What time of year is cheapest for tree removal in Longmont?

tree removal in Longmont, CO

If you’re wondering what the best time of year to remove a tree is and save some money, the honest answer is that it depends! The cost of having a tree removed by a tree service company can vary depending on a number of factors. This can include the size and location of the tree, the time of year, the weather, and the availability of the tree service crew. If you’re looking to save money on tree removal, it’s worth considering the time of year when prices may be lower.

Demand for tree services is a big factor

One factor to consider is the demand for tree removal services and the availability of the crew members. During the fall and winter months, tree service companies may have lower demand for their services, as fewer people are planting or trimming trees during these times. This can often lead to lower prices for tree removal services. On the other hand, during the spring and summer months, tree service companies may be more in demand due to an increase in their workload. During these season, people are often looking to have trimming and planting done. As a result, prices for tree removal services may be higher during these times.

Weather plays an important role

Another factor to consider is the weather during the winter and spring months. Some tree service companies may have a harder time removing trees during extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow in Colorado. This can lead to higher prices for tree removal services, as it may be more difficult and time-consuming to complete the job. Also, many tree service teams cannot work in poor weather conditions. On the other hand, if the weather is mild, tree service companies may be able to remove trees more efficiently, potentially leading to lower prices.

Consider the location of the tree

It’s also worth considering the location of the tree. If the tree is located in a difficult-to-access area, such as on a steep hill, densely wooded area, or near power lines it may be more expensive to remove. On the other hand, if the tree is located in a more accessible area, it may be easier and less costly to remove.

Availability of busy tree service companies in Longmont

Finally, it’s important to consider the availability of tree service companies in Longmont. If you live in an area with a high demand for tree removal services, it may be more expensive to have a tree removed due to competition among tree service companies. On the other hand, if you live in an area with less demand for tree removal services, you may be able to find more competitive prices.

Overall, the cheapest time of year to have a tree removed by a tree service company may depend on a combination of factors, including demand, weather, location, and availability. By considering these factors and shopping around, you may be able to find a tree service company that can offer competitive prices for tree removal services.

For more information on pricing for tree removal services in Longmont and the surrounding area, please give us a call and we’d be happy to provide you with a free estimate!

Fun in the Sun While Visiting Colorado

Our tree service team in Denver love all of the outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer!

Tree service team in Denver enjoying a day at Sloan Lake.

Our tree service team in Denver knows how to have fun in the sun. When many people think of Colorado, they bring to mind snow sports. However, this state offers plenty of activities during the summer months. If you are fortunate enough to visit when the weather is warm, consider trying one or more of the following activities.

Whitewater Rafting

People who love the water need to set aside time for whitewater rafting in Colorado. The Roaring Fork Valley is a great place to take part in this activity. While on the water, this individual may also try their hand at river kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. Some people even choose to zipline over a river.

There’s something for everyone when they choose to engage in water activities in the state. Certain river parks across the state have even engineered surf waves, so a person can try their hand at this activity. Most places allow children as young as six to take part in a whitewater rafting trip, making this an excellent adventure for every member of the family.

Giant Canyon Swing

USA Today named the Giant Canyon Swing found in Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park one of the most extreme rides in America and this is one of our tree service professionals favorite activities.

Four passengers climb aboard the swing, which then moves them back and forth. When the ride reaches the height of its swinging arc, the passengers find themselves nearly vertical. A top speed of 50 mph and negative G-forces ensure this ride provides the thrills countless individuals seek as they sit perched 1,300 feet above the Colorado River. While at the park, take time to visit the Fairy Caves and go bungee jumping. These serve as only a few of the many activities that will keep families busy while visiting this destination.

Sloan’s Lake Park

Situated on the western border of Denver, Sloan’s Lake Park serves as home to the largest body of water within the city’s boundaries. The park is an excellent place to relax and take a break from the busy city life. Local neighborhoods are home to brick bungalows dating back to the 1920s, modern townhouses, and Tudor ranches, so a person can see a variety of architectural styles while enjoying the beauty of the area.

