Winter Tree Removal Services: The Best Time to Remove Ash Trees to Slow EAB Spread
As the leaves fall and the Denver landscape settles into its winter slumber, you might assume tree care pauses until spring. For most tree work, that’s true, but for one critical task—the removal of Ash trees threatened by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)—winter is actually the ideal time.
If you have a dying Ash tree on your property, our winter tree removal services are not only safe and more efficient for the homeowner, they also play a crucial role in protecting the rest of our valuable urban forest here in Denver.
Why Winter is the Smart Choice for Ash Tree Removal
The City of Denver and the Colorado Department of Agriculture strongly recommend performing EAB-related removals during the colder months, roughly from September to April.
Here are three key reasons why this timing is essential for both safety and controlling the EAB infestation:
1. Minimizing EAB Spread and Infestation
The life cycle of the Emerald Ash Borer is highly dependent on temperature.
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Dormancy: During the winter, EAB is in its larval stage, burrowed deep beneath the Ash bark. The adults are inactive, meaning they are not flying, mating, or laying new eggs.
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Containment: When our crew removes an Ash tree in the winter, the EAB larvae stay trapped within the logs. This significantly reduces the risk of adult beetles emerging during the spring and summer to fly to and infest a neighboring healthy Ash tree.
Choosing winter tree removal services helps us isolate the infestation and prevents your tree from acting as a breeding ground just before the active season.
2. Safer, More Efficient Work Environment
Working on dormant trees provides critical safety and logistical benefits:
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No Leaves, Better Visibility: Without leaves blocking the view, our arborists have a clearer sightline to the canopy and structural defects. This improves the safety and precision of cuts, which is crucial for tree removal services in tight residential areas.
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Frozen Ground: Frozen soil is much firmer than soft, muddy ground. This allows our crews to move heavy equipment, wood chippers, and logs with less impact on your lawn, reducing ruts and damage to your landscaping.
3. Protecting Your Lawn and Landscape
The removal of a large tree involves heavy weight and high foot traffic.
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Minimized Damage: When we provide our tree removal services, the frozen ground protects your lawn and flower beds from compaction damage. The removal process often leaves little trace of our presence, minimizing post-removal restoration work for you.
When is Removal the Right Choice for Your Ash?
If your Ash tree is showing signs of significant crown dieback (more than 30% of the canopy is dead), or if you choose not to commit to long-term chemical treatments, removal is often the most responsible and cost-effective choice.
While treatment can save a healthy Ash, an already weakened or heavily infested tree is unlikely to recover and remains a high-risk hazard. By choosing our tree removal services this winter, you eliminate the risk and help protect the community.
Secure Your Spot for Winter Removal Services Today
Scheduling your Ash tree removal during the winter not only provides the best opportunity to contain the EAB but also ensures you have a spot on our calendar before the rush of spring and summer storm cleanups begins.
Don’t wait until the spring when the beetles become active and the risk increases. Contact us today to schedule an inspection of your Ash tree and secure your tree removal appointment!
Call today at (303) 623-8733 (TREE) us for a FREE, no-obligation estimate! We look forward to hearing from you!
