbor November 18, 2022

The Colorado Blue Spruce can be found in home landscapes across the state, and its majestic blue-green hue makes it stand out among other, less showy trees. Known for its exceptional beauty, this common landscaping tree is worth learning about and caring for — especially since it’s Colorado’s official state tree. Let’s learn about the Colorado Blue Spruce and what it needs to grow healthy and strong.

What Does a Colorado Blue Spruce Look Like?

The Colorado Blue Spruce is a unique shade of silvery blue-green, and its color remains throughout the year. Its needles grow  to about an inch in length, and they’re quite stiff and prickly. The tree also produces light brown cones that are between three and four inches in length, hanging downward near the top. Typically, the Colorado Blue Spruce grows in the shape of a pyramid, with a pointed top and wide, thick base. 

Where Does it Grow?

The Colorado Blue Spruce is very hearty, and it can easily adapt to many different soil types and weather conditions. Additionally, the tree has an extensive root system that allows it to withstand high winds and harsh weather. The state of Colorado is in growing zones four through six, making it easy for the Blue Spruce to grow anywhere in the state, including in the mountains. In fact, the tree was first discovered in the Rocky Mountains over a century ago.

How Big Does it Get?

Growing at a slow to medium rate, the Colorado Blue Spruce reaches heights of 50 to 75 feet, with a spread of up to 20 feet in width. In the wild, this lovely tree can grow up to 135 feet tall, with a spread of 35 feet in width. If you have a young Colorado Blue Spruce in your home landscape, you can expect it to grow at a rate of up to 6-12″ per year.

What Does it Need to Grow?

The Colorado Blue Spruce is incredibly hearty, and it’s learned to adapt to all kinds of conditions. Let’s discuss its soil and sun needs.

What type of Soil Does it Need?

This hearty tree can thrive in all kinds of soil, including acidic, well-drained, clay, loamy, or moist conditions, and it can tolerate moderate flooding and droughts. Overall, it grows best in soil that receives normal moisture throughout the year.

How Much Light Does it Need?

The Colorado Blue Spruce thrives in full sun, with at least six hours of unfiltered sunlight. If you choose to plant one near your home, make sure it gets plenty of direct sunlight every day in order to grow properly.

Are Colorado Blue Spruce Trees Native to Colorado?

Not only is the Colorado Blue Spruce native to Colorado, but it was first discovered in the Rocky Mountains nearby. This tree is native to North America, and it can be found growing naturally in states like Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, and Idaho.

Interesting Facts:

  • Many animals find shelter in the Colorado Blue Spruce, including Pine siskins, crossbills, and nuthatches.
  • The Colorado Blue Spruce was discovered in 1862 in the Rocky Mountains.
  • The tips are edible, tart, and full of vitamin C.
  • It’s the most popular choice as a landscape tree in the United States.
  • They’re also the most popular tree to be chosen at Christmastime.
  • The Blue Spruce is Colorado’s official state tree.
  • These magnificent trees may live 600 to 800 years!

If you’d like to learn more about the Colorado Blue Spruce and how to properly care for them, we’re here to help. Contact us today at American Arbor Care.

How to Care For Your Tree After a Snow Storm
americanarbor November 10, 2022

Here in Denver, snow and ice are are winter staples, and most trees have learned to adapt to these harsh conditions. Even so, trees can be severely damaged by the weight of compacted snow and thick layers of ice, leading to dangerous conditions for the tree’s health — and your own. Let’s look at some things you can do in order to save your damaged tree after a snow storm.

What are the Signs of Snow and Ice Damage?

Some common signs that your tree has undergone damage from snow or ice include:

  • Bowed branches, reaching toward the ground
  • Snapped branches on the ground
  • Broken branches hanging in the tree
  • Torn pieces of bark or shattered branches
  • The tree is leaning abnormally

Assess the Damage to Your Tree

Before assessing your tree, make sure the conditions are safe enough for you to approach the area. From a distance, observe your tree and look for signs of bowing branches or a leaning tree. Look for downed power lines or broken branches that are leaning on power lines above. If you can safely approach the tree, and it’s small enough, you may be able to save it yourself. If, on the other hand, your tree is very tall, or if there are large, broken branches on the ground, it’s best to call a professional. Branches are heavy, and an arborist will have the equipment and knowledge to safely care for your injured tree.

Carefully Remove Snow From the Tree

If your tree is small, and if you feel comfortable approaching it safely, you can begin to remove snow from its branches. Use a broom or other object to carefully sweep snow off the tree, effectively removing excess weight from its branches. If the snow is compacted or has begun to melt, you can use a shovel to knock the snow off.  Use upward sweeping motions and take care not to break or injure branches in the process.

