We’ve gotten, rain, snow, sleet and hail in May 2010. You may not have to water your trees as much as past years. There is no hard and fast rule about how much water a tree needs. But you can over do it.

Taking into account the amount of snow we had in Denver, the ground is very saturated.  Consider the following factors.

• Drainage -   Is the tree on a hill or in a low lying gully. Water will move away on a hill and pool in a gully.
• Species – Volunteer trees need like Chinese elm need less water for instance.
• Tree Size - Smaller trees may respond better to a drip watering system while larger trees need a deep root watering.
• Tree context – A cottonwood is a water hog, so it will take more than its fair share from a neighboring tree. Xeriscaping,  lawn condition and proximity to pavement and other structures also play a factor.

This is just a high level overview. We’ve looked at trees that the owner thought was stressed from drought but it turned out the tree was getting too much water.  The symptoms are similar.  Here’s more food for thought on this and also some pictures of overwatered trees.

May

• Mulch around flower and shrub beds to conserve moisture and keep down weeds.
• Water plants, trees, shrubs and lawn infrequently, but thoroughly.
• After May 20th, put out annuals and perennials.
• Spray for Mountain Pine Beetle.
• Check for Aphids.
• Fertilize annuals and perennials with fertilizer.
• Trim trees.
• Fertilize the lawn.
• Plant a new tree.
• Apply Cambisat growth regulator on trees that you want to control growth.
• Spray for IPS.
• Spray for Ash Borer.
• Envirotree fertilization to promote health of tree.
• Sprinkler Turn On.

April

• Prepare to activate the sprinkler system.
• Aerate and fertilize the lawn, use pre-emerge gent for weed control.
• Deep root trees and shrubs.
• Trim trees.
• Spray for IPS.
• Check for Aphids.
• Remove Tree wrap from tree after April 20.
• Plant summer flowering bulbs.
• Plant flower.
• Plant a new tree.
• Apply Cambistate growth regulator.
• Cooly Spruce gall.
• Enviro-tree fertilization to promote health of tree.
• sprinkler tune up.

March

• Prepare yard for the summer use rake leaves Cut rose bushes Cut back perennials.
• Trim trees.
• Thin old, overgrown deciduous shrubs.
• Deep water trees and shrubs as needed.
• Apply Merit for year long control of leave chewing insect in your deep root fertilizations program.
• Plant a new tree.
• Trim trees now for a discount.
• Trim crabapple and American elm now
• Winter water small trees and shrubs if needed
• Check yard for tree and shrub branches that may be damaged by snow
• Make sure you brush heavy snows from your evergreen branches
• Start planning for flower, perennial and vegetables
• Begin weeding those beds not cleaned in fall
• Schedule deep root watering for large trees if soil not frozen
• Schedule plug aeration and 1st fertilization for turf
• Schedule Crabgrass treatment
• Schedule Plant Health treatments for Ips Beetle, Ash Borer and Pine tip moth
• Last chance to schedule repair work from winter snow damage

Now is the time to protect your trees from wood boring insects. Preventive treatments are available for your landscape trees.

Colorado Spruce – Ips beetle attack trees that are newly planted or stressed from drought or root damage. Multiple generations can occur every year. This pest requires two treatments each year. Pine trees are also vulnerable to this insect.

Ponderosa Pine – The much read about Mountain Pine Beetle could be looking for a home in your landscape. Most recognized from news reports in the high country, this insect can attack trees in ornamental settings along the front range. This pest has been seen along the natural settings of the Pinery south of Denver.

Lilac Ash Borer – Ash trees are the main targets for this insect. Attacks usually are found in the area where the branches attach to the main trunk. Although it may take two years to kill an entire tree, dead branches can make an unsightly addition to your landscape.