Set aside time to check out the local boutiques, eateries, and coffee shops. Consider picking up lunch or dinner and picnicking in the park. The lake itself spans 177 acres and provides fishing and boating opportunities. Visitors may also take advantage of the hiking and biking trails, multiple playgrounds, and more.

Ouray, Colorado

For those who want to spend time enjoying the beauty of nature in this breathtaking state, Ouray is the place to go. Every 1,000 feet gained in elevation equals a 3.3-degree drop in the temperature, so visitors to the area stay cool even on the hottest days.

Once a visitor arrives, they will find themselves surrounded by towering mountain peaks and gorgeous views. Check out Box Canyon Falls or pay a visit to Animas Forks while in the area for a trip that is delightful in every way.

Tips for Warm-Weather Travel in the State

These are only a small selection of the warm-weather activities offered in the state. There are plenty of others to choose from. Regardless of what activities are selected, wear sunscreen and pay attention to any signs of altitude sickness. Also, drink plenty of water to remain hydrated and watch for heat exhaustion.

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and overlook these simple things. Don’t make this mistake. With so much to see and do in Colorado, people want to make the most of every minute. Doing so is easy with these simple tips.

  • Research the different warm-weather activities offered in Colorado and determine which to prioritize. A person may try to run from activity to activity to ensure they don’t miss out on everything. However, this leaves them with little time to enjoy each new thing.
  • With a plan in place, anyone can try those things they are most interested in and possibly have time for a few other activities. Planning is key to a glorious trip, so begin researching different activities today. Those who do so find they enjoy their time in Colorado from start to finish.

What are your favorite outdoor activities in Colorado’s summer months? Our Denver tree care pros would love to hear from you. Send us a message or contact us here.

If you are in need of other tree services, give our Denver team a call.  Our experts would be more than happy to answer any of your questions or to give you a free quote.

Don’t forget, we offer a wide range of tree services for the Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada and Wheat Ridge area including tree removal, trimming, planting and stump grinding!

Visit some of our other posts to learn more about Denver tree services and how to care for your trees.

Caring For Your Black Walnut Tree

Common Tree and Plant Diseases

Making a Landscape Plan

Spring Tree Care: Help Your Trees Look Great and Stay Healthy

Tree limb in bloom with a bird sitting on it surrounded by pink flowers. This is part of our tree services in Denver, CO.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The sun’s out in full force, birds are chirping and building nests, and the weather is starting to warm up. Spring in Colorado is arguably the best time of the year, and it’s the perfect time to start looking over the trees on the property to make sure they’re in good shape and ready for the summer.

Use the following tips written by our tree service team in Denver to help the trees look great and stay as healthy as possible.

Take a Look at the Trees

Take a close look at the trees on the property for any signs of damage or pests. Wood that is dead, frostbitten, or that has lesions isn’t healthy for the tree and will need to be handled quickly. Signs of pests can include holes in the bark, missing or damaged bark, or bark that looks like it has been chewed. While the tree might not be producing tons of new leaves at the beginning of spring, keep an eye on them to make sure they do grow in and look fine.

Start to Water Deeply

Springtime means watering the plants. Avoid watering when there is heavy rainfall, and limit the number of times per week the trees are watered. It’s better to use more water less frequently, as this helps the water soak down into the ground and encourages the roots to dig deeper to reach the water. This creates trees that are more stable and able to handle the high winds when it’s raining or the heavy snow in winter.

Fix the Mulch

Mulch should be added around the tree to help protect the roots and to minimize the weeding that’s needed. However, it is important to make sure the mulch is applied correctly. A mulch volcano is created when the mulch is piled high close to the tree and lower further away. This can lead to damage to the tree, so it should be avoided. Instead, start the mulch a few inches away from the trunk and go for a donut shape of mulch.

