Tree Care Tips & Insights

Trees add value, shade, and beauty to any Colorado Springs property. But a tree in decline doesn't always wave a red flag — sometimes the warning signs are subtle until they're not. As a certified arborist team that has worked in this region since 1993, we've seen exactly how quickly a "wait and see" approach turns expensive.

1. Large Dead Branches in the Upper Canopy

Dead wood in the upper third of a tree is a sign the root system or vascular tissue is compromised. When those branches fall — and they will — they come down with serious force. If you're seeing multiple large dead branches, the tree may be dying from the top down.

2. Significant Lean That Wasn't There Before

Trees naturally grow toward light and develop some lean over time. But a sudden, new lean — especially after a storm or wet spring — points to root failure or soil heaving. A leaning tree near a structure is one of the clearest calls for a professional assessment.

3. Cracks or Splits in the Main Trunk

Vertical cracks running down the trunk, or codominant stems (two trunks growing from one point) without proper cabling, are structural hazards. Colorado's spring snowstorms are notorious for splitting trees that looked fine the day before.

4. Fungal Growth at the Base

Mushrooms or conks growing at the root flare or on the trunk indicate internal decay. The wood may look solid on the outside while being hollow within. This is one of our most common findings during tree health assessments in Colorado Springs.

5. More Than 50% of the Canopy Is Dead or Gone

A tree that has lost more than half its canopy — from disease, beetle kill, drought stress, or storm damage — rarely recovers fully. Keeping it creates ongoing risk without the benefit of healthy shade or structure.

When to Call Us

If you're checking off two or more of these signs, schedule a free estimate. We'll send our certified arborist to assess the tree honestly — we'll tell you if it can be saved, and we'll tell you if it can't. Call (719) 624-0833 or request a free estimate online.

The answer depends on why you're trimming and what species you have. Colorado's climate — dry summers, late spring freezes, heavy wet snow in April — adds a few wrinkles that don't apply in other regions. Here's the practical breakdown from our arborist team.

Late Winter Is Usually the Sweet Spot

For most deciduous trees, the ideal pruning window is late winter through very early spring, before the buds break. The tree is dormant, the structure is fully visible without leaves, and any pruning cuts seal quickly once growth begins. In Colorado Springs, that typically means February through mid-March.

Avoid Trimming During Drought Stress

Colorado summers are brutal on trees. Pruning during a dry spell removes the leaf area trees need to move water and recover from heat. If you're considering a trim in July or August, we'd recommend a deep root watering first and keeping any cuts conservative.

Flowering Trees: Trim After They Bloom

Crabapples, lilacs, and ornamental cherries set their flower buds the previous fall. Prune them before bloom and you lose the flowers. Wait until they finish blooming — usually late May to early June in our area — then trim within 30 days for best results.

Pines and Spruces: Candle Pruning in Late Spring

Evergreens are best shaped while the new "candles" (soft spring growth) are still forming. Trim too late and you cut into hardened wood, leaving stubs. Trim in May to early June for clean, natural-looking shaping.

When a large tree comes down, the cleanup is half the job. A grapple truck has a hydraulic claw-arm mounted to a dump bed. Instead of a crew carrying logs and brush by hand — a slow, back-breaking process — the grapple grabs and loads in seconds. The difference on a big removal is hours of labor and zero yard damage from dragging.

How It Works on a Typical Job

After the tree is felled and limbed, our crew bucks the trunk into manageable sections. The grapple arm reaches over and places each section into the dump bed. What would be a 4-hour manual cleanup becomes 45 minutes. No ruts in the lawn from heavy equipment dragging, and no piles left for the homeowner to deal with.

When We Use It

• Large removals with significant log and brush volume
• Multi-tree clearing jobs or land clearing
• Storm cleanup where debris is scattered across the property
• Any job where manual haul-out would require multiple trailer loads

What It Means for Your Quote

Grapple truck service is included in our removal quotes when appropriate. We factor the right equipment for the job from the start — no hidden "haul-away" fees added after the fact. If you have a large tree or multiple trees to remove, request a free estimate and we'll scope it correctly the first time.

