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Wednesday, April 21, 2021

What We DoDenver Digs TreesFrequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The Park People and Denver Digs Trees Adaptations for 2021

How are you protecting my health and safety?

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, we are offering contactless delivery of all trees in 2021

Why only yard trees?

Every year dozens of volunteers interact with hundreds of potential tree recipients. Pushing pause on street trees until 2021 is one big step we are taking to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Sign up here to be notified when applications are available in 2022 or apply for a tree through Denver's Be A Smart Ash program

Will there be an Arbor Day Fruit and Yard Tree Sale?

No, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there will be no in-person events associated with Denver Digs Trees this year

Getting Free & Low & Cost Trees Through Denver Digs Trees:

How can I get free and low-cost trees?

If you are a resident of the City and County of Denver, you may apply for free or low-cost trees through our Denver Digs Trees program.

Tree applications are typically available in early January and due February 15. Tree distribution day is usually the third Saturday in April. Click here to apply TODAY!

What is the difference between a street tree and a yard tree?

Street trees are trees planted along the street in the "public right-of-way". The public right-of-way is generally the "tree lawn" space between the sidewalk and the curb or, in the absence of a "tree lawn," the space within 10 feet of the curb. While the public right-of-way is technically city property, a property owner is responsible for the maintenance of the right-of-way adjacent to his/her property, including the care and maintenance of street trees. Because street trees are planted on public property, a permit is required prior to planting to ensure appropriate tree species are selected and planted in appropriate locations.

Yard trees are planted on private property. These tree can be planted in front, side, or back yards. In the absence of a "tree lawn," they are trees that will be planted in areas 11 feet or further from the curb.

How much do trees cost?

$10 in 'Target Neighborhoods*
$35 in all other Denver neighborhoods

Residents facing financial hardship may request a 'Treeship' to receive trees free of charge.

*Target neighborhoods are selected based on several factors, including particularly low tree cover. Click this link for the list of the current Target neighborhoods.

Trees of similar stock type and quality typically retail for over $150, so this is a great deal.

Which neighborhood do I live in?

Click this link to find out the official neighborhood in which you live.

What is a 'Target' neighborhood?

Target neighborhoods are neighborhoods where residents receive trees for especially low fees. The neighborhoods are selected based on several factors, including particularly low tree cover. Click this link for the list of 'Target neighborhoods'.

How do I apply for trees at more than one address?

If you wish to apply for trees to plant at multiple addresses, please submit a separate application for each planting address. On each application, be sure to enter both your mailing address (where we should mail your confirmation letter) and the appropriate planting address ("Planting Address").

Distribution Day:

How big are the trees?

We typically order trees with a trunk diameter of roughly 1 inch. Diameter and height vary between species, with most trees arriving between 5 and 10 feet tall. These trees offer the benefit of being easier to plant, establishing faster and having higher survival rates than larger trees. Estimate 1 year of transplant recovery time for each inch in trunk diameter (e.g. 1 inch tree = 1 year to establish; 2 inch tree = 2 years to establish; 3 inch tree = 3 years to establish, etc).

We order trees in 3 types of "packaging": 1. bare root (no soil around the roots); 2. balled-and-burlapped (soil ball around roots; typically ~45 lbs); 3. container (typically plastic pot with lighter weight growing medium). There are pros and cons to each form, and we order varieties in various forms based on availability and pricing.

What kind of vehicle do I need to pick up my tree(s)?

A truck or SUV is convenient. However, each year we creatively pack trees into smaller vehicles, including sedans. So, a large vehicle is not necessary unless you are hauling multiple trees. You may choose to bring a tarp or blanket to protect interior upholstery. Remember to drive carefully and slowly (30 mph or slower).

If I cannot pick up my tree on distribution day, can I still get my tree?

If you cannot attend distribution day, you have several options. 1) You could send a friend or family member to pick up the tree on your behalf. They will need to present your confirmation letter, which you will receive by mail, so be sure to give that to them. 2) We typically offer Early Pick-up for several hours the Friday morning before distribution day. You must contact our office in advance to request the Early Pick-up option as the pick-up location may be different from your original location and we will have limited hours. 3) You may contact our office if these options will not work for you, but please note that we have limited options as we must quickly sell off any unclaimed trees after distribution.

