Enjoying a meal on the patio with friends or sitting outside and watching a spectacular mountain sunset on your lawn is one of the main reasons many people choose to live and vacation in Colorado’s world-famous Rocky Mountains. A little extra planning is all it takes to maximize the enjoyment of your personal high-altitude outdoor spaces. Here are a few tips to consider:
Understand mountain-growing seasons. Do some research to understand the hardiness zone of your location. Knowing your hardiness zone will help you make smart purchases at your local garden store and guide your planting schedule if you are sowing your own seeds. Select plants, trees and shrubs that will thrive in the Colorado climate.
Scout out your microclimates and amend your soil. Where you plant on your property can be an important choice that influences the success of your efforts. Southern exposure next to a building is often the spot that will give plants the best opportunity to thrive. Consider giving your outdoor spaces a boost by adding compost, peat moss or other soil conditioners to help the rocky soil often found in the mountains.
Plan for deer, rabbits and other “guests”. A hungry deer or family of rabbits can quickly munch their way through a long weekend of planting, so consider ways to protect your garden if you have active wildlife populations in your area.
Be on the lookout for signs of IPS this time of year. Make sure to continue to inspect your trees for signs of this aggressive pest. Look for milky-gray pitch masses on the tree trunk similar in size and shape to a popped popcorn kernel. As there are other insects that will cause pines to pitch, enlist a certified Arborist to diagnose any issues with your pine trees.
Summer in Colorado is one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the world. These tips will help you to enjoy your space to the fullest!
