Your Trees in 2025

The Front Range of Colorado is classified geographically as a high-altitude desert.  This climate, along with our alkaline clay soil is inhospitable to most of the trees we plant in our landscapes.  In addition - for 20 of the past 24 years we have been in a drought.  This weakens even our native trees, making them even more susceptible and less resistant to both abiotic and biotic pressures.

There is not much we can do to prevent the abiotic stresses brought on by temperature, water, wind, soil condition, frost and pollution, but we can help your trees cope with these through consultations, proper pruning and deep root fertilizations. 

Knothead’s deep root fertilization program provides an organic based slow-release formulation of all of the macro and micro elements necessary for optimal health, growth and vitality. The fertilizer also includes mycorrhizae and kelp extracts.

Why add kelp and mycorrhizae you may ask?

Mycorrhizae refers to a symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots that benefits both organisms.  Mycorrhizae forms a network of filaments that associate with plant roots – allowing them to access nutrients they would not be able to access otherwise.

Kelp is a completely natural organic marine alga.  Kelp can help plants grow healthier by providing over 70 vitamins and minerals, and Kelp helps with water retention, fighting off insects and pathogens, and improving soil structure.  If you do not already have deep root fertilizations as part of your plant health care proposal, I highly recommend it for the reasons mentioned above.

Our severe weather events and harsh growing conditions exacerbate insect and disease pathogens.  We have treatments which combined with deep root fertilizations can protect from these pests.  Perhaps the most devastating of these pests are the Bark Boring insects that attack Pine, Spruce and Ash trees.  When these trees are under stress, they emit a chemical scent called a pheromone which actually attract these bark boring insects.  These pests must be treated preventatively, because once the most damaging larva stage is under the bark, they are generally not treatable.  Depending on the particular site, tree species, and pest involved, we have several ways to treat and help protect your trees.

If you have any Spruce, Pines or Ash trees that are not currently on your plant health care program, I highly encourage a preventative program to help preserve these wonderful trees.

One other biotic pathogen which has been increasing over the past several years is Bacterial fire blight.  Bacterial fire blight attacks Apple, Crabapple, Pear and Hawthorn trees.  The most effective way to manage this disease is via pruning out the diseased tissue in the winter when the bacterium is dormant.  If you see branches and twigs in these types of trees on your property, which appear blackened, are hanging on to leaves, or exhibit distorted tips of twigs we should have a look.

I hope this information useful.  The health of your beautiful trees and landscape is of paramount importance to me and the rest of the Knotheads.  We sincerely appreciate the trust you have placed in us over the years to care for your trees, and we are here to help with any needs and questions you may have.  

Wishing you and yours a healthy happy and peaceful holiday season and New year 2025

Warmest Regards,

Brett