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- Tree · Conifer Trees · SpruceBaby Blue Eyes SpruceBaby Blue Eyes spruce is a standout evergreen for Colorado landscapes, known for its vivid blue needles and compact, uniform shape. Bred for improved color and hardiness, it handles cold winters, intense sun, and wind better than many ornamental evergreens. With strong year-round color and a manageable mature size, it’s an excellent choice for adding structure and visual impact without overwhelming the landscape.
- Tree · Conifer Trees · SpruceColorado Blue SpruceColorado blue spruce is one of the most iconic evergreens in the state, prized for its bold blue needles and classic pyramidal form. It’s well adapted to cold winters, high elevation, and intense sun, making it a strong choice for Colorado landscapes when properly sited. With year-round color and structure, it works especially well as a specimen tree, windbreak, or focal point in larger spaces.
- Tree · Conifer Trees · FirConcolor FirConcolor fir is a popular evergreen valued for its soft blue-green needles, symmetrical shape, and strong visual appeal. It can perform well in Colorado landscapes when given proper spacing, consistent moisture during establishment, and protection from prolonged drought and heat stress
- Tree · Conifer Trees · SpruceHoopsii SpruceHoopsii spruce is a premium Colorado evergreen, known for its intense silver-blue needles and perfectly symmetrical shape. It’s cold-hardy, sun-loving, and well suited to Colorado’s high elevation and winter conditions when planted in well-drained soils. With unmatched color and strong year-round structure, Hoopsii spruce makes an exceptional specimen tree in larger landscapes.
- Tree · Conifer Trees · PinePinyon PinePinyon pine trees are uniquely suited to Colorado’s climate, thriving in dry conditions, intense sun, and rocky soils where many other trees struggle. Native to the region, they are extremely drought-tolerant, cold-hardy, and well adapted to elevation changes. With their compact form and evergreen needles, pinyon pines provide year-round color and character while requiring less water and maintenance than many larger pine species.
- Tree · Conifer Trees · PinePonderosa PinePonderosa pine trees are a classic Colorado native, well adapted to high elevation, intense sun, wind, and wide temperature swings. They are drought-tolerant once established, resilient in poor soils, and known for their tall, open form and distinctive bark. As evergreens, ponderosa pines provide year-round structure and a strong, natural presence across the Front Range and mountain landscapes.
- Tree · Fruiting TreesHoneycrisp AppleHoneycrisp apple trees are a popular choice for Front Range Colorado landscapes, known for their crisp, sweet fruit and strong cold hardiness. When planted in the right location and protected from late spring frosts, they can perform well despite Colorado’s temperature swings. With beautiful spring blooms, dependable fall harvests, and a manageable growth habit, Honeycrisp apples add both visual appeal and fresh, homegrown fruit to Front Range yards.
- Tree · Fruiting TreesNewport PlumNewport plum trees are a reliable and attractive option for Front Range Colorado landscapes, valued for their hardiness and consistent performance in challenging conditions. Well suited to cold winters, variable spring weather, and urban environments, they produce fragrant spring blossoms followed by flavorful plums in late summer. With ornamental appeal and dependable fruit production, Newport plum trees add both beauty and function to Front Range yards.
- Tree · Ornamental TreesChokecherry Canada RedCanada Red Chokecherry is a standout ornamental tree known for its rich burgundy foliage, spring white blossoms, and excellent cold-hardiness. Well-suited for Colorado landscapes, it offers strong seasonal color, moderate size, and reliable performance on the Front Range when planted in full sun with good drainage.
- Tree · Ornamental Trees · CrabappleIndian Magic CrabappleIndian Magic crabapple is a standout ornamental tree for Colorado landscapes, known for its spring white flowers, deep purple foliage, and persistent dark red fruit. Cold-hardy and compact, it performs well on the Front Range and adds rich color and visual interest from spring through winter.
- Tree · Ornamental TreesJapanese LilacJapanese Lilac Tree (Syringa reticulata) is a hardy ornamental tree known for its fragrant white summer blooms, clean form, and low maintenance needs. Its tolerance for heat, drought, and urban conditions makes it a reliable choice for Front Range landscapes.
- Tree · Ornamental Trees · CrabapplePrarifire CrabappleThe Prairifire Crabapple is a standout ornamental tree known for its vibrant spring blooms, rich summer foliage, and excellent disease resistance. It brings four-season color and reliable performance to landscapes where toughness matters as much as beauty.
- Tree · Ornamental Trees · CrabappleRadiant Red CrabappleThe Radiant Red Crabapple is a hardy ornamental tree well suited to Colorado landscapes, prized for its vivid pink-red spring blooms and attractive upright form. It handles Front Range conditions reliably, offering strong cold tolerance, seasonal color, and a classic look that works well in both residential yards and larger landscape plantings.
- Tree · Ornamental TreesRedbudRedbud trees bring early spring color with bright pink-purple blooms that appear before the leaves. Their compact size, graceful form, and heart-shaped foliage make them an excellent ornamental choice for smaller yards and residential landscapes.
- Tree · Shade Trees · ElmAccolade ElmAccolade elm is a fast-growing, hardy shade tree valued for its strong branch structure, upright form, and excellent disease resistance. Well-suited to Colorado landscapes, it tolerates sun, wind, and urban conditions while providing reliable shade and a clean, classic appearance with relatively low maintenance.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleAmur - Ginnala Flame MapleAmur Ginnala Flame maple is a small ornamental maple known for its compact size, dense branching, and brilliant red fall color. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, tolerating sun, cold, and urban conditions while providing seasonal color and structure in spaces where larger shade trees aren’t practical.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleArmstrong MapleArmstrong maple is a narrow, upright shade tree valued for its strong central leader, fast growth, and tidy form. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, making it a good option for tight spaces where vertical growth and dependable shade are needed without a wide canopy.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleAutumn Blaze MapleAutumn Blaze maple is a fast-growing shade tree known for its strong branching, broad canopy, and vivid red-orange fall color. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, providing reliable shade and seasonal impact when planted in appropriate soils and given proper care.
- Tree · Shade TreesAutumn Purple AshAutumn Purple Ash is a fast-growing shade tree valued for its strong structure, dense canopy, and deep purple-red fall color. Well-suited to Colorado landscapes, it handles heat, sun, and urban conditions while providing reliable shade and bold seasonal color with manageable maintenance. This is the only Ash Tree we recommend for Colorado climates.
- Tree · Shade Trees · OakBur OakBur oak is a large, durable shade tree valued for its massive canopy, strong structure, and exceptional tolerance to heat, cold, and drought. Well-suited to Colorado landscapes, it is a long-lived tree that provides deep shade and long-term stability when given adequate space to grow.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleCrimson Sentry MapleCrimson Sentry maple is a compact, upright maple valued for its narrow form, dense canopy, and deep red fall color. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, making it a good choice for smaller yards or tight spaces where a traditional shade tree would be too wide.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleEmerald Queen MapleEmerald Queen maple is a fast-growing shade tree known for its strong structure, broad canopy, and consistent growth habit. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, providing dependable shade and a clean, classic look when planted in suitable soils and given proper care.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleFlashfire MapleFlashfire maple is an upright, columnar maple valued for its compact form, strong structure, and bright red fall color. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, making it a good option for narrow spaces where vertical growth and seasonal color are desired without a wide canopy.
