Landscaping needs are typically highlighted in the fall and spring of the year but winter is fast approaching and also requires a significant and specialized focus to ensure quality growth and sustainability of certain lawn care essentials. The sheer vulnerability of grasses, plants, and trees during winter creates an immediate cause for concern but other items also present a serious threat to the well-being of nature’s foliage and proper Denver landscaping.

Whether you’re concerned about the possibilities of a potential negative outlook or appearance surrounding a home, office, personal business, or potential development opportunity; special considerations must be made. When prepping for winter in your landscape, one of the more common detriments is damage caused by wildlife and in particular, voles and squirrels.

Voles

Voles are small rodents that grow from three to nine inches in length and are members of the mouse family. Often confused with moles, the two animals not only have similar sounding names but also cause damage to landscapes in almost the exact same fashion.

Moles dig underneath the surface of the ground, creating an intersecting network of tunnels throughout a yard. Plush and fertile environments and well manicured lawns are often the best source of habitation as it provides the bugs and worms moles rely on for their diet. While these tunnels are not often visible to the eye upon initial observation, the soil becomes soft and squishy from the tunneling underneath while some raised areas may be present from a recent path.

On the other hand, voles create a potentially more problematic eyesore for landowners and those wishing to maintain a picture perfect landscape. Instead of tunneling underground, voles create paths along the surface of the soil making small ditch like runways over an inhabited area. These critters are also known to gnaw on roots, shrubs and trees, eating stems and grasses causing damage not only to the yard but any surrounding foliage as well.

Winter is an especially harsh season for vole damage as the snow covered ground makes noticing the paths created by vole movement more difficult since the rodents will burrow on top of the soil but underneath all of the snow. Also, plants are more susceptible to damage, already being in a vulnerable state due to the harsh weather conditions and then can be potentially hurt more from the diet of a vole.

Vole Removal

Managing voles in Colorado is an especially specific and timely task but can pay big dividends when properly maintained and executed. Eight different species affecting the state makes the task all the more daunting and regulates the approach needed for a specific area. Proper yard maintenance and upkeep with professional Denver landscaping help can assist in ensuring your yard doesn’t become a playground for voles or in the event removal of an infestation is needed.

There are three common practices involved in vole removal and prevention but every situation is unique and should be assessed accordingly. One factor in particular, is the size of the affected area and potential number of voles causing the unsightly damage to the property.

These three means of management include: repellents, trapping, and rodenticide.

Repellents – Other than urine smells of vole predators like fox and coyotes, three more common substances can be used as a potential vole repellent. Castor oil and hot sauce are two easily accessible items but depending on the area of infestation may not provide an ideal solution.

Thiram is a manufactured substance originally used in apple and wine farming to keep deer, rabbits, and rodents from the trees and produce. Use also applies to voles and should help protect both the surface area and any plants, shrubs, or trees that could potentially be harmed by a hungry vole. All of these repellents should also keep all plants, shrubs, and trees safe without causing harm during application.

Trapping – Similar to any rodent or mouse trap, the spring loaded traps can work on voles as well. However, these are preventative typically only after damage has been observed and then noting where traps should be placed.

Rodenticide – Finally, using a pesticide to kill the voles can be potentially dangerous to other surrounding wildlife and should not be administered without professional assistance. Application and effective use must take into account the potential risks and hazards associated with using this particular method.

Squirrels and Squirrel Removal

Squirrels are also members of the rodent family but not nearly as frequently associated with the mouse. There are two main types of squirrels relative to their more natural environment. Tree squirrels and ground squirrels both are common and can cause damage to plants and shrubs in their environment.

With strength in numbers, eliminating a squirrel population is extremely difficult as no real pesticide will do the trick and essentially, trapping and moving the pests is the best option but with so many it will require an inordinate amount of daily monitoring.

Squirrel tree damage is often caused by the animal gnawing on the bark or stripping a tree of its’ outer protective layers. These pests also can cause damage to ground shrubs and in particular gardens and plant bulbs.

A more common approach to preventing squirrel damage to ground plants is using a protective barrier to enclose potential plants and shrubs. Also, ensuring steps are being taken to prevent an inviting environment for the critters will also benefit limiting their opportunity to move in on a particular area.