Weed Around the Tree

Clean up any debris and weeds around the trunk of the tree. Weeds can strip the soil of nutrients, which means the tree might not get enough. Though the roots do extend far from the tree, weeds can still cause issues. They can also be the perfect place for pests to hide, which can lead to severe damage to the tree. Weed around the base of the tree regularly to help minimize potential problems.

Treat Damage or Pests

If there is any damage from the winter weather or pests, now’s the time to start treatments. Pests like bark beetles should be treated immediately before they cause further damage. Mold, fungi, and other bacteria should be removed if noticed, as this can lead to serious damage in the long run. If any branches are dead, suffering from frostbite, or otherwise damaged because of the winter weather, go ahead and have them removed.

Plant New Trees

Ready to add to the yard? Spring is an excellent time to plant most trees, though it is important to make sure the chance of frost is gone before adding them to the yard. They are more sensitive to extreme cold, so unexpected frost can kill saplings. Opt to plan later in spring to minimize this risk.

Trees provide tons of benefits and can create a stunning look in the yard, but they do require some care. When spring starts, use the tips here to help the trees in the yard recover from the winter weather and get ready for the summer.

Do you have more questions about springtime tree services in Denver, CO? Give us a call! Our experts would be more than happy to answer all of your tree related questions. Don’t forget, we offer a wide range of tree services for the Denver area including tree removal, trimming, planting and stump grinding!

You can also visit some of our other tree related posts down below for more information on caring for your trees in Colorado.

The Best Low Maintenance Tree for Your Landscape in Colorado

Preparing Your Soil for Tree Planting

Winter Tree Service Tips

Ever wonder why it’s important to keep your trees healthy in winter?

When the weather begins to turn cold in the winter months, it’s time to call a tree service professional in Longmont to help assess your trees. In Colorado, trees can damage easily from ice, snow and fluctuations in temperature. Caring for your trees properly keeps them healthy, so they will grown and thrive in the spring. 

Add Mulch Around Trees

Although Colorado winters can be snowy, drought can also be a common problem since we don’t get rain. Adding mulch around your trees can help keep the water in the soil and prevent any tree damage. To add mulch around your tree, make sure to start a few inches away from the tree’s base and add at least 6 inches of mulch around the tree. Be sure to make sure that your mulch is organic, as it will add additional nutrients to feed your tree.

Prune and Trim Your Trees

Many people may not realize this, but winter is the perfect time to trim and prune your tree! Without the leaves blocking your view, you can see if your tree has any weak or damaged branches. It’s important to trim during the winter months, as the weight of snow can easily break off branches. Removing these dead and damaged branches allows the tree to focus on growth that matters when the weather starts to warm in the spring. 

Avoid Cold Stress

In the Colorado climate, the weather can often change rapidly during various times of the day. With the fluctuations in temperatures, trees can often suffer from something called “cold stress”. Cold stress occurs when you see substantial cracks in the bark. Many times, trees can often repair themselves, but sometimes you need to take precautions to prevent this from happening. Wrapping trees with a blanket or a tarp can help prevent damage and maintain a consistent temperature which will avoid damage from severe weather during the winter months.

Remove Any Hazardous Trees

Winter is a great time for tree removal projects. If a tree is a safety threat due to damage, it’s important to have it safely removed by a tree care professional. Stumps leftover from the removed tree can also be a hazard too. Be sure to have the professional remove it too.

Removing a tree from your property can also have other benefits too. The chips leftover from the ground stump can also break down in the soil where it will add nutrients to the ground. In turn, the tree can use those nutrients and grow stronger in the spring and summer months. 

Keep an Eye Your Trees

During the winter months, pests often use trees for shelter. You should check your tree regularly to see if animals have made a tree their home. Rodents, such as mice or rats, can cause damage to your tree during the cold season. You may need to hire a pest control professional to remove the rodents from your tree to help protect if from damage. These professionals will use bait, repellants, or traps to properly remove the pests from your tree. 