- Tree · Shade Trees · ElmFrontier ElmFrontier elm is a compact, upright shade tree known for its adaptability, strong structure, and attractive fall color. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, tolerating heat, sun, and urban conditions while offering reliable shade in spaces where larger elm varieties aren’t a good fit.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleGreen Mountain MapleGreen Mountain maple is a hardy shade tree known for its strong branching, upright form, and rich red-orange fall color. It adapts well to Colorado landscapes, providing dependable shade and seasonal interest when planted in appropriate conditions and given proper care.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleHighland Park MapleHighland Park maple is a hardy shade tree valued for its upright growth habit, strong structure, and reliable fall color. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, offering dependable shade and a clean, balanced canopy when planted in suitable soils and given proper care.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleJohn Pair Caddo MapleJohn Pair Caddo maple is a heat- and drought-tolerant shade tree valued for its strong structure, dark green summer foliage, and vibrant red fall color. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, offering dependable shade and long-term durability when planted in appropriate conditions.
- Tree · Shade Trees · OakNorthern Red OakNorthern red oak is a stately shade tree known for its strong branching, broad canopy, and rich red fall color. When planted in suitable Colorado sites, it provides dependable shade, seasonal interest, and long-term value with proper care and placement.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleOctober Glory MapleOctober Glory maple is a popular shade tree known for its broad canopy, consistent growth, and brilliant red fall color that develops later in the season. It performs best in suitable Colorado sites, providing reliable shade and strong seasonal interest with proper placement and care.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleParkway MapleParkway maple is a hardy, upright shade tree valued for its strong central leader, uniform shape, and tolerance of urban conditions. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, making it a reliable choice for streets, parkways, and residential areas where durability and consistent form are important.
- Tree · Shade TreesPlains CottonwoodPlains Cottonwood is a large native shade tree valued for its rapid growth, broad canopy, and ability to thrive along Colorado’s waterways and open landscapes. It provides substantial shade and wind protection, making it best suited for larger properties where its size and root system have room to develop.
- Tree · Shade Trees · ElmPrinceton ElmPrinceton elm is a classic American elm cultivar prized for its tall, vase-shaped form, strong structure, and excellent resistance to Dutch elm disease. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, providing broad shade and a traditional street-tree look with reliable long-term durability.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleRocky Mountain Glow MapleRocky Mountain Glow maple is a hardy shade tree developed for Colorado conditions, valued for its upright form, strong structure, and dependable fall color. It tolerates sun, wind, and temperature swings well, making it a reliable option for Front Range landscapes where durability matters.
- Tree · Shade Trees · OakShumard OakShumard oak is a large, fast-growing shade tree valued for its strong structure, wide canopy, and vibrant red fall color. It performs well in suitable Colorado landscapes, offering reliable shade and long-term durability when given adequate space and proper care.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleSienna Glen MapleSienna Glen maple is a compact shade tree valued for its balanced form, dense canopy, and reliable orange-red fall color. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, making it a good choice for residential yards where consistent growth and manageable size are important.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleSlate Street MapleSlate Street maple is a hardy, upright shade tree valued for its narrow form, strong structure, and tolerance of urban conditions. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, making it a good choice for streets, parkways, and tighter spaces where durability and vertical growth are needed.
- Tree · Shade Trees · OakSwamp White OakSwamp white oak is a hardy, adaptable shade tree valued for its broad canopy, strong branching, and attractive fall color. It tolerates a range of soil conditions and performs well in Colorado landscapes when given adequate space, providing dependable shade and long-term durability.
- Tree · Shade Trees · MapleTatarian MapleTatarian maple is a small, adaptable maple valued for its compact size, dense branching, and dependable fall color. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, tolerating cold, sun, and urban conditions while fitting well in smaller yards and tight planting spaces.
- Tree · Shade Trees · ElmTriumph ElmTriumph elm is a hardy, fast-growing shade tree valued for its upright form, strong branching, and excellent disease resistance. It adapts well to Colorado conditions, handling sun, wind, and urban environments while providing dependable shade and a clean, symmetrical canopy.
- Tree · Shade Trees · ElmValley Forge ElmValley Forge elm is a fast-growing American elm cultivar known for its strong structure, classic vase-shaped form, and outstanding resistance to Dutch elm disease. It performs well in Colorado landscapes, providing broad shade, durability, and long-term reliability for streets, parks, and large residential yards.
- Tree · Ornamental Trees · CrabappleRoyal Raindrops CrabappleRoyal Raindrops crabapple is a compact, disease-resistant ornamental prized for its deeply cut, purple-red foliage, magenta-pink spring flowers, and small persistent red fruit. Its strong resistance to apple scab and fire blight makes it a dependable, low-maintenance accent tree for Front Range yards.
- Tree · Ornamental Trees · CrabappleSpring Snow CrabappleSpring Snow crabapple is a fruitless, single-flowering cultivar prized for its clean white spring blossoms without the fruit litter of traditional crabapples. It is a popular choice for homeowners who want ornamental spring bloom near patios, walkways, and driveways with no cleanup.
- Tree · Ornamental Trees · CrabappleThunderchild CrabappleThunderchild crabapple is an exceptionally cold-hardy cultivar with rich purple foliage and deep pink-red spring flowers, followed by small persistent purple-red fruit. Its extreme cold hardiness makes it a strong option for higher-elevation Front Range and foothills properties.
- Tree · Ornamental Trees · Flowering PearAutumn Blaze PearAutumn Blaze pear is an ornamental flowering pear valued for its early white spring blossoms and reliable orange-red fall color. Like other Callery pear cultivars, it is fast-growing but structurally weak, and Colorado plantings benefit from early structural pruning to reduce storm and snow-load failure risk.
- Tree · Ornamental Trees · Flowering PearChanticleer PearChanticleer pear is a narrow, columnar flowering pear known for reliable white spring bloom and good fall color, with notably better branch structure than most Callery pear cultivars. It remains a fast-growing tree that benefits from early structural pruning on the Front Range.
- Tree · Ornamental Trees · Flowering PearCleveland PearCleveland Select pear is a narrow, uniform flowering pear cultivar bred to correct the wide, weak-angled branching of older Callery pear varieties. It offers dependable white spring bloom and burgundy fall color, but Colorado's heavy wet snow still calls for early structural pruning.
- Tree · Ornamental Trees · HawthornRussian HawthornRussian Hawthorn is a small, exceptionally tough ornamental tree known for outstanding drought and alkaline-soil tolerance. Its fine-textured, deeply lobed foliage, white spring flowers, and small red fruit make it well suited to dry, exposed Front Range sites.
- Tree · Ornamental Trees · HawthornThornless Cockspur HawthornThornless Cockspur Hawthorn is a tough, adaptable ornamental tree that offers the glossy foliage, white spring flowers, and persistent red fruit of Cockspur Hawthorn without the thorns, making it a safer choice near walkways, patios, and play areas.
- Tree · Ornamental Trees · HawthornToba HawthornToba Hawthorn is a cold-hardy ornamental tree valued for its fragrant, double flowers that open white and age to pink, its picturesque twisted trunk and branching, and its tough constitution in Front Range conditions.
