As spring arrives and yards begin to green, it’s time to take stock of the trees in our landscapes. After all, they provide untold benefits, from their sheer beauty to the energy-saving shade they produce.

According to American Arbor Care, a tree service, two local weather events are likely to impact trees this year:

An exceedingly wet spring: Rainfall in the Denver metro area has been above normal the past two years. If this spring follows that pattern, we are likely to see more instances of two issues: Fireblight and Apple scab.

Fireblight is a bacterial disease that kills branches on apple, pear, crabapple, hawthorn and mountain ash trees. “There is currently not a cure for Fireblight,” notes Arbor Care. While treatments are available, the best option is to trim away the diseased tissue.

Apple scab is a fungus that impacts apple and crabapple trees, causing “premature leaf drop, leading to the potential for a weaker tree.” This can result in greater susceptibility to insect damage and disease. Homeowners have treatment options, although management can be “challenging,” notes Arbor Care.

Flash-freeze in the fall: This past fall, we experienced bitter temperature drops before trees had time to complete their “hardening off” process. Trees impacted were ash, honey locust, pines, and some ornamental species. Coniferous trees, in particular, may “look a little blighted and desiccated” this spring.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to consult with an arborist to assess  your treatment options.