The wintertime months are also a wonderful time to trim or remove your trees because growth has slowed. When you take the time to prepare your trees from spring, your trees will be stronger, healthier, and thrive during the warmer seasons. As always, be sure to contact a tree service professional to be sure that the job is done correctly!

Call a Tree Service Professional in Longmont, CO

Be sure to call a tree service professional in the Boulder county or Longmont area to assess any potential damage. Our professionals here at Urban Forestry Tree Service would be more than happy to stop by to take a look at your trees!

Give us a call for a free quote

Find this post interesting? View some of our other blog posts!

Preparing Your Soil for Tree Planting

How Much Does Tree Care Cost?

Tips for Hiking Denver to See Fall Leaves

Photo by David Geib on Pexels.com

Fall is gorgeous throughout Denver and it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beauty the area has to offer. Before heading out, our Denver tree service pros suggest that there are a few things that should be done to make the trip far more enjoyable, safer, and the perfect day out. Use the following tips to get ready for your next hike to see the fall leaves changing colors and enjoy the stunning scenery outside of the city.

Find the Right Time to Go

The best time to see fall foliage is during the month of September. Residents will want to plan their hike when they’re starting to see the leaves nearby changing. Leaves will start changing earlier in the northern areas, so once the nearby leaves start changing, start looking into northern hiking trails to enjoy. For the best time to go, start hiking early in the morning. This leaves plenty of time to stop and take breaks and allows for longer hikes without camping. Plus, the trails won’t be as crowded early in the morning, so there will be plenty of parking and fewer people on the trails.

Choose the Perfect Trail

Denver has plenty of trails with stunning views, so almost any trail is a great option. Top trails to check out include Ptarmigan Lake at Cottonwood Pass, Chicago Lakes, the Upper Piney Falls Trail, and the Caves to Lookout Point in Crested Butte. All of these offer the views you’re looking for and will be a great hike to enjoy alone or with friends and family members. Avoid trails like Kenosha Pass or the Rocky Mountain National park this time of the year. These trails tend to be packed, with potentially thousands of visitors during the year, so they may not be as much fun to do.

Pack Appropriately

Pack to enjoy the hike. Wear layered clothes so it’s easy to take off or put on a jacket as the weather changes throughout the day. Bring plenty of water, enough for everyone to stay well hydrated during the hike, and wear comfortable walking shoes to prevent blisters and other pain. Pack a map of the area, as well, to avoid getting lost, especially in areas where cell service may be limited. For longer hikes, pack snacks as well as any necessary safety gear or first aid supplies. A backpack can carry everything needed on single-day hikes, including a camera for capturing the amazing views.

Check Trails Before Leaving

Check local websites for updates on trail closures before leaving and view online maps to check out the traffic in the area. If there is heavy traffic, it may be best to choose an alternative hike to avoid a large number of hikers on a single trail. Keep an eye on the weather, as well, and prepare to wait to hike if there will be severe weather in the area. If the weather’s great, traffic isn’t too heavy, and the trail is open, it’s time to head out on the hike.

Whether you’re new to the area or just want to get out and enjoy the magic of the changing leaves during the fall, there are plenty of trails in and around Denver to check out. Use the tips here to make sure your trip is amazing and that you get to see the views you’ve been wanting to see!

Do you have additional tips for hiking in Denver to see the Fall leaves? Give our tree care team a call! We’re also here to answer any questions related to tree removal or tree trimming!

Did you like this article? Check out some of our other articles relating to trees!

10 Fascinating Facts About Trees

Caring For Your Black Walnut Tree

Planting Native Trees in Denver

Have you ever walked down a Denver neighborhood street and wondered about the origin of some of the trees?

All those trees you see, whether they are oak or maple trees, all have a history of origin. That history plays an important role in the types of trees that you can grow in your region.

