When considering planting for pollinators it is important to consider the foraging cycles of pollinators and the bloom timing of the desired plants. A variety of pollinators begin emerging in late winter and will continue to forage into late fall. Because of this, it is important to select a variety of trees and shrubs that have off-setting bloom times to provide a localized pollen source throughout the year. When planning for the ideal pollinator habitat, it is recommended that a minimum of three pollen-producing plants be maintained for each third of the growing season; three spring plants, three summer plants, and three late summer/fall plants. In addition to bloom time, it is also important to take into consideration bloom density and planting location. To collect pollen, pollinators must first travel from bloom to bloom. In an attempt to conserve as much energy as possible, pollinators are more likely to visit locations and plants that offer a higher quantity of pollen within a shorter travel distance.

For a list of recommended plants, please reference the Low Water Native Plants for Pollinators document provided by the Colorado Native Plant Society.

Once you have selected and installed your desired plants, the plants must be given the proper care to promote optimal bloom and pollen production. In most instances, this will include a care program that includes both proper pruning practices and pest management. When pruning pollinating plants, it is always best to wait until after the pedal drop has fully concluded. Pruning before this time will decrease the amount of available pollen and in some cases can make plants more susceptible to disease.

Pest management is another resource to be used to promote plant health and pollinator vigor. However, when considering pest management, it is important to review when and how pesticides will be used. Some pesticides can be transmitted through pollen and negatively impact the pollinator populations we are trying to promote. If doing home applications on pollinator plants, it is critical to review all labeling before application to properly understand how the product will affect local pollinators. As always, if you have questions about pesticides or pollinators contact a plant health professional who is licensed and experienced in pesticide applications.

For any questions or needs regarding the planting, pruning, or care of pollinating plants in your yard contact Fort Collins Tree Care.

A practice recommended primarily for young and thin-barked trees such as locust, linden, and fruit trees. Temperatures can fluctuate drastically throughout Colorado’s winter months, leaving many young trees vulnerable to trunk scalding and frost cracks.

Colorado’s winters typically receive several days of sunshine and without their summer canopy to shade themselves, trees can be exposed to more direct sunlight than usual. The increased amount of direct sun exposure leads to an increased risk of scalding, which can cause both visible and internal damage to the plant’s vascular tissue.

On a warm winter day, it is possible for the trunk and main stems of a tree to become significantly warmer than the surrounding air temperature causing moisture inside the tree to rapidly expand. As the day progresses and nighttime temperatures drop, the inside of the tree rapidly cools and contracts causing irreparable separation from the outer layer of bark.

Wrapping your trees with a tree wrap will help shade the trunk from excessive sunlight, and also regulate temperature throughout the fluctuating highs and lows. Industry standards recommend that newly planted trees be wrapped for the first 3 years of being introduced to the landscape.

Like all living things, pollinators require food and shelter to facilitate their survival. A healthy pollinator habitat is an area in which pollinators have adequate access to food, water, and safe nesting areas. By selecting pollinator-positive plants, we can not only create a better living condition for pollinators but increase the overall pollen availability as well.