If you’re landscape is suffering from vole damage or you just need to have a professional check a property for other reasons, let the certified professional arborists at American Arbor Care help. They can assist with any and all of your tree trimming, and debris removal needs, in addition to offering stump grinding and irrigation services. The experts at American Arbor Care have been proudly serving the Denver area for over 20 years and can set you up with an appointment or free estimate for any of their services. Contact us today online or call 303-639-8584 to get started right away!

Gold Crown’s Clubhouse is a free-of-charge, award-winning program model developed by the Boston Museum of Science and MIT Media Laboratory. We are part of the Clubhouse Network which has expanded to 100 Clubhouses in 19 countries.
 
 Since opening our doors in Lakewood 14 years ago, over 6000 youth have passed through them. Our Clubhouse provides a creative, safe, and free out-of-school learning environment where young people ages 10-18 work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop new skills, and build confidence in themselves through the use of technology.
 
Serving thousands of youth over the years who have gained confidence, self-efficacy and STEAM skills through the Gold Crown Clubhouse, we wanted to expand our reach; Edgewater is that perfect community! Through a partnership with the City of Edgewater and Jefferson County Schools, we will open our new Gold Crown Clubhouse in Edgewater, CO January 8^th 2018! Set within a 16-square block area, there are two Jefferson County elementary schools and a Jr./Sr. high school all within walking distance of the new Clubhouse. We look forward to extending our reach to youth in this community and the neighboring communities of Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Denver. With the support of the city, community and schools, Gold Crown is transforming what was an abandoned historic church into a state of the art invention workshop!

Plants, trees, gardens, and shrubs prepare for the winter just like people do. Homeowners need to take actions and precautions now, in the fall, that will help their Denver landscaping investment last throughout the winter. With a little extra time and effort, both on your own and in conjunction with your local arborist, you will achieve this success. Learn how plants prepare for winter on their own, reasons to use anti-desiccants, and the importance of aerating your soil to ensure survival.

How Plants Prepare

Perennials last all year long, year after year, and can make it through the winter as opposed to annuals. The process begins when the days start to get shorter. How? Less sunlight plays a huge role. Plants work through the seasons and life cycles, which aides in their survival. One of the ways they do this is with proteins and the storage of sugar within their roots. This process is very similar to what anti-freeze does for vehicles. Over time, plants build up solutes to help avoid freezing and the formation of ice. When there is a breakdown in the process, the tissues become damaged and there is also desiccation. This occurs when the plants dry out.

Using Anti-Desiccants

Plants and evergreen trees that endure desiccation run the risk of dying—a situation you want to avoid. You will begin to notice there is a problem when leaves and needles become brown This is due to the lack of water. When desiccation takes over, the plant, tree, or shrub will die. Desiccation occurs when plants have roots that are frozen, making it difficult to use its internal processes to stay alive. When there is dryness in the atmosphere, the two combined can create issues with your landscaping.  This is why you must use anti-desiccants to prevent this from happening. When treating your soil with them, water retention is much better than if it were on its own. You need to treat your soil in the late fall or early winter. Make sure you complete the treatment on a sunny, mild day. Work with your local arborist who can manage this for you.

Winter preparation is one of the most important elements of maintaining a healthy, lush landscape. If you did not take the necessary steps for ensuring your plants make it through to the next season, you might need some assistance come spring. Work with the best team in Denver at American Arbor Care and learn how and when to treat your plants to be sure you have the ideal landscape next winter.

Looking for more ways to help your plants, shrubs, and trees survive the winter? Use these fall watering and winterization tips for your Denver landscaping. The best way to ensure the longevity of your investments, trust the experts at American Arbor Care. Now is the time to act before cold temperatures officially set in. Call us at 303-639-8584 to get started.

The holiday season is here, which means it is time to add your outdoor decor to your landscaping in Denver. For some, the lights and decorations are minimal, while for others, it is the goal to be the most magical house on the street. No matter how you prefer to set up your yard, it is definitely time to get to work. For tips on hanging lights and ideas for porches, to highlighting walkways and driveways, use these tips to prepare for the holidays.

