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Welcome to ArborScape's FAQ section!
You’re in the right place. Dive into our FAQ section to find quick and
helpful answers to your most pressing tree care questions.
TREE TRIMMING FAQs
The best time of year to trim trees is typically in the early spring time. The fresh cuts help encourage new growth.
However, this can vary depending on the species of tree. For instance, fruit trees in the apple family are best trimmed in their dormancy cycle, which is winter time, so we prune those trees between January – March. This is due to these trees being susceptible to blight, so trimming in the winter helps prevent the spread of this disease.
However, summer can also be a good time for trimming trees, since you’re able to see more clearly which branches are dead or dying.
Trimming trees is usually for cosmetic purposes, like removing a few broken or dead branches.
Pruning a tree covers the health and structure of the tree. Pruning a tree means opening up the canopy for more air flow and/or to help prevent storm damage.
You should trim your tree about every other year to maintain its integrity. Depending on other environmental factors, like storm damage, or drought, you may need it a little more frequently in order to keep you and your property safe.
TREE REMOVAL FAQs
Here are some signs to look for to see if your tree is dead and needs to be removed:
- a bare canopy in the growing season
- bark & trunk damage like vertical cracks or deep wounds
- Root Problems like lifted roots or mushrooms around the base of the tree
ArborScape’s minimum trip fee for tree removals or trimming starts at $250. However, our arborists measure the tree to find the diameter of the trunk at chest height, then charge roughly $100-$150 per inch in diameter depending on other environmental factors, such as if the tree is growing into a fence, or if our crew needs specialized equipment, like a crane.
The City of Denver and the City of Aurora both require permits to remove Right of Way Trees, but not ones on your property. ArborScape will take care of that paperwork for you and communicate any issues.
TREE SPRAYING FAQs
Trees are susceptible to pests and disease. Spraying your trees can help mitigate these issues. Spraying your trees can help protect them from borers, beetles, and general insects that can stress your tree, making it more prone to disease.
The Emerald Ash Borer is running rampant through Denver. Once infested, there is no saving your ash tree. Mountain Pine Beetles and Ips Beetles are also making their way across the Front Range and invading pines and spruces. ArborScape offers sprays and injections to prevent these issues.
The timing for spraying trees for insects can vary depending on the pest and the species of the tree.
For instance, we spray for IPS and mountain pine beetles in the spring and summer. We do a first spray in March to target the first generation before they can attack the tree, and then we do another spray in the summer to protect against any larvae that might have been laid in the tree.
Meanwhile, we do bark injections every other year on ash trees to protect against the Emerald Ash Borer. These treatments are done in June, after the leaves have budded out.
Our insecticides are not safe for animals or children. We recommend keeping them inside while your trees are being sprayed, and not touching anything until it’s dry. Luckily, this shouldn’t take longer than 45 minutes, even less when it’s super hot out. Our sprays contain a strong bonding agent that, once the spray dries to the trees, will help the chemical last up to six weeks!
Certified Arborist FAQs
A certified arborist specifically is someone who has passed the ISA exam after meeting rigorous educational requirements. These requirements include an understanding of Tree Biology, Tree Identification, Soil Management, Tree Installation & Establishment, Tree Pruning, Tree Diagnosis & Treatment, Trees & Construction, Tree Risk, Safe Work Practices, and Urban Forestry. This knowledge comes from a combination of classroom learning as well as hands-on practice.
As aforementioned, a certified arborist is knowledgeable in tree biology and practical application in how to manage diseases, and safe pruning and tree removals. Having this knowledge for your tree projects ensure high quality work, a safe and professional atmosphere, and arborists are licensed for your peace of mind.
ArborScape has certifed arborists on staff, and we can are fully licensed and insured and can provide copies to you for your peace of mind.
The emerald ash borer is a type of beetle that burrows under the bark of ash trees to feed on the tree and lay their eggs.
The adult beetle is dark metallic green in color, 1/2 inch long and 1/8 inch wide. The larvae, which are found under the bark, are a type of flat-headed borer that is pale-colored, has an elongated body, and a slightly flattened area behind the head.
Emerald ash borers attack all sizes of ash trees, from 1/2 inch saplings to the most mature trees.
It can be a little tricky to detect these pests due to them burrowing under the bark, but there are some signs:
- Branches without any leaves, especially at the tops of ash trees
- Vertical splits in the bark exposing S-shaped tunnels
- Wild leafy branches (new growth) sprouting from the trunk
- D-shaped exit holes.
Yes there is no natural control to keep the insect in check. The larval stage of EAB feeds under the bark of trees, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. Infested trees gradually die over a period of approximately two to four years. Right now the only way to keep your tree alive is with a bark injection done every other year.
ArborScape uses Imidacloprid, which is a soil injection or drench that is done in early to mid-spring to mid-late fall. Best done on trees from 1 to 10 inches DBH (diameter at breast height). This is done every year.
We also use Emamectin benzoate, a trunk injection done around June after trees have leafed out. Best done on trees 10 DBH and bigger. This is done every other year.
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