HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 10/08/2024 - Memorandum from Kendra Boot re: Leadership Planning Team Follow up re: Urban Forestry PlanForestry Division
413 S Bryan Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80521
970-221-6660
Forestry@fcgov.com
CC: Mike Calhoon, Director of Parks
MEMORANDUM
Date: October 2, 2024
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager
Dean Klingner, Community Services Director
From: Kendra Boot, City Forester
Subject: Leadership Planning Team Follow-up RE: Urban Forestry Plan
BOTTOM LINE
The Forestry Division is excited to share with you Rooted in Community, Fort Collin’s first Urban
Forest Strategic Plan and the accompanying Technical Appendix. Staff also addressed several
questions below as a follow-up to the September 30, 2024 Leadership Planning Team Meeting.
BACKGROUND
Attached is the proposed final draft of Rooted in Community, Urban Forest Strategic Plan as
well as the Technical Appendix which was submitted for Council packet on October 2. The
Resolution is scheduled for consideration October 15, 2024.
Please note: There are a few minor aesthetic edits that staff is aware of and these edits will be
adjusted by the October 15 Regular Council Meeting.
Staff was asked to provide the following information related to this item and related
budget conversations:
• How many employees are currently working on urban forestry;
o 17 FTEs, 5 hourlies during the summer (Forestry Division); 1 FTE (Zoning
Department)
o 12 of the 17 FTEs do direct field operations (tree pruning, removal, etc.)
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
o Today, Forestry allocates $300K to contractual pruning to assist with getting
closer to meeting 5-year pruning metric goal and to be more responsive during
large storm damage events; and $200K for tree replacement efforts.
o The other 5 FTEs are more administrative and manage specific programs (e.g.
tree replacement, arborist licensing, development/CIP review, tree
protection/preservation, emerald ash borer/other insect and disease
management, code enforcement, Living Tribute Tree Program, Community
Canopy Program, education and outreach, etc.)
• Comparisons of similar efforts in other communities; and
o From the Urban Forest Strategic Plan Technical Appendix:
o As a percentage of the total city budget, Fort Collins is on par with the average
for 463 cities that provided budgetary information to a 2014 municipal forestry
census (Figure 30, Hauer & Peterson, 2016). *Inflation taken into consideration.
o Of the cities that provided budgetary information, only one-half (53%) reported
that their annual budget was adequate to meet their city’s forestry needs. Their
average budget shortfall was 45%. Among cities that were similarly sized to Fort
Collins, the percentage who said their annual budget was adequate to meet their
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
forestry needs dropped to 39%. In these cities, the average budget shortfall was
approximately 36%.
o Historically, we have been behind on the staff and resources needed to maintain
the public urban forest during the community’s period of rapid growth and have
made some significant progress starting with the 2017-2018 budget cycle
(noticeable in the pruning graph below).
• What the overall maintenance costs are expected to be once the full canopy gets
built out?
o In alignment with City Plan and based on what we know today, there are
currently .34 public trees per capita in Fort Collins. “Population estimates from
the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and the North Front Range
Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) project that Fort Collins is likely
to add 70,000 new residents by 2040” (City Plan, 2019).
o Following these estimates, our best educated guess is that there could be an
additional 23,800 public trees by 2040 (a 25% increase) bringing the total
public tree inventory close to 85,000 trees near projected build out.
o With the current level of service to improve, today, we are in need of a 3-person
crew plus equipment to accomplish pruning 20% of the public urban forest each
year (5-year rotation) and to respond to service requests as well as continue
other urban forestry operations mentioned above.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
o A 3-person crew/equipment and contractual funds are needed for every 10 to
12K trees added to the public tree inventory.
o Offers 59.14 and 59.15 are the current budget ask for an additional 3-person
crew/equipment and are costed at $629,085 and $723,234 (offers combined),
2025-2026 respectively. These are not eligible for 2050 tax.
o We currently have three field crews;
o By 2040, we will need six 3-person crews/equipment plus contractual money and
administrative support to continue this level of service.
o In today’s dollars, this equates to $5.4M needed by 2040 to support urban
forestry.
NEXT STEPS
o Council Work Session #3 – Budget
o Council Regular Meeting October 15 – Resolution for Consideration
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 1
Technical Appendix
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 2
Technical Appendix
Table of Contents
About This Document ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Strategic Planning Framework ......................................................................................................................... 2
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest .....................................................................................................................................6
Urban Tree Canopy ...............................................................................................................................................6
Public Tree Inventory ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Strategies for Resilience and Sustainable Growth ............................................................................. 29
Public Tree Benefits .......................................................................................................................................... 29
Pest Susceptibility ............................................................................................................................................... 31
Climate Vulnerability ........................................................................................................................................ 34
Priority Planting Analysis ............................................................................................................................... 38
Operational Efficiency and Resource Management......................................................................... 45
Indicators of a Sustainable Urban Forest ............................................................................................ 45
Operations Review ............................................................................................................................................. 54
Community Engagement and Policy Integration ............................................................................. 67
Community Feedback .................................................................................................................................... 67
City Code Review ................................................................................................................................................ 85
Heritage Tree Protection .............................................................................................................................. 90
City Policy and Planning Framework .................................................................................................... 93
References ................................................................................................................................................................... 98
About This Document
This technical appendix, prepared by Davey Resource Group, Inc., is an
accompaniment to the Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan (2024). It provides
more detailed information about the methodology and findings that underlie the
Plan and its recommendations.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 3
Technical Appendix
Strategic Planning Framework
When viewed from above, the green tree canopy of Fort Collins stands out against
the surrounding steppe, shrubland, and grassland of the Front Range. Trees that
have been planted over the past 160 years have grown to become one of the
hallmarks of the city, enhancing the natural beauty and hospitability of the Cache la
Poudre River valley.
The city of Fort Collins is in a period of growth—the city is expected to add 70,000
new residents by 2040 (City Plan, 2019). The shade, cooling effects, and carbon
absorption of trees will make tree canopy a key component in regional approaches
to climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience as the city grows. Trees make
streets and sidewalks safer and more comfortable for cycling, walking, and public
transit. Trees cool the air, helping residents to save on energy costs and reducing the
incidence of heat-related illness. Trees also capture stormwater and help to conserve
irrigation water by cooling the ground and air.
In recent years, the city’s Forestry Division, founded in 1977, has been moving toward
a more proactive approach to managing public trees. This Urban Forest Strategic
Plan summarizes the state of Fort Collins’ urban forest, the near-term outlook for its
public trees, the forestry program, public sentiment, and the City’s planning and
policy framework. Then it proposes seven recommendations with tiered actions that
the City can take to ensure that its urban forest remains healthy and vibrant into the
future.
The Urban Forest Strategic Plan
An urban forest strategic plan is a comprehensive plan for the management,
protection, and improvement of the urban forest. It analyzes the existing condition,
value, and resources of the urban forest and outlines a vision for the future, guided
by input from the community. The plan provides a roadmap for implementation by
prioritizing initiatives and actions to improve the urban forest over time. The
development of an urban forest strategic plan is an important step in ensuring the
long-term sustainability and resilience of the urban forest.
In 2023, the Forestry Division partnered with Davey Resource Group, Inc. to develop
the Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan. The plan uses the principles of adaptive
management to establish a 20-year vision for managing the urban forest (figure 1).
Adaptive management is commonly used for resource planning and management
and provides a conceptual framework for managing the urban forest. It seeks to
develop an effective plan by answering a series of questions about Fort Collins’
present and future:
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 4
Technical Appendix
Adaptive Management Process
1. What do we have? We looked at Fort Collins’ existing urban forest, its current
management, and public perception about trees. We put this into context by
examining climate and social factors and the City’s policy and planning
framework.
2. What do we want? We engaged with City staff, partners, and the public and
incorporated existing planning documents and urban forestry industry tools
to identify priorities for the urban forest and the desired outcomes for the
Forestry program.
