Tree pruning tricks: Do you want to keep your trees in good shape? First we will write some tips on tree care and after that we will introduce Tree Artisans, a tree services company in Colorado Springs. Proper tree care begins with selecting the right tree and planting it in the right place. Make sure your tree will thrive – especially once fully grown – where you want to plant it. Things to consider include: The tree’s purpose. Are you planting it for aesthetics, privacy, shade/energy reduction, windbreak, or as a street tree? Your end goal will determine the suitability of different trees. Planting site limitations. What is your hardiness zone? What is the maximum height and spread for a tree in the space? What are the sun exposure and soil conditions? This information is available for more than 200 trees and woody shrubs in our Tree Guide.

To direct the growth by slowing the branches you don’t want, or to “dwarf” the development of a tree or branch, pruning should be done soon after seasonal growth is complete. Another reason to prune in the summer is for corrective purposes. Defective limbs can be seen more easily. For trees that bloom in spring, prune when their flowers fade. Trees and shrubs that flower in mid- to late summer should be pruned in winter or early spring. Because decay fungi spread their spores profusely in the fall and wounds seem to heal more slowly on fall on cuts, this is a good time to leave your pruning tools in storage.

Invasive plant species: It’s fun to experiment with new plants in your landscape, but it’s important to make sure that what you plant is as non-invasive to the existing flora and trees as possible. Non-native species that are introduced into any forest, landscape, or gardening eco-system can become a huge problem in the long run. Their genetic material can have an enormous impact on biodiversity, which can make them invasive to the existing trees later. This can also threaten other local native species outside of your landscape and in some cases endanger them.

Tree owners often need to move or transplant trees from a nursery or within the yard. Yard trees may have been planted too thickly or threaten to outgrow available space. Size is a critical factor in transplanting. The larger a tree, the more difficult it is to transplant. Before starting a mulching project, become familiar the critical root zone (CRZ) or tree protection zone. This zone is generally defined as the area under a tree and out to its dripline. Improving conditions in this protection zone will also result in major health benefits to a tree. Trees don’t need humans to grow. Most trees thrive where they are planted, but humans sometimes inadvertently damage the trees they’re hoping to showcase. Just parking a car underneath a tree regularly can damage the tree by tamping down the ground too hard, making it difficult for the roots to grow and shift in the soil. Many times, homeowners want to build a structure near or around a beautiful tree to have the tree enhance the final construction project. Don’t do it! When construction is too close to trees it can damage their roots and growth space. Roots need two to three times the length of branches to grow enough to support a tree. Be sure to discuss what your trees need with a contractor, and mark off places where you don’t want construction vehicles to drive or park. See even more details on Tree pruning and removal service in Colorado Springs.

Mulch keeps trees healthy by eliminating the competition between tree roots and turf as well as conserving soil moisture and moderating soil temperature. Ideally, mulch should be applied beneath the entire tree canopy, but smaller mulched areas are acceptable. Mulch depth shouldn’t exceed 4″; 2″ is acceptable for shallow-rooted shrubs and perennials. Shrubs and perennials can be planted within the mulch areas, but solid masses of groundcover should be avoided for optimum tree growth. Too much mulch can lead to insect and disease infestations and other problems.

Searching for the best choices if you want to cut down the tree maintenance costs? Start with picking the right trees for Colorado! Native Americans and early settlers in the west used the ripened seed pods of this beautiful tree as a substitute for coffee. The Nursery Staff loves it for its beauty and resilience. Kentucky Coffee Trees have a slow-to-moderate growth rate. They can reach up to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Their size isn’t their only striking feature. The leaves of Kentucky Coffee trees are show stoppers! Each of the two-foot-long leaf segments consists of several lance-shaped leaflets off to each side. The effect is stunning and looks quite tropical! As an added bonus, the leaves turn bright yellow in the fall. The fragrant early summer white flowers may be hidden by the dense foliage, but they mature into beautiful seed pods as summer fades. You guessed it: the large pods make for great winter interest!