Remove Broken Branches 

Broken limbs that are small need to be pruned at the point where they join larger branches. This will lessen the chances that your tree can become sick from bacteria entering its wounds. To prune small branches, it’s important to make cuts in the correct places. You’ll need to make a partial cut on the bottom of the branch, several inches from where it meets the trunk. Then, make another cut on top of the branch, but several inches away. That way, when it falls, the branch will fall easily. Finally, make a cut near the branch collar, where it joins the trunk. 

Large branches that are broken will need to be pruned as well. In most cases, it’s best to call in the pros. They’ve got the tools and expertise to safely prune your tree, while ensuring that it will heal properly where cuts have been made.

Bracing and Staking Your Tree

If your tree is young and leaning significantly, it may be necessary to provide support so it will continue to grow vertically. To do this, use a mallet to drive two or three stakes into the ground around the outer perimeter of the tree’s root ball. Then, push the tree upright by carefully adding even pressure to its trunk. Use special straps to attach the stakes to the tree, and make sure the tree has enough slack to sway, but is thoroughly supported. 

A young, leaning tree may require bracing and staking for up to a year in order to ensure that it grows correctly.

Spring Fertilization 

As always, a healthy tree is most likely to weather storms with ease while avoiding disease and infestation. You can encourage your tree to stay healthy and strong by fertilizing it each spring.

If you’ve got questions about how to care for your trees after a snow storm, or if you’d like tips on how to keep it healthy, we’d be happy to help. Contact us at American Arbor Care today.

Ascochyta Leaf Blight: What is it and How Can You Get Rid of it?
americanarbor September 14, 2022

What is Ascochyta leaf blight?

Ascochyta leaf blight is very common disease that affects Kentucky bluegrass. It is also problematic for tall fescue and perennial ryegrass, among others, but it seems to affect Kentucky bluegrass most often. It can develop overnight, leaving your lawn looking drought-stressed and dead. Although it may seem intimidating, Ascochyta leaf blight isn’t as detrimental as it looks. Symptoms may begin to appear throughout the spring and early summer, and it’s especially common when rainy spring conditions lead to hot, drought-like summers.

What causes it?

Ascochyta leaf blight is caused by Ascomycete fungi. Although its development isn’t completely understood, it thrives in wet conditions in the springtime. Most often, Ascochyta leaf blight develops when soil conditions have not been properly maintained, and moisture levels have fluctuated greatly between very wet and drought-like periods.

Once it’s present in your lawn, you can exacerbate the problem by mowing frequently, especially with dull blades. This causes wounds to develop in your grass, allowing the disease to spread.

What does it look like?

Oftentimes, Ascochyta leaf blight resembles drought stress, leaving large, uniform patches of straw-like grass. It may look like your lawn is dead, but there may be healthy green blades of grass interspersed throughout. Ascochyta leaf blight can develop very quickly, beginning at the tips of each blade, and moving downward. Luckily, the roots are not usually affected.

What types of grass does it impact?

Most often, Ascochyta leaf blight affects Kentucky bluegrass, but it’s been known to be present in other types of grass, including tall fescue and perennial ryegrass. Since Kentucky bluegrass is prevalent throughout Colorado, Ascochyta leaf blight has become quite a nuisance.

Can it kill your lawn?

Although it may look like your lawn is quickly dying, Ascochyta leaf blight does not cause any permanent damage. This fungus affects the leaves of the plant, and it typically leaves the roots unaffected. While it’s not harmful, leaf blight can make your lawn look awful, and it can quickly ruin all the hard work you put into landscaping. Luckily, there are things you can do to prevent and manage Ascochyta leaf blight, so your lawn will be lush and green again in no time.

How can you get rid of it?

The best way to manage Ascochyta leaf blight is by preventing its growth in the first place. To do this, water your lawn consistently and deeply. Aim for one to 12 – 20 minutes of deep watering per zone every other day to maintain steady moisture and keep leaf blight at bay. Avoid watering at night to prevent the spread of the disease. It’s also important to mow your lawn when the grass is dry. Avoid early mornings and evenings when dew is present since the water will spread the fungi throughout your lawn. Aim for your lawn to be around 3 to 3 ½ inches in length, and try to mow about 1/3 off the top each time.

If your lawn does show symptoms of blight, simply encourage it to grow quickly. Since there is no fungicide available for Ascochyta leaf blight, your best bet is to encourage healthy growth so the affected grass grows out. The best way to do this is by fertilizing frequently and aerating your lawn in the fall to keep it healthy. 