Hanging Lights

Your first agenda item for hanging lights and holiday decor is to create a plan. Even if you have the same lights you hang year after year, or rely on an expert for help, it is important to know the steps you will take. For a minimal and simplistic look, take a single strand of lights, either one color or multi-color, and hang them around the outlines of your home. If you prefer to maximize your lights, while working on your plan, create a list of all the areas you can hang lighting. This could be the outline of the home, as well as around chimneys, doorways, shrubs, bushes, trees, and more. Be sure to review more tips for preparing for your holiday lighting from the tree experts.

Porch Ideas

Front porch lighting is a great way to welcome guests. Add a strand of lights around your door ways and porch lights if you have them. Complement your lighting with a welcoming wreath on your door. You can purchase one from your local home goods store, or try one of these holiday wreaths on your own. Pair it with a holiday welcome mat, as well as a figurine such as a snowman or candy cane.

Walkways and Driveways

Lighting around your walkways and driveways is not only a great way to enhance your holiday decor, but provides added safety, too! With the longer nights among us, it helps to have a guide as you pull into your driveway, or walking into your home. You can add lighting by strands, or by strategically placing lights into the ground along the pathway. You can tie in holly or other decor around the lights to compete the holiday feel. Festive lighting options also exist; imagine your driveway lined with light-up candy-canes. That’s sure to get the holiday spirit going!

Hiring an Expert

Thousands of Americans injure themselves each year due to accidents while hanging holiday lights. Even the most experienced of people may not have the proper tools and resources to safely execute their holiday lighting and decor plans. By hiring a team of expert local arborists, like the team at American Arbor Care, you can place your plans in the hands of an experienced team.

To help you with your holiday lights this season, American Arbor Care has you covered. We will hang your lights and assist with decor to help you have the best house on the block. This will help keep you safe and give you more time for your other holiday activities. Call us today at 303-639-8584 to see how we can help you.

Do you have young trees that you planted this year, and are looking to ensure their survival this winter? By taking a few precautionary measures, your young trees will continue to grow and make it through the cold months. However, it is imperative you take on these measures in this first year they have been planted. Learn about the preparation tasks you will need to do this fall, why you need to wrap your young trees, and the importance of watering properly and providing young trees with the essential nutrients they need.

Tips for Preparation in the Fall

One of the first agenda items for your young trees is to mulch. Remove all existing mulch, as well as debris in the area. Next, ensure your mulch is of an organic source that will provide your tree with nutrients. This can include compost, pine needles, bark mulch, straw, or wood chips. You can talk to the experienced staff at American Arbor Care to find the solution best for your young tree. Two to four inches of mulch is needed, and it’s important to leave the circumference around the base open. If your tree has any small or dying branches, prune them, as ice and snow can weigh them down, causing them to break. Last, rake any leaves that have fallen and keep the area clear. Review the Colorado State University Extension’s care of recently planted trees for more care tips.

Wrapping

Winters are tough for plants and trees, especially to young, newly planted trees. Sun scalding can take place when the winter sun heats up the tree, but then later when there is cloud cover, a large temperature drop occurs. This can kill parts of the tree, making it difficult to survive the winter. The best way to avoid this is to wrap the trunk of your young trees. Wrapping them will keep them at a consistent temperature and reflect the sunlight. You should wrap the base of the tree in late fall before the winter temperatures set in. Do this for at least a couple years until the tree matures. You can work with our arborists to find the best material to wrap your young trees.

Watering and Nutrients

Ensuring your young trees have plenty of water before winter is key. If you are unsure of how much water your tree needs, monitor the soil to see if it is too damp, dry, or just right. Over or under watering can be detrimental. Generally a good rule of thumb is to slowly soak the roots to a depth of about 12 inches – a good ratop to remember is to use 5-10 gallons per diameter inch of the tree’s trunk. Next, make sure you fertilize the tree to help strengthen its roots. Apply the fertilizer into the soil and aerate the area by perforating the soil to allow air to flow throughout. Starting your deep root fertilization for landscaping in Denver will help keep your young trees healthy in the winter.