- Tree · Ornamental Trees · HawthornWinter King HawthornWinter King Hawthorn is widely regarded as one of the best ornamental hawthorns available, prized for its outstanding persistent orange-red fruit, silvery bark, and good resistance to cedar-hawthorn rust compared to other hawthorn cultivars.
- Tree · Ornamental TreesServiceberry TreeServiceberries are excellent ornamental trees for flowers, berries, and fall color. Multi-season interest, excellent cold hardiness and strong wildlife value make them a practical Front Range ornamental in either multi-stem or single-stem form.
- Tree CollectionConifer TreesConifer trees are evergreens built for tough conditions, with needle-based foliage that minimizes water loss and protects the tree through winter. On the Front Range, they excel because they handle cold snaps, drying winds, and strong sun while maintaining year-round structure and stability in the landscape.
- Tree CollectionFruiting TreesFruiting trees can do well in Colorado with the right species selection and proper care. Varieties adapted to cold winters and late spring frosts are capable of producing reliable harvests while also adding seasonal beauty to the landscape. From spring blooms to edible fruit, these trees offer both visual interest and practical value in Colorado yards.
- Tree CollectionOrnamental TreesOrnamental trees bring color, texture, and seasonal interest to Colorado landscapes without the size or maintenance of large shade trees. When selected correctly, they perform well in Front Range conditions—handling sun, temperature swings, and challenging soils—while adding spring blooms, fall color, and strong visual structure.
- Tree CollectionShade TreesShade trees are one of the best long-term investments you can make in a Colorado landscape. The right tree provides cooling relief from summer heat, protects your home and yard, and thrives despite our sun, wind, and dry conditions. Choosing species that handle Colorado’s climate is key to getting lasting shade without constant problems.
- Tree GenusFirThe fir family includes evergreen conifer species that are well known for their upright form, dense needles, and strong visual presence in the landscape. In Colorado, firs can perform well in protected sites with adequate moisture and proper soil conditions, offering excellent year-round structure while requiring thoughtful placement and long-term care to manage drought stress and environmental exposure.
- Tree GenusPineConifer pines are a natural fit for Colorado landscapes, built to handle high elevation, intense sun, wind, and long winters. As evergreens, they provide year-round color, privacy, and structure, even in harsh conditions. Many species are well adapted to Colorado’s dry climate and temperature swings, making them a durable, low-stress choice when properly planted and cared for.
- Tree GenusSpruceSpruce trees are a staple of Colorado landscapes, valued for their strong cold tolerance, dense evergreen form, and striking year-round color. Well adapted to high elevation, harsh winters, and drying winds, spruce thrive where many other trees struggle. Their stiff needles and symmetrical shape make them excellent choices for windbreaks, privacy, and classic mountain character across the Front Range and beyond.
- Tree GenusCrabappleCrabapple trees are one of the most reliable ornamental trees for Colorado landscapes. They deliver showy spring blooms, attractive summer foliage, colorful fall fruit, and good winter structure. Cold-hardy and well-adapted to the Front Range, modern crabapple varieties offer strong disease resistance and fit well in residential yards.
- Tree GenusFlowering PearFlowering pear trees are a popular ornamental choice for Colorado landscapes, valued for their fast growth, early spring white blooms, and clean, symmetrical form. They adapt well to Front Range conditions and provide dependable curb appeal, though proper variety selection and placement are important for long-term performance.
- Tree GenusHawthornHawthorn trees are tough, character-rich ornamentals well suited to Colorado landscapes. They feature spring white blossoms, glossy green foliage, bright red berries, and strong fall color. Cold-hardy and adaptable, hawthorns perform well on the Front Range and are a solid choice for smaller yards, wind exposure, and challenging sites.
- Tree GenusElmElm trees are classic shade trees known for their tall form, graceful canopy, and dependable performance in Colorado landscapes. Modern elm varieties offer strong resistance to disease while providing broad shade, fast growth, and long-term durability for streets, yards, and open spaces.
- Tree GenusMapleMaple trees are popular shade trees known for their balanced form, reliable growth, and standout fall color. When the right varieties are selected for Colorado conditions, maples provide dependable shade, seasonal interest, and long-term value in residential and commercial landscapes.
- Tree GenusOakOak trees are long-lived shade trees known for their strength, broad canopies, and lasting presence in the landscape. When the right species is chosen for Colorado conditions, oaks provide dependable shade, seasonal interest, and long-term value with proper placement and care.
- Tree Health CollectionConifer Trees MaintenanceMaintenance, pest and disease guidance for conifer trees grown along Colorado's Front Range.
- Tree Health CollectionDeciduous Trees MaintenanceMaintenance, pest and disease guidance for deciduous trees grown along Colorado's Front Range.
- Tree Health CollectionOrnamental Trees MaintenanceMaintenance, pest and disease guidance for ornamental trees grown along Colorado's Front Range.
- Tree Health GuideAustrian Pine MaintenanceA hardy, widely planted ornamental pine in Colorado known for long dark-green needles and strong wind tolerance. Austrian Pine performs well in alkaline soils but is highly susceptible to Dothistroma needle blight, Zimmerman pine moth, needle scale, and drought-related decline.
- Tree Health GuideBristlecone Pine MaintenanceAn iconic Colorado native pine known for its extremely long lifespan, slow growth, and distinctive resin flecks (“white speckles”) on needles. Bristlecone Pine is highly drought-tolerant but can be affected by needle cast, blister rust, bark beetles, subalpine woolly aphid, and stress from poor soils or overwatering.
- Tree Health GuideColorado Blue Spruce MaintenanceEvergreen conifer with stiff, blue-gray needles. Prefers full sun. Commonly stressed in Colorado’s dry, urban environments, which increases vulnerability to pests and diseases.
- Tree Health GuideColumnar Spruce MaintenanceColumnar spruces are narrow, upright evergreens prized for year-round structure, dense foliage, and small footprint, making them ideal for screening or tight urban spaces. In Colorado, they face the same pressures as their species counterparts: mites, aphids, needle cast, canker, and environmental stress from heat and drought.
- Tree Health GuideDouglas Fir MaintenanceEvergreen conifer common in Colorado foothills and mountain landscapes. Despite its name, it is not a true fir. Douglas-fir is moderately drought-tolerant but susceptible to needle cast diseases, bark beetles, and stress-related decline in urban environments.
- Tree Health GuidePiñon Pine MaintenancePiñon Pine is a native, drought-tolerant evergreen that thrives in dry, rocky soils of Colorado’s foothills and plains. Its biggest threats include piñon ips beetle, scale, needle cast, bark diseases, and environmental stress—especially prolonged drought. Ips beetle is the most serious concern.
- Tree Health GuidePonderosa Pine MaintenanceLarge native pine common across Colorado’s foothills and dry landscapes. Very drought-adapted but vulnerable to mountain pine beetle, pine sawfly, needle cast, and environmental stress in urban settings.
- Tree Health GuideRocky Mountain Juniper MaintenanceA hardy native evergreen found throughout Colorado’s foothills and high plains. Highly drought-tolerant and long-lived, Rocky Mountain Juniper is susceptible to juniper scale, cedar–apple rust, twig blights, bark beetles, and root decline from poor drainage.
