Trees for Colorado's Climate

Trees For Style And Sustainability
Trees are often an important part of landscape design since they offer benefits for people and the planet: trees add cooling shade and privacy to outdoor spaces, and they also help improve air quality by producing oxygen and storing carbon. However, not all trees are created equal when it comes to thriving in the Front Range. 

​Our Favorite Evergreens
We love working with trees to add wind and privacy screens. See which ones are our favorites and read about their respective merits below:

Photo credit: Pro Gardens

​The Emerald Arborvitae For Shade
Our top choice for suitability to Colorado’s landscape is the Emerald Arborvitae. This narrow, dense evergreen is great for creating privacy with added screening to buffer thee rail-and-wire fencing that is popular in neighborhoods from Arvada to Cherry Creek. It also tolerates shade well when planted in East or West facing configurations.  

​The Spartan Juniper For Full Sun
For spaces bearing the heat relentless direct sunshine, the Spartan Juniper is a narrow and upright evergreen to weather hot summers and add a cooling layer of shade to help you and your pets enjoy your space more comfortably.

Aristocrat pear tree. Photo credit: Lolita Baker

A Few More Favorites
Some of our landscape architect’s favorite non-evergreen trees are the Aristocrat Pear, Serviceberry, Autumn Blaze Maple, Amir Maple, Winter King Hawthorn, and Newport Plum.

Trees like these add beauty during seasonal changes with budding leaves and flowering blossoms.  

​Trees We Typically Avoid Planting
There are a few shortcomings of trending favorite trees out there to be aware of. For example, oak trees are a trending favorite by appearance, but they take years to grow to maturity (a consideration especially when renovating landscape to increase home resale value). ​​

​Another signature look in Colorado is the Aspen tree, beloved for their subtle bark color and delicate leaves. While this native species thrives naturally in the mountains, we do not recommend planting these seedlings unless working with a sizable property that provides ample space for these invasive root systems to sprawl. Planting saplings near homes and in smaller spaces can lead to plumbing and foundation disruptions over time. The variety of Aspens that flourish at the Denver metro elevations are also limited.  

The Takeaway
Include the right trees for your space to reduce wind, dust, excess heat, and street visibility in your outdoor space. We can help you hand select the right varietals to thrive in your space and the best design placement to help you enjoy your space whether you want comfortable patio time during the summer months or an added layer of privacy between your home and property line. 

Ask for a free consultation.

Looking for the best support maintaining your trees in Colorado? Consult an certified arborist. The Rocky Mountain chapter of ISA ( International Society of Arboriculture) has tips and an online directory to support your search.