3. How do we get there? We looked for gaps, opportunities, challenges, and
desires for future canopy growth, social equity, staffing, and alignment with
Fort Collins' future plans. This guided the creation of goals, initiatives, and
actions that will be needed to achieve the desired outcomes.
4. How are we doing? We developed methods to create responsibility and
accountability for the plan through audits and evaluations. Resulting metrics
and information will feed back into the future adaptive management
approach by providing an updated perspective on “What do we have?”.
Figure 1. The adaptive management planning process used to create the Urban Forest Strategic Plan.
What do
we have?
What do
we want?
How do we
get there?
How are
we doing?
Adaptive
Management
Approach
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 5
Technical Appendix
Trees Support Fort Collins’ Strategic Objectives
Fort Collins’ 2024 Strategic Plan outlines seven Key Outcome Areas by which the city
measures progress toward the vision and goals of its comprehensive plan:
1. High Performing Government
2. Culture & Recreation
3. Economic Health
4. Environmental Health
5. Neighborhood & Community Vitality
6. Safe Community
7. Transportation & Mobility
Trees relate to each of these seven Outcome Areas through the many social, ecological,
and economic benefits that trees provide. Tree benefits and their relationships to the
City’s Key Outcome Areas are detailed throughout this document—look for the tree icon.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 6
Technical Appendix
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest
Fort Collins’ urban forest includes trees growing along streets, in public parks and
natural areas, and in the yards of homes, schools, and businesses. Together, these
trees are a dynamic, living system that provides invaluable environmental,
economic, and societal benefits to enhance the quality of life in Fort Collins.
URBAN TREE CANOPY
An urban tree canopy assessment was conducted by Davey Resource Group, Inc. in
collaboration with the City of Fort Collins to better understand the city’s urban tree
canopy—where it is, how it’s changing, the benefits it provides to residents, and
where potential tree planting opportunities exist. The urban tree canopy assessment
uses aerial imagery to measure the amount of tree canopy on both public and
private property as viewed from above.
The urban tree canopy assessment analyzed 2021 high-resolution aerial imagery of
Fort Collins to determine:
● tree canopy cover by land use and geography: land area that is shaded by
trees when viewed from above, summarized by social and political boundaries
● change in tree canopy cover from 2011–2021 by land use and geography:
how tree canopy cover has changed within social and political boundaries over
the past decade
● ecosystem benefits analysis: estimates the benefits provided by the city’s
entire tree canopy
● priority planting analysis: prioritizes possible tree planting locations by
stormwater, urban heat island, social equity, and human health benefits
● tree placement analysis: characterizes potential planting areas based on their
suitability for large-, medium-, and small-stature trees
The information derived from the urban tree canopy assessment:
1. Establishes a baseline of tree canopy cover for future analysis
2. Estimates the rate of change in tree canopy over the past decade
3. Estimates the public benefits that are provided by existing tree canopy
4. Can help inform decision making about urban forest management, tree
preservation, and future planting
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 7
Technical Appendix
Tree Canopy Cover and Change, City Limits & Growth Management Area
The urban tree canopy assessment measured tree canopy cover within current city
limits. To provide a baseline for growth over the next 20 years, the assessment also
measured tree cover across city limits plus the growth management area.
Within the current city boundaries, Fort Collins has 5,116 acres of tree canopy, equal
to 13.7% tree cover (map 1). The growth management area includes an additional
1,280 acres of tree canopy, bringing the total tree canopy area for city limits plus the
growth management area to 6,396 acres (12.6% cover).
Tree canopy cover derived from 2021 aerial imagery was compared to a 2011 tree
cover analysis that was conducted by PlanIt Geo to examine how tree canopy has
changed across Fort Collins in the prior decade. During this period, Fort Collins
experienced a net gain of 753 acres within city limits and a total gain of 936 acres of
tree canopy across city limits plus the growth management area (equivalent to 708
football fields), a net increase of 17.2% tree cover since 2011.
Map 1. Tree canopy cover in Fort Collins city limits and the growth management area, based on 2021
high-resolution aerial imagery.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 8
Technical Appendix
Tree Canopy Cover and Canopy Change by US Census Block Group
US Census block groups are federally defined geographic areas that are variable in
size and typically contain between 600–3,000 residents. Block groups make for
useful study areas due to the wide variety of sources that use census boundaries to
report social and economic data. In Fort Collins during the 2020 U.S. Census, there
were 137 block groups ranging in size from 2–3,025 acres.
Among Fort Collins’ block groups, tree cover ranges from <0.1% to 41% (map 2). From
2011–2021, 69% of block groups experienced tree canopy growth (maximum growth:
+378% tree cover), while 30% of block groups lost tree canopy (maximum loss: -53%
tree cover; map 3; figure 2).
Map 2. Tree canopy cover within Fort Collins city limits and the growth management area by U.S.
census block group.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 9
Technical Appendix
Map 3. Tree canopy change by U.S. census block group, 2011–2021.
Figure 2. Census block groups in order of largest to smallest by tree canopy acres. Change in tree
canopy acres from 2011-2021 is represented by green bars (net gain) and orange bars (net loss).
0
50
100
150
200
250
Block Groups
2021 Tree Cover
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 10
Technical Appendix
Canopy Cover and Canopy Change by City Council District & Precinct
Among the six city council districts, tree canopy cover ranges from 8.9% to 25.1%
(map 4). From 2011–2021, council districts 1–5 experienced net growth in tree cover
(range: +6.1% in District 5 to +110% in District 3), while District 6 experienced a slight
net loss of tree cover (-0.6%; map 5, figure 3).
Figure 3. Tree canopy cover by council district in 2011 and 2021. Labels indicate net change in tree cover
from 2011-2021.
+7%
+9%
+110%+30%
+6%
-0.6%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
1 2 3 4 5 6Council District
Map 4. Tree canopy cover by city council
precinct and district. district, 2011–2021.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 11
Technical Appendix
Canopy Cover and Canopy Change within Parks
Trees add to the natural beauty of parks and enhance the value of green space for
many types of recreational uses. Trees within parks and natural areas also serve as
important habitat for urban wildlife. For these reasons, planting, maintaining, and
preserving canopy trees, with a focus on native species, are priority actions that are
named in Fort Collins’ Recreate: Parks & Recreation Master Plan (2021).
Among Fort Collins’ 60 parks, cemeteries, and golf courses, average tree cover is
18.9% over 1,379 total park acres (figure 4, table 1), greater than the city average of
13.7% tree cover. Tree cover ranges from no measurable tree canopy at Richards Lake
Park to up to 62% cover at Indian Hills Park. In the study period from 2011–2021, there
was a net gain of 47.7 acres (+1.7%) of tree canopy across the studied parks.
Six future park sites
provide a potential for
up to 102 acres of new
tree canopy area.
Figure 4. Tree canopy cover
within Fort Collins parks.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 12
Technical Appendix
Table 1. Tree canopy cover and change by park. Possible tree canopy includes grassy and vegetated
areas where trees could potentially be planted. Maximum tree canopy is the sum of existing and
possible canopy.