To help you ensure the health of your young trees this winter, American Arbor Care has a team of expert arborists to help. We will assess your situation and provide you with the materials needed. Call us today at 303-639-8584 to get started.

Are you looking for ways to spruce up your outdoor areas? There are many different ways you can enhance your backyard landscaping in Denver. In addition, there are many types of ways to incorporate entertaining spaces to make your space even more livable. By making even small investments in your home and surroundings, you can create long term gains in the overall value of your property.

Learn about the different types of outdoor furniture to incorporate in your space, backyard activity ideas, and best landscaping upgrades to make:

Types of Outdoor Furniture

When considering adding outdoor furniture, a great place to start is to ask yourself what look and feel is important to you. It is also critical to consider what type of functionality you will need with new outdoor furniture. For many, a dining area with an umbrella to shade yourself from the sun is a great investment. You can find tables that seat anywhere from four to eight chairs. For the winter months, consider investing in some cozy chairs, blankets, and a firepit for all-weather gatherings. 

Host large gatherings often? Consider adding a few tables for a sit-down meal. You can even add in a picnic table which is of course, great for children. If you will spend more time resting and relaxing in your backyard, add couches, chaises, and lounge chairs. High-tech shades or Pergolas are also an option, that you can roll backwards or forwards to block the sun or provide cover. To get ideas for styles, review Better Homes and Garden’s patio furniture buying guide.

Backyard Activities

With Denver’s spectacular weather throughout the year, you will be able to take advantage of many sunny days to enjoy backyard activities. In addition, with a fire pit, you can enjoy the cool evenings all year long. Depending on the neighborhood you live in (homeowner’s associations), you can install an in-ground pool. If a pool is too much maintenance, don’t worry, there are other great activities to choose from and incorporate. Purchase a corn hole set that you can bring out to have fun with family and friends. Try your hand at bocce ball, which is a game that can be enjoyed by many, and is quite the leisurely pastime. For other lounging ideas, consider adding a hammock that you can relax in while others play games.

Landscaping Upgrades

If you will use your backyard for activity and lounging purposes, you can still incorporate landscaping to liven up the space. Add garden beds along the side of your home with flowers and shrubs that add a pop of color. If you have a large backyard on a sloped surface, you can add a tiered arrangement that will help to separate plants.  Water features such as waterfalls, ponds, and even pondless water features can add a tranquil element to your landscapes overall atmosphere.  Through this, you can add a retention wall which will aid in the drainage of water. You can also use shrubs and flower gardens as a way to direct people to various areas in your backyard, or even provide sitting areas. If you are new to the idea of updating your backyard, be sure you begin your landscaping with these ideas from your tree service company.

To help you create the perfect backyard oasis, contact American Arbor Care. Whether you have your own ideas or need assistance coming up with a creative concept, we are here to find the perfect trees, plants, flowers, and shrubs that will work in your space. Contact American Arbor Care in Denver, CO today at 303-639-8584 today to get started.

Winter is coming, but you might have some final landscaping tasks that you should get done as we enter the colder months.Common questions often arise, like – is it okay to plant in the fall? Is it better to wait? Many homeowners ask themselves these questions, and we can help answer them for you. You are already one step ahead by doing your research of your local tree service company so you do not put time and energy into things that will not make it through the season.

Learn about planting in the fall, landscaping do’s, and landscaping don’ts as you prepare for the cold season:

Planting in the Fall

Many homeowners wonder if they can expand their gardens and landscaping by planting in the fall. Is it a good idea? Can you plant in the fall?

The answer is yes! Fall can actually be a great time to plant.

The weather is not as warm and the soil has a great environment to encourage growth. The key is making sure you plant a little over five weeks before the season’s first major frost hits. So, if you are planting food, check the harvest schedule to see how long it will take to root, and if it will be before your area is set to get their first hard frost.

For plants, you will want to do something similar. Look to see how long it will take to grow and do the math. This is something a local tree and landscaping company can assist with to ensure you are choosing the right plants, flowers, food, trees, and more. Fall-planted bulbs and corms are some of the best items you can plant in the fall.

