For the nineteenth year in a row, the City of Lone Tree was named a 2021 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of our commitment to effective urban forest management. The Arbor Day Foundation created the Tree City USA program to celebrate the importance of an urban tree canopy and improve the care of these vital city trees.
A first-ever tree survey was conducted by 12 Douglas County Master Gardener volunteers in June 2017 to establish a baseline estimate of the total number of trees located within the City of Lone Tree. Approximately 45,000 trees are estimated to be located in developed Lone Tree.
The tree survey revealed that our region is a difficult place for trees to survive. Our beloved local climate is awesome for people, yet it is harsh on trees. Extreme weather changes are common. Much of Colorado is very dry averaging only 17 inches of precipitation per year statewide. It is very rare when some portion of the state is not in some degree of drought.
Trees located within the City of Lone Tree are subjected to a wide range of conditions that can and do cause tree damage. They include:
- Heavy wet snowfall occurring when many trees may be foliated.
- Severe and sudden temperature changes.
- Long periods with little moisture and extreme heat.
- Severe wind events.
- Insects, rodents and diseases.
Providing recommended maintenance can reduce tree stress, and as a consequence, enable trees to better resist insects, diseases and weather events. Examples of needed tree care are watering during dry periods in the winter, structural pruning, adequate depth of mulch and pest prevention and treatment.
Throughout the month of April, we will be sharing tree tips with the community. Stay tuned and be ready to leaf into action!