Voles and moles are often confused due to their underground activity, but they are different animals with distinct behaviors, diets, and impacts on gardens and lawns. Voles are small, rodent-like mammals that resemble mice. They have short tails, small eyes, and a stocky body covered in brown or gray fur. Voles primarily feed on roots, bulbs, bark, and plants, making them a threat to gardens and young trees. Voles create shallow, visible runways in grass and mulch, which they use…
By following seasonal pruning, your plants will stay healthy, productive, and beautifully shaped year-round! Spring (After Blooming) Spring-flowering shrubs (e.g., lilacs, forsythia, azaleas) – Prune after flowers fade to avoid cutting next year’s buds. Dead or damaged branches – Remove winter-damaged wood to promote healthy growth. Early bloomers – Trim lightly to maintain shape. 🌞 Summer (Mid to Late Season) Shrubs that bloom on new wood (e.g., butterfly bush, roses, hydrangeas) – Prune after the first flush of flowers to encourage…
This weekend we switch to Daylight Savings Time–don’t forget to move your clocks an hour forward on Sunday. Although the official first day of spring is March 19, it’s important to resist the urge to spring forward and start planting here in Colorado. The weekend forecast looks to be warm, and along the Front Range bulbs are starting to peek out of the ground. If you are itching to get outside in the dirt, there are still plenty of tasks…
Not all soil is created equal. Soil serves many important functions in an ecosystem. Whether it is in your landscape or an indoor pot, soil is the medium for your plants to thrive. USDA’s National Resources Conservation Services notes that high quality soil performs five functions at the same time: Soil… Acts like a sponge, soaking up rainwater and limiting runoff. It also helps with groundwater recharge and controlling rainwater runoff in urban environments. Acts like a faucet, storing and releasing water…
Here are a few things to keep in mind as we continue in the winter months. During a storm: Keep an eye on snow accumulating on trees – on both deciduous and evergreens. If branches are sagging under the weight, use something long such as a broom handle to gently shake snow off the branches as high as you can reach. Start at the lowest part of the tree rather than at the top. If you start dusting snow off the top, it…
With all the recent snow and sub-zero temperatures, ‘tis the time for scooping and sprinkling sidewalks with ice melt. What many homeowners don’t know, however, is that most ice melt materials contain large amounts of salt. This can be very harmful to the plants in your yard. After winters of use, the salt can build up in soil and dry out your plants, from the roots up. There is more than one way to keep your neighbors and visitors from…
Don’t count on this past November’s big snow to be enough to get your trees and perennials through the winter.…
These invasive trees are a significant concern in Colorado. In Colorado, several tree species are considered invasive because they spread aggressively, out-compete native plants, and disrupt local ecosystems. These invasive trees are a significant concern in Colorado because they can displace native species, reduce biodiversity, and alter natural ecosystems. Active management, including removal and replacement with native or non-invasive alternatives, is key to mitigating their impact. 1. Russian Olive Description: A thorny, gray-green tree that produces small, silvery leaves and yellow…
Hudding, clustering, vibrating, hibernating… In winter, bees adapt to survive the cold in varying ways. Honeybees: In winter, the male drones die off, leaving only the female workers and the queen. The all-female bees form a tight cluster (with the queen at the core/warmest spot), and then begin shaking and shivering to maintain a temperature of about 95 degrees F. The outer bees insulate the inner bees, rotating positions so that each bee gets a turn in the warmer center. Throughout…
Goldenrod (Solidago species) is a hardy, bright yellow flowering plant that can add color and attract pollinators to your garden. However, it has both pros and cons. Pros of Goldenrod: Attracts Pollinators: Goldenrod is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. It blooms in late summer and Fall, providing essential nectar (and pretty Fall color) when many other plants are finished blooming. Low Maintenance: Once established, goldenrod is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care, thriving in a variety of soil…