- Tree Health GuideScotch Pine MaintenanceA widely planted landscape pine recognized by its orange upper bark and short twisted needles. Scotch Pine grows well in Colorado but is highly vulnerable to Zimmerman pine moth, Diplodia tip blight, pine wilt nematode, needle scale, and drought stress.
- Tree Health GuideWhite Fir MaintenanceA popular ornamental conifer in Colorado valued for its soft blue-green needles and strong resistance to many pests. While generally hardy, White Fir is susceptible to bark beetles, twig beetles, needle cast diseases, and root stress in compacted or poorly drained soils.
- Tree Health GuideAlder MaintenanceAlders are moisture-loving deciduous trees valued for their fast growth, catkins, and attractive bark. In Colorado, they struggle in hot, dry, alkaline environments and are prone to borers, leaf miners, aphids, canker diseases, and leaf spot. They perform best in cooler, irrigated locations with well-drained but moist soil.
- Tree Health GuideAmerican Elm MaintenanceAmerican Elms are prized for their classic vase shape and excellent shade. Modern varieties planted in Colorado (e.g., ‘Princeton,’ ‘Valley Forge,’ ‘New Harmony’) have resistance—not immunity—to Dutch Elm Disease (DED). They are also susceptible to elm leaf beetle, elm leaf miner, aphids, scale, and environmental stress in compacted urban soils.
- Tree Health GuideAsh MaintenanceDeciduous shade tree common in Colorado landscapes. Ash are highly vulnerable to borers— especially Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)—as well as several native borers, fungal leaf issues, and environmental stress.
- Tree Health GuideAspen MaintenanceAspen is one of Colorado’s most iconic native trees. In mountain settings it thrives, but in Front Range landscapes it often struggles due to heat, alkaline soils, poor drainage, and pest pressure. Common issues include leaf spots, borers, cankers, suckering, and environmental stress.
- Tree Health GuideBoxelder MaintenanceBoxelder is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant maple often considered “weedy,” but it remains common across Colorado. It is prone to breakage, borers, boxelder bugs, leaf spots, and environmental stress in urban soils. Despite this, it can survive harsh conditions where many other species fail.
- Tree Health GuideBuckeye Maintenance(Aesculus spp.) — Ohio Buckeye, Red Buckeye, Yellow Buckeye, Hybrid Horsechestnuts Buckeyes are admired for their showy spring flowers, bold palmate leaves, and distinctive nuts. In Colorado, they perform moderately well but can struggle with leaf scorch, leaf blotch, mildew, borers, aphids, and environmental heat stress. Ohio Buckeye and hybrid types tend to handle Colorado’s climate better than European Horsechestnut.
- Tree Health GuideBur Oak MaintenanceBur Oak is one of the toughest and most adaptable oaks for Colorado. It tolerates drought, alkaline soils, pollution, and harsh winters better than most other oak species. While generally resilient, it can experience issues with Kermes scale, gall wasps, two-lined chestnut borer, oak wilt (rare), and chlorosis in extreme soil conditions.
- Tree Health GuideCatalpa MaintenanceCatalpa is a hardy, fast-growing ornamental tree known for its huge heart-shaped leaves, showy white flowers, and long bean-like seed pods. In Colorado, Catalpa is generally resilient but can experience issues with leaf spots, canker diseases, borers, mildew, and environmental stress in compacted soils.
- Tree Health GuideColumnar Oak MaintenanceColumnar Oaks are prized for their narrow, upright form, strong structure, and tolerance to many Colorado soils. They resist many major oak pests but can experience oak anthracnose, tubakia leaf spot, scale, borers, gall wasps, and environmental scorch during hot, dry summers.
- Tree Health GuideCottonwood MaintenanceCottonwoods are some of the fastest-growing, most drought-tolerant shade trees in Colorado. They are extremely hardy but prone to branch breakage, borers, cankers, leaf spots, and root-related issues due to their aggressive root systems and sensitivity to soil compaction.
- Tree Health GuideEnglish Oak MaintenanceEnglish Oak is a stately, long-lived tree valued for its strong structure and adaptability. In Colorado, it performs better than most red oaks in alkaline soils but may still struggle with drought, iron chlorosis, scale insects, and leaf diseases. Columnar cultivars are especially popular in urban landscapes.
- Tree Health GuideGambel Oak MaintenanceA hardy, drought-tolerant native oak found throughout Colorado’s foothills and mountains. Gambel Oak commonly grows in clonal thickets and is extremely resilient, but it can experience issues with oak leaf blister, leaf spot, gall wasps, Kermes scale, borers, and dieback from drought or fire suppression changes.
- Tree Health GuideGolden Rain Tree MaintenanceGolden Rain Tree is a small to medium ornamental tree known for its showy yellow midsummer flowers, attractive lantern-like seed pods, and high tolerance of heat, drought, and urban soils. It performs quite well in Colorado, though it can experience leaf spot, borers, scale, and occasional environmental scorch.
- Tree Health GuideHackberry MaintenanceHackberry is one of the hardiest and most reliable shade trees for Colorado. It tolerates drought, alkaline soils, wind, urban pollution, and temperature extremes. While generally low-maintenance, Hackberry can experience nipplegall psyllids, witches’ broom, scale, leaf spots, and occasional borer or canker issues.
- Tree Health GuideHoney Locust MaintenanceA popular Colorado shade tree valued for its filtered light, drought tolerance, and fast growth. While adaptable, Honey Locust is vulnerable to leaf-feeding insects, pod gall midge, canker diseases, and root/environmental stress in compacted urban soils.
- Tree Health GuideHornbeam Maintenance(Carpinus spp.) — European Hornbeam, American Hornbeam, Columnar Hornbeam Hornbeams are elegant, finely textured trees known for their dense foliage, muscular smooth bark, and excellent performance as street or yard trees. In Colorado, they are relatively resilient but may experience leaf spot, anthracnose, aphids, scale, and occasional cankers. They prefer well-drained soil, moderate irrigation, and protection from extreme heat.
- Tree Health GuideHorse Chestnut MaintenanceHorse Chestnut is known for its large palmate leaves, showy white flower candles, and distinctive conkers. In Colorado, it is highly prone to leaf blotch, leaf scorch, mildew, aphids, borers, and heat stress. It performs best in cooler, irrigated sites and struggles in hot, dry, or compacted soils.
- Tree Health GuideKentucky Coffeetree MaintenanceKentucky Coffeetree is one of the toughest and most adaptable shade trees for Colorado. It thrives in poor soils, heat, drought, and urban conditions. It has very few major pests or diseases, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice. Minor issues may include leaf spot, canker, borers (rare), and environmental stress during establishment.
- Tree Health GuideLinden MaintenanceLindens are popular shade and ornamental trees in Colorado, prized for their heart-shaped leaves, fragrant flowers, and strong structure. They are generally hardy but susceptible to Japanese beetles, aphids, leaf scorch, Verticillium wilt, and environmental stress, especially in hot, dry urban sites.
- Tree Health GuideMulberry MaintenanceMulberries are tough, drought-tolerant shade trees known for fast growth, dense canopies, and (on fruiting types) heavy berry production. In Colorado, they are generally durable but can experience bacterial blight, leaf spot, mildew, scale, webworms, bronzing from mites, and environmental stress.
