Will Your Tree’s Leaves Break Bud? What to Watch for by Late May in Durango, CO
Codi Coghlan
Wait... Where Are the Leaves?
It’s late May in Durango. By now, most healthy trees should be leafing out—buds opening and canopies starting to fill in. But what if your tree still looks dormant?
May is a critical month for trees in Durango—and a prime time to catch small issues before they turn into expensive problems.
Read on for tips to help your trees wake up happy. ツ
How Trees Should Look in Spring
By late-May, most trees in Durango should be showing clear signs of life—except for some catalpa and oak trees, which may not fully leaf out until after May.
In spring, healthy trees typically display:
- Buds that are swelling or beginning to break open
- Fresh green leaves beginning to unfurl
- Even growth around the canopy
Red Flags to Watch For
If you’re seeing one or more of these signs by late May, something might be wrong with your tree:
- No bud swell or delayed budding
- Uneven leaf growth (some branches leafed out, others bare)
- Brown or blackened buds
- Sparse canopy or very slow leaf-out
- Bark cracking, peeling, or looking oddly dry
Common Problems Behind Spring Tree Issues
So what’s going on under the bark? There are a few common culprits in the Durango area:
- Winter damage (from late frosts or heavy snow)
- Root damage (due to drought, soil compaction, or construction)
- Pest infestations (Colorado natives like borers or aphids)
- Disease (fire blight, fungal issues, and more)
- Drought stress
What to Do If Something Seems Off
Whatever you do—don’t start pruning randomly. Incorrect pruning can make things worse. Here’s what to do instead:
- Call a Certified Arborist to inspect the tree and diagnose the issue
- Light watering may help, but overwatering can backfire (learn more in “How to Water Your Trees”)
- Avoid fertilizing until you know what’s wrong
If your tree is in a public right-of-way or a protected area (like parts of Third Avenue or other historic Durango neighborhoods), local ordinances may apply. The City’s Parks & Rec. Department oversees maintenance of public trees, and permits may be required for pruning or removal.
Prohibited techniques include:
- Topping
- Tipping
- Bark ripping
- Flush or stub cuts
Consulting a pro for advice—and potentially hiring one to perform the work—is a great idea! It also may be legally required.
Nip the Problem in the Bud—Literally
Trees recover best in spring. By the time summer heat hits, even minor stress can turn into major dieback.
Think of it like an injury. You wouldn’t wait six months to treat a busted knee, right? The same goes for your trees.
At Momentum Tree Experts, our ISA-Certified Arborists conduct year-round consultations to support the long-term health of your trees. We assess your property, share our observations, and offer a care plan based on scientific best practices.
📞 Call us at (970) 403-5545
📅 Or request a consultation online
Let’s make sure your trees get the TLC they need this spring!