Front Range homeowners have watched entire neighborhoods change in the last two decades as pests and disease move through. Here's what we see most often in Colorado Springs and what your options are.

Mountain Pine Beetle

The most visible killer in the region. Beetles bore under the bark of ponderosa, lodgepole, and Scotch pines, cutting off the tree's ability to move water and nutrients. The first sign is pitch tubes on the bark — small blobs of resin where the tree tried to push the beetles out. By the time needles turn red, the tree is typically dead within 12 months. Preventive systemic insecticides applied in late spring can protect high-value trees; infected trees cannot be saved and should be removed before they become a fire or fall hazard.

Emerald Ash Borer

Now confirmed in Colorado, EAB is devastating ash trees statewide. Look for D-shaped exit holes in the bark, crown dieback starting at the top, and increased woodpecker activity (they're feeding on larvae). Ash trees in the early stages of infestation can sometimes be saved with systemic trunk injection treatments. Once more than half the canopy is dead, removal is the practical answer.

Cytospora Canker (Spruce and Cottonwood)

A fungal disease that kills branches starting from the bottom of the tree upward in spruces, or causes weeping wounds on cottonwoods. There is no cure, but an arborist can remove affected branches to slow the spread and improve the tree's vigor. Stressed or drought-weakened trees are most vulnerable — regular deep root watering and fertilization is the best prevention.

Getting a Professional Assessment

Pest and disease identification is one of the most important reasons to have a certified arborist review your trees regularly — early detection dramatically expands your options. Our tree health assessment service is a structured evaluation of every tree on your property. Contact us to schedule yours.

As the snow melts and temperatures rise, homeowners in Colorado Springs turn their attention to revitalizing their yards. One of the most important — and often overlooked — steps in spring landscaping is tree and bush trimming. Proper pruning during the spring season promotes healthy growth, improves the appearance of your landscape, and helps prevent potential hazards.

At Gilbert's Tree Service, we specialize in expert spring trimming and are fully equipped to handle everything from delicate shrub shaping to the removal of high, broken limbs. Whether you're dealing with overgrown bushes, dead branches, or towering trees in need of professional care, our team is ready to help you create a safe, beautiful, and thriving outdoor space.

Why Spring Is the Best Time to Trim Trees and Bushes

Timing is everything when it comes to pruning, and spring is the ideal season for several reasons:

• Encourages Healthy New Growth: Trimming in early spring stimulates new growth and allows nutrients and sunlight to reach the healthiest parts of the plant.
• Improves Tree and Shrub Structure: Spring pruning guides young plants and maintains the form of mature ones.
• Reduces Risk of Storm Damage: Removing weak or dead branches helps prevent breakage during spring windstorms — a serious concern on the Front Range.
• Enhances Curb Appeal: A freshly trimmed landscape looks clean, vibrant, and ready for the growing season.

Our Spring Trimming Services in Colorado Springs

At Gilbert's Tree Service, we offer a full range of tree and shrub trimming services tailored to the unique needs of homeowners in the Pikes Peak region:

• Tree Trimming and Shaping: We remove dead, diseased, or overgrown limbs and thin canopies for better sunlight and air circulation.
• Bush and Hedge Trimming: Proper shaping improves plant health and maintains a tidy, attractive appearance.
• Broken Limb Removal: We have all the equipment needed to safely remove high or dangerous limbs from any size tree.
• Seasonal Cleanup: We remove branches, clippings, and debris, leaving your yard clean and ready for spring.

Popular Colorado Springs Trees That Need Spring Trimming

We care for many local species that thrive with seasonal pruning, including:

• Ponderosa Pine
• Colorado Blue Spruce
• Quaking Aspen
• Maples
• Elms
• Oaks

Each species requires specific timing and techniques. Our certified arborists know how to handle them all.

Why Choose Gilbert's Tree Service?

• Experienced Arborists: Our team is trained in the biology, safety, and aesthetics of trees and shrubs.
• Fully Equipped: We handle tall tree trimming and broken limb removal with industry-grade equipment.
• Local Experts: We understand the climate, soil, and seasonal challenges unique to Colorado Springs.
• Transparent Pricing: Free estimates and fair pricing — no hidden fees.