- Tree Health GuideNorway Maple MaintenanceNorway Maple is a widely planted shade tree known for its dense canopy and deep purple-leaf cultivars. In Colorado, it often struggles with alkaline soils, heat stress, chlorosis, verticillium wilt, girdling roots, and several insect pests. It performs best in cooler, moist, well-drained soils.
- Tree Health GuidePin Oak MaintenancePin Oak is a fast-growing oak with a strong central leader and distinctive drooping lower branches. In Colorado, it commonly struggles due to alkaline soils, leading to severe iron chlorosis, decline, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. It performs best in deep, acidic, well-drained soils.
- Tree Health GuideRed Maple MaintenanceRed Maple is valued for its vibrant fall color and rounded canopy. In Colorado, true Red Maples often struggle due to alkaline soils, drought, and heat. Hybrids perform better but still face chlorosis, scorch, borers, and leaf diseases.
- Tree Health GuideRed Oak MaintenanceRed Oaks are valued for strong branching, fast growth, and brilliant fall color. In Colorado, they often struggle with alkaline soils, drought, and compacted urban conditions. Common issues include iron chlorosis, borers, scale, leaf diseases, and occasional oak wilt.
- Tree Health GuideRiver Birch MaintenanceRiver Birch is one of the best-performing birches in Colorado due to its heat tolerance, drought resilience once established, and resistance to bronze birch borer. It adapts well to irrigated landscapes but can still experience leaf spot, chlorosis, aphids, mites, and environmental stress in alkaline or compacted soils.
- Tree Health GuideRussian Olive MaintenanceRussian Olive is a drought-tolerant tree historically planted across Colorado but now considered invasive and generally not recommended. While hardy, it is prone to scale, borers, Verticillium wilt, and environmental stress.
- Tree Health GuideSiberian Elm MaintenanceA fast-growing, extremely drought-tolerant tree common in Colorado. Often considered invasive and structurally weak, Siberian Elm is prone to pest pressure, breakage, and long-term decline.
- Tree Health GuideSilver Maple MaintenanceSilver Maple is a fast-growing shade tree commonly planted in Colorado, but it is prone to structural weakness, chlorosis in alkaline soils, and several pests and diseases including borers, scale, leaf scorch, and fungal leaf spots.
- Tree Health GuideSycamore MaintenanceSycamores and London Planetrees are widely planted in Colorado for their massive size, mottled bark, and excellent shade. While generally tough, they are prone to anthracnose, powdery mildew, borers, cankers, and drought-related stress.
- Tree Health GuideTulip Tree MaintenanceTulip Tree is a beautiful, stately tree known for its unique leaf shape and spring flowers, but it is not well adapted to most Colorado conditions. It commonly struggles with alkaline soils, heat, and drought, leading to pest issues and early decline.
- Tree Health GuideWalnut MaintenanceWalnuts provide shade and edible nuts but face serious challenges in Colorado, especially Thousand Cankers Disease, along with insects, fungal issues, and environmental stress.
- Tree Health GuideWhite Birch MaintenanceWhite Birch is prized for its white bark but performs poorly in Colorado’s hot, dry, alkaline conditions. It is highly susceptible to borers, chlorosis, and drought stress, making it one of the least adapted birch species for the Front Range.
- Tree Health GuideWhite Oak MaintenanceWhite Oaks are long-lived and more tolerant of Colorado’s alkaline soils than red oaks, making them strong landscape choices. While generally resilient, they can experience scale, gall insects, borers, and environmental stress.
- Tree Health GuideWhite Poplar MaintenanceWhite Poplar is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree known for its white-backed leaves, but it is considered high-maintenance and short-lived in Colorado due to pests, disease, and aggressive suckering.
- Tree Health GuideWillow MaintenanceWillows grow quickly and prefer moist soils, making them common in irrigated landscapes. They are attractive but prone to pests, disease, and structural issues, especially in dry or windy sites.
- Tree Health GuideApple Tree MaintenanceApple trees are popular for their fruit and spring blooms but require regular maintenance in Colorado. They are prone to fungal diseases, insect pests, and environmental stress, especially in dense or poorly pruned canopies.
- Tree Health GuideApricot Tree MaintenanceApricot trees are prized for early spring blooms and sweet fruit, but they can be challenging in Colorado due to late freezes, canker diseases, borers, and fungal leaf issues. They perform best with good airflow, proper pruning, and consistent irrigation.
- Tree Health GuideAutumn Blaze Tree MaintenanceAutumn Blaze Maple is popular for fast growth and vivid fall color. In Colorado, it performs better than Red Maple but can still struggle with chlorosis, leaf scorch, borers, and structural issues as it matures.
- Tree Health GuideCherry Tree MaintenanceCherry trees are loved for their spring flowers and ornamental value, but they can be sensitive in Colorado. Common issues include canker, borers, aphids, leaf spot, and environmental stress from drought and heat.
- Tree Health GuideChokecherry Tree MaintenanceChokecherry is widely used in Colorado landscapes for flowers, foliage color, and berries. It is fairly adaptable but commonly develops black knot, aphids, tent caterpillars, and canker problems.
- Tree Health GuideCrabapple Tree MaintenanceCrabapples are popular ornamental trees for spring flowers and colorful fruit, but they can be prone to apple scab, fire blight, cedar-apple rust, aphids, and other common apple-family issues in Colorado.
- Tree Health GuideHawthorn Tree MaintenanceHawthorns are tough ornamental trees with flowers, fruit, and strong wildlife value, but they can develop rust, leaf spot, fire blight, aphids, and scale in Colorado landscapes.
- Tree Health GuideJapanese Lilac Tree MaintenanceJapanese Tree Lilac is a strong ornamental choice in Colorado, valued for creamy white summer flowers and good urban tolerance. It is relatively low-maintenance but may develop scale, borers, leaf spots, and stress-related dieback.
- Tree Health GuideMountain Ash Tree MaintenanceMountain Ash is valued for berries, flowers, and fall color, but it can struggle in hot Front Range conditions. Common issues include fire blight, borers, aphids, leaf spot, and drought stress.
- Tree Health GuideMugo Pine MaintenanceMugo Pine is a dense, shrubby evergreen often used in Colorado landscapes and rock gardens. It is fairly hardy but can develop pine sawfly, needle cast, scale, spider mites, and winter burn.
- Tree Health GuidePeach Tree MaintenancePeach trees can produce well in Colorado with pruning and care, but they are vulnerable to borers, canker, leaf curl, aphids, and late frost injury.
- Tree Health GuidePlum Tree MaintenancePlum trees are attractive ornamentals and fruit trees, but they can be prone to black knot, canker, borers, aphids, leaf spot, and environmental stress in Colorado conditions.
- Tree Health GuideRedbud Tree MaintenanceRedbuds are valued for striking spring flowers and heart-shaped leaves, but they can be sensitive to drought, canker, Verticillium wilt, and winter injury in Colorado landscapes.
- Tree Health GuideServiceberry Tree MaintenanceServiceberries are excellent ornamental trees for flowers, berries, and fall color, but in Colorado they may develop fire blight, rust, aphids, leaf spot, and drought stress.
