Hiring a certified arborist means selecting a highly trained specialist. We have spent more than 30 years in tree care and maintenance. Certified Arborists are required to pass an extensive exam developed by leaders in tree care, as well as participate in continuing education to learn the latest advancements in tree care in order to maintain their certification.

Tree trimming, pruning, and removal can be dangerous and should only be attempted by a trained, insured professional.

Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly.  Proper tree care is an investment which can lead to substantial returns.  Well cared for trees can add considerable value to your property; while poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability to homeowners.

Planting a tree on your property is an investment that keeps growing for many years. To make the most of your investment there are many things one should consider:

Location: Make sure the site is suitable for the size of the tree many years from now.

Choice: Why are you planting the tree? Privacy, shade, wind break, fruit, or fall colors?

Excavation: Make sure to contact proper utility companies before you dig.

Planting: Most arborist suggest a dish shaped hole the depth of your root ball and twice the diameter. Some soil amendments are recommended for heavy clay soil, a necessity along the Front Range.

Fertilization: Many people think they should immediately fertilize young trees, that is not the case. Please wait until early spring and fertilize frugally using a fertilizer formulated for trees.

Watering: Water at a relatively low pressure. Frequent, light watering promotes shallow root development. Mulching will reduce watering frequency.

Staking: Don’t stake small trees or those not in the wind’s path. A year of staking usually is sufficient.

Arbor Day is a holiday which encourages tree planting and care. The first Arbor Day took place on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska.

The day was founded by Julius Sterling Morton, a nature lover with a specific interest in trees. Morton, originally from Detroit, was one of the many pioneers who relocated to the Nebraska territories. As with many other pioneers the barren landscape was not easy to get accustomed to; therefore trees and shrubs were quickly planted.

In 1885 Arbor Day was named a legal holiday in Nebraska. Many states followed suit and now Arbor Day is celebrated internationally. The most common day of observance is the last Friday in April, but many states have picked a day best suited to their climate. The official Arbor Day in Colorado is the third Friday in April, and our state tree is the Colorado Blue Spruce.

That’s a very good question and I think the first thing you must consider is the location where you will be planting the tree. What is the soil like? Are there power lines? Will the tree be in a sunny or shady spot?

Unless you have the time and patience to cultivate a tree that does not appreciate our high winds, cool winters and alkaline soil, I would stick with a select few.

Ironically, I live in a neighborhood with beautiful trees and very few are in my yard. A few years back I was given a Kentucky Coffee tree, which is a very tough, drought-tolerant tree.

You know the saying “no shoes for the cobblers children”? Well, it also applies here: no trees for the arborist.

I was quite neglectful of my care for the tree; it sat in its burlap bag for 2 years with no attention. Finally, after my wife’s insistence, I planted the tree. It’s now thriving and one day will become one of the beautiful trees in our neighborhood.

Having grown up in Ohio, I certainly miss the colors of an east coast fall. So if you’re looking for nice color and a hearty tree I would recommend the Hot Wings Tatarian Maple. This tree is extremely tough, alkaline tolerant, as well as water thrifty. Keep an eye out during the summer when scarlet helicopters will show a nice contrast with its natural green foliage.

If you would like a show tree, you might like a Serviceberry. This gorgeous tree will welcome the spring with beautiful white flowers which will last about a week. During the summer you can enjoy the fruits of the tree’s labor by snacking on the berries. When fall comes around sit back and appreciate the exquisite yellows, oranges and reds you will be presented with.

Whatever trees you decide to plant, remember to appreciate the beauty of all the trees that surround you.

Yes, we are happy to give free estimates, although we do charge a fee for a consultation. Let’s talk about the difference between the two. An estimate is when you have a specific request for a certain service: pruning, removal, or stump grinding, for example. For this we will provide you with a free quote from one of our arborists. If we need to travel quite a way for an estimate we will charge a travel fee. However, if you would like a diagnosis for a sick tree, overall recommendations and advice for care, an inventory, or a property evaluation, we charge a consultation fee. This fee covers our cost for giving you professional, expert advice along with a prescription for treatment.

One may ask why they should pay for a consultation when I can find information about trees on the internet. While there is a lot of information to be found on the internet, not everyone can interpret and condense the data into a usable forum. This is where it benefits you to contact your neighborhood arborist who has years of experience, and continuing education, to help you make an informed decision on the best care for the trees on your property.

There are many “tree guys” out there, but you want to make sure that you hire one that not only has a chainsaw, but also knowledge in tree physiology, safety regulations, proper pruning, and removal techniques. As in every industry there are professional organizations that offer continuing education in their trade, as well as opportunities to keep up to date in the latest trends and safety practices. In the tree care industry two such organizations exist. They are ISA, International Society of Arboriculture, and TCIA, Tree Care Industry Association. Companies with memberships in these professional organizations demonstrate their level of competence and their willingness to be current on the latest pruning techniques, safety strategies, and tree management. Most companies that want to maintain high standards will belong to one or even both of these companies.

When you are considering hiring a tree care company it’s always advisable to get more than one bid. Fortunately for the consumer, Longmont has quite a few high quality companies in town. One thing to keep in mind when you are looking at your estimates is that insurance rates for arborists are the highest in the green industry and worker’s compensation is also extremely high due to the dangerous nature of the job. I would suggest that you make sure whomever you hire has liability insurance as well as worker’s compensation. If you are happy with the company you hire please don’t hesitate to refer them to your friends and neighbors.

3D Tree Care is a member of the ISA, and all of our employees have liability insurance and worker’s compensation. Safety is our biggest priority.

That certainly is an appropriate question considering our high winds and snowstorms. Early Fall, storms can cause severe breakage to major and minor tree limbs. During this time of year, trees still have their leaves, so more snow accumulates on limbs, as well. This “heavy” snow can do quite a bit of damage to your trees.

A good first step is to have your trees trimmed regularly. However, even if you’ve recently had your trees trimmed, there is still a chance that when Mother Nature roars your tree might succumb to her fury.

Immediately after a storm, assess your damage. Is your situation a hazard? Is there a threat of structural damage to your power lines, home, or car? If so, take precautions, and call professionals. Call Longmont Power Company to report all compromised power sources. For all hazardous branch situations, call an arborist immediately, and NEVER try and trim the branches yourself. We ask 3D Tree Care customers without a hazardous situation to wait a few days before they call us. Prioritizing our jobs helps us give better service.

What should you do with the mess made by the storms? As you are driving around town, you may notice the large piles of branches alongside the road. We are lucky to live in a city with an incredible forestry department. As a result of storms they set aside days to dispose of branches for you. However, if you are able to gather and haul your downed branches and brush, you can dispose of them at the limb diversion located at 140 Martin Street.

A big thanks to all loyal 3D Tree Care customers. We received hundreds of calls during the last snow storm, and we are thankful for your patience and support. Happy Holidays!