Colorado Guide to Growing Trees

A Colorado Guide to Growing Trees Growing trees is a long-term investment, but it can be rewarding. Before planting your tree, you should consider things like soil type and amount of sun. but don't worry we have you covered! This guide will provide you with information that will help make your decision easier in Colorado. By knowing how to grow trees properly, you'll get the most out of them and prolong their lifespan.

The Best Flowering Trees to Grow in Colorado

Spring Snow Flowering Crabapple Tree

This visually gorgeous tree sports a white flower that gives it an elegant look in spring. In summer, the leaves turn green and as they fall off of the branches in autumn, their showy colors are revealed - making for an entertaining experience. This tree rests beneath its snow-covered body during winter months while still looking interesting thanks to its textured, bare branches. One of the greatest perks of Spring Flowering Crabapples is that they don't produce any fruit-causing messy drops at the end of fall. This variety will have fewer pests and diseases to worry about, making it a great option for anyone without much experience with trees. Extremely tolerant and adaptable, the Spring Snow tree can be grown in any condition. You might find this type of tree on the street or along highways because it does well in areas with little space. It also looks great when planted individually in small yards or groups together on larger landscapes.

Planting & Care

The Spring Snow Flowering Crabapple thrives in almost every condition, as long as it is planted with full sunlight. To plant, dig a hole twice as wide but just as deep as the root ball. Once transplanting is complete, cover around the tree with mulch. Soak it in water as soon as you plant it. In hot or dry climates, give Spring Snow a good drink twice per week; in cooler climates, moisture application is only needed once per week if the air remains cool enough to keep the root system well hydrated. Cut off any dead or diseased branches during late winter before new green growth appears on trees. Watch for pests on your tree and use a strong stream of water to remove them. Keeping a tree well maintained will help keep borers away. If you see any signs of disease, such as leaves that fall too early or have spots, blisters, browned edges, treat your crabapple promptly before it infects the entire tree. Sterile pruning and fungicide treatments are best at stopping a spreading infection from taking over the whole tree.

Prairifire Crabapple Tree

The Prairifire Crabapple is a show-stopping tree that provides color during all four seasons and can add an element of grandeur to your driveway. With colors like hot pink, purple and red, the early spring months are a beautiful sight to behold. The late fall brings with it brilliant purples and reds while the summer scorches your lawn, leaving nothing but brown in its wake. Your Prairifire Crabapple tree will be bringing life back to your yard as you watch your neighbors' yards wither away with the changing of the seasons. As winter approaches, the first things to die are the leaves on trees. The bark of a Prairifire tree is a mix of gray and orange, but with fruit that persists in chilly months. As the first frost hits your region, it still manages to stand out and add warmth. The Prairifire Crabapple tree is easy to grow and a great choice for the environmentally conscious. The birds love this tree so much that you'll never have to worry about rotting fruit if it falls on your lawn. You won't have to worry about keeping weeds, bugs, or diseases at bay - our trees are hearty enough not to succumb after several years of growth.

Planting & Care

Place your Prairifire apple tree in a spot that is sunny and drains well. Dig a hole big enough for the root ball, place the tree and backfill the soil with water. You need to water your Prairifire twice a week in hot or dry climates. Crabapples should be able to survive on rainfall alone, but if you're not sure when to water them just take a look at the topsoil - if it's dry water immediately. Apply 5-5-5 fertilizer every spring as well as prune away any dead or damaged branches, crossing branches and crowded sections that prevent airflow. The best time for pruning is early spring before the summer buds come out.

Katsura Tree

One of the prettiest shade trees you can plant is the Asian Katsura Tree. It's easy to grow, tolerates a variety of soil conditions and environments, and provides good autumnal colors. Plus its shallow root system means it does not create problems for walkways, or damage sidewalks or streets with invasive roots. These trees are known for their alluring smell and will increase a sense of warmness in your yard as they grow. They resist bugs and diseases, so there is no need to take any special precautions when planting them.

Planting & Care

When planting your Katsura tree, it is best to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the plant's root ball and place the tree inside. Backfill the surrounding soil and water to settle the roots. Regular watering is important for the growth and health of your Katsura Tree, but also knowing when to water them can be crucial.

The Best Shade Trees in Colorado

Northern Red Oak Tree

Looking for a big, healthy tree with no worries? The Northern Red Oak is your best bet. Fast-growing and incredibly hardy, this tree will grow quickly and produce long-lasting shade. Even the harshest climates and conditions will not stop this incredible species from thriving. From wide-open pastures to dense forests, Northern Red Oak can live in nearly any environment imaginable. No matter how poor your soil, this tree will grow. The Northern Red Oak is a well-regarded tree. Known for having the state’s tree in New Jersey, this wooded plant is cherished throughout the country. One of the most prolific timber-producing trees and often used in cabinetry and hardwood flooring, homes across America are filled with products made from Northern Red Oak.

Planting & Care

Plant a Red Oak tree so it will receive 6 hours of direct sunlight each day and be able to grow. Give this tree at least 50 feet of space near power lines, buildings, or other trees. Before planting the tree, dig a hole large enough for its root ball. Tamp down the earth around the roots so water can penetrate them; add mulch surrounding the base to retain moisture. A young tree needs to absorb water into its roots. For the tree’s roots to take a good hold, we recommend watering once or twice per week, but it should be watered deeply and with care. As your tree becomes more mature, you must continue to provide appropriate care in dry months where little rainfalls. If you notice that your tree is not growing enough each year (1 foot annually), you can fertilize one time per year with a general-purpose fertilizer.

