Spring 2026: The “False Spring” and Your Trees
The calendar says March, but the weather in Colorado has been anything but predictable. This year, we’ve seen record-shattering warmth, with temperatures climbing into the 70s and 80s while humidity levels drop as low as 13%.
As an arborist company, we’re seeing the fallout of these “false spring” conditions every day. From early budding to the dangers of extreme March wind gusts, here is what you need to know to keep your landscape resilient this season.
1. The Danger of Early Budding (Dormancy Break)
Record warm temperatures in late winter and early March have coaxed many Colorado trees—especially fruit trees like peaches—into budding far too early.
- The Risk: When trees “wake up” early, they are highly vulnerable to the late-season freezes that are almost guaranteed in our region. A sudden cold snap can kill these new buds, ruining this year’s flowers and fruit.
- What You Can Do: While you can’t stop the weather, you can slow the process. Applying products like Wilt-Pruf or using tree wraps on young trees can help hinder premature budding by reflecting sunlight and keeping the trunk cooler.
2. Hydration is Health: Fighting the 2026 Drought
We are entering the growing season with significant drought uncertainty. In dry, warm conditions, your trees are fighting for survival.
- Watering Rule of Thumb: Trees need roughly 10 to 15 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter.
- Where to Water: Don’t just spray the trunk. Focus on the drip line—the area directly under the outer circumference of the branches—where the most active roots live.
- Mulch Magic: A 2-to-4-inch layer of organic mulch helps insulate roots and retain that precious moisture. Just remember the “donut, not volcano” rule: keep mulch an inch away from the actual trunk to prevent rot.
3. Managing the “Hurricane-Force” March Winds
March 2026 has already brought devastating winds to the Front Range, with gusts up to 80 mph in the foothills. We’ve seen these winds snap healthy-looking trees onto power lines and homes in areas like Evergreen.
- Structural Pruning: The best defense against wind is a well-structured canopy. Structural pruning reduces “wind load” and allows air to move through the tree rather than pushing against it like a sail.
- Support Systems: For high-value or structurally weak trees, we often recommend cabling and bracing to distribute the weight of the canopy more evenly during high-stress wind events.
4. Don’t Rush the Pruning Shears
While it’s tempting to start hacking away at dead-looking branches, patience is key.
- Wait and See: Some trees are naturally late bloomers. If you think a branch died over the winter, wait until late March or early April to see if it eventually buds out before performing corrective pruning.
- Stop at Leaf-Out: Once leaves fully emerge, it’s generally time to stop major pruning for the season to avoid stressing the tree during its most active growth phase.
Need a professional eye? Between fire-ready, red flag warnings and erratic temperature swings, your trees are under a lot of pressure. Donovan Arborists offers professional assessments to identify hidden storm damage and help your landscape navigate this volatile spring.
Contact us today at (720) 689-7820 or use our FREE ESTIMATE FORM! We look forward to hearing from you!
