Let’s look at the types of grass that grow best in Denver and what qualities you should look for when purchasing grass for your yard.

What Qualities Should You Look For?

Denver weather can be unpredictable, and your grass will need to be hearty enough to handle it. For your grass to thrive in Denver, it will need to:

• Withstand a variety of weather conditions
• Handle excessive heat
• Survive without a lot of water
• Tolerate deep snow over extended periods 

You can also choose grass that prefers the sun or shade. Grasses that prefer shade will thrive, especially in north-facing yards, while sun-loving grass types will do best in southern-facing spots.

Types of Grass that Grow Best in Denver

Buffalograss

Buffalograss is a warm-weather grass that can grow in portions of the city that are lower than 6,500 feet in elevation. Each blade grows 10 to 12 inches in length and drapes over, creating a thick, green carpet.  Because it doesn’t tolerate high elevations, buffalograss is a less common choice for homeowners in Denver, and it grows best in an area with low foot traffic. Additionally, this high-maintenance grass will need to be cared for year-round, but it’s hearty enough to resist moderate heat and droughts. Plant buffalograss in alkaline and loamy soil, and make sure it’s well-drained so the grass remains healthy and pest-free.

Fine Fescue

Fine fescue grows in a dense turf and it’s a low-maintenance favorite among Denver homeowners. This grass prefers shady spots, like yards with tall trees or buildings. If you plant fine fescue in a partially shaded yard, blend it with Kentucky bluegrass to get a lovely, even look. Luckily, fine fescue grows without a lot of care, and it can withstand all kinds of soil conditions, including sandy and rocky loams. Since it grows lush and thick, make sure you use a lawn mower with a sharp blade to cut a yard that’s full of fine fescue.

Kentucky Bluegrass

You can’t go wrong with growing Kentucky bluegrass in the Mile High City since it can handle all sorts of weather conditions. This grass is soft and grows quickly, filling in bare spots so your lawn is thick and bluish-green. Kentucky bluegrass loves the sun, but some varieties can tolerate full shade without a problem. The only drawback to Kentucky bluegrass is that it’s prone to forming large amounts of thatch that will need to be maintained. You can amend this by regularly aerating and dethatching your lawn. Kentucky bluegrass tends to be a cool season grass, so it prefers temperatures between 55 and 85. During our peak heat seasons, you can expect to need more water for your yard with Kentucky bluegrass. 

Perennial Ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass is the perfect solution for yards that see a lot of foot traffic. Because of this, it’s a popular choice for golf courses and parks. The blades are narrow and dark green, and they’re incredibly durable year-round. It’s a low-maintenance grass variety that tolerates the cold without a problem. Perennial ryegrass is often included in grass seed blends, and it pairs well with Kentucky bluegrass. Although it can be more susceptible to pests and disease, as long as you keep a close eye on your grass, it should remain healthy and strong. Rye should be aerate at least once per year in the spring or fall. Dethatching is not required as often, but should be completed in the early spring, every 8 – 10 years. 

Tall Fescue

This dense grass has an impressive root structure that grows four feet beneath the soil. It’s hardy and adaptable, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance yards and places with lots of foot traffic. Tall fescue can handle cold weather, heat, droughts and shade, and it doesn’t need much water. As long as the soil is well-drained, tall fescue doesn’t require a specific soil type in order to thrive. It also grows slowly, and tall fescue won’t invade your garden or flower beds. Colorado State University has pioneered a new variety of fescue called Turf-type tall fescue. 

When selecting the right grass for your lawn, it’s important to consider Denver’s unique climate and altitude. If you’d like to learn more about what type of grass grows best in Denver, contact us today. Our experts at American Arbor Care will help you to choose the right grass type for your yard’s needs.

1. How Are Their Reviews?

As with any service provider, online reviews will tell the full story. A reputable company with plenty of gold stars beside its name has earned those reviews, and will be more likely to do a stand-up job. Read through the customer reviews to see how satisfied they were with the business’s response time, efficiency, and the quality of their work. 

2. Are They Insured?

It’s very important to hire an arborist that is insured. This protects both you, the homeowner, and the company itself when trees are being pruned or removed. Check to make sure your arborist has liability insurance that will cover any damage that occurs to your property when they’re working. Your arborist should also carry worker’s compensation insurance that will take care of any employees who are injured on the job. This insurance will also protect you from being sued. We also encourage homeowners to ensure they are aware of any liability waivers and their rights/as well as neighbor’s rights when it comes to plant material crossing/encroaching a property line.

3. Are They Licensed?

In order to obtain a Tree Service License in Denver, an arborist must pass a written test and a field test that prove that he or she can perform quality arbor care that is safe and efficient. Before hiring an arborist, make sure the company has the appropriate license for tree removal in your city. It’s completely acceptable to ask for a copy of their license.