FAQs About Spring Tree & Shrub Trimming

When should I schedule spring trimming?
The best time is between late March and early May, but we can assess your specific situation any time during the season.

Is it okay to trim trees late in spring?
Late spring trimming is generally fine but may slightly delay growth. We'll help you make the best timing call for each tree type.

Can I trim trees myself?
Light trimming is doable for homeowners, but tall trees and broken limbs should always be handled by professionals.

Schedule Your Spring Trimming Service Today

Don't wait until overgrowth or storm damage creates problems. Let Gilbert's Tree Service give your yard the fresh start it needs this season. Request a free estimate online or call us at (719) 624-0833. We serve Colorado Springs and surrounding areas and are ready to help your trees and shrubs thrive all season long.

As a certified arborist, one of the questions I hear most often is: "When is the best time to trim my trees and bushes?" While trimming can be beneficial at various points in the year, spring stands out as the optimal season for most species. Here's why — and how to do it right.

1. Promotes Healthy Growth

Spring is a period of vigorous growth for most trees and bushes. Trimming during this time stimulates new growth, allowing the plant to recover quickly from pruning wounds. By removing dead or diseased branches, you redirect the plant's energy toward producing healthy, robust new growth. This encourages a stronger structure and enhances the plant's ability to produce leaves, flowers, and fruits throughout the season.

2. Prevents Disease and Pests

Spring trimming significantly reduces the risk of disease and pest infestations. Many tree diseases and insects become active later in the growing season. By pruning in spring, you remove potential entry points before the high-risk period begins — and fresh pruning wounds have ample time to seal over before pests arrive. This proactive approach keeps your plants healthier and reduces the need for chemical treatments down the road.

3. Enhances Aesthetic Appeal

As plants come out of dormancy, they can develop irregular shapes and become overgrown quickly. Strategic spring trimming lets you shape trees and bushes to your desired form before the growth surge takes over. Well-maintained trees and bushes not only look better but also add measurable value to your property — a detail that matters to appraisers and buyers alike.

4. Improves Airflow and Sunlight Penetration

Dense canopies hinder airflow and block sunlight from reaching the inner parts of a tree or bush. This creates conditions that favor fungal growth and reduce photosynthesis efficiency throughout the plant. Opening up the canopy in spring allows better air circulation and increased light penetration, leading to healthier plants and a lower risk of fungal infections like cytospora canker — one of the most common issues we see in Colorado Springs spruces.

5. Safety Considerations

Overgrown branches are a liability, especially during Colorado's spring snowstorms and summer thunderstorms. A wet, heavy snow on a tree full of leafed-out branches creates enormous weight loads. Spring trimming removes weak, overextended, or codominant branches before the storm season begins. This preventive step protects your roof, fences, vehicles, and the people on your property.

6. Encourages Fruit and Flower Production

For fruit trees and flowering bushes, spring trimming is especially beneficial. Pruning stimulates the growth of flowering and fruiting wood, leading to more abundant blooms and higher-quality fruit. Removing old or unproductive branches lets the plant put its resources into fewer, better shoots. Crabapples, ornamental cherries, and fruit trees in Colorado Springs all respond well to careful spring pruning — just be sure to wait until after they flower so you don't lose this year's bloom.

7. Easier Assessment of Plant Structure

In early spring, before full leaf-out, the skeleton of a tree is completely visible. This clear view allows for more precise pruning decisions — our arborists can identify and remove problematic branches, crossing limbs, and structural defects with far greater accuracy than they can once the canopy fills in. If there's a weak union or a co-dominant stem that needs cabling, it's much easier to find and address it now.