PARK ACRES TREE
CANOPY
CHANGE
2011-2021
POSSIBLE
CANOPY
MAXIMUM
CANOPY
Alta Vista Park 0.6 41% 2% 15% 56%
Archery Range 54 34% 14% 50% 84%
Avery Park 6 45% 8% 36% 81%
Beattie Park 7 23% 5% 17% 40%
Blevins Park 6 33% 23% 59% 93%
Buckingham Park 5 15% 1% 46% 62%
City Park 76 29% 9% 29% 58%
City Park Nine Golf Course 55 28% 5% 1% 29%
Civic Center Park 2 24% -6% 44% 69%
Collindale Golf Course 157 16% 12% 1% 16%
Cottonwood Glen Park 12 12% 119% 60% 72%
Creekside Park 3 29% 37% 39% 68%
Crescent Park 7 0.1% 100% 78% 78%
Eastside Park 2 31% 28% 53% 84%
Edora Community Park 42 25% 34% 40% 65%
English Ranch Park 12 26% 143% 38% 63%
Fossil Creek Community Park 96 4% 241% 51% 54%
Freedom Square Park 0.5 25% -28% 22% 47%
Golden Meadows Park 11 22% 39% 43% 65%
Grandview Cemetery 43 39% 1% 0% 40%
Greenbriar Park 22 17% 75% 49% 67%
Harmony Park 10 11% >600% 64% 75%
Homestead Park 6 16% >600% 73% 89%
Indian Hills Park 2 62% 3% 36% 99%
Landings Park 8 22% 30% 36% 59%
Lee Martinez Community Park 90 33% -2% 47% 80%
Legacy Park 9 16% -21% 75% 91%
Leisure Park 0.9 54% 14% 27% 80%
Library Park 5 51% 9% 21% 72%
Lilac Park 0.7 18% 51% 59% 77%
Miramont Park 10 12% 269% 66% 78%
Oak St Plaza Park 0.3 55% -9% 0% 55%
Old Fort Collins Heritage Park 14 22% 38% 38% 60%
Overland Park 16 15% 56% 48% 62%
Poudre River Whitewater Park 11 15% -43% 47% 63%
Rabbit Brush Park 2 18% 155% 55% 73%
Radiant Park 9 3% 100% 71% 73%
Registry Park 5 2% 363% 78% 80%
Richards Lake Park 6 0% 0% 100% 100%
Ridgeview Park 11 11% 167% 67% 77%
Rogers Park 8 32% 69% 55% 88%
Rolland Moore Community Park 71 22% 27% 36% 58%
Romero Park 0.2 37% 28% 35% 72%
Roselawn Cemetery 28 20% 2% 46% 66%
Rossborough Park 16 26% 45% 69% 95%
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 13
Technical Appendix
PARK ACRES TREE
CANOPY
CHANGE
2011-2021
POSSIBLE
CANOPY
MAXIMUM
CANOPY
Soft Gold Park 17 14% 192% 64% 78%
Southridge Golf Course 127 12% 73% 7% 19%
Spencer Park 0.4 45% -1% 45% 90%
Spring Canyon Community
Park 116 14% 77% 64% 77%
Trees Enhance Culture & Recreation
Trees enhance urban parks and green space by providing shade, beauty, and by
contributing to the ecological function of green islands within the built environment.
Trees along transit corridors build connectivity to parks and green space that eases the
passage of both humans and wildlife.
According to Trust For Public Land’s ParkServe mapping tool, 73% of Fort Collins
residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, which is above average for all U.S. cities
and towns (55%) and on par with the 100 most populous U.S. cities (74%). Increasing tree
canopy within and around these parks is one way that urban forestry can support the
Culture and Recreation. Fort Collins City Council has set a priority for all residents to live
within a 15-minute walk to nature and have trees visible where they live, work, and play.
Trees are not compatible with all recreational uses, however. For example, trees are
undesirable within ballfields, skate parks, and amphitheaters. Recreation centers and
pavilions can limit the area where trees can be planted. Lastly, many of Fort Collins’
natural areas are intended to protect native habitat including grassland and shrubland;
in such places, contiguous tree canopy is not desirable.
Sources: Trust For Public Land; Fort Collins’ ReCreate: Parks & Recreation Master Plan, 2021; Nature
in the City, 2015; Natural Areas Master Plan, 2014.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 14
Technical Appendix
Tree Canopy by Land Use
Examining tree canopy cover and change by land use shows how different land uses
are affecting citywide tree canopy trends, which can be useful for guiding policy
decisions. Land uses that comprise larger areas have the greatest impact on
citywide trends.
In Fort Collins, residential land contains 56% of the city’s urban forest (figure 5). Tree
cover has grown 15% on residential land since 2011. The largest tree canopy losses by
total acreage have taken place on commercial land, which lost 30 acres (10%) of tree
cover since 2011.
The largest potential for additional tree canopy occurs within residential and mixed-
use zoning types, which together contain 8,083 acres of possible additional tree
canopy.
By zoning district, the highest proportions of tree canopy cover occur within the
Neighborhood Conservation Districts (19%–36%), the Low-Density Residential District
(26%), and Manufactured Housing District (24%; table 2). The highest proportions of
tree canopy loss occurred within several commercial zoning districts (-36% to -23%)
and the High-Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood District (-34%). Canopy cover within
the Residential Foothills District is low (5%) but grew by 248% over the past decade.
Figure 5. Tree canopy cover in 2011, net change from 2011–2021, and possible additional tree canopy by
land use type.
+15%
+32%+21%-10%+13%-6%0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
Residential Mixed Use Open Space Commercial Industrial Institutional
Land Use
Other Land Area
Possible Canopy Acres
Canopy Change 2011-2021
Canopy Acres 2011
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 15
Technical Appendix
Table 2. Tree canopy cover and change by zoning district.
ZONING DISTRICT ACRES TREE
CANOPY
CHANGE
2011-2021
POSSIBLE
CANOPY
MAXIMUM
CANOPY
Commercial 2,958 9% -10% 24% 32%
Community Commercial -
North College District 155 4% 7% 27% 31%
28 13% -23% 24% 38%
244 5% -35% 30% 35%
299 14% 34% 22% 36%
Industrial 1,478 3% 13% 34% 36%
Institutional 762 17% -6% 13% 31%
Mixed Use, Low Density 6,434 9% 88% 38% 47%
6,434 9% 88% 38% 47%
Mixed Use, Medium Density 6,103 13% 10% 28% 42%
1,940 17% 23% 30% 47%
159 29% -20% 13% 42%
546 34% -16% 17% 51%
Mixed Use, High Density 56 15% -34% 16% 30%
56 15% -34% 16% 30%
Open Space 7,248 7% 21% 12% 19%
Residential 12,416 23% 15% 31% 54%
8,654 26% 14% 26% 52%
539 36% -4% 20% 56%
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 16
Technical Appendix
Canopy Cover at Bus Stops
Trees an important part of the layered strategies to increase the use of public transit
that are outlined in the city’s transportation master plan. Shaded bus stops make
public transit safer for riders, particularly during hot summer months. Growing tree
canopy cover at bus stops supports Fort Collins’ intent to reduce Vehicle Miles
Traveled by encouraging multimodal transportation (City Plan, 2019).
The urban tree canopy analysis quantified tree cover within 30-ft buffers of bus stops
and bus stations to characterize tree canopy within areas that support the City’s
goals for encouraging multimodal transportation. Average tree cover is 18.3% at 22
bus stations and 423 bus stops across Fort Collins (map 6). Among 263 bus stops that
did not have a built-
in shelter, average
tree cover is 21.2%, a
loss of 2.3% tree
cover since 2011. A
majority of bus stops
have less than 20%
tree cover and
experienced losses
of tree cover since
2011 (figure 6).
Map 6. Tree canopy
cover within a 30-ft
buffer of bus stops and
transit stations and
within bike lanes by
street segment.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 17
Technical Appendix
Figure 6. Tree canopy cover and change (2011–2021) at Fort Collins bus stops.
Tree Benefits for Transportation & Mobility
Over the past several years, Fort Collins has experienced substantial growth in transit
ridership and bicycling. Encouraging individuals to shift their short vehicle trips to active
transportation modes (e.g. biking, walking) is one of the most effective ways to reduce
vehicle miles traveled, a goal of both the City’s transportation master plan and its Our
Climate Future plan (2021).
Trees contribute to Fort Collins’ goals of increasing multimodal transportation use. Trees
growing in street rights-of-way help to slow traffic, making streets safer for pedestrians
and cyclists. Shade and evapotranspiration cooling provided by street tree canopy allow
for more comfortable walking, biking, and use of public transit and increase the appeal
of cycling routes. Trees and other vegetative buffers can also reduce the exposure of
cyclists and pedestrians to air pollution. For these and other reasons, residents are three
times more likely to be physically active when they live in areas with high levels of trees
and vegetation.