- Tree Health GuideSpindle Tree MaintenanceSpindle Tree is an uncommon but attractive ornamental small tree valued for fall color and fruit. In Colorado it may experience scale, aphids, powdery mildew, canker, and drought-related stress.
- ShrubCommon LilacCommon lilac thrives in Colorado's climate, handling cold winters and dry air with ease. Known for its fragrant spring blooms and long lifespan, it's a dependable, low-maintenance shrub that adds classic color and character to Front Range landscapes.
- ShrubPanicle HydrangeaPanicle hydrangea is one of the most reliable hydrangeas for Colorado, thanks to its strong cold hardiness and tolerance for full sun. With large, long-lasting summer blooms and low maintenance needs, it brings bold seasonal color and structure to Front Range landscapes.
- ShrubAnglo Japanese YewThe Anglo-Japanese yew is a hardy, evergreen shrub that thrives in Colorado's cold winters and alkaline soils. With year-round deep green color, shade tolerance, and low maintenance needs, it's a reliable choice for structure and privacy in Front Range landscapes.
- ShrubBarberryBarberry is a compact, thorny, drought-tolerant shrub that holds color through the Colorado growing season and tolerates the alkaline, low-organic soils common along the Front Range.
- ShrubBurning BushBurning bush is grown for one thing above all: intense scarlet fall color. It is dependable in Colorado landscapes when given full sun, consistent moisture and room to reach mature size.
- ShrubCheyenne PrivetCheyenne privet was selected for high plains conditions and is the most cold-tolerant privet used along the Front Range. It makes a dense, fast-establishing hedge in exposed sites.
- ShrubCommon BoxwoodBoxwood provides year-round evergreen structure and formal geometry, but it is one of the more site-sensitive shrubs in Colorado — winter exposure and soil moisture determine success.
- ShrubCommon PrivetCommon privet is a fast, inexpensive hedge shrub that fills quickly and shears cleanly. It is best used in sheltered Front Range sites where winter exposure is limited.
- ShrubDiablo NinebarkDiablo ninebark carries deep purple foliage all season and tolerates the cold, wind and alkaline soils of the Front Range with very little input. It is one of the most forgiving color shrubs available here.
- ShrubGolden CurrantGolden currant is a Colorado native shrub with fragrant yellow spring flowers, edible summer fruit and genuine drought tolerance — a strong choice for low-water and wildlife-oriented landscapes.
- ShrubShrubby PotentillaShrubby potentilla blooms from early summer into fall on almost no supplemental water. It is one of the most dependable low-maintenance shrubs for Colorado landscapes and commercial plantings.
- ShrubSpireaSpirea is a compact, hard-working flowering shrub that tolerates Colorado's alkaline soils and temperature swings while blooming through much of the summer with minimal care.
- ShrubSpreading EuonymusSpreading euonymus is a low, wide, semi-evergreen shrub used for foundation cover and slope planting. It tolerates shade better than most Colorado landscape shrubs.
- ShrubViburnumViburnums offer spring flowers, summer fruit and strong fall color in a single plant. Several species perform well along the Front Range when given consistent moisture and protection from harsh winter exposure.
- Shrub CollectionShrub LibraryOrnamental and workhorse shrubs selected for challenging Colorado landscape conditions — growth habit, requirements, pruning and common problems.
- Shrub Health CollectionShrub Pests & DiseasesInsect, disease and environmental problems affecting Front Range landscape shrubs, with species-level health profiles.
- Shrub Health CollectionShrub Species IndexEvery Colorado landscape shrub with a health and maintenance record in The Root.
- Pest & DiseaseEmerald Ash BorerThe most destructive tree pest in history. When populations become elevated in an area, there is 100% fatality of ash trees that have not been treated.
- Pest & DiseaseLilac / Ash BorerA clearwing borer that kills individual stems on lilac and ash, most active late spring through early summer and most damaging on drought- or winter-stressed plants.
- Pest & DiseaseWinter Burn & DesiccationOrange, bronze or brown foliage on evergreens caused by winter moisture loss — most common on south and west exposures, and almost entirely preventable with winter watering.
- Plant HealthAlberta SpruceAlberta spruce is a slow-growing, dense, evergreen conifer commonly used as an accent plant, entryway anchor, or formal foundation shrub. In Colorado, most decline problems are tied to dry winter wind/sun, drought stress, and mite pressure, especially when plants are in hot exposures or allowed to dry out.
- Plant HealthArborvitaeArborvitae are popular evergreen screens in Colorado but are highly sensitive to drought, winter burn, hot sun exposure, and spider mites. Most issues trace back to water stress, root problems, or environmental extremes, rather than insects.
- Plant HealthArctic WillowArctic willow problems in Colorado landscapes: identify aphids, willow leaf beetle, scale, canker and leaf spot, and see when to treat dwarf willows on the Front Range.
- Lawn & TurfAscochyta Leaf BlightAscochyta Leaf Blight is a rapid-onset turf disease that causes lawns to appear straw-colored almost overnight, especially after periods of heat + drought stress, mowing injury, or irregular watering. Despite its alarming appearance, Ascochyta is usually temporary and non- lethal.
- Plant HealthBarberryBarberry is a dense, thorny shrub commonly used for hedges, barriers, and foundation plantings. In Colorado it’s generally tough, but can still be affected by sap- feeding insects, mites, and a few foliar diseases—especially when crowded or stressed.
- Lawn & TurfBillbug (Turf Insect Damage)Billbugs are root-feeding weevils that damage Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and occasionally tall fescue in Colorado. Larvae feed inside stems and roots, causing dead patches that resemble drought or heat stress. Damage appears late spring through mid- summer.
- Plant HealthBoxwoodBoxwood is a popular evergreen shrub commonly used for hedges and foundation plantings. In Colorado, it is affected by winter desiccation, leafminer, psylla, mites, and several fungal issues. Most problems are manageable with proper watering and pruning.
- Plant HealthBurning BushBurning bush is a dense, deciduous shrub valued for bright fall color and hedge screening. In Colorado it’s generally tough, but drought stress and dense growth can allow mites, scale insects, and foliar diseases to develop.
- Lawn & TurfChinch Bugs (Turf)Chinch bugs are sap-sucking insects that cause patchy, drought-like lawn damage, especially during hot, dry summers. They thrive in sunny, dry areas and weaken turf by removing plant juices and injecting toxins. Damage appears quickly and often mimics heat stress or drought scorch.
- Plant HealthCommon LilacCommon lilac problems in Colorado: identify lilac leafminer, powdery mildew, bacterial blight, borers and scale, with symptoms, seasonal timing and homeowner treatment options.
- Lawn & TurfCranberry Girdler (Turf)Cranberry Girdler is a root- and crown-feeding caterpillar that damages Colorado turf, especially Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and bentgrass. It causes large thinning areas, brown patches, and poor late-summer lawn recovery. It is one of the most destructive sod- feeding insects in Colorado turf.
- Plant HealthCurrantCurrants are deciduous shrubs grown for fruit, pollinators, and hardy landscape use. In the Colorado Front Range, most issues are seasonal and tied to sap- feeding insects, defoliators, foliar diseases, and stress. Good airflow, consistent watering, and annual cane renewal solve most problems.