Landscaping Dos

To aid in planting and to help your lawn prepare for the winter, you will need to aerate it. This is the process of pulling 2-3″ plugs out of the turf grass areas increasing oxygen, moisture, and nutrients, while also reducing the thatch layer.  We recommend aerations be completed at least once annually.

Fall is also time to blow out your sprinklers once you know you will no longer be watering your lawn for the season. As the temperatures get cooler, and depending on rain in the area, your grass will not need as much water as it did in the summer. However, continue to water lawns and landscaping until late fall. Be sure to review additional fall watering and winterization tips for your Denver landscaping for fall to ensure you know how to care for your space.  During dry periods be sure to check your landscaping and turf areas for dryness.  Spider mites enjoy our warm dry periods over the winter months and can cause severe damage to turf areas.  Our drying winter winds can lead to tree, shrub, and turfgrass desiccation.

Landscaping Don’ts

The biggest landscaping “don’t” is not doing your research before making a decision to plant. You need to know what conditions the plant needs and set a timeline. While many trees, plants, shrubs, etc., can be planted in the fall, it might not be a great idea for some.

If you are unsure or have concerns, talk to a professional landscaping company you can trust. For your lawn, many continue to mow on the same setting as they did in the summer. Instead, you will need to mow your lawn with a higher blade setting. This will allow the ground to keep in more moisture.

For all of your fall planting needs, American Arbor Care can help. Our team of certified and professional arborists will help you invest your dollars in the right areas. Contact us today at 303-639-8584 to discuss your fall planting plans.

Looking for a way to enhance your landscape? A great idea this fall is to liven it up by adding pollinators into your outdoor spaces. While many look to bees as being the pollinator, there are many plants and trees that can be incorporated to serve as pollinators for your landscape. Many insects (other than bees) are actually pollinators as well. Learn more about what pollination is, the benefits of plants that pollinate this beautiful Denver landscape, and different pollinating plants and trees that you can add.

What is Pollination?

Pollination is when pollen from a plant or flower is transported from the male part of the plant to the female part. Through this process, plants are able to create seeds, which in turn can be used to make more plants. When it comes to pollinating, there are two different types of plants that have two separate ways of pollination. The first way is through self-pollination, and the second is through cross-pollination. The latter means pollen is transported by weather, bees, or another type of carrier. In either case, once the process is done, seeds are created.  

Benefits of Plants that Pollinate

There are many benefits of having plants or flowers in a landscape or garden that produce long term results. Plants that pollinate also help to provide cleaner air in your environment. They also help to keep a landscape healthy for the soil, water, and other elements surrounding the plant. When there are plants in your landscape, it can produce a higher yield for the other plants in a garden as well. When you have different pollinators in a lawn, make sure you talk to your local arborist and landscaping specialist about what you can use in your garden or landscape to deter pests. Many pesticides are harmful to pollinators and it’s best to properly care for them, so they can care for your landscape! Learn more about the pollination of tree fruits from Colorado State University.

Pollinating Plants and Trees

If you are looking for plants or trees that are good pollinators, there are many options to incorporate in your garden. One of the top types of pollinators are sunflowers. These gorgeous flowers will do wonders to help the soil and environment around your home and help your overall landscape thrive. Another great pollinating flower to add is lavender. They are appealing flowers that will help provide a pleasant fragrance around your home where you have them planted. Yarrows are another colorful addition that provide a bold and unique appearance, all while helping to pollinate the garden and landscaping around your home.

As you plan to make additions to your landscape or garden, American Arbor Care can help. Our team of experts will help you find plants that will pollinate your lawn and create an overall healthier environment. Looking to create a vibrant introduction to fall? Color for your fall landscape in Denver is a great way to spruce up the outside of your home. No matter what your landscaping needs are, we are here to help. Contact us today at 303-639-8584 to get started. Whether your changes are large or small, we will assist with all of your landscape needs.

While pruning is important and beneficial, it is important to know when and how much to prune throughout the year. As you mulch and make your final landscaping arrangements for the year, this information can make or break your landscaping for the next season. Learn the benefits of pruning, tips and tricks for tree trimming in Denver, plus additional fall care tips to make sure are on your agenda before winter.

