FAQ

The term "arborist" can mean many things, and not all who use the title have the expertise or qualifications necessary to care for your trees properly. Be cautious of individuals who show up and offer vague treatments or loose pricing with a chainsaw in the truck, they generally offer cheap services— and they often lack the skills and knowledge needed for professional tree care.

ISA Certified Arborists are trained professionals who specialize in the care of trees and woody plants.

To become an ISA Certified Arborist, individuals must have at least three years of practical arboriculture experience or a combination of related education and experience, and pass a comprehensive 200-question exam covering tree biology, pruning, pest management, and more. Certification also requires adherence to a professional code of ethics and ongoing education to stay current in the field. This designation ensures arborists have the expertise to provide safe, knowledgeable tree care.

Their work includes pruning, fertilization, pest and disease management, consulting on tree health, and performing complex tasks like tree planting, transplantation, and removal when needed.

As Peter Gerstenberger, Director of Safety and Education for the Tree Care Industry Association, advises, "With potentially thousands of dollars, the safety of your property, and its long-term appearance at stake, take the time to carefully select a qualified company." At Momentum Tree Experts, we ensure the highest standards by having a ISA Certified Arborist consult and lead the treatment on every job, so you can trust your trees are in expert hands.

When you hire a TCIA-member tree care company — like Momentum Tree Experts  — you are assured that the company you are hiring has access to the most recent information on tree care practices, and that they are insured and/or bonded to protect you and your valuable property. Verify additional professional affiliations the company might have, such as membership in International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

You can find our certifications on this website!

You can also seek recommendations from neighbors, friends or business associates who you know have had professional tree care work done in the past.

Read testimonials from happy Momentum Customers.

When reviewing companies, look for information about the company: number of years in business, professional affiliations, licenses, certification, etc.  Also check with your City Hall and see if your municipality requires licensing for arborists; many communities do.

Momentum is in the application process (will be the only one in SW CO!) for TCIA Accreditation, which is a voluntary program that credentials companies which meet stringent criteria for professionalism, employee training, state and federal safety regulations, business ethics and customer satisfaction. Under the process, we undergo an extensive review and a comprehensive audit of professional and business practices aimed at safeguarding consumers.

Accreditation is the only business practices and compliance program for tree care companies in America. Companies accredited by TCIA are required to provide documented proof in many areas that protect consumers. When you hire an accredited tree care company, you can rest assured that TCIA has checked for proper insurance, applicable business and pesticide licenses, and customer service that is reliable and ethical. Make an informed decision – choose a company with the TCIA Accreditation "seal of approval." 

Care for your trees needs to be done by skilled, trained and insured professionals, both for the health and beauty of your trees and for your safety and financial well-being. 

For your safety, do not perform tree work. Taken from published reports, TCIA maintains a monthly list of Accident Briefs that outlines the sad details of homeowners getting severely injured or killed when attempting their own tree work. If you are at all uncertain about what could happen by attempting your own tree work, contact Momentum Tree Experts for proffesional help.

The challenges associated with monoculture and high-density forests, particularly in Ponderosa and Fir/Spruce dominant stands, are significant. Our objective is to address cultural and environmental stressors in order to cultivate a robust and resilient forest ecosystem. By implementing strategic selective thinning and utilizing tree climbing techniques for canopy pruning, we aim to minimize competition among trees and increase sunlight penetration. This approach will reduce the energy expended by trees to outgrow their neighbors. Furthermore, selective thinning will allow more snow to reach the ground, preventing evaporation from the limbs and increasing moisture levels. This, in turn, promotes better sap production and availability. Additionally, the increased sap flow can help capture insects before they damage the trees' cambium by trapping the adults and preventing egg laying.

Additional measures can be taken such as dead wood and storm damaged limb removal and Mistletoe mitigation. These stressors are largely influential in the overall health of individual trees and in turn the stand as a whole. 

We prioritize the intentional selection of our team members at Momentum. Our team values continuous growth, education, technical expertise, and advancement within the arboriculture industry. To ensure ongoing development, we conduct weekly safety and technical skill classes, attend industry conferences, and utilize CEU's to maintain certifications. Additionally, we implement training checklists to verify the qualifications and skills of our crew members, allowing for professional and safe task execution. Our structured progression from Ground Crew Specialist to Tree Climber Level 1 and Level 2, and then to Aerial Lift Specialist reflects our commitment to fostering employee growth. We are proud to have a dedicated crew consisting of knowledgeable and caring ISA Certified Arborists, Certified Wildlife Protectors, and Certified Tree Safety Professionals who are prepared to deliver the high-quality work that our clients expect.

Tree swings provide a wide array of advantages for both kids and adults. They offer a fun way to promote outdoor activities, contributing to physical fitness and overall wellness. In addition, they inspire imaginative play and ingenuity, nurturing a stronger connection with the natural world. Moreover, swinging on a tree swing can function as a form of social bonding, strengthening relationships with loved ones and pals. Particularly, the gentle sway of a tree swing can offer a serene and contemplative experience, offering a much-needed break from the demands of everyday life.

