Improper tree trimming is one of the most common ways homeowners in Golden, CO, accidentally damage or kill healthy trees. Understanding the most frequent mistakes can help you protect your landscape investment.
Golden sits in Jefferson County near the foothills of the Rockies, and many established neighborhoods feature large, mature trees that require careful care. The five mistakes below are especially common in this area, and knowing how to avoid them can save your trees, your wallet, and potentially your home.
Mistake #1 – Trimming Elms or Other Trees at the Wrong Time of Year
Timing matters enormously in tree care. In Colorado, trimming elm trees between April and October exposes fresh wounds to the elm bark beetle, which spreads Dutch elm disease. To stay safe, trim elms in late fall or winter when beetles are inactive, and consult an ISA Certified Arborist if you are unsure of the species or timing.
Mistake #2 – Removing Too Much Interior Foliage
Over-trimming, sometimes called “lion-tailing,” strips too much interior foliage and shifts a tree’s weight to the branch tips, creating stress, sun damage, and a higher risk of branch failure in wind or snow. Never remove more than 25 percent of a tree’s canopy in a single season.
Mistake #3 – Topping Your Trees
Topping removes the main structural branches and stimulates a flush of weak, poorly attached regrowth that is prone to failure. It shortens a tree’s lifespan and significantly reduces the property’s value. Despite this, topping remains a surprisingly common practice in Colorado, particularly with fast-growing species.
Mistake #4 – Making the Wrong Cut
Leaving a long stub invites disease and decay. Cutting flush with the trunk removes the branch collar, the slightly raised area critical to the tree’s natural healing response. Every cut should be made just outside the branch collar, not through it.
Mistake #5 – DIY Trimming Near Power Lines or Large Limbs
Working near utility lines without proper training is dangerous and, in most jurisdictions, regulated or prohibited. A limb falling the wrong way can injure a bystander, damage property, or trigger an insurance dispute. In Golden’s wildland-urban interface areas near the foothills, improper trimming can also increase fire risk. This is one situation where calling a licensed professional is not optional.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Call a certified arborist when a job involves trees taller than 10 feet, limbs over power lines, structural pruning of mature trees, or anything near your roofline or a neighbor’s fence. Scheduling professional tree trimming before problems escalate can also help avoid homeowner’s insurance complications when neighboring properties are involved.
Get Help From Golden’s Trusted Tree Professionals
Golden-based Schulhoff Tree & Lawn Care has served Jefferson County and the Denver metro area since 1937, with ISA Certified Arborists who understand Colorado’s beetle seasons, foothills fire considerations, and the mature canopies that define local neighborhoods. If your trees need a professional eye, request a free estimate or learn more about professional tree trimming services. Call (303) 279-1910 to get started. You can also find and review Schulhoff Tree & Lawn Care on Google.