If you’d like to learn more about how to keep your lawn healthy, strong, and fungi-free, contact us. Our experts at American Arbor Care are happy to help.

How to Keep Trees Healthy During a Drought in Denver
americanarbor August 16, 2022

Droughts happen often in the Denver area, and current climate trends show evidence that we’ll face more severe drought-like conditions in the future. In fact, according to experts, Colorado has experienced the dryest 22 years in over 1,200 years. Without proper care, trees can quickly begin to suffer in a drought, causing stress, weakness, and premature leaf drop. Let’s look at the effects of drought on trees and what you can do to keep yours healthy.

What Happens to Trees During a Drought?

Trees need water in order to photosynthesize. During this process, a tree uses water,  sunlight, and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and energy in the form of sugar. When a tree doesn’t have enough water, it can go into dormancy, and will not photosynthesize properly. Trees without enough water will also stop growing. The effects can vary, depending on the type of tree, since some need more water than others. Burr oak trees and Kentucky coffee trees, for example, can tolerate drought-like conditions much better than trees that require a lot of water, like a weeping willow or birch tree.

How Can You Protect Your Trees?

Your trees depend on you to give them the water they need during drought-like conditions, so they can remain healthy and strong. Here are a few things you can do to take care of them properly.

Limit Pruning

During a drought, trees are already weakened, and you should avoid anything that will cause further stress. Don’t prune your trees when they’re not receiving adequate water. Wait until spring, and make sure they’ve got plenty of moisture around the roots so that they can withstand pruning and regrowth.

Skip Fertilizer

When trees aren’t getting enough water, they may stop growing. At this time, it may be tempting to add fertilizer to encourage growth. Not only will your efforts be fruitless — they may further injure your tree. Fertilizer adds excess nitrates to the soil, which can eliminate any moisture that’s around the tree’s roots. Trees are also very smart. When under stress, they go dormant so they can survive. Encouraging your trees to grow during a drought goes against nature’s method of helping them to survive.

Add Mulch

Mulch is tremendously beneficial to a tree’s base and root structure. When it’s hot and dry outside, add a thick layer of mulch around your tree’s base. The mulch contains all sorts of nutrients that can nourish your tree, and it locks in moisture and gives the roots a chance to soak up every drop. Mulch can also protect your tree’s roots from the hot, scorching sun, keeping them at a more comfortable temperature throughout the day and night.

Water Appropriately

When rain isn’t in the forecast, it’s up to you to give your trees the water they need. The amount of water your trees need depends on the type of tree and its age. Small, newly planted trees need two to three gallons of water per day, while large, mature trees may need 20 gallons a week or more. Use a soaker hose and place it under the tree. A good rule of thumb is to water your tree at a distance from its trunk which is 2/3 of its height. Water deeply, once a week, so moisture reaches several inches below the surface of the ground.

Seasons of drought, are unfortunately, here to stay, and it’s important to make sure you know how to prepare. These simple steps should ensure that your trees remain healthy and strong, so they can continue to grow and thrive, no matter what conditions Mother Nature decides to bring to Denver. If you’d like to learn more about how to care for your trees in Denver, contact us at American Arbor Care today.

4 Threats to Your Lawn’s Health This Summer in Denver
americanarbor August 15, 2022

This is the season when your yard is at its greenest and most flourishing. Taking careful steps now for the treatment and protection against weeds and pests for your landscaping in Denver will ensure that your lawn looks lush throughout the rest of summer. The scorching heat of July makes some treatments, such as fertilization, unavailable, so it’s best to act in the next two or three weeks.

Broadleaf Control

Different in appearance and biology than normal turf grasses, broadleaf weeds are easy to identify and control without causing damage to surrounding vegetation. After your spring pre-emergent application of broadleaf weed control, to prevent seed germination, it’s time for the first of three rounds of balanced fertilization applications. Also, post-emergent spot spray treatment of lawn weeds that had already sprouted will continue.

Japanese Beetles

Keep an eye out for grub activity in your lawn at this time of year, particularly Japanese beetles. They are an invasive species with no effective natural enemies and voracious appetites for hundreds of different plant species. Metallic green with copper-colored wings, these insects emerge from the ground and begin feeding on surrounding plant life in late June or early July. Before that time, females will burrow several inches into the ground after mating to lay their eggs. They are attracted to damp, grassy areas with loose soil, so irrigated turf lawns are in danger of infestation. The grubs spend ten months developing and feed on the roots of turf grass, which causes the grass to lose its ability to absorb water. The result in the summer months is unsightly dead patches of lawn. These beetles can be controlled by properly-timed soil applications by lawncare professionals during the grub stage; the earlier any damage is noticed, the faster their destruction can be prevented.

