How to Care for Trees In Colorado

Colorado is home to a diverse landscape consisting of desert, river canyons, and the snow-covered Rocky Mountains. The land-locked state is known for its fluctuating temperatures, high altitude, and intense sunlight, which can be challenging for tree care.

How Does Colorado’s Climate Affect Trees

Colorado is usually a dry climate because of its position away from large bodies of water. The state typically experiences hot summers and cold winters with large temperature differences throughout the day. Because of these unique conditions, watering, fertilizing, and tree trimming and pruning are high-priority items for Colorado tree care.

How Much Water Do Trees Need In Colorado

How much water to use and when depends on the tree’s needs and weather. Insufficient watering can lead to stress, decline, and susceptibility to pests and diseases in trees. Colorado trees need water year-round because summers can be hot and dry and there is often insufficient snow in winter to keep soils moist.. . In winter, avoid watering when temperatures are below 40 degrees. Apply water at midday so it has time to  penetrate into the soil without freezing  or use deep-root watering tools to apply water beneath the surface. For newly planted trees, about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter when soils are dry should do the trick. Water trees three times per month in September, and cut back to one or two times per month from October through March. For more mature trees, aim for one to two inches of water every two weeks during the growing season and once a month in October through April.

When Should You Trim Trees in Colorado

Proper pruning promotes structural integrity and airflow for a tree. In Colorado, late winter to early spring, when trees are still dormant, is the best time for most species. When trees are dormant, they can allocate more energy to closing pruning wounds in the spring. For certain species, it’s best to avoid pruning once leaf and flower buds start to expand in the spring to reduce the likelihood of spreading disease.

When To Fertilize Trees In Colorado

For general fertilizing, a complete fertilizer that has three parts nitrogen, one part phosphorus, and one part potassium can help provide essential nutrients to a tree. Applying below the soil surface and beyond the drip line provides the best results. In general, it’s best to fertilize before July or after the leaves have dropped in the fall for optimal results. Fertilization is most effective when used appropriately. Determine if fertilization is necessary for your trees by performing a soil test. Stressed or diseased trees should not be fertilized until the underlying stressor or disease is managed.

Signs Your Tree Is Struggling From A Tree Pest or Disease

If a tree is overwatered, over- or under-fertilized, or pruned improperly, it can cause stress, disease, or pest infestation. Make sure to monitor your tree health regularly by looking out for cracks and holes in the trunk, dead and dying branches, and leaves dying or falling prematurely. Early detection of these symptoms allows for prompt intervention and mitigation.

Drought Tolerant & Native Trees For Your Colorado Landscape

Native and drought-tolerant trees do great in the diverse climates of Colorado since they require less water and maintenance. Here are a few examples:

• Colorado Blue Spruce
• Rocky Mountain Sugar (Acer grandidentatum) or Sensation Maple (A. negundo)
• Ponderosa or Pinion Pine
• Rocky Mountain Juniper
• Eastern Redbud
• Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

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