4. Do They Have the Proper Credentials?

There are several different opportunities for training and certification available for arborists to pursue, so it’s a good idea to ask about them. Some of these include:

• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist
• Board Certified Master Arborist
• Qualified Supervisor License with the Colorado Department of Agriculture

Most impressively, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) provides membership to arborists who can pass extensive testing that covers all kinds of information on tree care and maintenance. If your arborist is a member of the ISA, you can rest assured that they’re experienced and educated on all things tree-related.

5. Can They Provide Referrals?

When shopping around for an arborist, ask them if they can provide a list of referrals? A company with a good reputation should be able to readily give you the contact information for a few happy customers. These references can give you more information about what kind of work to expect from the arborist along with their satisfaction level.

6. Can They Give You a Free Estimate? 

A qualified arborist will be happy to provide free estimates for the services you’d like them to complete. In fact, they should be able to deliver a detailed estimate in writing, so you can be crystal clear about what to expect. This will ensure that you don’t have surprises that pop up as they complete their work. Keep in mind that estimates are different from consultations or landscape plans, which can have fees associated. Be sure to clarify with your arborist what is included in the free estimate. 

7. Do They Have the Right Equipment? 

Ask the arborist about the equipment they have to perform the job. It’s important to know if they have heavy equipment like cranes to perform big jobs on large trees. A variety of available equipment will make it less likely that the company will cause damage to your property while they’re getting the job done. 

8. What Type of Training Have Employees Participated in? 

Denver only requires that one arborist at a tree service company has a Tree Service License. Because of this, it’s important to ask about the employees, and whether they’ve been properly trained to do quality work. Ask about their experience level and any certifications that the employees have obtained along with whether the company has a drug-free policy.

If you’d like more information about quality arbor care, contact us today. Our arborists at American Arbor Care are certified and passionate about tree care and we’ll get the job done safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

Planting a tree will positively impact the world around you, and with careful planning, a new tree will likely outlive its owner. By carefully following a few steps, you can successfully plant a tree on your property that will benefit the health of your family and community for years to come. While mature trees can handle extreme temperatures, newly planted trees require mild weather so they can establish a strong root structure. Let’s look at the best season to plant a tree in Denver so it can grow and thrive year-round.

Plant in the Spring and Fall

Denver winters are cold, and temperatures can fluctuate greatly from October through April. Small trees don’t handle cold snaps well, and a sudden drop in temperature can kill a freshly planted tree quickly. That’s why experts agree that it’s best to plant trees in the spring. Spring temperatures remain mild and sunny, and this allows trees to get established in their new environment before winter hits. Fall is also a great time to plant trees, as the he weather is still warm enough for a tree to establish a solid root structure, so it can withstand the chilly winter weather over the following months.

Other Planting Tips

Planting a tree isn’t difficult, but it’s very important to do it correctly. In fact, Clemson University notes that nearly 50% of newly planted trees die within the first year, simply because the homeowner didn’t follow a few precautions. By considering a few steps, you’ll be able to plant a tree that grows and becomes a beautiful asset to your property.

Location

Trees need plenty of space to grow and expand. This includes above the ground and below. Check to make sure there aren’t power lines or other structures nearby, and make sure you aren’t planting too close to your home’s foundation or other underground barriers. Your tree’s nursery tag will list its 10-year growth height, but it’s best to assume your tree will continue to expand even larger as it continues to grow. 

Additionally, you’ll want to consider:

• Drainage: Make sure water won’t pool around the tree’s base, causing it to drown. 
• Sun Exposure: Trees thrive in east-facing environments with a slight breeze, but depending on the type, many can handle harsher environments. 

Hole Size

Many homeowners make the mistake of digging a hole that isn’t the right size for their tree. When planting a new tree, it’s important to dig a hole that’s two to three times the diameter and no deeper than its root ball. If you plant the root ball too deep, the tree will drown. Make sure the top of the root ball is slightly above ground level when it’s planted, and the flare should be about one inch above the ground when planting is complete. 

Watering Cycle

Correctly watering a freshly planted tree will determine whether it lives or dies. New trees need to be deeply watered so the roots can stretch and grow. Make sure you water slowly across the entire critical root zone. This includes the area from the tree’s trunk to the edges of its dripline. Consistently provide moisture to the ground so that a depth of 12 inches receives water. 

More than anything, consistency is key. Over and under-watered trees can become weak, and that leaves them vulnerable to disease and infestation. To help with consistency, you can add a layer of mulch around the tree’s base. The mulch helps to lock in moisture, aiding in root absorption.