Why and When to Prune

Pruning is essential to the vitality of trees or shrubs. Through this process of cutting off damaged or dying stems or branches, you eliminate the risk of disease and other issues from infiltrating the entire tree. By keeping these parts of the plants removed, the overall health of the plant will be well and you can maintain your investment. Some perennials and other plants struggle with winter and can be prepared by fall pruning. Based upon where trees & shrubs do the majority of their storage, fall and winter prunings will stimulate spring growth.

Pruning and Trimming Tips

Your goal will be to cut off any dead or dying branches, as well as anything that is overgrown. As you prune branches, you want to keep any areas that have leaves off them, and should make cuts at a very slight slant with some space from your cut and the leaf. It is also want to make sure that you are not pruning into the branch collar, the area where the base of a branch joins/connects to another branch or the trunk. When pruning, in addition to cutting dead branches, you can also remove branches from the bottom of the tree or shrub to accommodate your landscaping. You can also thin out your trees and shrubs to help with airflow. For larger jobs with your trees, it is always best to contact an expert to ensure safety and accuracy. Get a full array of information on for training and pruning fruit trees, learn from the Colorado State University.

Additional Fall Care Tips

While you need to keep your pruning to a minimum during the fall, there are other landscaping tasks you need to make sure you handle this fall. First, help your grass and trees have enough nutrients by seeding and fertilizing. With extra seeds and fertilizer, your roots will get what they need to thrive during the winter and be healthy in the spring. Make sure you plan on starting your deep fall fertilization for landscaping in Denver now.

From tree trimming to pruning, American Arbor Care can help your plants and trees last throughout the winter. Our 20 years in the industry will provide you with the expertise to keep your landscaping thriving in the winter and into the spring. We currently offer 10% off winter pruning through March 1. Call us at 303-639-8584 today to get started.

While you might start to mentally check out from your landscaping task list as the cooler months settle in, fall is actually a key time to care for your lawn. This will ensure that it survives the winter and your investment stays intact! Having had a dry season, there are things Denver homeowners will need to do as they prepare their landscape for the winter. Learn how dry climates affect landscaping for the winter, tips for a fall watering schedule, and when you need to prepare for your sprinkler winterization from your local Denver tree service company.

How Dry Climate Effects Landscaping in the Winter

Did you know that a dry summer and fall can impact your lawn and landscaping for the winter? If your lawn has been brown or struggling without as much water, it is important to give it the TLC it needs before winter sets in. If you don’t, unfortunately this will not mean great things next spring and you will have to make some investments to help bring it back. This is why helping your lawn and landscaping in the fall after the dry climate is key. First, talk to your local arborist on how much water your lawn will need. This will help you avoid over or under watering. Next, fertilize. This is something you would need to do anyway in the fall, but especially now given the circumstances. For more tips and information on how your landscaping can be affected, read Colorado State University’s fall and winter watering guide.

Fall Watering Schedule

When it comes to your fall watering schedule, you will need to continue to water your lawn, landscaping, trees, shrubs, etc., until temperatures are consistently below 40 degrees. After talking to your local arborist on how much water your lawn needs based on how much it has been impacted by the dry weather, make sure you are watering before 10 a.m unless winter temperatures are above 55 degrees. When watering too late in the day, you run the risk of actually hurting and not helping your landscaping as water does not seep into the ground properly. Also, once you near your last few mows of the season, make sure to lower the blades. For more tips on keeping your Denver lawn healthy, use these four fall and winter watering tips.  

Sprinkler Winterization

Fall is also the top time to talk to your local landscaping company on sprinkler winterization. While you need to continue watering your lawn now, you need to plan for the cooler temperatures. If your sprinkler system is not winterized before winter, you run the risk of your pipes freezing and cracking.

From helping you determine how much your water needs, to other ways to prepare your lawn and landscaping for winter, American Arbor Care can help. Our team of experts will review your area to ensure you are prepared for the season! Be sure to check out our American Arbor Care special offers to help you get the most savings. To get started, call us today at 303-639-8584.