The next time you go to plant a tree, it’s important to consider native trees that grow well in the Colorado climate. In this article, our Denver tree removal team helps you to understand why it’s important to choose the right tree for your area.

Photo by Soly Moses on Pexels.com

Native Trees Help Our Environment

Native trees are beneficial to our Colorado environment! When you plant local trees, you are also helping the Colorado wildlife thrive and replicate their natural habitat. Bird, insects and even small mammals (like squirrels) look to native plants for not only shelter, but also their food source too. When there aren’t enough native trees, these habitats for animals will decline and populations will diminish.

When you plant native trees, it can have the following benefits for wildlife:

  • Food and shelter in their natural habitats
  • Native trees are adaptive to climates, providing wildlife more opportunities to thrive
  • Ability to withstand pests and insects

How to Find Native Trees to Grow

It can be challenging to find native trees to grow in your own backyard. Many nurseries don’t carry local native trees, so it’s important to do your research and call your local nursery.

If you happen to find a nursery that carries local trees, you need to make sure that your yard is suitable to grow it. Although a native tree might be local to your region, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will grow well in your yard. For example, some trees might grow best in rocky or sandy soil, while your soil might be too wet or too shady. Be sure to do your research before attempting to plant a new native tree.

Types of Native Trees to Plant in Colorado

  • Douglas Fir
  • Quaking Aspen
  • Pinon Pine
  • Rocky Mountain Juniper
  • Cottonwood
  • Bristlecone Pine

Do you have additional questions about planting native trees in Denver? Give one of our tree services team a call! We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding tree removal or tree trimming!

How Trees Make Your Life Better

Photo by Rakicevic Nenad on Pexels.com

Why Trees Can Make You Happier

As a family tree service, our tree care specialists at Urban Forestry Tree Service love trees – and sometimes we have even known to hug them on occasion! Whenever we’re near one of these giant plants, we feel a sense of comfort and a feeling as if we’re somehow related to them. Like a distant relative. We also find them to be awe inspiring as many of the trees we encounter are over a hundred years old. They represent a sense of history for us.

Although many people might not feel the same way we do, but perhaps everyone should. While we all know that being in nature (like hiking in the Colorado mountains) leads to better health, being more creative, and just being a better human, there’s also something about trees that can benefit our lives.

Trees are very important to our lives in many ways. Obviously, they produce the oxygen we breath and clean the air to protect our planet, but trees also have other important benefits.

Here are some of the more findings from research on how trees increase human well-being.

Trees help us feel less stressed

The most researched benefit of nature exposure is that it seems to help decrease our stress and can reduce anxiety. Most of this research has been conducted in forests too!

In one study, young adult Japanese participants reported an increase in their moods after walking for 15 minutes in a forest. The participants that walked in a forest experienced less anxiety, aggression, fatigue, brain fog, and depression. They reported that they felt much happier. The results were even stronger for people who were more anxious or depressed to begin with.

Other studies suggest that “forest bathing” (which is spending time in the woods or forests amongst trees) can help us deal with the stresses and strains that we often deal with on a daily basis.

Studies have also shown that just looking at images of forested areas can improve our moods and emotions. People reported that they had significantly better moods, more positive emotions and a getter sense of purpose.

Trees improve our health

Not only does spending short amounts of time in forests improve our mental health, but it also improves our immune systems too. Studies found that elderly patients had improved immune function after they visited forests. Some believe that the reason for this is due to the aromatic compounds that trees release.

Trees can also improve our heart health. People who walked in forests had lowered blood pressure, pulse rates, cortisol levels and sympathetic nervous system activity. Their parasympathetic nervous system that’s related to relaxation was also increased. Due to these lowered markers, which contribute to heart health, it’s suggested that walking in the forest amongst trees improves our cardiovascular system!

