Trees are important to Broomfield!
Did you know that there are over 160 different species of trees growing in Broomfield’s parks, greenbelts, and open space? Broomfield has trees ranging from the less common Bald Cypress and Ginkgo tree to the very common Green Ash and Austrian Pine, along with the under-utilized Oak tree.
A great place to see a wide variety of trees is Community Park. There are 450 plus trees planted there. Austrian Pine is the most common, followed by Green Ash, Blue Spruce, Honeylocust, Linden, and Hackberry.
Using a mobile device, visit the Colorado Tree Coalition's "Tree Collection" web page and take a self-guided tour of the trees at Community Park. View the common name, Latin name, cultivar, and size. Check out the species bio for in-depth information about the tree species' growth habit and characteristics, landscape value, and the tree's role in Colorado. Perhaps you'll find a new favorite!
Why do we need trees?
- There are many reasons to plant trees. Some of the benefits include:
- Trees clean our water and air. From low-level ozone in our cities to pesticide and fertilizer runoff from our farms, trees absorb harmful pollutants.
- Trees save energy and money. Just three trees strategically planted around your home can cut your air conditioning bill in half.
- Trees save tax dollars. Trees in a city slow stormwater runoff and reduce the need for storm sewers. Tree shade also helps cool municipal buildings, lowering electricity bills.
- Trees cool our cities. Urban "heat islands" are directly related to massive tree-cutting for development.
- Trees help community life. Tree planting and community-based forestry can add significantly to a local community's sustainable economy while restoring the environment.
- Trees protect soil. By holding soil in place with their root systems, by deflecting pounding rain with their canopies, and by adding nutrients each fall with their leaves, trees are crucial to keeping and improving our soil.
- Trees provide habitat for species of many kinds—including endangered species.
- Trees provide clean water and natural flood control. Forests act as natural reservoirs, and they protect watersheds, providing clean water for cities, bays and rivers.
- Trees are a beautiful part of our lives. From striking individual trees that are of historic significance or are simply large and majestic, to a grove of trees in a city park, trees enrich our lives by simply being there. Trees are not just a key to the natural ecosystem—trees are an essential part of community life.
Emerald Ash BorerThe Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive and destructive insect that will affect Broomfield's urban forest. It was discovered in Boulder in September 2013. Visit the EAB web page for additional information.
Other DiseaseThere are many diseases that can attack your trees. One common to Broomfield is Iron Chlorosis. This generally translates to a lack of chlorophyll. When there is a lack of iron, manganese, or nitrogen, the leaf turns yellow while the leaf veins remain green. This is very common in maples and oaks. Colorado’s alkaline soil’s high pH make these nutrients unavailable to the trees. Trees that are highly susceptible to Iron Chlorosis include silver, red, and Ginnala maples; River Birch; Pin Oak; Sweetgum; and Dawn Redwood. (Berry bushes and grapes are also highly susceptible to this ailment.)
Memorial Tree Program
Broomfield's Forestry Division offers a way to provide a lasting tribute to a loved one that will last for generations. Read on. . .
Best Picks for BroomfieldBroomfield's City Forester has compiled this list of trees that should grow well in Broomfield. For a much broader selection of recommended trees, visit the Colorado State University website.
Hiring the right person to care for your trees can affect their long-term health and increase the life of your tree. Arborists are professionals who have the skill and knowledge to care for your trees. This investment will lead to increased property value and life of the tree. Poor maintenance could lessen the life of the tree and add liability to you as the homeowner.
Tree care can be very dangerous work. Tree removal, pruning, and insect and disease control require special equipment and tools and should be left to the professional. Once homeowners start using a ladder or leaves the ground in any way to care for their tree, then hiring an arborist should be considered.
During dry winters, it's important to provide your trees—especially young ones—with adequate water. Read about fall and winter watering guidelines.
Caring for Storm-Damaged Trees
Heavy, wet snows can wreak havoc on trees that have not dropped their leaves. Find out how to care for your storm-damaged trees in this publication provided by Colorado State Forest Service.
A community tree-planting event from April 2012 was videotaped—watch it now!
Return to Parks Division Home
Colorado State University plant publications
International Society of Arboriculture
Tree Owner's Manual