Tree Top Times

Mountain Pine Beetles in Denver

New attacks from Mountain Pine Beetle have been found in Scotch, Pinon, and Mugo pines throughout the Denver metro area. I have personally found trees that were attacked in Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, Aurora, Cherry Hills Village, and Englewood. Many of the attacks on Scotch pines have been unsuccessful in producing larva, but this can quickly […]

Trees Affected by Fire Blight in Denver

Fire blight thrives in warmer, wet weather when the disease-causing bacterium becomes active. Apple, pear, quince, crabapple and mountain ash, but NOT GREEN or AUTUMN PURPLE ASH, commonly are affected. The bacterium oozes out of cracks and crevices in the bark, and bees or other pollinating insects pick it up on their bodies. The disease […]

Walnut Twig Beetle and Thousand Canker Disease

Many people in Boulder will attest to the destructive nature of the Walnut Twig Beetle. Adult beetles travel from April to September, and are so small they often go unnoticed. Damage can be extensive when the population of the beetle reaches into the hundreds and thousands. Adding insult to injury, the adult beetle also carries […]

How to Take Care of Your Trees in High Tempatures

Extreme Temps affect our Trees It is obvious that the heat of summer has set in with no sign of relief any time soon. We all feel the effects of the heat: lack of energy, premature exhaustion, and an overwhelming desire to seek the coolness of the shade. The fact is that our trees are affected […]

Trees Effected by High Heat in Denver

The native Hackberry enters a pseudo-dormancy when temps are extreme. Are you feeling the effects of the heat? Lack of energy, premature exhaustion, and an overwhelming desire to seek a cool shady place? The truth is that our trees are affected by these extreme temperatures in the same manner as we are. Trees respond to […]

Summer Insects in Denver

Summer Insect Update! Mild spring conditions have resulted in population explosions in several insects that damage our trees and shrubs. In Colorado, the month of May normally includes several very cold nights and even a few snow storms. These lagging winter conditions help to reduce several insect’s populations as they begin to come out of […]

How to Inspect Your Trees After Storm Damage

While much of the storm damage to trees is obvious, some may not be. Branches can be cracked, or fractured, and may not be easily seen from the ground. It is always a good idea to take a slow walk around your property looking closely for signs of something out of place, such as branches […]

Pruning Trees in Denver

I know it is difficult to think about fall when it is 90 plus degrees outside, but when it comes to your landscape it pays to stay a couple steps ahead. Fall or Winter are the best times of year to prune trees that have related pathogens. Fireblight and Dutch Elm Disease are two diseases […]

Japanese Beetles

Two straight months of extremely high temperatures has taken its toll on many lawns, and now we are seeing the return of an unwelcomed pest to make matters worse. The extreme temperatures and long spans of drought conditions have begun to take a toll on many homeowners’ lawns. Large brown patches from the intense sun […]

How Does Hail & Heavy Rains Affect Turf

Heavy rains and hail also adversely affect turf areas. Our recent weather pattern has also brought slightly below average temperatures. Cooler temperatures, physical damage to turf material, and extended periods of wetness promote a few very damaging turf pathogens. Leaf blights and leaf spots are among the most prevalent diseases in turf.   Ascochyta leaf […]