Even people who live in the city and don’t have access to a forest can reap the benefits of trees. City dwellers who live near trees are shown to have improved immune systems! There’s something truly magical and healing about trees!

Trees in neighborhoods have less crime

Research suggests that green spaces in urban areas reduces crime.

In some studies it’s been shown that areas within cities have less crime when there is a large percentage of tree canopy coverage and green park space. Crime rates for assaults, drug possession, robbery and battery drop significantly in these areas.

Trees can have such a profound calming effect, it seems (just ask our tree service professionals!). As we learned previously, trees can calm people’s fears, anxiety, and aggressive behaviors which are often related to crime. Trees (especially in parks) draw people out of their homes and can create a sense of community, which is an effective way of making neighborhoods more safe.

Trees may make us better humans

Research also suggests that being in nature and around trees just makes us kinder to other people.

In one research study, it was noted that people who study trees (much like our tree care specialists) felt a feeling of awe and inspiration. They tended to feel that life had more meaning and felt a sense that there was something in the universe that had a greater play in our lives. They also felt a greater sense of connection, not only with nature, but with their fellow humans.

For many of these reasons above, I try to get into nature as often as possible and try to be around trees. That might be taking a walk in a park that is heavily wooded or going hiking in a forested area in the Colorado mountains. I also touch trees and connect with them.

Many of our tree care professionals also like to take care of trees in their yard or plant a tree. That way they can enjoy all of the psychological benefits fo trees right there in their own property.

So when it’s time for a tree trim, and you are in need of Denver tree services, give Urban Forestry Tree Service a call for a free estimate. In the meantime, visit some of our other links below to learn more about other benefits of trees!

Related Links:

The Best Low Maintenance Tree for Your Landscape in Colorado

Tree care on your landscape doesn’t always have to be complicated. In fact, we always recommend that aspiring landscape architects start with trees that are a bit more forgiving to any potential costly mistakes (in other words – keep it simple stupid)! That’s where low maintenance trees come into play…

If you’re not already familiar with the Colorado Blue Spruce – it happens to be one of the most commonly used conifers for home landscaping use, and for good reasons (see our taxonomical description of conifers)! Not only are these trees far less susceptible to the same health complications that other spruces are vulnerable to, but these rather tall trees serve practical and aesthetic purposes as well, including:

  • Acting as a wind barrier / windbreak
  • Helping to absorb sound from traffic and surrounding neighbors
  • Are disease resistant and therefore require less tree service and maintenance
  • Helping to delineate property lines, especially when planted in a row as a natural fence
  • Attracts wildlife such as: deer, songbirds (siskins, nuthatches and crossbills), porcupines, squirrels, and chipmunks
  • And of course, beautifying (or should we say “Colorado-fying”?) your landscape!

Colorado Blue Spruce: A Profile

The Colorado Blue Spruce was originally discovered in the mid 1800s among expansive meadows within the higher regions of the Rocky Mountains. Soon after their discovery, they quickly became one of the most popular trees used for landscaping purposes. As the name implies, the Colorado Blue Spruce is a majestic pyramid-shaped tree that can display a range of colors between silver, blue, and green year-round. In fact, the Colorado Blue Spruce was breathtaking enough to have caught the eye of naturalist and writer by the name of Henry Tuescher, who adored the tree so much that he dubbed it “one of the five finest conifers” in the 1969 publication, Handbook on Conifers.

Upon being fully mature, these trees can reach heights that range between 50 – 75 feet tall with a breadth of 10-20 feet, which is why they are often used as a natural privacy barrier around the edges of your property. Keep in mind; however, that it may take several decades to reach these kinds of heights (although 5-10 feet is plenty of height to secure your privacy). For reference, these spruces can grow anywhere between 12-24 inches per year. And fortunately, as these trees grow taller, their root systems grow deeper and more firmly into the ground which helps protect them from the threat of harsh weather conditions knocking them over.