Best Practices for Spring Trimming

Timing and technique both matter. Following these guidelines keeps your plants healthy through the process:

• Use sharp, clean tools. Dull blades tear rather than cut, leaving ragged wounds that are slow to close and easy for pathogens to enter. Sterilize tools between trees if disease is a concern.
• Prune with purpose. Start by removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Then focus on improving structure and airflow — not on achieving a specific silhouette.
• Avoid over-pruning. Never remove more than 25% of a tree or shrub's canopy in a single season. Taking too much stresses the plant and can trigger excessive, weakly attached regrowth.
• Know your species. Spring-blooming trees and shrubs set their flower buds the previous fall. Prune them before they bloom and you lose the flowers. Wait until immediately after bloom, then prune within 30 days.
• Make clean cuts at the collar. Cut just outside the branch collar — the slightly raised ring where the branch meets the trunk — not flush against the bark and not leaving a long stub.

Conclusion

Spring trimming is one of the best investments you can make in the long-term health, safety, and appearance of your landscape. Done correctly, it sets the stage for a full season of vigorous, attractive growth. If you're unsure whether your trees are ready for pruning — or if a branch looks suspect and you're not sure what to do with it — our certified arborist team is here to help. Request a free estimate or call (719) 624-0833 to schedule a spring assessment.

Tree cutting can seem like a simple task, but in Colorado there are a variety of laws and regulations that govern the process — designed to protect the environment, property rights, and public safety. Here's a breakdown of key Colorado tree cutting laws, guidelines, and considerations every homeowner should know before starting any tree work.

Is It Legal to Cut Down Trees in Colorado?

In general, cutting down trees in Colorado's Roadless Areas is prohibited unless you meet specific exceptions. This regulation exists to protect Colorado's wilderness and backcountry forests.

Exceptions include:

• Personal or Administrative Use: Tree cutting is allowed when necessary for personal use or administration under federal regulations (36 CFR part 223, subpart A).
• Christmas Trees: You can obtain a permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Visit your local BLM office, purchase a permit, and follow their guidelines.

Property Line Trees: Know Your Rights

In the State of Colorado, property owners have the common-law right to cut off roots or branches that extend over their property lines. This means you can trim branches or roots of any tree that encroaches over or under your fence or property boundary to prevent property damage or injury.

However, knowingly cutting down or damaging a boundary tree — one whose trunk straddles the property line — is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Always proceed with caution and consider informing your neighbor before cutting near a shared boundary.

Right-of-Way Trees

Pruning trees along public rights-of-way (near sidewalks or streets) does not require a permit, but trimming must meet industry standards to avoid fines or violations. Safety is the top concern in these areas, and improper cuts can create long-term liability.

Neighbor's Trees: What to Do When Problems Arise

Trees on a neighbor's property can sometimes cause issues — encroaching branches, falling leaves, or structural damage. Here's what Colorado law generally says:

• Fallen trees during storms: If a tree or branch from your property damages a neighbor's property during a storm, you are responsible for filing an insurance claim to cover the damage.
• Cutting overhanging branches: There is no specific Colorado law prohibiting you from cutting branches that extend onto your property, but informing your neighbor first is recommended to maintain the relationship.
• Damage caused by a neighbor's tree: If a neighbor's tree is damaging your property and no compromise can be reached, consider mediation — or file in small claims court for damages under $7,500.

Tree Service Licensing in Colorado Springs

If you're hiring a professional for tree work in Colorado Springs, be aware that tree service providers must obtain a tree service license. The process requires a business license application, proof of insurance, and other relevant documentation. Always verify that any company you hire is properly licensed and insured before work begins.

Storm Damage and Liability

When a storm causes a tree or its branches to fall and damage a neighboring property, the affected property owner is responsible for filing an insurance claim. This is frequently misunderstood — many assume the tree's owner bears responsibility, but that is not how Colorado law typically works unless negligence can be proven.

Before You Trim: Key Considerations

• Notify your neighbor before trimming branches that extend onto your property.
• Legal responsibility: The person doing the trimming is responsible for any damages caused during the process.
• Boundary trees are protected: Intentionally damaging a boundary tree is a criminal act — proceed carefully.

Conclusion

Tree cutting and maintenance in Colorado involve more than just wielding a saw. Understanding the legal landscape protects your property rights, preserves good neighbor relationships, and keeps you in compliance with local regulations. Whether you're trimming a boundary tree or dealing with storm damage, following these guidelines keeps you on the right side of the law.

Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance regarding tree cutting or property disputes, please consult a licensed attorney.