Note: If distribution day conflicts with a religious tradition that you observe and you will not be able to claim your tree, please contact our office.

Do you offer fruit trees?

Dependant on availability and affordability, we are able to occasionally offer a variety of fruit trees, including apples, cherries, peaches, and plums, during our Arbor Day Yard Tree Sale held in conjunction with the Spring Tree Distribution. The cost is typically $45-$65.

Detailed Planting Instructions

Click here to view our Planting Instruction Page

Detailed Tree Care Instructions

Click here to view our Tree Care Page

More About the Trees:

Why should we plant trees?

Trees improve our quality of life. They beautify our neighborhoods, improve property values, and support good health by encouraging us to spend time outdoors. They also provide habitat for wildlife, filter air pollution, and cool our communities with their shade, which conserves energy and saves us money.

What is a "Street Tree"?

Street trees are trees planted along the street in the "public right-of-way". This is a public space, as opposed to private property where yard trees are planted. The public right-of-way is generally the "tree lawn" space between the sidewalk and the curb or, in the absence of a "tree lawn," the space within 10 feet of the curb. While the public right-of-way is technically city property, a property owner is responsible for the maintenance of the right-of-way adjacent to his/her property, including the care and maintenance of street trees. Because street trees are planted on public property, a permit is required prior to planting.

What is a "Shade Tree"? What is an "Ornamental Tree"?

A "Shade Tree" typically refers to a medium or large tree, often with a spreading canopy, which provides significant shade. A strategically planted shade tree can reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home during the warm months, resulting in lower energy bills and less carbon released into the atmosphere. In the fall, these deciduous trees drop their leaves, allowing winter sunlight to pass through and warm your home.

An "Ornamental Tree" typically refers to a tree of a small mature size, generally 25 feet tall or shorter. Ornamental trees often have attractive features, such as showy flowers.

How do you select the tree species offered?

We work closely with the Denver Office of the City Forester to select species appropriate for Colorado's arid climate and of our urban environment. Most of our selections are relatively drought and cold hardy once established. We also select species for their disease resistance. We work to offer a variety of different species to build the diversity of the city forest - the best approach to combating disease and other threats to individual tree species. As new tree varieties are developed and new pests and diseases emerge, Denver Forestry staff helps us make wise decisions for the future of our urban forest.

Do you offer fruit trees?

Planning for Your Tree:

Do I need a permit to plant a tree?

In order to plant a tree along the street in the "public right-of-way" (see definition below), you must obtain a planting permit from the city before planting your tree. If you apply (and are approved) for street trees through our Spring Tree Distribution, we will obtain the permit for you and mark the approved planting locations. Now that's service!

What is the "Public Right-of-Way"?

The "public right-of-way is a public space that often includes public sidewalks and in which street trees can be planted (as opposed to private property where yard trees are planted). The public right-of-way is generally the "tree lawn" space between the sidewalk and the curb or, in the absence of a "tree lawn," the space within 10 feet of the curb. While the public right-of-way is technically city property, a property owner is responsible for the maintenance of the right-of-way adjacent to his/her property, including the care and maintenance of street trees. Because street trees are planted on public property, a permit is required prior to planting.

Do I need to worry about underground utilities when planting my tree?

Yes. Any time you will dig soil to plant a tree (on private or public property), you MUST call 811 or 1-800-922-1987 in advance to have your underground utilities marked (a free service!). Plant your tree at least 5 feet away from buried utilities.

What are the Spacing guidelines for Street Trees?

- Large shade trees should be planted at least 35 feet away from other large trees.
- Small ornamental trees (25 feet or shorter at maturity) should be planted at least 25 feet from other trees.
- Plant at least 10 feet away from existing dead, failing or over-mature trees that will be removed within three years.
- Plant 10 feet away from driveways, alleys & fire hydrants.
- Plant 30 feet away from the corner at an intersection.
- Plant at least 20 feet away from streetlights and stop signs.
- Plant 5 feet away from buried utility lines (Call 811 or 1-800-922-1987 to have your underground utilities marked - a free service).

What are the Spacing Guidelines for Yard Trees?

