CARING FOR YOUR TREES SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO
BY SHALEEN DESTEFANO
Founded in 1980, DLC Arbor Services has been the go-to tree care team for Denver locals. When it comes to tree pruning, stump removal, or help with pests and disease, their kind and professional staff is who we turn to. We’ve known owner, Michael Naes for nearly eight years and we were finally able to sit down with him to learn more about his origin story.
You’ve been a fixture in Wash Park for years. How did you find yourself here?
My wife and I moved into the neighborhood in 1989. We had been looking for a house in various neighborhoods around the city and were not able to find anything that suited us. One Sunday afternoon in the fall of 1989, we were driving down University and saw an open house sign at Mississippi and we instantly decided we should go take a look. We drove up to the house, which was one of the original bungalows, and went inside. We learned that the house had been built in 1917 and saw that it had retained all of its original craftsman charm, including several beautiful quarter sawn oak built-ins, chunky column dividers, period baseboards and casing, and a salt-fired brick fireplace in the living room. It was literally love at first sight! We bought the house and had two children over the next ten years, which convinced us to renovate it. We spent considerable time working with an architect to ensure that we were being respectful of the home’s origins. After a year-long construction project, we got the additional space we needed, including our large, gourmet kitchen, while carefully preserving and adding to our home’s lovely craftsman elements. Our renovation project was truly a labor of love and we are proud of the resulting product, which is a craftsman home that very much fits into the Wash Park East neighborhood. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have ended up here and truly appreciate the proximity to the park and to the shops and restaurants on Gaylord. We’re also grateful for the mature trees in our yard and are diligent about maintaining them (of course!).
What inspired the founding of DLC Arbor, and how has the company evolved?
I had a company doing commercial landscape maintenance and we were contracting out the tree work to a small, independent tree service. Ultimately, I bought that tree service, and DLC Arbor was born. We have grown from a company with zero clients to one that has serviced over 5,000 residential and commercial clients, homeowner associations, business parks, and golf courses.
Can you explain your prescription-based approach to tree health care?
Our prescription-based approach is predicated on the philosophy that, unlike a lot of tree services who set up contracts for blanket applications on an annual basis, we would prefer to treat what is needed at the time it is needed, thereby avoiding unnecessary chemical use or overuse. There are some notable exceptions to this, including treatment for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), which should be preventatively treated on a consistent basis.
What is unique about your custom tree pruning services?
We prune trees in accordance with the industry standards established by the International Society of Aboriculture. All of our arborists have many years of experience pruning to this standard, which contributes to the long-term structural integrity, form, and shape of the tree.
How do you address the threat of Emerald Ash Borer in Denver?
The best way we have found to prevent EAP is biannual preventative treatment. EAP decimated the ash trees in Boulder County and it has been detected as far south as Littleton, but has not yet been detected in Washington Park, to my knowledge. The key to stopping its advance is to treat the valuable trees (those that have been pruned regularly, are in a prime location, or are providing valuable shade, for example) to prevent the borer from finding and attacking those trees and gaining a foothold in the neighborhood. Thus far, it seems that the City and County of Denver and private homeowners have taken a positive and proactive approach, which is probably the main reason it has not spread as quickly as initially predicted.
How do you minimize environmental impact while maintaining tree health?
The most effective environmental solution is the keep your trees healthy by proper pruning, fertilization, and watering. A healthy tree is less susceptible to insects and diseases. If a tree requires treatment, DLC Arbor is moving away from foliar spray applications in favor of trunk injections. This is more environmentally friendly because the active ingredients that are intended to kill pests go directly from the bottle into the tree and not into the air.
Can you share a success story where your services made a significant impact on a property?
I had a longtime client who had me plant a snow crabapple tree in her front yard, and it grew into a beautiful tree that had spectacular white flowers in the spring and provided ample shade. At some point, it got fire blight and she did not call me until the fire blight was really advanced, which is very hard to effectively treat. We opted to try to save it, knowing that it would be a 50/50 proposition at best. We treated it, in combination with a sanitation prune, and were able to save it, much to the delight of the homeowner.
How did your partnership with The Park People begin, and how can the community get involved?
The Park People is a nonprofit organization founded in 1969, and they’re dedicated to planting trees and improving parks for a healthier, more resilient Denver. They believe vibrant parks and a strong urban forest enhance community well-being and sustainability. Through programs like Denver Digs Trees and Community Forester, they’ve planted over 60,000 trees and invested millions in public spaces. As Denver’s longest-standing tree and park advocacy group, they work to ensure all residents have access to these vital urban resources. I was recruited to be on its board of directors because they wanted a person with tree expertise. Some of the major initiatives of The Park People include: Denver Digs Trees, which has planted over 60,000 trees in Denver since its inception; capital projects, including refurbishment of the Washington Park Boathouse, the Cheeseman Park Pavilion, the Civic Center Esplanade, the Fleming House in Platt Park, and the sundial in Cranmer Park, as well as maintaining and operating the Gates Tennis Center; Mile High Tree Champions, where we partner with local businesses to plant trees in various Denver parks; and most recently, we devised Tree Force, which is an apprentice program for people interested in a career in the tree care industry. The Park People have many worthy initiatives; go to www.theparkpeople.org for more information on how to join its legion of volunteers or make a donation.
What does it mean to “Be a Smart Ash,” and how can homeowners protect their ash trees?
“Be A Smart Ash” is a city-led initiative aimed at educating and empowering Denver residents to protect ash trees from pests like the emerald ash borer (EAB). Launched in 2016, the campaign provides resources for identifying, treating, and replacing vulnerable ash trees. While the city manages ash trees on public property, homeowners play a vital role in protecting those on private property and adjacent rights-of-way. By proactively monitoring tree health, seeking professional treatment when necessary, and planting diverse tree species, residents can help strengthen Denver’s urban canopy and ensure its long-term resilience against environmental threats.
Being A Smart Ash also means planting new trees to expand Denver’s beloved urban canopy. Denver Parks & Recreation offers a free tree program for eligible homeowners with space in the public right-of-way adjacent to their property. The city will handle the selection, delivery, and planting process, ensuring each tree is set up for success. Residents can apply for a free tree and take an active role in keeping Denver green for generations to come.
What’s next for DLC Arbor in terms of innovation?
DLC Arbor is always looking to improve how we do our work, whether it is utilizing the latest innovations in the industry, building trucks that can drive on golf course fairways without damaging the grass, or hiring the best employees. Side note: we are always hiring!
It’s clear that DLC Arbor, is not just in the tree business—they’re passionate about keeping Denver’s greenery healthy and thriving. With decades of experience, and a genuine love for the outdoors, they’re a local company you can trust, here to make sure your trees stay strong and beautiful for years to come. Learn more at dlcarbor.com.