If you need professional tree removal or trimming handled correctly — safely, legally, and efficiently — contact Gilbert's Tree Service for a free estimate. We've been serving Colorado Springs since 1993. Call (719) 624-0833.

Wildfire can spread quickly through dry grass, pine needles, dead branches, shrubs, and closely spaced trees. While no property can be made completely fireproof, creating defensible space can significantly reduce the materials available to feed a fire and improve your home's chances of surviving.

Defensible space is the carefully maintained area surrounding your home and other structures. It is designed to slow the spread of wildfire, reduce exposure to flames and radiant heat, and give firefighters a safer area in which to work. The Colorado State Forest Service recommends addressing both the structure and the surrounding landscape as one connected "home ignition zone."

Start Closest to Your Home

The area immediately around your house is especially important because windblown embers can collect in small spaces and ignite leaves, pine needles, wood mulch, or other combustible materials.

Begin by:

• Removing leaves, pine needles, twigs, and debris from the roof and gutters
• Clearing debris from decks, porches, stairs, and underneath raised structures
• Moving firewood, lumber, propane cylinders, and other combustible materials away from the house
• Removing dead plants and flammable vegetation next to the foundation
• Trimming branches that touch or hang over the roof
• Keeping wooden fences and attached structures free of accumulated debris

Regular maintenance in this area helps reduce the chance that embers will ignite your home.

Reduce Fuels Within the First 30 Feet

The next area should be maintained as a lean, clean, and well-spaced landscape. The goal is not to remove every tree or plant — instead, reduce the amount of vegetation and interrupt the pathways that fire could use to travel toward the home.

Helpful steps include:

• Removing dead trees, dead branches, brush, and fallen limbs
• Mowing dry grass and weeds
• Pruning lower tree branches
• Creating space between shrubs, trees, and other vegetation
• Breaking up large groups of shrubs with open areas, walkways, or hardscaping
• Keeping plants healthy, watered, and free of dead material
• Avoiding dense vegetation beneath decks, windows, and rooflines

Trees should be evaluated based on their height, species, health, slope, and proximity to other vegetation. Properties on steep slopes may require greater spacing because fire generally moves faster uphill.

Thin Trees and Manage the Larger Property

Beyond the immediate area around your home, continue reducing heavy fuel accumulation and improving overall forest health. This may involve:

• Thinning overcrowded trees
• Removing unhealthy, damaged, or dead trees
• Pruning dead and low-hanging branches
• Clearing deadfall and storm debris
• Reducing dense patches of brush
• Separating tree crowns where appropriate
• Creating fire breaks or access lanes
• Maintaining clear access for emergency vehicles

Detached garages, sheds, barns, guest houses, and other structures should also have defensible space around them. Colorado guidance recommends developing protective management zones around every building on the property — not only the primary residence.

Remove Ladder Fuels

Ladder fuels are grasses, shrubs, small trees, and low branches that allow a ground fire to climb into the tree canopy. Once flames reach the crowns of trees, a fire can become more intense and difficult to control.

Reduce ladder fuels by trimming lower limbs, removing vegetation growing beneath trees, and maintaining separation between ground-level plants and overhead branches. Pruning should be performed carefully so trees remain healthy and structurally sound.

Keep Driveways and Access Routes Clear

Firefighters need enough room to reach your property safely. Trees, branches, and dense vegetation should not block driveways, gates, turnarounds, or access roads.

Make sure your property has:

• Clearly visible address numbers
• Adequate overhead and side clearance
• Accessible gates
• Space for emergency vehicles to turn around
• Vegetation cleared away from driveways and private roads

Do not block access with parked equipment, trailers, wood piles, or landscaping materials.

Maintain Your Defensible Space Every Year

Defensible space is not a one-time project. Pine needles fall, grasses grow, branches die, and storms create new debris. The Colorado State Forest Service recommends regular maintenance, including cleaning roofs and gutters, removing debris from beneath decks, mowing grasses, and pruning new growth or dead branches.

Inspect your property throughout the year, especially before the dry and windy seasons. After severe weather, check for broken limbs, fallen trees, and new fuel accumulation.