- Lawn & TurfCutworms (Turf)Cutworms are night-feeding caterpillars that chew through grass blades, stems, and crowns. Damage appears as small brown patches, chewed stems, or sudden thinning, especially in newly seeded lawns. Adults are the brown or gray moths often seen fluttering around porch lights.
- Lawn & TurfDollar SpotDollar Spot is a common summer lawn disease in Colorado, especially in Kentucky bluegrass, fescues, and ryegrass under low nitrogen or drought stress. It forms silver-dollar-sized spots that merge into larger brown patches. It is destructive if unmanaged but responds well to proper nutrition and watering.
- Lawn & TurfFairy RingFairy Ring is a soil-based fungal complex that causes dark green rings, dead rings, mushrooms, or a combination of these. It is very stubborn, especially in Colorado’s dry, compacted soils and thatch-heavy bluegrass lawns. Management requires soil modification, deep watering, and sometimes fungicide + aeration programs. 4
- Lawn & TurfHeat Stress (Turfgrass)Heat Stress occurs when turfgrass experiences prolonged high temperatures, intense sun, dry soils, or shallow rooting, causing wilting, browning, and thinning. It is extremely common in Colorado during mid-summer, especially on south- and west-facing lawns, slopes, and compacted soils.
- Plant HealthHydrangeaHydrangea is a showy, deciduous flowering shrub prized for large blooms and lush foliage. In Colorado, hydrangeas do best with morning sun / afternoon shade, consistent moisture, and mulch to keep roots cool. Most problems show up when plants are drought-stressed, heat-stressed, overcrowded (poor airflow), or watered overhead.
- Lawn & TurfJapanese Beetle Grubs (Turf)Japanese beetle grubs are root-feeding white grubs that cause severe turf damage, especially in irrigated Colorado lawns. They are similar to other white grubs but tend to be more aggressive, more numerous, and more destructive. Damage appears late summer through fall and often requires preventive treatment in areas with known infestations.
- Lawn & TurfNecrotic Ring Spot (NRS)Necrotic Ring Spot is one of Colorado’s most common and destructive lawn diseases, especially in Kentucky bluegrass. It causes rings, dead patches, frog-eye patterns, and thinning that worsens with drought, heat, and excessive thatch. Usually appears late spring through fall.
- Plant HealthNinebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) problems in Colorado: identify powdery mildew, spider mites, scale, aphids and canker, with a seasonal calendar and practical treatment guidance.
- Plant HealthPotentillaPotentilla is a hardy, deciduous flowering shrub widely used in Colorado landscapes for its long bloom season and toughness. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil; most issues show up when plants are crowded, stressed, or kept too wet.
- Lawn & TurfPowdery Mildew (Turfgrass)Powdery Mildew is a cosmetic fungal disease that affects Kentucky bluegrass in shady, damp, low-airflow areas. It appears as a white, powdery coating on grass blades. It rarely kills turf and is usually a sign of too much shade, poor airflow, or prolonged moisture, rather than a serious infection.
- Plant HealthPrivetPrivet is a dense, fast-growing shrub commonly used for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings. In Colorado it is generally tough, but drought stress, dense growth, and poor airflow can allow sap-feeding insects, mites, and foliar diseases to develop—especially on tightly clipped hedges. Shrub / hedge habit Flowers (late spring–summer)
- Plant HealthRose BushRoses are classic flowering shrubs valued for color, fragrance, and long bloom season. In Colorado, most problems show up when roses are drought-stressed, heat-stressed, crowded (poor airflow), or watered overhead. Consistent deep watering, mulch, and good pruning practices prevent most issues.
- Lawn & TurfSnow MoldSnow Mold is a cool-season lawn disease that appears after long snow cover, especially on north-facing lawns, shaded areas, and yards with heavy thatch. It causes matted, bleached patches in early spring. Most cases are cosmetic and recover quickly with light raking.
- Lawn & TurfSod Webworms (Turf)Sod Webworms are grass-feeding caterpillars that chew turf blades and crowns, causing patchy brown spots that worsen in hot, dry weather. Adult moths are the small tan moths that fly up when you walk across the lawn. Damage usually appears mid–summer through early fall.
- Plant HealthSpireaSpirea is a compact, deciduous flowering shrub commonly used in foundation plantings and mass beds. In Colorado it is generally low-maintenance, but drought stress, dense growth, and poor airflow can allow insects and foliar diseases to develop.
- Lawn & TurfSummer PatchSummer Patch is a serious, root-destroying turf disease in Colorado, primarily affecting Kentucky bluegrass and occasionally annual bluegrass. It thrives in hot soil temperatures, poor drainage, and compacted or overwatered lawns. Damage is often mistaken for drought stress, but watering does not revive affected patches.
- Lawn & TurfTurf Mites (Winter Mites & Clover Mites)Turf mites are tiny, sap-feeding arachnids that cause dry, straw-colored patches, usually during late winter to early spring when grass is stressed and moisture is low. In Colorado, winter turf mite damage is extremely common, especially on south- and west-facing slopes.
- Lawn & TurfTurf RustRust is a very common late-summer lawn disease in Colorado, especially during dry periods, slow growth, or nutrient deficiency. It coats grass blades in orange dust, weakens the lawn, and can stain shoes and pets. Rust is usually non-lethal and easy to manage with proper fertilization and watering.
- Plant HealthViburnumViburnum is a popular deciduous (some semi-evergreen) flowering shrub used for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings. Many viburnums provide spring flowers, fall color, and berries. In Colorado, most issues are seasonal and manageable with proper watering, pruning, sanitation, and timely scouting.
- Lawn & TurfWhite Grubs (Turf)White grubs are root-feeding beetle larvae that damage lawns by chewing through the turf’s root system. This causes large brown patches, spongy turf, and easy peel-back of sod. Grub damage typically appears late summer through fall, but the insects develop underground year-round.
- Plant HealthYewsYews are durable, shade-tolerant evergreens widely used in Colorado landscapes. They are generally tough but can suffer from winter burn, root issues, needle blight, and occasional insect pests. Yews are highly sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage, which is the #1 cause of decline in Colorado soils.
- Lawn Health CollectionLawn & Turf ProblemsInsect, disease and environmental problems affecting Front Range lawns — symptoms, seasonal timing and when the damage is only cosmetic.
- Care GuideEssential Watering for Colorado TreesWhy supplemental watering is not optional on the Front Range, what water actually does inside a tree, and how watering plans are built around soil type, landscape and species.
- Care GuideTree Pruning BasicsWhy trees are pruned, what proper structural pruning accomplishes, when to prune in Colorado, and which species need dormant-season timing.
- Care GuideFront Range Shrub Care CalendarWhen to scout, prune, water, treat and clean up — the seasonal sequence that prevents most shrub problems on Front Range properties.
- Care GuidePlanting Trees in Colorado SoilMost young tree failures on the Front Range trace back to decisions made in the first hour and the first three years after planting.
- Care GuideTree Fertilization and Soil NutritionHow soil testing drives a fertilization prescription, why deep root injection outperforms surface granular in clay, how chelated iron corrects chlorosis in high-pH soil, and when to apply.