When To “Spruce Up” Your Landscape

We recommend planting Colorado Blue Spruces in the spring or fall, which you can read more about in our article entitled, “Best Time of Year to Plant Trees in Colorado“. However, since these trees do require ample amounts of full sunlight, the most optimal time to start planting would be at the beginning of spring. Another reason that these trees are so popular is due to their resilience; unlike other spruces, these trees can tolerate both flooding and drought, as well as Colorado’s notoriously meh soil which tends to be alkaline and low in organic matter.

As you can see, the attributes of the Colorado Blue Spruce make it one of the most dummy-proof trees for novice gardeners and landscapers to start planting! It’s really difficult to make a mistake with these types of trees, which makes tree care easy peasy…

Spring Has Sprung

At the time of this writing, it is mid-April, which means that it’s the perfect time of year to start witnessing the Colorado Blue Spruce blossom with beautifully colored flowers, which can range in color from pinkish-purple to yellowish-green. Some can even appear as a bright orange color. Once these flowers have begun to pollinate, it will start to bear 3-4 inch pinecones as its fruit, which mainly begin to appear towards the crown or top of the tree.

And the good news is that Colorado Blue Spruce trees are so common throughout Denver that you probably won’t have to leave your neighborhood to find one, especially once you learn how to become an expert in spotting them. And for you homeowners out there – why not consider gifting your landscape with a few? Your yard will thank you, and quite possibly your home value too! You really can’t go wrong with the Colorado Blue Spruce, and if you’re looking for advice on the most ideal place to plant them in your yard, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free Denver tree removal consultation for your tree service needs in Denver, Aurora, Arvada, Wheat Ridge and Lakewood.

Other Helpful Articles:


Best Time of Year to Plant Trees in Colorado

Spring is here, and along with the change of season comes one of the best times to plant new trees! And we can think of no better way to beautify your landscape and lower your stress levels than to honor planet Earth with new growth! At the time of this writing, COVID-19 social distancing and quarantine policies are still in place, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t spend some quality time in your own backyard!

(Note that hardware stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot are considered to be essential services, which also means that their respective garden centers and nurseries are still open for business! We contacted our local Lowe’s in Arvada, CO and they assured us that their garden center was still open, so long as the items were checked out inside of the store)!

Tree Planting Season

Although generally speaking, the best time of year to plant trees is in the fall starting in September, Colorado’s altitude, dry climate, and alkaline soil obviously presents some exceptions!

Traditionally, the recommendation to plant trees in the fall stems from the idea that there is less chance of drought or sunscald – both of which can harm newly planted trees which are more vulnerable to the elements. Fall also happens to be when the soil is softest, making it easier to dig into the ground! Planting in the fall means less leaf growth, which will reduce the requirement to water your trees as frequently. Lastly, cooler temperatures in the fall can also help trees to encourage new root growth, which ultimately provides a stronger foundation for a tree’s root system (since the tree can allocate resources towards strengthening its roots rather than towards new leaf production).

That all being said, so long as you’re being mindful of the fundamentals – the best time to plant trees here in Denver, CO is actually in early spring. You can plant as early as mid-March so long as the ground does not continue to be frozen and at least four to six weeks before the extreme conditions of summer arrive. Be aware; however, that if you plant in the spring, expect to water your newly planted trees frequently since your trees will be producing roots and leaves simultaneously. And if you do end up waiting until the fall to start planting trees, you may want to consider wrapping them in tree wrap for the winter just to be on the safe side (Learn more about how to wrap your trees HERE).

Hopefully this goes without saying, but planting your trees in the winter is a recipe for disaster – especially for smaller or newly planted trees that have not yet developed mature root systems (see: Caring For Your Trees In Winter). Tree trunks that experience bouts of freezing and thawing are more likely to experience cracking and rupturing, which means that trees planted in the winter may not make it to the spring. If you must plant in the winter, we recommend contacting one of our tree trimming experts in Denver CO for additional assistance.