Ascochyta Leaf Blight

Another potential lawn problem during this season is a plant disease called ascochyta leaf blight. It causes large swaths of turf to brown and die, and may appear as drought-stricken conditions at first. Ascochyta infests lawns quickly, however, and causes damage faster than drought. Grass that has been wet and then subjected to extreme heat is most at risk of infection, especially after a yard mowing. There are no necessary disease treatments for ascochyta; the best course of action is to over-fertilize the lawn, encouraging the turf to outgrow the blight, and to avoid mowing during wet weather to prevent its spread. Your expert local landscapers can help you select and apportion the correct type and amount of fertilizer for your turfgrass.

Necrotic Ring Spot

A fungal disease that targets the roots of turf grass, necrotic ring spot thrives all across the country and is easily confused with other patch diseases. Circular areas of dead grass can begin to appear two to three years after a lawn is put in, though the symptoms intensify in the hottest months of the year, July and August. NRS can be eradicated with professional fungicide application and by taking good care of your turf by using properly prepared soil, overseeding infected patches, and not over watering.

American Arbor Care is your total Denver lawn care and fertilization specialists, offering all the services you need to protect and maintain the health and beauty of your landscape. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about your lawn! Please call us at 303-639-8584.

Denver Tree Pros Recommend Adjusting Your Sprinkler Settings for Summer
americanarbor August 15, 2022

The height of summer is approaching, and with it comes skyrocketing temperatures. 2016 is already on track to be the hottest year on record, as Denver’s multiple days of 90-to-100 degree temperatures can attest to. Once the city consistently clocks in above 85 degrees, it’s important to adjust your sprinkler clock settings to maximize zone watering times. Controlling when and how much you water will save your Denver landscaping, as well as help you conserve resources and energy. The goal is to keep your yard healthy while using as little water as efficiently as possible.

Watering Zones
Most modern irrigation systems use a controller to regulate the length of time and amount of water used. This controller is an automatic timer that responds to the watering schedule you input, so it’s important to pay attention to weather conditions and make frequent adjustments accordingly during each season. Sprinkler systems in Denver are divided around your yard into areas called “zones.” Each zone has groups of plants with watering needs that differ from the other zones. Specific types of irrigation systems and irrigation system heads service specific zones. One to two inches of water is the ideal amount, depending on the soil structure, although areas such as the lawn need more frequent watering than trees, shrubs, or groundcover plants. Know your zones and what each one needs.

Irrigation Scheduling
To establish and encourage a healthy lawn and garden, every area needs to be watered regularly and evenly according to its needs. Having and maintaining an accurate moisture level will keep you from over- or underwatering, which could waste water and harm plants. Determining how much water each zone needs can be a trial and error process; consulting with a landscaping professional can help you set up the proper irrigation system for your yard. As a general rule of thumb, watering early in the morning during the summer is preferred. This allows the moisture to penetrate the soil and get to the roots before the sun causes it to evaporate. Watering during the day is much less effective, as it merely gets the plants wet and doesn’t provide enough time for the roots to absorb the water. Set your sprinkler clocks for early morning watering, but not for dusk or the evening. Photosynthesis can’t occur if the water has already passed through the root system.

Choose Efficient Systems
Expert landscapers and irrigation installers will know which sprinkler systems work best for the zones in your yard. There are low flow systems (drip lines, micro sprays) and high flow systems (fixed spray, bubbler), each designed to maximize the proper use of water. If you start with the right tools and keep a close eye on your equipment settings, your yard should continue to flourish even through the dog days of summer.

At American Arbor Care, we offer professional landscape renovation and irrigation services, as well as overall lawn care and tree and shrub health. Our experts can help you establish and maintain a healthy yard you can be proud of. Give us a call at 303-639-8584 to schedule an appointment and get started on your next project.

Dry Patches in Your Mid-Summer Denver Landscaping
americanarbor August 10, 2022

How is your lawn? The peak of summer heat is here and we are seeing lots of dry patches in yards. The summer season brings about glorious days of warm weather and outdoor activities that keep us outside. But scattered rain and hot weather also show us exactly where our sprinkler heads are hitting and where they aren’t. Everyone’s grass is stressed. Below are some tips and procedures that can assist you in making and keeping your Denver landscaping healthy throughout the hot summer season.