Sources: Ellaway et al., 2005; Ozdemir, 2019; Eisenman et al., 2021; Ewing & Dumbaugh, 2009.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
0-20%20-40%40-60%60-80%80-100%
Tree Canopy Cover
>50%
loss
0-50%
loss
0-50%
gain
50-100%
gain
>100%
gain
Tree Canopy Change, 2011-2021
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 18
Technical Appendix
Canopy Cover within Bike Lanes
Trees along bike lanes contribute to the City’s goals of building low-stress, high-
comfort bicycle facilities that promote a physically active and environmentally
sustainable community (City Plan, 2019). Trees not only shade bike lanes; they also
contribute to the safety of cyclists by slowing traffic.
Over 267 miles of bike lanes across Fort Collins, average tree canopy cover is 9.5%
(map 6) approximately the same as it was in 2011 (+0.1%). Among street segments
with bike lanes, 82% of segments have less than 20% tree cover; tree canopy change
within these spaces has been variable in the period from 2011–2021 (figure 7).
Figure 7. Tree canopy cover and canopy change, 2011–2021, in bike lanes by street segment.
TREE CANOPY STUDY: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The results of the urban tree canopy assessment, which was based on an analysis of
2021 aerial imagery and compared to a prior analysis of 2011 imagery, show that tree
canopy cover varies widely across Fort Collins and the growth management area,
ranging from almost no trees in some parts of the city to over 40% tree cover. In
general, tree cover tends to be highest within the oldest parts of the city, where
residents have been planting trees since the nineteenth century. Citywide tree cover
is 13.7%; including the growth management area, average tree cover is 12.6%.
From 2011–2021, the city and the growth management area experienced an overall
increase in tree canopy cover of 17.2%. The largest gains in tree canopy cover took
place within low-canopy areas around the periphery of the city, while canopy losses
>50% loss 0-50%
loss
0-50%
gain
50-100%
gain
>100%
gain
Tree Canopy Change, 2011-2021
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
0-20%20-40%40-60%>60%
Tree Canopy Cover
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 19
Technical Appendix
tended to take place within the more densely developed urban core where tree
cover is highest.
Tree canopy cover within parks, bus stops, and bike lanes was analyzed as part of an
effort to evaluate tree canopy in relation to multiple city priorities. Publicly owned
trees in these areas provide benefits that enhance quality of life and contribute to
climate change mitigation. Future investments in the planting and maintenance of
trees in parks and along streets rights-of-way is a dual investment in Key Outcome
Areas including Neighborhood & Community Vitality, Culture & Recreation, and
Transportation & Mobility.
Trees and Economic Health
Economic benefits of trees are derived from both added value and avoided costs.
Cost Savings. Trees save energy by providing shade and blocking wind, which reduce
the need for heating and cooling and lower energy costs for homes and businesses.
Properly placing three trees around a home can reduce energy costs for the average
household by $100 to $250 per year. Trees that shade air conditioning units can help
them run up to 10% more efficiently.
Trees also help residents save money on health care costs. Trees reduce the incidences of
medical complications due to asthma, heart disease, and heat-related illnesses.
Economic Development. Trees and green spaces have a positive impact on the local
economy by increasing property values, attracting tourism, and supporting local
businesses. Mature, healthy trees can increase property values for both residential and
commercial properties by 3%–7% or more, as well as increase values of neighboring
properties. In business districts, trees attract customers. Shoppers spend more time and
money in retail areas with mature, healthy tree canopies and are willing to spend 11%
more for products, services, and parking at businesses with trees in front of them.
Sources: McPherson et al., 2005; Wolf, 2005; Vargas, 2007; Siriwardena et al., 2016; Hughes, 2013.
Vargas et al., 2007; U.S. Department of Energy (n.d.)
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 20
Technical Appendix
PUBLIC TREE INVENTORY
The Forestry Division is responsible for the care of public trees. From 2018–2023, the
Forestry Division and trained volunteers from the City’s Urban Forest Ambassador
program inventoried 57,991 trees and 3,397 possible tree sites within street rights-of-
way, parks, and city property (map 7). Detailed information about public trees is used
by the Forestry Division to guide management decisions.
Map 7. Public trees and planting sites as documented in TreeKeeper.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 21
Technical Appendix
61,388 Inventoried Sites
Nearly two-thirds of all inventoried sites were street trees (figure 8). Together, vacant
planting sites and stumps comprise 3,397 potential planting sites where additional
trees can be planted over time (figure 9).
Figure 8. Public trees by location.
Figure 9. Inventoried sites, 2018–2023.
Street Trees
66%
Park Trees
17%
City Facility 5%
Golf Course 5%
Stormwater
Management 4%
Cemetery 1%
Median 1%
Other 1%
57,991
2,668 729
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
Trees Vacant Planting Sites Stumps
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
S
i
t
e
s
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 22
Technical Appendix
Tree Diversity
The inventory of public trees cataloged 214 unique species of trees that represent 56
genera and 26 families. Diversity helps to make the tree population resilient to pests
and diseases. Urban forestry industry standards for diversity recommend that no
single species of tree should exceed 10% of the total inventory; no one genus should
exceed 20%; and no one family of tree should exceed 30% of the total tree inventory
(the “10-20-30 Rule” for species abundance).
Top 5 Species of Public Trees Relative to the 10% Rule for Species Abundance
Among inventoried trees, green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and honeylocust
(Gleditsia triacanthos and G. triacanthos inermis) exceeded recommended limits for
species abundance (11% of public trees each; figure 10, table 3). The abundance of ash
is expected to decline over time due to emerald ash borer and implementation of
the city’s Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management and Response Plan (2020), climate
change, and city code. The Forestry Division is reducing the planting of honeylocust
on public property and is encouraging developers to shift away from planting
honeylocust as part of required street tree plantings that are associated with
development.
Figure 10. Top five species of public trees relative to a recommended 10% Rule for abundance of any
single species.
11%11%
8%
5%4%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
green ash honeylocust bur oak common
hackberry
littleleaf
linden
Fort Collins
10% Rule
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 23
Technical Appendix
Table 3. Top five species of public trees.
COMMON NAME BOTANICAL NAME PUBLIC
green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica 6,478
Gleditsia triacanthos*
Quercus macrocarpa
common hackberry Celtis occidentalis 2,864
Tilia cordata
* includes var. inermis
Top 5 Genera of Public Trees Relative to the 20% Rule for Genus Abundance
At the level of genus, which groups similar species of trees, oaks are the most
abundant trees in Fort Collins (15% of inventoried trees; figure 9). All genera remain
below the recommended threshold of 20% abundance.
Figure 11. Top five genera of public trees relative to the 20% Rule for genus abundance.
15%
13%
11%10%
8%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
oak ash honeylocust linden pine
Fort Collins
20% Rule
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 24
Technical Appendix
Top 5 Families of Public Trees Relative to the 30% Rule for Family Abundance
Families are larger groupings of similar trees, containing similar species and genera.
All tree families that are represented in Fort Collins’ inventory are well below
recommended limits of 30% of the total public tree population (figure 10).
Figure 12. Top five taxonomic families of public trees relative to the 30% Rule for family abundance.
16%14%13%13%
10%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
beech legume olive pine mallow
Fort Collins
30% Rule
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 25
Technical Appendix
Trees and Environmental Health
Trees provide innumerable ecological benefits that improve urban environments.
Trees Cool Our Cities. High temperatures in urbanized areas contribute to urban heat
island, in which impervious surfaces such as roads, buildings, and sidewalks trap and
hold heat. Urban heat island can raise air temperature in cities up to 7°F higher during
the day and 5°F higher at night compared to neighboring rural areas. Urban heat island
raises higher energy costs and power plant emissions and increases heat-related
illnesses, which cause more deaths in the United States each year than any other natural
disaster. Large, healthy trees lower temperatures through both shading and
evapotranspiration. Trees reduce peak summer temperatures by 2-9°F and prevent an
average of 1,200 heat-related deaths each year in the U.S, making them a critical tool to
combat the negative health impacts of high temperatures.
