Happy Trees in 2026

A Note to Our Valued Customers:

Caring for a landscape in Colorado is never simple, and 2025 reminded us just how unpredictable our climate can be. I share this annual update to help you understand what your trees and plants experienced this past year, why those conditions matter to their long-term health, and how we can work together to protect your landscape moving forward. Our goal is to support you with thoughtful, preventative care so your trees remain beautiful, healthy, safe, and resilient for years to come.

2025: A Year of Unusual Weather Extremes

The 2025 growing season brought dramatic swings in temperature and precipitation that placed significant stress on landscapes across our area.

Winter began colder and snowier than normal, followed by an abrupt shift in early spring. March and April were unusually warm, dry, and windy, with March—normally our snowiest month—bringing almost no measurable precipitation. Fire danger became a concern unusually early in the season.

In May, precipitation returned in historic fashion. Nearly 10 inches of rain fell in Denver, making it the wettest May on record. June followed with warm temperatures, steady moisture, and plenty of sunshine, resulting in vigorous and excessive new tree growth.

July then arrived with extreme heat and below-average rainfall, forcing trees to support that heavy growth under stressful conditions. August and September combined record heat with more than double our normal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for fungal diseases in trees, shrubs, and lawns.

Fall and early winter brought yet another shift. October and November were unseasonably warm and very dry, with November ranking among the driest on record. December briefly brought snow before returning to warm, windy, and dry conditions—after irrigation systems had already been winterized. Because of this, winter watering is strongly encouraged whenever temperatures allow.

Why These Conditions Matter

Trees and plants respond to prolonged stress by slowing growth and losing overall vigor. When this happens, they become far more vulnerable to insects and disease.

Stressed trees can emit chemical signals that attract opportunistic pests, particularly bark-boring insects. Many of these insects also introduce harmful pathogens. Preventative care is often the most effective way to protect your landscape and avoid irreversible damage.

Supporting Tree Health with Deep Root Fertilization

Healthy trees are better equipped to handle environmental stress. Proper plant selection, placement, installation, and nutrition are the foundation of a successful Plant Health Care Program.

Our local soils are typically alkaline and heavy in clay, which limits nutrient availability—especially for non-native landscape plants. Deep Root Fertilization helps correct these deficiencies by delivering nutrients directly to the root zone.

·       Spring and early summer applications support healthy, vigorous growth

·       Fall applications focus on root development, strength, and long-term resilience

If Deep Root Fertilization is not currently included in your program—or if you only receive one seasonal application—we would be happy to review your plan and make recommendations.

Insect and Disease Prevention

Bark-boring insects remain one of the most serious threats to trees in our region. Because these pests live beneath the bark and often carry lethal pathogens, they must be treated preventatively—before they enter the tree. Spruce, Pine, and Ash are particularly susceptible.

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer continues to spread south of Denver and remains one of the greatest threats to Ash trees. Due to its extended life cycle and destructive nature, additional targeted treatments are required for full protection.

While Ash trees are included in our first bark-borer treatment round, specific Emerald Ash Borer treatments are necessary to protect your tree long-term. Effective preventative options are available, and we offer free consultations to review your Ash trees.

Spruce ips Beetle

We have seen an increase in Spruce Ips beetle activity in our area. Similar to Pine Ips beetles, this insect has multiple generations per year and can attack trees from March through October. Two applications are typically needed for season-long control.

Trees already enrolled in our program receive preventative treatment during the first spray round, which also protects against Spruce Gall Adelgid and White Pine Weevil. At this time, Spruce Ips beetles are primarily affecting older, mature Spruce trees. Trees under 40 years old may not require a second application. We are happy to evaluate your trees and advise accordingly.

Pruning for Health, Safety, and Longevity

Proper pruning plays an essential role in maintaining tree health, structure, and safety. Removing dead, diseased, or damaged limbs encourages healthy growth, reduces the spread of disease, and minimizes the risk of storm-related damage.

Reducing heavy or overextended limbs improves balance and stability, while removing crossing or interfering branches ensures proper long-term structure. These same principles apply to shrubs.

Certain species—including Apple, Crabapple, Hawthorn, and Pear—should only be pruned during winter months, when specific bacterial diseases are dormant. Winter pruning (December through February) also helps prepare trees for the heavy, wet snows we often see in early spring.

How We Can Help You This Season

If you have questions or would like us to:

·       Review or update your Plant Health Care Program

·       Add or adjust Deep Root Fertilization

·       Evaluate trees for insect or disease risk

·       Schedule winter watering or pruning

Please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help and we will do all we can to provide guidance.

With Our Sincere Thanks

We truly appreciate the trust you place in us to care for your landscape. Your trees are living investments, and we take that responsibility seriously. Thank you for allowing us to be your partner in protecting their health, beauty, and longevity.

I together with all of the Knotheads wish you and your family, a healthy, happy, and peaceful 2026.

Warmest,

Brett