LIMIT WATER
Unfortunately, after (or during) rainfall, many people still irrigate their lawn. One collective misconception about maintaining grass in extreme heat is the necessity to overwater. Turf grasses do better managed on the dry side rather than wet. When soil is constantly wet, it creates problems for plants and soil organisms alike. The roots will be deprived of oxygen and may become more susceptible to disease because diseases thrive in wet conditions. In general, the drier the grass and soil, the less disease there will be.

Water deeply and infrequently. Water deeply to wet the entire root zone, and then do not water again until the grass is dry. To determine the next watering time, simply eyeball it. If it starts to look dry, then water. And if you have brown spots, water the hot spots (spots that get dry faster than the rest of the lawn) and then wait for the rest of the lawn to dry out to water the entire lawn. Do not water your grass daily. Lawns need only one inch of water per week, including rainfall.

THE ONE-THIRD RULE
When deciding on the correct height to cut your grass, it is important to remember the one-third rule:  Never remove more than one-third of the grass height at one time. By doing so, the lawn is kept cooler, because less plant tissue is removed. Grasses actually benefit in the heat of the summer by setting the blade higher. For example, if your lawn is normally cut at 2.5 inches, increase it to 3 inches in the heat of summer.

WHEN IN DROUGHT
Resist mowing wet grass, because you are going to cause clumping. But also avoid mowing the lawn during drought stress too. Dry lawns under drought stress are limited in their ability to recover from mowing and can be damaged further. So the best time to mow your grass is the day after a rainfall – or after irrigation day. The grass will not have visible water on it, but it is also not too dry.

American Arbor Care offers professional tree, shrub, lawn, and landscape maintenance services across Colorado. Our services include tree and shrub pruning (and removal), insect and disease management, tree planting, fertilization, weed control, stump grinding, mulching, consultation, landscaping, free estimates and more. Call us today at 303-639-8584 to get more information about the dry patches in your mid-summer lawn.  

Aphid, Mite and Other Treatments from Your Tree Service in Denver
americanarbor August 7, 2022

Now that spring is in full swing, caring for your landscaping is a top priority. With the warmer weather and nicer days (minus the exception of those last few snow storms trying to hang on from the winter), it is a great time to work on making sure your plants, shrubs and more are at their best. May is the ideal time to start treating your landscaping with aphid and mite treatments. In addition, it is also the time to use elm leaf beetle, elm leaf weevil and elm leaf minor treatments as well. Learn more about aphid and mite damage and treatments and other landscaping tips to prepare you this spring.

Aphid/Mite Damage and Treatments

Aphids and mites are common pests that can create wilting plants in your yard. While they are very host specific, there are over 200 species in Colorado alone. In some cases, it can make it hard for newer plants to grow. They typically will suck out all of the nutrients by feeding on the leaves and sucking the sap out for themselves. They are small, shaped like a pair and are typically yellow, green, black, white or orange. While aphids can be seen, mites are much harder to see because of their small size. They typically feed on plants and in some cases, animals and people. The best way to keep aphids from destroying your plants is to take on preventative measures. You can spray treatments on your lawn and landscaping this spring to avoid an infestation. Be cautious to look out for the warning signs to make sure your plants are not damaged by aphids. Learn more about how to identify and get rid of aphids.

Elm Leaf Beetle, Weevil and Leaf Treatments

Elm leaf beetles are long in shape, have wings and are yellow in color. When elm trees have leaves that turn brown, or are losing leaves before the normal season, it is a sign that there is potentially an elm leaf beetle problem. Often times, elm insects and their feeding are the culprit of premature leaf drop. Elm leaf weevils are different than beetles. Smaller in size, these pests typically eat holes in leaves right around spring. In addition they lay eggs that hatch in the fall, leading to further damage. By spraying and treating your plants now, you can prevent damage.

Other Landscaping Tips

As spring has arrived, make sure you take time to care for your landscaping. Remove old mulch and re-mulch one to three inches around your plants. Make sure you leave space around the base of the plant so mulch is not right up against it or packed down tightly. Make sure you work with a local landscaping company and arborist on pre-treating your lawn and plant beds to avoid insects like aphids, mites and elm leaf pests.

For help caring for your plants, landscaping and trees, American Arbor Care has you covered. As you plan to enhance your landscaping, read more about spring tree fertilizations and insect treatments via soil injection for your Denver landscaping. Now is the best time to treat your plants, shrubs and trees to keep them in the best condition for spring. To see how we can help you, contact American Arbor Care in Denver, CO today.

When was the last time you had a landscape assessment with a Certified Arborist?

Schedule your free assessment today!

Contact Us