March 2026

March Updates

March is here, and with it comes the official start of the spring season! As temperatures continue to fluctuate and plants wake up, our teams are preparing for a busy and productive month ahead. Below is a quick look at what to expect from our Trim, Lawn, and Plant Health Care (PHC) departments, along with a few tips on what you can do as a homeowner to prepare.

-Your Friends at Autumn Tree Lawn & Landscape

Spring Pruning Begins

Fruiting trees have officially started budding, which means the window for dormant pruning on those species has closed until late fall and winter. We’re still actively pruning other deciduous trees and evergreens, but our schedule is currently booking 2–3 weeks out and spring always fills up faster than expected.

With these unusually warm temperatures, many trees are acting like it’s already April. The problem is, Colorado weather rarely cooperates. An early spring frost can damage those tender buds, leading to stressed trees and fewer leaves or blooms. Add in one heavy, wet snowstorm, and that early growth can quickly turn into broken limbs and cleanup headaches.

If pruning or removal is on your mind, don’t wait for the rush. Schedule your estimate now and get on the calendar before spring weather makes the decision for you.

Planting Season Is Almost Here

We are gearing up for spring planting and we’re proud to offer trees from our very own nursery.

When you choose a tree from our nursery, you benefit from:

1. Less transportation stress on the tree
2. Healthier root systems
3. Better acclimation to our local climate
4. Most cost-effective planting option

Planning ahead ensures the best selection and ideal planting timing. Whether you’re looking for shade trees, ornamentals, or privacy plantings, now is the perfect time to design your project.

Our new arrivals include a variety of stunning, hardy species ideal for Colorado landscapes. Click the tree names below to see what they look like.

Shade & Structural Trees



• Catalpa
• Coffeetree ‘Espresso’
• Elm ‘Triumph’
• Hackberry
• Linden ‘Redmond’
• Maple ‘Emerald Queen’
• Maple ‘Fairview Norway’
• Maple ‘Hotwings’
• Maple ‘Red Point’
• Oak ‘Bur’
• Oak ‘Heritage’
• Oak ‘Kindred Spirit’
• Oak ‘Regal Prince’
• Oak ‘Swamp White’
• Sweetgum ‘Moraine’

Flowering & Ornamental Varieties



• Crabapple ‘Gladiator’
• Crabapple ‘Perfect Purple’
• Crabapple ‘Spring Snow’
• Pear ‘Chanticleer’
• Serviceberry ‘Autumn Brilliance’ (Clump Form)

Whether you're looking for vivid spring blooms, bold fall color, strong shade trees, or unique ornamental features, we have something for every landscape and aesthetic.

Planning now means you’ll be first in line for early-season planting availability and your new trees will have a full growing season to get established.

If you're thinking about adding new trees to your landscape in 2026, now is the ideal time to request a bid.

A Small Pest With Big Impact

Even though winter is winding down, bank mites remain a major concern. Due to the continued dryness and lack of snow moisture across Colorado, mite pressure is still high.

Winter lawn mites are among the most destructive yet preventable turf pests in our region.

They thrive in dry, sunny conditions and are most active from November through March, particularly on:

-South and west-facing lawns

-Areas near rock beds

-Turf beneath evergreens

-Dry, warm areas of the yard

These mites feed on grass blades and roots while the lawn is dormant. Unfortunately, damage often doesn’t become visible until spring, when large brown patches fail to green up.

Preventative treatment is key and timing matters. If you haven’t addressed mite prevention yet, now is the time. Protecting your lawn today helps avoid costly repairs later this spring.

Lawn Fertilizer with Weed Control

Our lawn department begins fertilizer with weed control applications starting March 2nd. Sprinkler systems do not need to be turned on yet for this application.

IPS Engraver Beetle Prevention

Dry conditions don’t just impact turf, they significantly stress trees as well. And when trees are stressed, pests take advantage. We are anticipating high IPS engraver beetle pressure this season due to prolonged dryness. IPS beetles specifically target stressed spruce trees, and early intervention is critical to prevent irreversible damage.

Because dry conditions increase tree stress and accelerate beetle activity, we will be starting IPS1 applications earlier this year to stay ahead of the season. When treatments begin earlier due to warm weather, coverage can taper off before peak late-season pressure. For this reason, we are recommending that clients who have already authorized our IPS program add a third application this year. This mid-season treatment, referred to as IPS1.5, will be applied in the middle of the spray cycle to extend protection and maintain continuous coverage throughout the highest-risk period.

Preventative spray treatments and trunk injections remain the most effective way to protect vulnerable spruce trees before infestation occurs. If you have spruce trees on your property and are unsure about protection, now is the time to act.

Pests Invading Colorado Homes

As Colorado’s unusual winter continues, we’re seeing increased activity from common “winter invaders” like boxelder bugs and milkweed bugs. These pests gather on warm, south and west facing walls and look for small openings and crevices to overwinter inside homes. While they don’t cause structural damage, they can become a frustrating indoor nuisance during temperature swings.

Prevention is key. Sealing exterior gaps, treating for control of boxelders, and trimming back vegetation that touches the home can significantly reduce pest pressure. Exterior barrier treatments around foundations and siding can also help deter insects before they enter.

If you’re noticing increased bug activity around your home, our team can recommend proactive solutions such as the Outdoor bug barrier treatment (BBP1-4) to reduce winter pest invasions.

Firewood isn’t just for cold winter nights, it’s also the heart of spring gatherings too. As the weather warms up, backyard fire pits, patio parties, and family cookouts become the center of the home. Having seasoned firewood on hand means you’re always ready for a last-minute get-together, roasting marshmallows with the kids, or relaxing around the fire after a long day. Stock up now so you’re prepared for those crisp spring evenings and spontaneous outdoor memories.

REMINDER:

In summary, spring is early:

• Trim: Pruning continues (except ornamentals/fruit). Booking 2–3 weeks out.
• Planting: Plan for spring planting, nursery stock available now.
• Lawn: Bank mites still active. Fertilizer + weed control starts March 2.
• PHC: Early IPS beetle treatments beginning due to dry conditions, Add the IPS 1.5
• Firewood: Stock up for spring nights and backyard gatherings.

Call or email us today to reserve your spot and keep your landscape healthy, safe, and beautiful!

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