Trees Clean the Air. Trees act as natural air filters, removing pollutants from the air and
reducing their negative impacts on humans and the environment. Through the removal
of air pollutants, trees save over 850 lives and prevent 670,000 incidents of acute
respiratory symptoms in the U.S. each year. Trees are also an important carbon sink for
climate change mitigation through the removal of carbon dioxide and greenhouse
gasses from the air. One large, healthy oak tree growing in Fort Collins can remove over
30 pounds of pollutants from the air over 20 years.
Trees Intercept and Conserve Water. Trees intercept and retain stormwater, reducing
runoff and water pollutants by 20%–60%, thereby reduce flooding, erosion, and the level
of sediment and pollutants that enter local waterways. A mature deciduous tree can
intercept 700 gallons of stormwater per year, and a mature evergreen tree can intercept
4,000 gallons of water per year. Underground, tree roots and decomposition help to
increase the amount of water that soil can hold, allowing for more efficient use of
irrigated water. In addition, the cooling effects of trees during summer months helps to
reduce the amount of moisture that is lost through evaporation. Through both
processes, trees can retain water in the soil and reduce irrigation quantity and frequency.
Trees Provide Food & Habitat for Wildlife. Trees provide habitat and food for a wide
variety of wildlife species, supporting biodiversity and maintaining the health of local
ecosystems. Oaks can support over 500 species of pollinators and other beneficial
insects. In the Colorado Front Range, broadleaf deciduous forests are relatively new to
the region. The tree canopy of Fort Collins provides migratory birds with an important
stopover point. At the same time, trees can provide refuge for species such as hawks and
corvids that hunt or outcompete native grassland birds and mammals. For these
reasons, tree canopy in natural areas must be thoughtfully placed. In backyards and
along streets, however, tree canopy acts as an important buffer for wildlife within the
built environment.
Sources: Michigan Audubon, n.d.; USDA Forest Service, n.d.; US Environmental Protection Agency,
n.d.; McPherson et al., 2002; Cappiella et al., 2005; VerCauteren & Gillihan, 2007; Nowak et al. 2014;
Johnson et al., 2017; National Weather Service, 2021; McDonald et al., 2020; Shah et al., 2022;
Breidt et al. 2022.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 26
Technical Appendix
Condition of Public Trees
In the tree inventory, more than half of public
trees (55%) are rated to be in Good or Fair-Plus
condition, meaning that their trunks and
crowns are generally healthy and strong, and
an additional one-third (34%) are rated to be
in Fair condition, indicating that they are
healthy and show no major defects (figure 11).
Structural integrity, overall tree health, and
form are often improved through proper
pruning. Routine pruning, young tree training,
and other proactive maintenance can help
keep trees within Fair, Fair Plus, and Good
categories over time.
Though it is difficult to move a significant
number of trees from a lower to a better
condition category, structural and routine
pruning on a five-year rotation will help
maintain a majority of trees within Fair to
Good tree condition ratings over time.
Size-Age Classes of Public Trees
The relative age of trees can be estimated from trunk diameter. In Fort Collins, public
trees were classified into four categories based on their trunk diameter at standard
height (DSH): young (0–8 inches DSH), established (9–17 in), maturing (18–24 in), and
mature (>24 in) trees.
Urban forestry industry standards recommend a mixed-age tree population to
balance maintenance needs of the tree population over time and protect against
significant canopy loss within a short period. Sixty percent of public trees in Fort
Collins are in the young size class, reflecting sustained tree planting efforts within
the city, including tree planting that occurs through new development as the city
has grown (figure 12). Care of young trees during the establishment period, as well as
proactive maintenance of older age classes, will help increase the proportion of older
trees to balance age classes over time.
1%
Dead
2%
Poor8%
Fair Minus
34%
Fair
27%
Fair Plus
28%
Good
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
Condition
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
I
n
v
e
n
t
o
r
i
e
d
T
r
e
e
s
Figure 13. Condition ratings of public trees.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 27
Technical Appendix
Figure 14. Relative age classes of public trees, estimated from trunk diameter.
PUBLIC TREE INVENTORY: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The inventory of 61,388 public trees and planting sites in Fort Collins revealed that
the diversity of public trees is approaching a level that will help the urban forest
remain resilient to pests and diseases. The importance of such measures is currently
reflected in the City’s response to emerald ash borer, which threatens 13% of its
public tree inventory. Reductions to ash and honeylocust, paired with species-level
diversification of future tree plantings, will help increase diversity over time.
The condition of public trees reflects significant investments in routine maintenance
as the Forestry Division moves toward its goal of a five-year pruning cycle and away
from reactive maintenance, which is comparably more costly. Shifting toward
proactive maintenance can reduce per-tree maintenance costs by as much as 50%
compared with maintenance that relies heavily on storm and emergency response
(AECOM, 2013).
Fort Collins’ public trees skew young, reflecting an uptick in more recent tree
plantings that are associated with city activities and increased development. Future
maintenance needs are expected to increase over time as trees grow into larger size
classes, which will require additional budget and capacity for the Forestry Division to
keep pace.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Young
(0-8")
Established
(9-17")
Maturing
(18-24")
Mature
(>24")
Relative Age (Diameter Size Class)
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 28
Technical Appendix
GOALS FOR FORT COLLINS’ TREE CANOPY AND PUBLIC TREES
The findings of the urban tree canopy assessment and public tree inventory suggest
potential goals for Fort Collins’ urban forest that can guide Forestry Division activities
and priorities over the next 20 years.
● Grow tree canopy in Fort Collins and make it more evenly distributed over
time.
● Mitigate tree canopy losses on public and private property.
● Preserve and expand tree canopy cover at bus stops and along bike routes to
encourage multi-modal transportation.
● Expand tree canopy within and around parks to support compatible
recreational uses, conservation goals, and to build connectivity to green space
that is accessible to all residents.
● Protect and enhance tree diversity to increase the resilience of the public tree
population.
● Establish young trees, and proactively maintain older trees, to improve and/or
maintain the general condition and even the age distribution of public trees
over time.
● Expand collection of inventory data to include information such as risk,
irrigation status, and EAB treatment priority to inform management
decisions.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 29
Technical Appendix
Strategies for Resilience and Sustainable
Growth
Urban tree canopy and public tree inventory data were further analyzed to
characterize the benefits that are provided by existing trees; evaluate the potential
resilience of the urban forest to future threats from pests, diseases, and climate
change; and to identify priority locations for tree canopy growth to address
environmental, social, and human health needs.
PUBLIC TREE BENEFITS
Two benefits analyses were conducted to quantify the annual benefits and carbon
storage of public trees using i-Tree Eco software from the U.S. Forest Service and
partners. i-Tree Eco models (estimates) the benefits that trees provide based on data
inputs about the location and quantity of tree canopy cover and the species, size,
condition, and location of inventoried public trees. The resulting benefits calculations
reflect the benefits that are provided by Fort Collins’ total tree canopy, as well as the
benefits provided by public trees.
Benefits Provided by Fort Collins’ Tree Canopy
Ecosystem benefits including air pollution removal, carbon sequestration and
storage, and stormwater runoff reduction were estimated from urban tree canopy
assessment data. The resulting model estimates reflect the benefits that are
provided by all of Fort Collins’ trees, including trees on both public and private tree
canopy, across city limits and the growth management area (table 4). In addition,
the change in tree canopy benefits was estimated from the prior 2011 urban tree
canopy assessment to quantify the change in tree benefits from 2011–2021.
Fort Collins’ tree canopy provides ecosystem benefits valued at more than $2.2
million per year in savings to residents and businesses. Annual savings have
increased by $346,000 since 2011 with growth of tree canopy across the city.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 30
Technical Appendix
Table 4. Ecosystem benefits provided by Fort Collins’ total tree canopy, 2011-2021.
ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS
OF TREE CANOPY
2011 2021 2011–2021
CHANGE IN
VALUE QUANTITY VALUE QUANTITY VALUE
Annual benefits
482,600 $797,881 570,300 $942,949 $145,068
2
3
2.5
4,920 $839,102 5,810 $991,666 $152,564
29,720,000 $265,610 35,130,000 $313,902 $48,292
Total Annual Benefits $1,902,593
Benefits Provided by Fort Collins’ Public Trees
i-Tree Eco modeling software was also used to estimate the benefits of public trees
using data from the tree inventory, including the species, size, and condition of
public trees (table 5). Public trees account for more than $69,000 in benefits each
year and have an estimated replacement value of more than $112 million.
Table 5. Ecosystem benefits provided by Fort Collins’ public trees.
ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS OF
PUBLIC TREES QUANTITY VALUE
Annual benefits
2
2.5
Total Annual Benefits $69,374
Structural Value
Total Replacement Value $112,489,358
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 31
Technical Appendix
Air Pollution Reduction
Trees improve air quality by intercepting and filtering particulate matter from the air,
including dust, ash, pollen, and smoke. Leaves absorb harmful gaseous pollutants
such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide and reduce ozone
formation by shading surfaces and reducing air temperatures. The air cleaning
benefits of trees is important for improving human health outcomes.
In total, the tree canopy of Fort Collins removes 285 tons of air pollutants each year, a
service valued at $942,949. Tree canopy growth from 2011–2021 has resulted in an
additional 44 tons of pollutants being removed from the air each year. Of total air
quality benefits, public trees account for the removal of 11 tons of air pollutants each
year, valued at $32,038.
Stormwater Runoff Reduction
Trees play a significant role in local hydrology and water cycling, helping to reduce
the amount of stormwater runoff that is generated during rain events. The value of
reduced stormwater runoff is calculated based on avoided water treatment costs;
not reflected in this value are also costs related to erosion and flooding.
Public trees in Fort Collins absorb 2.3 million gallons of stormwater each year, valued
at $20,721.
Sequestering and Storing Carbon
Trees are carbon sinks, which means they absorb carbon from the atmosphere. As
they grow, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air through their leaves during
photosynthesis and store it in their tissue.
Fort Collins’ tree canopy stores an estimated 226,820 tons of carbon in tree trunks,
branches, and roots, valued at $39 million. Each year, all of the city’s trees sequester
(absorb and store) an additional 5,810 tons of carbon. Of this, public trees store 18,616
tons of carbon and sequester an additional 276 tons each year.
PEST SUSCEPTIBILITY
Tree pests and diseases often have preferred hosts. The susceptibility of an urban
forest to a pest or disease can be predicted based on its species and genus diversity.
Early identification of tree pests and diseases can reduce the impact of infestations
on the urban forest.
Of the pests and diseases of concern in Colorado, emerald ash borer threatens 13% of
the public tree inventory—the portion that is composed of the genus Fraxinus—with
potential tree losses valued at $22 million (table 6). If Asian longhorned beetle
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 32
Technical Appendix
reaches Fort Collins, it poses the greatest threat to public trees, with predicted
economic impacts of up to $51 million. Replacement values are based on actual tree
attributes including size and are calculated using i-Tree Tools.
Other pests and diseases not listed here may affect the tree population in Fort
Collins, and many more trees, including those on private property, may be
susceptible to these invasive pests.
Table 6. Susceptibility of Fort Collins’ public trees to pests and diseases of concern in Colorado.
PEST NAME
NUMBER OF
SUSCEPTIBLE
TREES
PERCENT OF
PUBLIC TREE
INVENTORY
TREE
REPLACEMENT
VALUE ($)
Asian longhorned beetle 20,687 36% $51,310,744
Oak wilt 8,706 15% $7,553,465
Honeylocust spider mite 6,284 11% $10,104,137
Nectria
Red turpentine beetle 4,878 8% $10,827,409
Pine wilt nematode
Mountain pine beetle 2,126 4% $3,940,686
Ips
Aspen leaf miner 624 1% $1,757,006
Douglas-fir beetle 77 <1% $155,075
Emerald Ash Borer Response
Emerald ash borer (EAB) was first confirmed in Fort Collins in May 2020. The City’s
response is detailed in the Fort Collins Emerald Ash Borer Management and
Response Plan (2020). There are 7,388 ash trees in the Fort Collins tree inventory—
13% of the total inventoried tree population. Citywide, it is estimated that ash trees
comprise 33% of total tree canopy.
Forestry staff began to identify ash trees that are good candidates for prophylactic
treatment against emerald ash borer in 2016. Treatment of public trees began in
2021; to date, 2,054 trees have been treated. The tree inventory categorizes trees into
priority rankings for treatment and removal and identifies trees that have been
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 33
Technical Appendix
treated by the adjacent property owner. Of these, 4,578 ash trees have been
categorized; however, a plurality of ash trees (2,649; 37%) have not been categorized
into treatment or removal priorities, and their treatment status remains unknown.
Ash trees should be routinely inspected to monitor for EAB infestations and
symptom progression due to the rapidity of decline caused by EAB infestation and
the safety implications of dead and dying trees in the right of way. A tier of
inspection priority is recommended. Priority 1 should be ash trees with an unknown
treatment status, so that these 2,649 trees can be assigned to a treatment group or a
removal schedule.
The 76 trees being treated by the adjacent property owner should also be inspected
regularly. Treatment is required every 2-3 years (depending on intensity and
insecticide used) for the remainder of the tree’s life; as property ownership changes,
trees may fall out of regular treatment schedules. It is important that Fort Collins
maintains the treatment record for these trees so that if adjacent property owners
are no longer able to manage the insecticide treatment, the City is able to efficiently
incorporate trees into their prioritization workflow.
Pest & Disease Resilience Strategies
Trees should be monitored for signs and symptoms of pests and diseases on a
regular basis. This can be done as part of the tree inventory process and during other
routine maintenance activities such as pruning. When a pest or disease is suspected,
act quickly to confirm the identification and begin management. Pay special
attention to tree species that are preferred host plants for pests and diseases, and
proactively remove specimens of invasive, exotic host species. For example, spotted
lanternfly can infest many tree genera but prefers tree of heaven (Ailanthus
altissima). Tree of heaven is currently rare in the state of Colorado; no specimens are
currently noted in Fort Collins’ public tree inventory.
Using the City’s EAB Management and Response Plan as a model, it is
recommended that the City prepare an invasive species management plan to guide
the response to future pest or disease infestations. Use preventative pesticide
treatments on high-value or historic trees that are susceptible to problematic pests
and/or diseases. Lastly, when planting trees, select pest- and disease-resistant
species or cultivars whenever possible.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 34
Technical Appendix
CLIMATE VULNERABILITY
Although trees require water to survive, in irrigated spaces, they help to conserve
more water than they use. Trees cool air and surface temperatures through
evapotranspiration and shade, which reduces the water requirements of the entire
landscape. For example, planting trees over turfgrass can reduce outdoor water use
by up to 50% (Shashua-Bar et al., 2009). For these reasons, Fort Collins’ tree canopy
will become an increasingly valuable resource for mitigating the effects of climate
change.
Land Surface Temperature
Land surface temperature was measured and averaged across two summer dates to
classify urban heat island effect in Fort Collins (figure 15). The analysis used satellite
data that were collected during the late afternoon on August 10, 2022 and July 3,
2023. On both dates,
high air temperatures of
93–95 degrees were
recorded, which are
close to the average
high temperature of 89
degrees. Areas with
higher tree canopy
cover show up on the
map as having lower
surface temperature.