Common Wildfire Hazards to Address

Walk around your property and look for:

• Dead or diseased trees
• Fallen branches and deadfall
• Tall, dry grass
• Dense shrubs beneath trees
• Branches touching the house
• Pine needles in gutters
• Firewood stored against structures
• Flammable debris beneath decks
• Overcrowded trees
• Narrow or obstructed driveways

Addressing these hazards can make a meaningful difference in how wildfire moves across your property.

Professional Wildfire-Mitigation Services

Some defensible-space work can be completed by homeowners, but tree removal, large-scale thinning, fire-break construction, and work near structures should be handled by experienced professionals.

Gilbert's Tree Service can help with:

• Tree trimming and pruning
• Dead-tree and hazard-tree removal
• Deadfall and debris removal
• Lot and property clearing
• Tree thinning
• Brush reduction
• Fire-break creation
• Wildfire-defensible-space projects

Our team can evaluate your property, identify potential fuel hazards, and recommend practical steps based on the trees, terrain, and structures surrounding your home.

Prepare Today — Before Wildfire Threatens

Creating defensible space does not guarantee that a home will survive a wildfire, but it can reduce fire intensity, limit available fuels, and improve conditions for firefighters. The best time to prepare is before smoke or flames are nearby.

Protect your home, family, and property with professional wildfire-mitigation services from Gilbert's Tree Service. Request a free estimate online or call 719-291-6433.

If you've spent time in Colorado Springs, you've probably noticed something interesting. Some neighborhoods are filled with towering cottonwoods, stately pines, and colorful maples, while other areas are nearly treeless. Have you ever wondered where all these trees came from?

The answer is a fascinating mix of nature and human history.

Colorado Springs Was Naturally a Grassland

Before Colorado Springs was founded in 1871, much of the area where the city now stands was open prairie. The landscape was dominated by native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs with relatively few trees.

Most naturally occurring trees grew along creeks and rivers where water was plentiful. Native species included:

• Plains Cottonwood
• Narrowleaf Cottonwood
• Peachleaf Willow
• Boxelder
• Rocky Mountain Juniper

Outside these waterways, the high plains were largely open due to limited rainfall, frequent fires, and grazing wildlife.

The Forests Were in the Mountains

The nearby Front Range has always supported dense forests because of its cooler temperatures and higher moisture levels.

Native mountain trees include:

• Ponderosa Pine
• Douglas-fir
• Blue Spruce
• Engelmann Spruce
• Lodgepole Pine
• Quaking Aspen

These forests formed naturally over thousands of years and remain one of Colorado's most treasured landscapes.

How the City Became So Green

When Colorado Springs was established, city planners envisioned a beautiful community with tree-lined streets and parks. Thousands of trees were planted throughout the city to provide shade, improve the landscape, and create wind protection.

Many popular neighborhood trees were introduced from other parts of the country, including:

• Norway Maple
• Silver Maple
• Green Ash
• Honeylocust
• Crabapple
• Austrian Pine
• Scotch Pine
• Blue Spruce cultivars

As irrigation systems expanded, homeowners could successfully grow many species that would never have survived naturally on the semi-arid plains.

Why Colorado Springs Looks Different Today

Today, Colorado Springs is a unique blend of native forests and carefully planted urban trees. Neighborhoods developed decades ago often feature mature shade trees that have grown for 50 to 100 years, while newer developments are still establishing their landscapes.

The city now supports hundreds of tree species, creating beautiful neighborhoods while providing important environmental benefits.

Caring for Colorado Springs Trees

Colorado's dry climate, unpredictable weather, and occasional heavy snowstorms can be challenging for both native and ornamental trees. Proper pruning, watering, disease prevention, and routine inspections help trees stay healthy and reduce the risk of storm damage.

Whether your trees were planted generations ago or are newly established, regular professional care helps protect your property and preserves the beauty of Colorado Springs for years to come.

If you have questions about the health or safety of your trees, contact Gilbert's Tree Service. Our experienced team provides expert tree trimming, removal, stump grinding, and emergency tree services throughout Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities. Request a free estimate or call (719) 624-0833.