Flame Amur Maple

The Flame Amur is a dazzling maple tree. It has the perfect size and color for your yard or as additional landscaping features. Named “Flame” for a reason, this deciduous tree brings deep red leaves in the autumn which make an attraction for any fall display. In spring, it blossoms with white flowers that contrast beautifully with its dark green branches.

Planting & Care

Amur Flame Maples are sun-loving trees that prefer partial shade and work well in a variety of pH levels and soil types. Be sure to plant this tree in a spot with good drainage - Amur Flame Maples do not like too much water. Plant your tree in roots up to the top of the root ball before watering. Amur Flame Maple trees should be watered deeply 1 year after planting to establish root growth. After this, watering is unnecessary, but you can still water the tree during severe drought years. You won't need additional maintenance for your Amur Flame Maple, but you may choose to prune it at any time as desired—for example by trimming away excess branches from the area near the ground that is typically close together or turning into a single-stemmed tree by pruning lower branching stems.

The Best Fruit Trees in Colorado

Mutsu (Crispin) Apple Tree

The Mutsu apple is one of the most popular in the United States, and it’s easy to see why: its crisp, juicy texture just begs to be eaten fresh from a tree, but that doesn’t negate its added sweetness when turned into dishes. It can fruit after only one year of growth. After plucking off your first specimen from your very own tree, you might find yourself ready for more. The Mutsu Apple is a favorite for apple pies and baked goods because its grainy flesh holds up well in the oven. Best of all, while it’s larger than other varieties, just three apples can make enough filling for a full pie!

Planting & Care

When you are ready to plant, choose a tree with roomy soil. Dig a hole double its diameter and depth; place the tree gently into it so that its roots spread as you go. Fill in around the new home for your tree all the way up, making sure not to leave any gaps for moisture or pests to get in before back-filling it again with topsoil mulched over on top after watering down. To produce Mutsu apples, it is necessary to provide pollination. You can space a Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith as close as 25 feet from the tree for optimal pollination. The Mutsu Apple thrives in moist soil with occasional periods of drought. You should generally water the tree about once a week, but if you're not sure when you need to water it, simply check the soil 2-3 inches down. If it's dry here, it's time to water. Apply fertilized, such as the 10-10-10 formula, to the Mutsu during the early spring before its leaves start popping up. Follow all of the directions on the fertilizer's label for proper dosage ratios. Apple trees require annual pruning after the first few years of growth. Prune away any shoots that grow below the graft union, and remove dead or diseased limbs.

Montmorency Cherry

One of the most popular cherry trees in the US, this large, bright red fruit is a swift grows and has large yields. The Montmorency cherry tree is in a league of its own. It produces juicy, bright red cherries. One Montmorency cherry tree is enough to produce tons of cherries every year, even in environments where the ground freezes during winter (below -20 degrees Fahrenheit). Plant one in your yard and you'll have plenty for your favorite recipes!

Planting & Care

To grow the Montmorency, it's best to select a room that has six or more hours of sunlight per day. The soil should also be well-drained. After you've measured and dug the hole, place your tree back in its original location with care not to disturb any dirt. Fill most of the space with mulch and water delicately so as not to disrupt roots. Water your tree only during the growing season. check the soil for dryness about 2-3 inches down to determine if watering is necessary. A Montmorency cherry tree should be pruned in winter to encourage horizontal branching and space between branches. Some pruning may be necessary during the year as well. Montmorency is self-fertilizing, but you may want to apply a fertilizer with nitrogen twice a year. Apply fertilizers 6 to 8 inches from the trunk when possible - refer to instructions on the package for proper amounts and methods. To grow trees in cold climates, avoid fertilizing after the end of summer to prevent new growth from happening before winter.

When is The Best Time to Plant Trees in Colorado

Springtime is the perfect season for planting new trees because of the warmer weather and abundance of rain. However, you need to think about what type of tree you want before deciding when to plant it. Evergreens will thrive during any season as long as they have enough water, while deciduous trees prefer to be planted during late fall or winter so that they can get a head start before springtime arrives.

Can You Plant All Season Long?

One of the most popular gardening questions in Colorado is whether or not it's possible to plant all year long. Some people say that it can't be done, but we disagree! With the right plants and a little planning, you can enjoy your garden even when the snow starts to fall.

What are The Best Trees to Plant Each Season in Colorado

Springtime

The best time of year to plant a deciduous tree is during the springtime. If you're looking to create shade in your yard and provide some cool breezes, plant deciduous trees like maples, oaks, or tulip poplars because they lose their leaves when it gets warmer outside. There are plenty of flowering varieties too which can help make your yard look beautiful to come summertime. Some popular ones include dogwoods and magnolia trees!

Summertime

Planting trees in summer can help stay cool during hot waves, and offer shade on a hot day. A deciduous tree like an oak or maple that will lose many of its leaves is best since these types of trees reduce heating inside the house by blocking sunlight from windows. Consider planting one near your house so the shade will be near when it’s warmer outside as well!

Fall time

Fall is a great time to help your yard stay green and lively even when it starts cooling down. Some fall tree options include crabapples which bloom in the springtime and dogwoods that turn into flowers in the winter, both of which can be very appealing additions to yards during these months.

Wintertime

Planting trees during the wintertime will help provide some much-needed insulation to your home. You'll want to plant evergreen trees like pines, cedars, or spruces because they stay green year-round and are perfect for those colder winter months when snow falls outside!

What Trees Have The Least Invasive Roots in Colorado

If you want to have a tree in your yard that doesn’t take over space and create more work for you, be sure to consider Douglas Fir trees, Katsura Trees, Juniper Trees, White Pine trees, one of the varieties of Western Red Cedar tree (Thuja plicata), Russian Olive trees or Ponderosa Pines.