Why We’re Writing
This is the first edition of hopefully many Colorado TreeScapes, Inc. newsletters. It’s meant to be as much informative as it is enjoyable. We wanted to develop some sort of publication that would provide insight to the nuances of tree care to Colorado residents, whether tree enthusiasts, property manager, or just those with a keen eye for natural beauty. Possessing the knowledge base to offer trees a chance to grow and thrive is for the yard-loving layperson as well as the arborist. We’ve been doing this for about sixteen years now, and we know that often the best way we can serve is to simply be a resource. We hope you find our little newsletter to be functional, fun, and germane to all your tree-related inquiries.
Thank you,
The Colorado TreeScapes Team
Does This Look Infected?
Iron Chlorosis
You may have seen some trees with leaves that are yellow long before fall arrives; perhaps you have one in your own backyard. Most often this premature yellow hue is an indication of an iron deficiency known as iron chlorosis. It is most commonly seen in several varieties of maples and oaks, but it sometimes affects other common species such as crabapples and aspens.
Chlorosis is caused by an insufficient amount of iron available for the tree to produce chlorophyll. Without enough chlorophyll the process for photosynthesis is stunted, leaving trees with lackluster leaves during seasons when they should be looking their best. When assessing the severity of the iron deficiency, both the intensity of yellowing as well as the level of saturation throughout the canopy are taken into account.
The cause of the iron deficiencies can vary from tree to tree. Colorado generally has more than adequate amounts of iron in its soil, but the commonly found high alkaline clay soil throughout Colorado contains mostly useless insoluble iron. Furthermore, what constitutes as enough iron for one tree may prove a shortage for another. For example, the silver maple tends to require more than the average Colorado tree.
Fortunately, steps can be taken to relieve the issue. First, avoid planting trees known to have problems with chlorosis in soils with high alkalinity. If you already have a tree that you suspect has iron chlorosis, you can give us a call to diagnose and recommend a treatment option.
Introducing iron additives to the root zone after a soil test has determined what is lacking can restore balance to the soil. There are foliar sprays available, but the reversal of the yellowing is very temporary. Most often we recommend a trunk injection instead. Compared to other treatment options trunk injections have shown to provide trees with the greatest amount of longevity and vigor. While there is no true cure, compensating for iron poor soil can make the difference between a tree with sustained, healthy growth and a tree with unsatisfactory canopies and untimely deterioration.
Source: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/2121.html
Featured Tree
Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis)
Mature Height- 20′ to 25′
Mature Spread- up to 20′
The Eastern Redbud is a moderate-to-fast grower that can be found in single- or multi-stem form. It requires modest amounts of water and does best in partial shade. Some of its most distinctive features include its heart shaped leaf and bright red to purple flowers which bloom before it leafs out in April. In autumn its leaves will turn a brilliant yellow. This is a relatively hardy tree that would go perfectly in a small yard or near any outdoor patio area.
Two Simple Tips to Help Keep Your Trees Happy Year Round
Drought is a major concern in Colorado most years. With recent record-breaking heat, it looks like another tough season is ahead for the trees and shrubs throughout the metro Denver area. There is no better time than now to think about preparing your trees for the hot, dry months ahead. Here are two keys to help combat the heat and help your trees burgeon.
Mulching – Adding mulch to your landscape not only supports aesthetic appeal and keeps back the weeds; it also hugely benefits your trees. Mulching the area around your trees will help lessen the adverse effects of sizable temperature swings and the stress to the root zone caused by sun-baked soil. A sufficient layer of mulch will not only keep the roots cool in the summer, it will also aid in retaining precious moisture around the root zone.
When mulching around your tree here are a few things to remember: (1) Keep the thickness in the 3″ to 4″ range. Pile it on too thick and you can block oxygen from getting down to the roots. (2) Be sure to cover as much area of the root zone as your landscape will allow. Ideally you want it at least a couple feet past the edge of the canopy. (3) Beware of piling mulch too high around the trunk as this can lead to rot and decay of the bark. (4) Make sure to replenish the mulched areas at least every few years as it will decompose and become thin over time.
Watering – Trees need water. It’s that simple. Very few trees that can survive, let alone thrive, in our climate without some form of supplemental watering. Irrigation is important to helping trees out during the growing season, but it does have its limits. Most sprinkler systems are set up to focus on the lawn. This usually means that the trees only get what is not already absorbed by the grass, and/or the tree is skipped over entirely because the water doesn’t reach to the location of root growth. One way to help is watering the trees with the garden hose, making sure to soak around the drip line of the tree. Extra watering might be difficult this year as Denver already has watering restrictions in place with more municipalities sure to follow suit.
This is where we can help. We offer several different deep root watering programs designed to suit the varying needs of different yards. One of the benefits of these deep root treatments is getting the water down below the grass and right to the roots of the trees. Organic materials are also mixed in to help replenish vital minerals and nutrients as they are used up. The ability to water trees in the winter is another benefit. Winter is a key time in the growth of a tree. This is when they are storing up reserves for the growing season ahead. Being able to water them in the winter months helps in their ability to build back those reserves they depleted in the previous year. Whether you choose to employ us to water or do it yourself, the important thing is that watering the trees gets done. You will reap the benefits year after year as the trees show their appreciation by adding to the beauty and value of your landscape.
One of Us: Griff Gehring
Griff is the Owner & President of Colorado TreeScapes, Inc. and has been working in the tree Industry since 1995. He entered the field by happenstance when an early fall snow knocked down an arsenal of limbs and branches. He was only a high school senior, but his phone started ringing wildly from lawn clients who needed tree care as a result of the storm.
After graduating from Cherry Creek High School in 1996, he headed up to Ft. Collins to further his education. While he was there, he started a lawn and tree service under the tutelage of Tim Buchanon (City Forester, International Society of Arboriculture President and friend). After gaining invaluable knowledge and experience, he returned back home to Centennial to sell the lawn service (American Mowing, LLC) and launch Colorado TreeScapes so that he could focus specifically on trees. He earned an Arborist Certification through Tree Care Industry Association and his General applicators license—Certified Supervisor and Forestry Category—through the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
It’s been over sixteen years now and the business has been a great success. The tree care industry lends itself well to Griff’s desire for a challenge. There are several variables that must be properly managed in order to operate a tree care business. Executing precise pruning and removals at 50′ and greater while dangling from a 1/2” line is just one part of a tree care business. Griff also ensures the company has all the proper certifications, city licensing, insurance certifications, knowledge, skill and staff to carry out the various tree care services. Griff is proud to employ the highest quality employees in the business, most of whom are college graduates or in the midst of earning their degrees.
Griff is thankful for the many loyal customers with whom God has blessed him over the years. He’s been married to his wife, Allyson, for twelve years and together they have three precious daughters.
Tree Trivia
● The largest Pin Oak in Colorado is taken care of by none other than Colorado TreeScapes, Inc.
● The shade and wind buffering provided by trees reduces annual heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars.
● Well-maintained trees and shrubs can increase property value by up to 14%.