From its great public schools to its beautiful summers, there’s a lot to love about Lafayette, Colorado. Not only does living in Lafayette provide a plethora of opportunities- economic and entertainment alike-to its residents, but the town itself is attractive and well maintained. At Blue River Forestry & Tree Care, we take pride in doing our part to keep Lafayette, Colorado’s trees healthy and thriving.
Our services encompass all aspects of arboriculture from planting to tree removal. As ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborists, we understand that sometimes the best thing for the overall safety and health of Lafayette, Colorado’s urban forest is tree removal. There are many different reasons a tree may require removal, and our certified arborists are here to evaluate every tree’s unique situation so that we may recommend the best course of action.
When is Tree Removal Necessary?
Not every dead and dying tree needs to be removed. In a forest there are plenty of dead and dying trees away from people, structures and power lines that provide homes to wildlife and are an intrical part of the forest ecosystem. Trees in a “natural” forest setting rarely encounter a Certified Arborist, they live out their existence in what most would consider a natural state with their own version of natural removal. These trees will drop large limbs, crack under heavy loads and eventually fall due to decay. This practice of natural pruning only pertains to the “natural” forest and if applied in an urban community even one as naturalistic as Lafayette, can be dangerous. In the urban forest environment leaving a dead or dying tree standing can cost a homeowner thousands of dollars, if the tree or tree limbs should fail and cause damage. A tree may seem healthy or okay to the untrained eye, but may be structurally weak and a hazard waiting to happen.
Trees are living organisms that are affected by a number of different factors from disease to injury to daily wear-and-tear. Our ISA certified arborists are experienced and knowledgeable and will carefully evaluate each tree before recommending removal. There are certainly times when tree removal is the best course of action, but other times trees under stress may be rejuvenated with the proper care by qualified professionals. In certain situations, it may be necessary to remove a tree that is alive if it is interfering with the health and vigor of other trees, or threatens buildings, driveways, or utility wires.
The Top Five Reasons for Tree Removal
- The tree is in decline or dead
- The tree has suffered irreparable storm damage from snow, flooding or wind
- The tree is diseased or has a pest infestation (for example by emerald ash borer) and is not a good candidate for treatment or is untreatable.
- The tree has become dangerous to its surrounding environment like structures or powerlines, or it impedes line of sight
- The tree is an undesirable species or size, and is negatively affecting the aesthetics or health of the surrounding landscape.
Storm Damage and Emergency Response
If you live in Lafayette, CO you’ve heard the saying “Don’t like the weather now, just wait a few minutes.” Sudden bursts of high winds, unpredictable hail and early heavy snows are not strangers in this town. These types of weather changes can take their toll on Lafayette’s urban forest, making emergency tree removal feel like a full time job.
So in the wake of a storm what should you do? Removing a failed or failing tree or limb can be tempting to do on your own, but these trees pose risks that most property owners are not equipped to handle. Damaged trees require the experience and skill of a certified arborist for accurate assessment. When a tree is a safety risk to people or structures there is little room for mistakes when it comes to its removal. We ask you to resist the urge for your next Do It Yourself project and call the professionals. At Blue River Forestry & Tree Care we have the equipment and skill to safely and efficiently remove hazardous trees from your property.
Treating and Preventing Insects and Disease
In Lafayette, it is not uncommon for trees to struggle with pests or disease at some point in their lives. One major cause of tree death is due to high pest pressure from insects or disease. Most of the time the warning signs are small and unnoticeable to the untrained eye, however as the pest or disease develops the signs and symptoms become more noticable and by that time, the tree may no longer be a good candidate for treatment and removal becomes the safest option.
In August of 2017 one of the most destructive forest pests was found in Lafayette, CO. The emerald ash borer. Due to the biology of the emerald ash borer and the current scope of the infestation in the Front Range, removal of damaged or dead ash trees is often the best option. Our ISA Certified Arborists will work with you to determine the safest, most efficient way to remove your tree while also limiting the spread of the infestation to other ash trees throughout Boulder County. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, efficient ash borer treatment services to protect both the overall tree health of our communities and the safety of your property.
Aside from emerald ash borer, there are many other pests and diseases that can affect your trees. In some cases, Colorado’s harsh weather can add to the spread of tree disease, resulting in irreversible damage if not managed by professionals. Sun scald, drought injury, and frost injury all take their toll on trees each year. Mechanical damage that occurs from hail, wind breakage and late storms can also allow harmful pathogens to enter a tree.
At Blue River Forestry & Tree Care we specialise in diagnosing disease and insect infestation. If possible, our certified arborist will develop a future focused care plan for the management of disease. If treatment is not an option, we may recommend tree removal. If this is the case, our team will take care of everything from the removal itself to the clean up afterward.
What Happens After Tree Removal
Once your tree is removed, it’s time to figure out how to deal with the stump that’s left behind. In most cases stump grinding is the next step. Sometimes, it can be tempting to try and dig it up yourself - but as professionals, we highly recommend not taking on a stump removal on your own! (Especially if it’s an old, well-established tree with an extensive root system.)
Stump grinding is the most efficient, effective way to get rid of stumps, and our certified arborists have the experience, equipment, and knowledge to safely complete the task. We offer itemized quotes that include the price of both the tree removal and stump grinding. In some situations, stump grinding may not be an option or even needed.
When it Comes to Tree Removal, Call the Pros!
Whether it be to old age, disease, storm damage or other structural problems all trees will eventually reach the end of their lifespan. When this time comes, tree professionals like our ISA certified arborists are here for you. Tree removal is a highly technical task, and our team will take every precaution to keep your property and surrounding landscape safe from damage.
From shrubs to hazardous trees, we have invested in the most up to date and low impact equipment to offer our clients safe, efficient and cost effective tree removal.
Call us today at (720) 256-9056 to set up a no obligation evaluation with one of our ISA certified arborists!
Taking Care of Lafayette, Colorado’s Urban Forest
At Blue River Forestry & Tree Care, we love trees and are committed to the health and care of yours! We offer all aspects of arboriculture, including; tree trimming and pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, tree planting, emerald ash borer consultation and treatment, plant health care services, and forestry services.
We are fully insured and employ ISA Certified Arborists. We have the machinery, experience, and staff to manage all of your tree care needs, and provide tree care services to Boulder, Colorado, Broomfield, Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont, Erie, and Berthoud.
Are your Trees in Tip-Top Shape?
Call for a no obligation, free tree care evaluation, call (720) 256-9056