Figure 15. Land surface
temperature of Fort Collins,
averaged from recorded
Landsat 8 satellite data
across two summer dates in
2022 and 2023.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 35
Technical Appendix
Climate Vulnerability and Risk Indices
The U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index is a web tool that quantifies future climate
vulnerability based on a combination of social, economic, infrastructure, and climate
factors. It compares U.S. census tracts and counties and provides a percentile score
that summarizes each location’s climate vulnerability relative to other census tracts
and counties. In this index, the national vulnerability percentile is the number of
other census tracts or counties that score better than Fort Collins for a given
indicator—a higher score indicates greater levels of vulnerability.
Climate vulnerability of Larimer County ranks in the 13th percentile nationally, which
means that only 13% of other U.S. counties are more vulnerable to climate change
overall. This is LOW overall climate vulnerability. However, at the level of census tract,
Fort Collins has highly variable overall climate vulnerability, suggesting inequality in
the resilience of the city to future climate impacts (figure 16, left). In addition, Fort
Collins ranks HIGH nationally in climate vulnerability that is related to two sets of
factors: climate impacts due to the built environment (figure 16, middle), and the
future impacts of extreme weather events (figure 16, right).
Climate vulnerability factors that relate to the built environment in Fort Collins and
Larimer County compared to other U.S. areas include high levels of impervious
surfaces, toxic air pollutants, vehicle traffic, agricultural pesticides, and a large
number of facilities with existing EPA enforcement or violations that serve as
pollution sources. Notably, low forested land cover relative to other U.S. counties and
census tracts (95th percentile) is included as one factor that raises Fort Collins’
environmental vulnerability.
U.S. Climate Mapping and Resilience Assessment provides more detailed
information about climate projections for Fort Collins. It projects future climate risks
based on two greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. A lower-emissions scenario
Figure 16. U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index maps for Fort Collins census tracts showing overall climate
vulnerability (left), vulnerability that relates to the built environment (middle), and vulnerability related
to the likelihood of extreme weather events (right).
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 36
Technical Appendix
projects the climate effects if humans were to eliminate global fossil fuel
combustion, resulting in no further greenhouse gas emissions, by 2040. The higher-
emissions scenario projects the climate effects if the date of this achievement were
not to occur until the year 2100.
Climate Vulnerability Due to Extreme Weather Events
There are several mid-century climate factors that can affect tree growth and
survival in Fort Collins. The national vulnerability percentile from the U.S. Climate
Vulnerability Index is listed below. For select extreme weather events where there is
additional information, the projections from the U.S. Climate Mapping and Resilience
Assessment are given for lower and higher emissions scenarios (compared to the
reference period from 1975–2005).
● Consecutive dry days: 94th percentile. The maximum number of consecutive
dry days is predicted to be 18 days by mid-century, a change of +0.6 days
compared to 1975–2005.
● Daily maximum temperature: 93rd percentile. The number of days per year
with a high of >95°F is predicted to increase by 5-8 days by mid-century.
● Urban heat island extreme heat days: 82nd percentile. The number of days per
year with an air temperature of >90°F is predicted to increase by 16–21 days,
which due to urban heat island effect will feel hotter within highly built areas
of the city.
● Cold waves: 73rd percentile. Overall, the number of days that remain below
32°F is predicted be reduced by 11-14 days per year, but the threat posed by
cold waves will remain relatively high compared to other parts of the U.S.
● Frost days: 77th percentile. Temperature extremes are predicted to become
more erratic, leading to potentially more early and late frost days that can
damage trees.
Drought Tolerance of the Public Tree Inventory
The public tree inventory has begun adding information about the irrigation status
of trees; at present, irrigation status is known for 16,665 trees. Of these, 14,754 trees
have access to irrigation. The irrigation status of trees is important for evaluating the
risk of the tree inventory to drought and planning emergency response including
hand watering during periods of extreme drought.
An analysis examined drought tolerance of 151 species of trees in the public tree
inventory, which comprise 78% of public trees (45,345 trees), based on species
information from a 2006 study by Niinemets and Valladares (table 7).
● 1,765 public trees in Fort Collins have LOW drought tolerance
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 37
Technical Appendix
● 28,999 public trees have MEDIUM drought tolerance
● 14,581 public trees have HIGH drought tolerance
Together with information about projected climate impacts, including growth in the
number of extreme heat days and consecutive dry days, the city can increase the
resilience of its public tree inventory by planting more drought-tolerant species over
time.
Table 7. Drought tolerance of the 35 most abundant species in the public tree inventory.
DROUGHT TOLERANCE
Populus angustifolia*
Populus sargentii*
Ulmus davidiana
Acer grandidentatum
Acer negundo*
Acer platanoides
Acer saccharinum
Acer saccharum
Acer tataricum
Aesculus glabra
Celtis occidentalis
Fraxinus americana*
Fraxinus pennsylvanica*
Malus domestica
Picea glauca
Picea pungens
Pinus strobiformis
Quercus macrocarpa
Quercus robur
Syringa reticulata
Tilia americana
Tilia cordata
Ulmus americana
Elaeagnus angustifolia*
Gleditsia triacanthos
Juniperus scopulorum
Pinus edulis
Pinus nigra
Pinus ponderosa
Pinus sylvestris
Pyrus calleryana
Quercus gambelii
Quercus shumardii
* Planting these species is prohibited by city code
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 38
Technical Appendix
PRIORITY PLANTING ANALYSIS
The tree cover analysis of Fort Collins identified 15,418 acres of possible tree planting
space within the city and growth management area. This space comprises areas on
both public and private land that do not have existing tree canopy. It excludes areas
including agricultural fields, recreational fields, and major utility corridors where tree
canopy would conflict with existing land uses.
The priority planting analysis ranked possible tree planting area on a five-point scale
from Very Low to Very High based on the potential for tree benefits to positively
impact environmental, human health, and social factors (table 8).
Priority Planting Factors
● Environmental: Priority areas for stormwater management were identified
based on proximity to hardscape, proximity to tree canopy, floodplain
proximity, soil permeability, slope, and soil erosion factor. Areas of higher
potential for runoff and erosion were considered higher priority due to their
ability to diminish water quality within urban areas. Priority areas for urban
heat island mitigation were based on land surface temperature calculations
(see figure 15, above). Higher surface temperatures were considered higher
priority due to the adverse effects of elevated microclimates within urban
areas.
o The priority planting analysis identified 1,802 acres of possible planting
area that rank High or Very High in the ability to mitigate stormwater
runoff (figure 17).
o The analysis identified 3,167 acres of possible planting area that rank
High or Very High for urban heat island mitigation (figure 18).
● Social Equity: The priority planting analysis incorporated social equity factors
that correlate with vulnerabilities that can be partially mitigated by tree
benefits based on scientific research. The analysis used U.S. Census data of
income, population density, racial and ethnic minority percent, and home
renter percent. Priority areas for social equity are places where additional tree
canopy would benefit vulnerable populations.
o The priority planting analysis identified 2,287 acres of possible planting
area that rank High or Very High for proximity to residents that have
increased vulnerability to environmental and climate concerns that can
be mitigated by trees (figure 19).
● Human Health: The priority planting analysis also incorporated three human
health concerns that are prevalent in Fort Collins and most impacted by tree
benefits: asthma, heart disease, and mental health disorders (see box, “Trees
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 39
Technical Appendix
Contribute to Neighborhood & Community Vitality”). Priority areas for human
health are areas where these concerns are most prevalent.
o The priority planting analysis identified 3,342 acres of possible planting
area that rank High or Very High for proximity to residents that have
health concerns that can be mitigated by trees (figure 20).
● Composite (All) Priorities: This analysis overlays each of the factors above to
identify priority planting areas where trees can address all issues.
o The priority planting analysis identified 2,250 acres of possible planting
area that rank High or Very High for the combined effects of all the
factors listed above (figure 21).
Table 8. Possible tree planting area in Fort Collins, ranked by priority to address environmental, social
equity, and/or human health factors.
