Native Trees.pdf

A Colorado native tree is one that existed in the state prior to European settlement.
Native plant communities make Colorado visually distinct and provide wildlife habitats.
Landscaping with natives maintains biodiversity and requires reduced external inputs.

Benefits of Native Trees

Naturally adapted to Colorado's climate, soil, and environmental conditions.
Attract a variety of wildlife, including mammals, birds, and butterflies.
Require reduced maintenance, such as watering, fertilizing, and pruning.

Where to Grow Native Trees

Select trees that match the site's life zone and moisture, light, and soil requirements.
Consider the aspect (north, south, east, or west facing) of the proposed site.
Native trees can be used in combination with adapted non-native plants.

Life Zones of Colorado

Plains (3,500-5,500 ft): grasslands and streamside cottonwoods.
Upper Sonoran (below 7,000 ft): semi-desert shrublands and piñon pine-juniper woodlands.
Foothills (5,500-8,000 ft): dry land shrubs and piñon-juniper woodlands.
Montane (8,000-9,500 ft): ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, and aspen woodlands.
Subalpine (9,500-11,500 ft): dense forests of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce.
Alpine (above 11,500 ft): treeless zone with grasslands and tundra.

Culture and Maintenance

Supplemental moisture may be required after planting.
Container-grown trees can be planted at any time during the growing season.
Amend the planting site with organic material or wash off the media from the container-grown plant.

Native Tree Species

Table 1 lists native trees for Colorado landscapes, including large trees (45+ ft when mature) and smaller trees.
Species include white fir, corkbark fir, boxelder, and others.
* Comments on each species include growth habits, moisture requirements, and potential uses in landscapes.