Planting season is just around the corner: 

Choosing to plant a tree is always a good thing, so we would like to help with some species that have the best chance to thrive in our difficult climate... see trees in the spotlight

Re-sodding Dead Lawn Spots:

Dead spots in your lawn are ugly and embarrassing.  Here are some effective steps to make sure your efforts to fix dead spots succeed.

To get started you must clear the area of the remaining dead grass.  If any weeds have germinated they must also be dug out or treated with a post emergent herbicide and allowed to sit for one week.  Tilling of the upper 4" to 6" will allow easy mixing of additional soil amendments such as organic matter and high quality top soil.  Before the new sod is put into place the cultivated area must be smoothed over and graded.  

The new sod should be kept thoroughly wet to a depth of at least 4" and watered three to five times a day during the first seven to fourteen days depending on the heat of the season.  It is important to keep foot traffic off the sod so it may take root.

As the sod begins to grow it is important to maintain a good height.  The first mowing should not be done for the first two weeks after the sod has been laid.  Optimum height is 3", and it is crucial not to remove more than 1/3 of the total height at any one mowing.  With careful attention your efforts and your lawn will quickly flourish.  Do not mow for at least 2 weeks or until the lawn has grown to 2-1/2".

Early Snowfalls Have Dwindled

Despite periodic snowfalls in the metro area, the moisture has not been adequate to keep our plants healthy and ready for spring.

The moisture that arrived in October has dropped off dramatically and the promise of a winter filled with sledding, skiing and snowboarding has not come to pass.  The total amount of moisture in Denver from 11/1/09 through 1/26/10 is less than 1.5" with January's total being less than 1/10 of an inch.  The need for supplemental watering for recently planted trees is always important during the winter, but at current levels it becomes very important for larger trees to recieve supplemental watering as well.

Contest Tree Winner:

To launch our new website and encourage you to sign up to our Tree Top Times e-newsletter, we ran a tree giveaway contest. Mr. & Mrs. Myers of Lakewood were the lucky winners of our first contest to recieve a free tree.  Stay tuned for the updates and photos of the tree planting this spring.   

 2010 Proposals Are On Their Way
Please keep an eye on your mailbox for your 2010 Plant Health Care proposal.  We are ready to answer any questions you may have so don't hesitate to call.  Please remember that many of our applications are time sensitive and it is important to return your proposals as soon as possible.

Spring Landscape Projects
Be sure not to miss the Colorado Garden and Home Show, at the Colorado Convention Center, February 13-21st. www.gardeningcolorado.com

TREES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Spring Snow Crabapple   Crabapple, Spring Snow – Malus x ‘Spring Snow’ Spread: 15-20' Height:  25-30' Crown Uniformity:  symmetrical canopy with a regular (smooth) outline and individuals have more or less identical crown forms. Crown Shape: Oval and upright Crown Density:  Dense Flower Color:  White Flower Characteristics:  Spring flowering and very showy Uses:  Bonsai, Espalier, parking lot islands, buffer strips around parking lots or for median strip planning on the highway, tree lawns, near a deck or patio, specimen, residential street tree.  Tree has been successful in urban areas with poor drainage and compacted soil with droughty conditions.

Autumn Brilliance   Autumn Brillance Serviceberry - Amelanchier x grandiflora Spread:  15-25' Height:  15-25' Crown Uniformity:  Symmetrical canopy with a regular (smooth) outline and individuals have more or less identical crown forms. Crown Shape:  Upright, vase Crown Density:  Moderate Growth Rate:  Slow Uses:  Best in shrub borders or as a small ornamental tree.  Also effective in woodland or naturalized areas, particularly with dark or shaded backdrops which tend to highlight the form, flowers and fall color of the plant.  Also effective along stream banks and ponds.

Heritage River Birch   Heritage River Birch - Betula nigra 'Cully' Spread:  20-30' Height:  40-50' Crown Uniformity:  Symmetrical canopy with a regular (smooth) outline and individuals have more or less identical crown forms. Crown Shape:  Broad Pyramid Crown Density:  Moderate Growth Rate:  Moderate Uses:  Good for clump or single specimen.  Useful in parks, residential areas, plaza plantings, larger residences, public grounds, parks, golf courses and city streets.  Shade is light and allows turf to grow.  Useful along streams and in natural areas.

Check out our website for more tips: www.mountainhightree.com