Our Blog

 Learn the basics of how to properly plant a tree, including safety protocol, and tree planting techniques for bare root, container, and balled and burlapped tree stock types.

We will also cover the ongoing and seasonal care needs for your new tree like when and how much to water and special care considerations for fall & winter. 

Save the date - registraion will begin in late March 

Come get your baby trees! If you applied for a tree and have not heard from us regarding your approval status by April 15, please call our office at 303.722.6262 or email us at info@theparkpeople.org

January 1, 2023

Lindsay Cutler

What if our storm drains occasionally dropped apples over our fences? In this post, we reveal the power of the whole - what our trees are doing for us individually at our homes and workplaces as well as their collective strength in helping to make Denver a cleaner, greener place to live and play.

We sat down with Evon Lopez, community organizer, grandmother, student, hiker, tree lover aaand…The Park People’s new Community Connector to talk about her life, her work, her community, and her dreams. At 62, Evon is retired from a 25-year career working with the City and County of Denver as a Human Resource professional. She cares for her infant grandson full time while pursuing a masters degree in Human Resource Management and working tirelessly on behalf of Valverde residents. We asked Evon why she chose to take on the role of Community Connector when she’s already so busy. She responded: “I got into this because I saw it as a way to bring more trees into the Valverde Neighborhood, because I love and honor the people from this neighborhood with all my heart. Yet something has happened, and I don’t know how to describe it. It’s supernatural. I feel like somebody pushed a button in me. I think I’ve fallen for you, trees, The Park People magic. Perhaps I’m smitten, or is it bitten? Community Connectors are important because we teach each other. You teach me about trees and show me how to bring more people in. I speak the language of Valverde and that’s important for The Park People’s work to be successful there."

We've been experiencing a lot of hot temperatures that can be affecting Denver's trees. Do you think the top of your tree has died? Here are some signs that may be the case: brittle branches, no signs of buds or leaves, breakage, and discoloration.

If the tree has basal shoots coming out from the bottom of the trunk, there may be hope for it yet! Retraining may be a good way to save the tree. This process alters which branch is leading the growth at the top of the tree, replacing what has died with a strong, more viable branch.

But first, let's start at the beginning. Read this blog for a How-To on retraining a tree.