In yards across Northern Colorado the emergence of spring bulbs and presence of green grass indicates the beginning of a new growing season. While many gardeners are happy to have a respite during the winter months, spring brings renewed enthusiasm for beginning, adding to or changing a garden. Spring is a great time to make these changes as it allows the new plants an entire growing season to become established in the landscape. For plant enthusiasts, early season also offers good plant selection and value.

Trees are commonly used as the backbone of a landscape because they can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. For example, a tree may be selected to provide afternoon shade for a west facing patio or as a screen from the neighbor's yard. Flowers, fruit, colorful fall foliage or interesting bark texture add visual appeal. Small trees are approximately 10 - 30 feet tall and 12 - 25 feet wide so they do not over power the urban landscape. Their canopy may take on many forms: broad, pyramidal, upright, rounded or weeping. The variety of tree forms allows individuals to choose one that best fits their needs. Trees also have low, medium and high water requirements and different growth rates which again may impact selection.

For an extensive list and detailed information on growth habits, water requirements and characteristic features of small trees for the Northern Colorado landscape, please refer to CSU Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet #7.418 - Small Decidious Trees. Prior to making a final selection however, a visit to one or more of area nurseries to visually compare trees is highly recommended. For spring flowers and summer berries consider one of the Amelanchier (serviceberry) varieties. For fall foliage, a locally hardy/native drought-tolerant Acer (maple) variety might be selected. If unique plant characteristics such as twisted bark or leaves that add multi-seasonal texture beyond showy spring flowers and summer fruit appeal to you, consider one of the Crataegus (hawthorn) species (be warned many have large thorns).

After you have selected a tree appropriate for the site in your garden, it is important to prepare the soil. Tilling or at least amending the soil by adding organic matter to enhance drainage prior to transplanting the tree is generally recommended. During the early season, trees are available as bare root, containerized or 'balled and burlaped'. The former are generally the least expensive but tend to be available for only a limited time in early spring. Slightly different planting methods are recommended for bare root trees and those available in containers or ball and burlap, but certain basic principles apply to all.

The hole should be about 2 - 3 times as wide as the root ball to and just deep enough so that when planted, the crown (where trunk meets roots) is about 2 inches above ground. Gently backfill the hole with amended soil and mulch the area with wood or bark chips to help prevent soil compaction, reduce water requirements and weed growth. Fertilization is not recommended until the tree is established. In the absence of natural moisture, weekly watering for the first few weeks is suggested. The frequency can then be gradually reduced. For more information on planting trees please refer to CSU Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet #7.833 - The Science of Planting Trees.

The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

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This page updated:  June 22, 2006