- Care GuideStructural Defects and Tree RiskThe ISA assessment framework, the structural defects that drive failure on the Front Range, what makes a tree a hazard tree, and how risk ratings translate into action.
- Care GuideTree Support Systems: Cabling, Bracing and GuyingHow static and dynamic cabling, through-rod bracing and guying work, when each is prescribed, and what ongoing inspection a support system requires.
- ArticleSpring Tree Care Checklist for Colorado HomeownersSpring in Colorado is when your trees are set up for success—or start down the path of decline. After a long winter of dry conditions, wind exposure, and temperature swings, your trees need more than just water…
- ArticleBiological Soil InoculationMost tree care in Colorado focuses on watering, fertilization, and pruning—but one of the most powerful tools for improving tree health exists below ground.
- ArticleThe Amazing World of Galls: What They Are and What They Mean for Your TreesIf you’ve ever noticed strange bumps, balls, or growths on your tree leaves or branches, you’ve likely encountered one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena: Galls. While they can look alarming…
- ArticleUnderstanding Winter Desiccation & Freeze Damage in Colorado TreesLearn what winter desiccation is, how cold, dry conditions damage trees, and practical steps to protect evergreens and other trees from winter moisture loss.
- ArticleWhy Winter Watering Is Critical for Tree HealthColorado winters look dormant, but trees are still active below ground. One often-overlooked tip: remember to water trees during winter.
- ArticleHow Climate Change in Colorado Is Affecting the Urban ForestColorado’s climate has always been challenging for trees. High elevation, dry air, intense sunlight, and temperature swings make it a tough environment.
- ArticleHow Road Salts Can Damage Your TreesWhy do trees closest to the street look stressed, discolored, or dying? In many cases, road salts are the hidden cause of this ongoing issue Coloradans face.
- ArticleUnderstanding Co-Dominant UnionsOne of the most common structural defects in urban trees is something called co-dominant unions, and it plays a major role in why trees split or fail…
- ArticleWhy Bark Beetles Thrive on the Front RangeBark beetles are native—so why do they cause so much damage now? Several environmental conditions have aligned to create ideal conditions for this pest.
- ArticleThe Importance of Pruning Your TreesAs an arborist, I often tell homeowners that tree pruning is one of the most valuable—and most misunderstood—forms of tree care.
- ArticleThe Best Trees to Plant in Colorado YardsPlanting a tree in Colorado is an investment that can last generations. Whether it’s for shade, privacy, beauty, or to increase property value, the tree...
- ArticleWhen Your Tree Might Be at Risk of FailingTrees are strong, resilient living structures. They withstand storms, wind, snow loads, and decades of growth. But like any living organism, trees can...
- ArticleUnderstanding Spider MitesIf you’ve ever noticed dusty, bronzed foliage on a spruce, pale speckles on leaves, or extremely fine webbing between needles or under leaves, there’s a...
- ArticleSoil Health & Organic Amendments: What Colorado Homeowners Need to KnowThe health of your soil is the foundation of the health of your trees. Pruning, proper planting, and essential watering are important, but soil health is vital.
- ArticleUnderstanding Scale Insects in ColoradoWhen Colorado homeowners notice sticky leaves, black sooty mold, or patches of dying branches, they can assume it’s a fungus or lack of water. Scale insects...
- ArticleWhy Tree Topping Is DangerousTree topping is one of the most harmful—and unfortunately most common—pruning mistakes we see in residential landscapes. Colorado homeowners often...
- ArticleHow Drought Stresses Trees Differently Than HeatIt’s easy to think that drought and heat are the same kind of stress for trees. After all, both usually happen in summer, both cause leaves to wilt or brown...
- ArticleWhy Hiring a Professional Tree Care Company with Certified Arborists MattersMost homeowners call a tree service company when a tree becomes a problem—after a storm, when roots start lifting pavement, or when branches threaten the roof.
- ArticleDutch Elm Disease Back in ColoradoFor many Colorado neighborhoods, mature elm trees are more than just landscaping—they are history. American elm and Siberian elm were widely planted...
- ArticleSoil Compaction in New Construction SitesIf you live in a recently built home—or are planning to plant a tree in a new development—you’ve probably noticed that landscape trees don’t always thrive...
- ArticleUnderstanding Fire BlightIf you’ve ever seen a branch tip on your flowering pear or crabapple suddenly turn black and curl over like a hooked cane, you’ve likely seen fire blight...
- ArticleProtecting Your Ash Trees in ColoradoAs a Colorado arborist, I can tell you this with absolute confidence: If you have ash trees, it needs protection. Ash trees make up a huge portion of Colorado's…
- ArticleOverwatering vs. UnderwateringIf your tree looks dry, wilted, or stressed, your first instinct is usually to grab the hose. But here’s the tricky part: the symptoms of overwatering and...
- ArticleColorado’s Front Range Pest CalendarOne of the most common questions I hear as a certified arborist is: “When do certain tree pests show up in Colorado?” In Colorado, timing matters...
- ArticleA Closer Look Into AphidsThroughout the Colorado Front Range—where our climate shifts quickly from cool, rainy springs to hot, dry summers—aphids are one of the most common insects…
- ArticleNeedle Cast in Spruce Trees — What Colorado Homeowners Should KnowEvergreen spruce trees — like Colorado blue spruce, white spruce, and other ornamental spruces — are among the most popular evergreens in Colorado landscaping.
- ArticleJapanese Beetle Populations on the Rise in ColoradoIn recent years, homeowners across the Front Range—from Fort Collins down through Denver & into Colorado Springs—have seen a sharp increase in Japanese beetles.
- ArticleIron Chlorosis in Colorado TreesHave you noticed your tree’s leaves turning yellow while the veins stay green, especially in spring? You’re likely seeing a condition called iron chlorosis.
- ArticleHow to Water Newly Planted TreesThe first 3 years after planting are the most critical in a tree’s entire life. Even healthy nursery trees fail every year because of incorrect watering.
- ArticleUnderstanding Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs)When most homeowners think about tree care, they think about pruning, watering, fertilizing, or managing pests. But there is another powerful tool...
- ArticleWhy Fertilizing Your Trees and Shrubs Matters in ColoradoAs a Colorado arborist, one of the most common questions I hear from homeowners is: “Do my trees really need to be fertilized?”…
- ArticleTree Value Assessments: Understanding the True Worth of Your TreesMost homeowners know their trees provide shade, beauty, & maybe a little extra curb appeal. But many don’t realize that trees also have real financial value...
- ArticlePlanting Trees for the Future ClimateWhen most people choose a tree, they pick what looks beautiful today. But what makes a tree thrive today isn’t always what will help it survive in 50 years...
- ArticleColorado’s Dry Summer Is Stressing Your Trees: What Front Range Homeowners Should Do NowLong stretches of heat and limited rainfall can put even established Colorado trees under significant stress. By late July, waiting for the next storm isn’t a tree-care strategy. Here’s how to recognize drought stress, water effectively, and help your trees make it through the rest of summer in better condition.
- Tree CollectionRecommended TreesA selection resource for homeowners deciding what to plant — organized by the role the tree will play on the property.
- Shrub CollectionRecommended ShrubsA selection resource for the shrub layer — the plants that carry structure, screening and seasonal interest between the trees and the turf.