- Plant medium or large trees (30 feet or larger at maturity) at least 20 feet away from overhead power lines (this does not apply to single strand wires, such as street light and telephone wires).
- Plant at least 15 feet away from your home and other buildings.
- Plant 35 feet away from large trees (except for existing dead, failing, or over-mature trees that will be removed within three years).
- Plant 25 feet away from small trees (25 feet or shorter at maturity).
- Plant 5 feet away from buried utility lines (Call 811 or 1-800-922-1987 to have your underground utilities marked - a free service).
- Assess other potential obstructions for the tree's mature height and spread.
- Plant on East or West side of your home to maximize shade cover and energy savings (South side plantings are not recommended for saving home energy in most cases because winter shading disrupts passive solar heating and may limit the potential for solar energy production).

What kind of vehicle do I need to pick up my tree(s)?

If I cannot pick up my tree on distribution day, can I still get my tree?

Planting Your Tree:

Check out our detailed Planting Instructions

Click here for Planting Instructions.

What tools do I need to plant my tree(s)?

Must haves: shovel, utility knife (or scissors), water source, hose or bucket, mulch*
Handy to have: tarp to pile soil on, pickaxe in case of tough soil or roots
*Denver Digs Trees applicants will receive a free bag of mulch along with their tree on pick-up day.

Do I have to plant my tree(s) right away?

We strongly advise you to plant your tree(s) immediately. If you cannot plant right away, you must keep the roots from drying out (particularly a challenge with bare root trees, so get those babies in the ground!).

Can I pre-dig the hole for my tree?

We do not recommend digging your tree's hole in advance because you will base the size of the hole on the tree's rootball or root system (digging twice as wide but at roughly the same depth). It's like trying to pick out shoes before trying them on! One of the most common mistakes is planting too deeply, which suffocates the tree and often shortens a tree's lifespan. So, it's important to get that depth right and base it on the tree's anatomy (see Planting Instructions).

Should I use fertilizer or compost when planting my tree?

We do not recommend amending the soil in your planting hole with fertilizer or compost. Improving the soil in this way creates a pleasant environment for the tree's roots just within the planting hole, discouraging the roots from spreading out into the surrounding soil. Thus, instead of developing healthy roots that expand outward and anchor the tree, the roots may grow much like a potted plant, girdling (strangling) themselves and making the tree vulnerable to winds and weight. Instead, consider topdressing the entire surrounding lawn area with compost to improve the overall health of your soils and encourage your tree's roots to grow outward.

Should I stake my trees?

We do not generally recommend staking trees unless necessary (i.e. the tree will not stand straight on its own, more often an issue with bareroot trees than balled-and-burlapped and container trees). Too often, staking materials serve no necessary function and are left on too long, resulting in a girdled (strangled) trunk and a dead tree. Also, many people tie stakes to trees too tightly, so the trees do not sway in the breeze. This prevents them from developing the strong tissue structures that make them adaptable to strong winds. So, if your trees stand straight on their own, avoid staking them. Visit this link for recommended staking techniques.

Should I use tree wrap to protect my tree from sunscald?

To protect the thin bark of young trees from sunscald in the winter, in November you should wrap trees upward from the base of the tree to the lowest branches for the first three years. Sunscald can result when the dormant cells of young trees become activated by high intensity sunlight, at a lower angle in the winter months. As the temperature drops after sunset or with a change in the weather, these active cells are killed, leaving a wound on the tree.

Be sure to remove the wrap in April to prevent girdling (strangling) and potential insect damage.

Caring for Your Tree:

Check out our Tree Care Instructions

Click here for Tree Care Instructions.

Who can help me diagnose a potential tree health problem?

The City of Denver's arboreal inspectors within Denver Forestry Division provide education to residents about tree care and health issues. They can answer almost any question you may have about trees. The inspectors can answer questions via phone and email and also schedule site visits for some issues. They are also tasked with issuing permits and enforcing regulations surrounding the planting and removal of trees. So you may contact them directly to request a street tree planting permit if you are planting on your own, outside of Denver Digs Trees. Find your arboreal inspector.

Is there a list of tree care companies qualified to prune or remove my tree?

Yes. In Denver, anyone performing tree care services, including pruning and removal, must be licensed as a "Tree Service Company." The City of Denver's Forestry Division provides a current list of companies licensed to perform tree work in the City & County of Denver.

We get it, Denver Digs Trees can be confusing. But we have the answers! If you don't see them below, please contact our office at info@TheParkPeople.org or 303.722.6262

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Denver Digs Trees and tree planting and care in Denver.

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