Pruning and Fertilizing

Trees shouldn’t be pruned within the first year unless they have broken branches that need to be removed. Don’t prune your newly planted tree until it’s had time to establish a good root system over a few years. 

Additionally, it’s not usually necessary to fertilize a freshly planted tree. Save these steps for when your tree is a little hardier and has had a chance to settle into its new location.  
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of planting a new tree. By following a few steps, it’s very easy, and the benefits a tree provides are endless. If you’ve got questions, or if you’d like help planting a tree in Denver, our experts at AAC would be happy to assist you. Contact us for more information.

Bosnian Pine

The Bosnian Pine is a low-maintenance evergreen that is great for separating homesites and creating wind barriers. They grow best in zones 4 to 8, and they produce lovely bluish-purple cones that eventually turn brown. These trees can handle harsh winters and all kinds of soil, so they’re very easy to maintain, and they slowly grow to heights up to 30 feet and widths of 10 feet or more. You’ll need to make sure your Bosnian Pines are watered regularly, especially during very warm periods.

Kentucky Coffeetree

This extremely drought-resistant tree,  can adapt to all kinds of soils and it’s considered both a shade tree and an ornamental tree. They grow in zones 3 through 8 and can reach heights up to 75 feet tall and widths of 50 feet at maturity. These lovely trees produce greenish-white flowers as well as seed pods that are 5 to 10 inches long. The Kentucky coffeetree gets its name since the seed pods look like coffee beans. These trees also come in a variety called “Espresso” which are podless.  Many years ago, the trees were used to build railway sleeper cars.  It also 

Magnolia

Magnolia trees produce beautiful, sweet-smelling flowers, and they can grow in zones 4 through 9. They need well-drained soil to grow properly, and it’s important to protect them against late, flower-killing frosts as well as harsh winds that can cause them to dry out. These lovely trees can grow to widths of up to 40 feet, and they can live over 100 years if they’re well-cared for.  They come in a variety of flower colors and shapes/sizes.  Plant in a protected location and be sure to winter water.   These trees refer acid-loving fertilizer, with morning sun and afternoon shade. 

Eastern Redbuds

The Eastern Redbud is truly magnificent in the spring when its small magenta buds become vibrant pink flowers. The leaves are heart-shaped, and the trees also produce pods that remain throughout the winter months. It’s a hardy tree that can survive at -30°F at elevations below 6,000 feet. They do need to be planted at the east of the front range locations. They grow best in zones 4 through 9 and can reach heights up to 30 feet tall. Plant them in eastern-facing areas so they can utilize the building by them as protection. Water them regularly and keep a thick layer of mulch around the base to promote constant moisture to the roots.

Colorado Blue Spruce

It’s no surprise that the Colorado Blue Spruce is one of the most popular evergreens. The tree’s silver-tinted blue-green needles are stiff and prickly and light brown cones can be found hanging from its branches. These trees can thrive in many different types of soil, and they’re fairly tolerant of floods and droughts. They can grow in zones two through seven and can reach heights up to 75 feet tall.

Serviceberry

This small tree has tiny clusters of flowers that bloom in the springtime, and produces berry-like fruit that birds love to eat. When fall arrives, the leaves explode into vibrant red and gold hues. Serviceberry trees grow best in zones four through eight, and prefer well-drained soil. Mature trees can grow up to 25 feet tall. This shrub / tree-form is a good plant for an under-canopy accent tree or near areas that tend to have good moisture. 

Autumn Brilliance

Also known as the Juneberry or Shadbush, the Autumn Brilliance is a variety of the above Serviceberry and is a native tree with a rich history. In fact, George Washington planted them on his property at Mount Vernon. They grow in zones three through nine, and need to be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil. In the early spring, these trees produce fragrant, white flowers and during the summer months, birds love to eat the berries that hang from their branches. Mature Autumn Brilliance trees can grow to 25 feet tall.

Tatarian Hotwings Maple

This small ornamental tree was discovered in Colorado, and they can grow up to 18 feet tall. They prefer moderate to dry soil, and can grow in zones four through ten. They produce unique scarlet-colored samaras (or helicopters) that stand out among the green leaves that grow on their branches.  These trees also stand out in the fall with beautiful seasonal colors. 

White Oak

White Oak trees are beautiful, large trees that can live for centuries. They can grow up to 80 feet tall in zones three through nine. These trees tolerate most soil types and can handle moderate droughts. They do not grow well in shallow or urban environments, since they produce a deep taproot. In autumn, these trees produce beautiful red and brown foliage before the leaves fall to the ground. The wood is used to build wine and whiskey barrels, and it was historically used to build the famous USS Constitution 

To learn more about what trees grow best in Denver, contact us at American Arbor Care.