Please view our Employment Opportunities

Here’s a list of the incredible organizations we proudly collaborate with to give back to our community and environment:

1. Parker's Animal Rescue – Dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals in need. Original home of Ruthie and Buzz the dog's!
2. Annie's Orphans – Providing sanctuary and care for homeless and senior dogs.
3. La Plata County Humane Society – Promoting animal welfare through adoption, education, and community outreach.
4. Durango 9R PTO – Supporting local Durango schools and enhancing educational opportunities.
5. La Plata County Open Space – Protecting and preserving open spaces for future generations in La Plata County.
6. Durango Botanic Gardens – Creating and maintaining beautiful, sustainable public gardens. Please visit the gardens at the Durango Public Library!
7. Mission: Wolf – A sanctuary focused on wolf conservation and education in Westcliffe, CO.
8. TREE Fund – Advancing urban forestry and tree care through research and education.
9. Adaptive Sports Association – Providing outdoor, sport, and recreational experiences for people with disabilities.

Feel free to contact us to learn more about how we work with these organizations!

If you're feeling uncertain about which tree is the perfect fit for your property, Momentum Tree Experts is here to help! Our team offers professional planting consultations and installation to guide you in selecting the ideal trees for your specific needs, considering factors like Durango’s unique climate, your soil conditions, and your long-term vision.

We don’t just help you choose—we handle the entire process with care and expertise:

• Tree Selection: Tailored recommendations from native, drought-tolerant, ornamental, and evergreen options.
• Professional Installation: We adhere to ANSI A300 planting standards, ensuring your trees are planted to thrive.
• Fencing and Protection: We provide deer fencing and other protective measures to safeguard young trees.
• Staking: Properly installed stakes to support tree growth during establishment.
• Deep Root Fertilizing: Enrich the soil and promote healthy root development for long-term success.

At Momentum Tree Experts, we believe every tree tells a story. Let us help you plant your legacy with trees that will enhance your property, support the environment, and create beauty for generations to come.

Schedule your consultation today and let us turn your vision into a thriving landscape!

Native and Hardy Deciduous Trees for Durango!

State Street Maple: Moderate water; bright yellow fall foliage; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Oregon Maple: Moderate to high water; golden-brown fall color; medium to fast growth (2–3 ft/year).
Narrowleaf Cottonwood: High water; bright yellow fall foliage; fast growth (3–6 ft/year).
Bigtooth Maple (Plant Select®): Moderate water; orange/red fall foliage; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Western Chokecherry: Moderate water; white spring flowers, red/yellow fall foliage; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Sensation Boxelder: Moderate water; brilliant red/orange fall color; medium to fast growth (2–3 ft/year).
Bur Oak: Low to moderate water; yellow/brown fall color; slow growth (<1 ft/year).
Hackberry: Low to moderate water; yellow fall foliage; fast growth (2–3 ft/year).
Honeylocust: Moderate water; golden-yellow fall color; medium to fast growth (2–3 ft/year).
Fremont Cottonwood: High water; golden-yellow fall foliage; fast growth (3–6 ft/year).
Texas Oak (Bullet-Proof): Low to moderate water; stunning red/burgundy fall foliage; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).

Ornamental and Flowering Trees

Toba Hawthorn: Low to moderate water; pink-tinted spring flowers; orange/red fall foliage; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Winter King Hawthorn: Low to moderate water; white flowers, red berries; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Catalpa: Moderate water; showy white spring flowers; medium to fast growth (2–3 ft/year).
Goldenrain Tree: Low water; yellow summer flowers; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Crabapple: Moderate water; pink/white spring blooms, decorative fruit; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Desert Willow (Plant Select®): Low water; summer trumpet flowers; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Japanese Tree Lilac: Moderate water; creamy white spring blooms; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Amur Maple: Moderate water; bright red/orange fall color; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Flowering Dogwood: Moderate water; white/pink spring blooms; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Peking Lilac (Plant Select®): Moderate water; fragrant early summer flowers; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).

Evergreens and Unique Trees

Austrian Pine: Low water; dark green needles; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Ponderosa Pine (Plant Select®): Low to moderate water; evergreen needles; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Southwestern White Pine: Moderate water; graceful evergreen; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Piñon Pine (Plant Select®): Low water; drought-tolerant; slow growth (<1 ft/year).
Douglas Fir: Moderate water; lush evergreen; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Western Larch (Deciduous Conifer): Moderate to high water; golden-yellow needles in fall; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Tamarack Larch (Deciduous Conifer): Moderate to high water; yellow fall foliage; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Kentucky Coffeetree: Low to moderate water; light shade canopy; slow growth (<1 ft/year).
Northern Red Oak: Moderate water; red fall foliage; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Black Locust: Low to moderate water; fragrant white flowers; fast growth (2–3 ft/year).
American Sycamore: High water; mottled bark, yellow fall foliage; fast growth (2–3 ft/year).
Silver Buffaloberry (Plant Select®): Low water; silvery-green foliage; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Mountain Ash: Moderate water; white flowers, red/orange berries; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).
Golden Currant (Plant Select®): Low to moderate water; fragrant yellow spring flowers; medium growth (1–2 ft/year).