TREE PEST MANAGEMENT

Colorado’s unique climate creates challenges for trees, where dry soils and nutrient loss make proper care—and effective tree pest management—essential to longevity.

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Tree Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focuses on protecting your trees by understanding the entire ecosystem they live in — not just the pests that threaten them.

Pest management in your landscape is a critical aspect of maintaining a healthy, aesthetically pleasing, and safe outdoor environment. Effective tree pest management not only protects your plants and property but also promotes biodiversity, minimizes environmental impact, and enhances your overall quality of life. We all love to enjoy our landscapes, but if left untreated, insect populations can cause unwanted stress for you and your plants.

What Does Integrated Pest Managment (IPM) Look Like?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focuses on protecting your trees by understanding the entire ecosystem they live in — not just the pests that threaten them. Rather than relying on aggressive chemical treatments as a first step, IPM strategies for your landscape include:

To Treat or Not To Treat?

Should action be taken? If pests are identified, we look at the long-term economic threat and environmental conditions that could potentially be threatened. Spraying pesticides is not always the answer.

Control

By determining action thresholds, creating a specific plan for your property, and continual monitoring of control methods we can effectively decrease numbers of unwanted pests on your property.

Create A Plan

If it is determined that preventative measures need to be taken, GWTC will work with you to create a plan through a variety of different methods that best suit your landscape’s needs.

Monitor

We will visit your property numerous times throughout the year to ensure that, if preventative or targeted action was taken, is it working? Are there other means of Biological, Cultural, or Mechanical control methods that may better suit your landscape?

Our Approach to IPM

Through careful monitoring, targeted treatments, and long-term prevention strategies, IPM reduces risk to people, pets, wildlife, and beneficial insects while helping trees stay healthy and resilient.

The result is a safer, more sustainable approach to pest control that protects your property today and preserves the environment for tomorrow.

Monitoring & Identification

Preventive Measures

Mechanical & Physical Control

Biological Control

Chemical Control (as a last resort)

Benefits of IPM

Cost Effective

IPM focuses on long-term prevention and suppression of pests, reducing the need for expensive chemical treatments.

Environmentally Friendly

By minimizing chemical use, IPM promotes biodiversity and reduces environmental impact.

Sustainable

IPM strategies are designed to be effective in the long term, ensuring the health and resilience of your landscape.

Healthier Plants

IPM promotes plant health by encouraging strong, vigorous growth and reducing the need for excessive fertilization or other inputs.

Issues We Face In Colorado

Types Of Tree Pests

Emerald Ash Borer, Bronze Birch Borer, Aphids, Ips Beetle, Ash Bark Beetle, Leafminers, Red Turpentine Beetle, Lilac Ash Borer, Pine Wilt Nematode, Redheaded Ash Borer, Hard Scales, Soft Scales, Mountain Pine Beetle, Banded Ash Borer, Mites, Locust Borer, Peachtree Borer, Gall Makers, Tussock Moth, Pine Tip Moth, Thrips White Pine, Weevil, Elm Leaf Beetle, Sawflies

Why It Matters

Insect pests feed on leaves, bark, and wood tissues, damaging a tree’s ability to move water and nutrients. Some, like borers and beetles, burrow deep into the trunk where treatment becomes difficult, causing irreversible internal decay.

Left untreated, pest infestations weaken a tree’s structure, shorten its lifespan, and can create hazardous conditions if branches or entire trees fail. Early detection and prevention are critical to protecting safety and preserving long-term tree health.

Types Of Tree Diseases

Thyronectria Canker, Ascochyta Leaf Blight, Leaf Rusts,
Cytospora Canker, Leaf Spot Fungi, Root Rot, Black Spot Nectria Canker, Powdery Mildew, Anthracnose Fire Blight, Blue Stain Fungus, Marssonina Leaf Spot, Septoria Leaf Spot, Ink Spot, Bacterial Wetwood, Plant Viruses, Root Disease, Coral Spot Necteria Canker, Armillaria Root Rot, Black Stain Root Disease, Pinon Decline, Mistletoe (parasitic relationship)

Why It Matters

Diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, or parasites often go unnoticed as they spread through a tree’s vascular system. They block nutrient flow, weaken the canopy, and leave trees more susceptible to insect attacks.

Many diseases can spread to nearby trees, threatening entire landscapes. Early treatment protects tree health, prevents spread, and reduces the need for costly removal or replacement.

Environmental Impact

Drought Stress, Overwatering, Poor Soil Conditions, Winter Desiccation, Animal Damage, Road Salt Damage, Construction Damage, Sunscald, Poor Planting Practices

Why It Matters

Colorado’s climate puts significant stress on trees, especially those not adapted to our altitude, soils, and drastic temperature swings. Drought, sun exposure, poor soil, and winter damage weaken natural defenses, making trees more vulnerable to pests and disease.

Improving soil conditions, watering habits, and planting techniques strengthens tree health and reduces the need for treatments over time.