Tree Planting Fundamentals

We’ve written a lot about tips and strategies for planting trees in the past, so we’ve decided to save our readers some time by compiling the most useful of them here! Once you’re prepared to plant a tree in the spring or fall, make sure you take a look at the following articles:

NOTE: As an essential service, our doors are still open at regular hours, and we’d be more than happy to assist you with your next tree planting project or other tree removal needs in Denver or the surrounding communities! Reach out to us today for a free Denver tree service estimate, or call us at 720-650-2039!

Does Vitamin B1 Help Plants Grow?

So sure, as tree service experts in Denver we may not exactly be gardeners, but we have stumbled across this myth more than once in our landscaping careers – the idea that Vitamin B1 (also known as thiamine) acts as some kind of miracle nutrient to help plants grow healthier and larger, especially when administered after transplanting. The origin of the story goes back to 1930 when a scientist experimenting with plant roots in a lab petri dish observed that B1 helped stimulate the roots’ growth. The experiment was part of a larger trend of experimenting with a category of plant growth stimulators called “auxins”. Today, common auxins used in household fertilizer products include indole butyric acid (IBA) and naphthylacetic acid (NAA).

Yet are the claims that B1 stimulates new growth and prevents transplant shock true, or based on shaky evidence? First and foremost, it’s important to understand that fertilizers, pesticides, and other gardening products are tested, regulated, and proven to be efficacious and safe for commercial use. Without such regulations and rigorous standards, consumers will otherwise be subjected to false marketing, and ultimately end up wasting money – or worse, doing more harm than good to their landscape or garden. After all, there’s nothing worse than having to back track and to have to make multiple trips to the garden center to undo your mistakes!

The History of Vitamin B1 Fertilizers

The rest they say is history, as the idea started to spread and become popularized throughout the decade. In fact, the December 1939 issue of Better Homes & Gardens (archived HERE) helped further popularize the idea by featuring bountiful gardens of full and healthy rose and daffodil flowers, ostensibly under the auspices of our friend B1. Transport yourself back to the 1930s, and this might have been the equivalent of, “if I read it on Wikipedia, it must be true.”

If only it was that simple! The unfortunate truth is that by 1942, the original scientific author had redacted his own comments, saying that, “it is now certain; however, that additions of vitamin B1 to intact growing plants have no significant or useful place in horticultural or agricultural practice.” What gives? Have we been duped by this nearly 100 year old practice? After all, Vitamin B1 fertilizers like THIS one (sorry to knock this product guys!) are still sold on the retail market at Lowes, Home Depot, and local nursery and garden centers.

Vitamin B1 Debunked

The truth is that although research and experimentation throughout the 20th century has revealed that various auxins combined with B1 may help to stimulate root growth, Vitamin B1 on its own does not. This illustrates a classic case of correlation not equating to causation. In fact, one experiment showed that just plain water worked better for stimulating root growth than water combined with B1.

The reason that this myth perpetuated for so many years is that in those original experiments dating back to the 1930s, Vitamin B1 did help to stimulate plant growth in a controlled lab environment; however, these results failed to produce similar results in the real world. Lastly, it’s helpful to understand that under ideal conditions, healthy soil containing certain strains of bacteria and fungi naturally produce Vitamin B1 without the need to supplement with “fortified” fertilizer supplements.

Moral of the story? Don’t be duped by the marketing hype, and skip the B1 fertilizers that claim to ““prevent transplant shock” and “stimulate new root growth”! In other words, our tree removal professionals do not approve!

How To Properly Fertilize Your Plants

What to do instead? Thankfully our Denver tree service pros have written extensively on the subject! See our articles on the topics of transplanting, watering, and fertilizing, and as always, don’t hesitate to reach out to us the next time you’re looking for tree removal service in Denver! We also offer several other types of tree services to our residents in Arvada, Lakewood, Aurora, and Wheat Ridge!

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