PRIORITY PLANTING ACRES
PRIORITY STORMWATER HEAT ISLAND SOCIAL EQUITY HEALTH ALL
Very Low 10,472 2,007 6,165 5,353 8,218
Low 1,989 3,723 3,565 4,418 3,337
Moderate 1,155 6,521 3,401 2,305 1,613
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 40
Technical Appendix
Figure 18. Priority planting areas for
urban heat island mitigation based
on land surface temperatures.
stormwater management, based on
a combination of environmental
factors that contribute to increased
stormwater runoff.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 41
Technical Appendix
Figure 19. Priority planting areas
where tree benefits can be placed in
proximity to vulnerable resident
populations.
where tree canopy can help mitigate
asthma, heart disease, and mental
health disorders.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 42
Technical Appendix
Figure 21. Priority planting areas that maximize the environmental, social, and human health benefits
of trees.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 43
Technical Appendix
Tree Placement
A tree placement analysis identified 465,507 possible tree planting sites across Fort
Collins, including on both public and private land (table 9). Sites were classified as
being suitable for trees based on small, medium, or large crown size. Large trees
were placed first, as they provide the greatest benefit; then, the remaining planting
area was populated with small- and medium-
statured trees.
The analysis produced a GIS data file with all
planting sites and accompanying information
about priority planting metrics for
environmental, social, and human health factors
(figure 22). Data are provided to the City of Fort
Collins as a standalone GIS tool.
Figure 22. A snapshot taken from the tree placement analysis showing possible planting locations for
small-, medium-, and large-stature trees along a street right-of-way.
TREE
CROWN SIZE
NUMBER OF
PLANTING SPACES
Large 207,695
Total Sites 465,507
Table 9. Possible tree planting sites,
classified by the size of tree that they
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 44
Technical Appendix
RESILIENCE & SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Trees provide innumerable benefits to the people of Fort Collins. Select tree benefits
can be assigned a monetary value that is based on avoided costs, including air
pollution reduction, stormwater runoff mitigation, and carbon sequestration and
storage. Based on these benefits alone, Fort Collins’ trees produce at least $2.2
million in ecosystem services each year. This amount has increased in the past
decade with tree canopy growth—today, trees provide an additional $346,000 in
services per year than they did in 2011. These benefits can be used to explain
expenditures for tree planting and maintenance activities to taxpayers and city
leadership. These benefits also form the basis for efforts to preserve and expand tree
canopy as part of climate resilience strategies and to more equitably distribute tree
canopy across the city.
It is important to preserve the function and survival of trees in the face of future
threats from pests, diseases, and climate change. Ash comprises a large portion of
the city’s tree canopy, making emerald ash borer a significant threat into the
foreseeable future. Oak wilt may present a concern for public trees in the future. The
city’s EAB response can serve as a model for expanded pest and disease planning
and management.
Future climate predictions include increases in periods of extreme heat, drought,
and early/late freezes, all of which can be challenging conditions for trees. New
species are coming to Fort Collins in the future that present additional options for
drought tolerance and urban resilience. Species recommendations, such as the trees
and shrubs that are recommended by Plant Select, have few specimens in the
existing public tree inventory, demonstrating a potential for expanded planting.
Collaborative partnerships with local growers will be needed for the continued
management of pests and to secure desired climate-resilient nursery stock.
Comparing maps of canopy change (for example, see map 3) to priority planting
maps for social and human health benefits show that many areas of greatest tree
canopy loss have occurred where tree canopy is most needed to build social equity.
The priority planting and tree placement analyses can be used to guide future
planting efforts on both public and private land where trees can have the greatest
impact.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 45
Technical Appendix
Operational Efficiency and Resource
Management
INDICATORS OF A SUSTAINABLE URBAN FOREST
To better understand and evaluate the level of urban forest care, management, and
engagement in Fort Collins, the city’s forestry program was assessed on 30
sustainable urban forest indicators (tables 10, 11, and 12). The Indicators of a
Sustainable Urban Forest is a program assessment tool that uses industry standards
and best management practices to assess the city’s urban forest, its management,
and the community and stakeholders that influence it.
Fort Collins’ performance level for 30 Indicators of a Sustainable Urban Forest was
assessed as:
● LOW on 3 indicators (10%)
● LOW-MODERATE on 1 indicators (3%)
● MODERATE on 15 indicators (50%)
● MODERATE-HIGH on 5 indicators (17%)
● HIGH on 6 indicators (20%)
Summarized by each of the three categories of indicators, Fort Collins’ performance
level is:
● The Trees: MODERATE
● The Community & Stakeholders: MODERATE
● The Management Program: MODERATE-HIGH
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 46
Technical Appendix
The Trees: MODERATE
Table 10. Fort Collins’ urban forestry performance level for eight indicators of a sustainable urban forest
that relate to trees and tree canopy.
INDICATOR OVERALL OBJECTIVE OR
INDUSTRY STANDARD
PERFORMANCE LEVEL NOTES
LOW MODERATE HIGH
Urban Tree
Canopy
Achieve the desired tree
canopy cover according to
goals set for the entire city
and neighborhoods.
Alternatively, achieve 75%
of the total canopy
possible for the entire city
and in each neighborhood.
Canopy is
decreasing.
- and/or -
No canopy
goals have
been set.
Canopy is not
dropping, but
not on a
trajectory to
achieve the
established
goal.
Canopy goal is
achieved, or well
on the way to
achievement.
No canopy
goal has been
set, but canopy
grew 17.2% in
past 10 years.
Equitable
Distribution
of Canopy
Achieve low variation
between tree canopy and
equity factors citywide by
neighborhood. Ensure
that the benefits of tree
canopy are available to all,
especially for vulnerable
populations for whom tree
benefits are of particular
importance.
Tree planting
and public
outreach and
education is not
determined by
tree canopy
cover or
benefits.
Tree planting
and public
outreach and
education is
focused on
neighborhoods
with low tree
canopy.
and public
outreach and
education is
focused in
neighborhoods
with low tree
canopy and a
high need for
tree benefits.
A planting
plan can help
the city plan
canopy growth
for low-canopy,
high-need
neighborhood
s.
Age of Trees
(Size and
Age
Distribution)
Establish a diverse-aged
population of public trees
across the entire city and
for each neighborhood.
Ideal standard:
0-8" DBH: 40%
9-17" DBH: 30%
18-24" DBH: 20%
Over 24" DBH: 10%
Age
distribution is
not
proportionately
distributed
across size
classes at the
city level.
Age
distribution is
evenly
distributed at
city level,
though
unevenly
distributed at
the
neighborhood
level.
Age distribution
is generally
aligned with the
ideal standard
diameter classes
at the
neighborhood
level.
Citywide age
distribution is
60% young
trees.
Condition of
Publicly
Owned
Trees
Possess a detailed
understanding of tree
condition and potential
risk of all intensively-
managed, publicly-owned
trees. This information is
used to direct
maintenance actions.
No current
information is
available on
tree condition
or risk.
Information
from a partial or
sample or
inventory is
used to assess
tree condition
and risk.
Information
from a current,
GIS-based, 100%
complete public
tree inventory is
used to indicate
tree condition
and risk.
Condition
information is
available, and
there is partial
information
about risk.
Condition of
Publicly-
Owned
Natural
Areas
Possess a detailed
understanding of the
ecological structure and
function of all publicly-
owned natural areas (such
as woodlands, ravines,
stream corridors, etc.), as
well as usage patterns.
No current
information is
available on
tree condition
or risk.
Publicly-owned
natural areas
are identified in
a sample-based
"natural areas
survey" or
similar data.
from a current,
GIS-based, 100%
complete
natural areas
survey is utilized
to document
ecological
structure and
function, as well
as usage
patterns.
Limited tree
inventory
within public
natural areas.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 47
Technical Appendix
INDICATOR OVERALL OBJECTIVE OR
INDUSTRY STANDARD
PERFORMANCE LEVEL NOTES
LOW MODERATE HIGH
Trees on
Private
Property
Possess a solid
understanding of the
extent, location and
general condition of trees
on private lands.
No data is
available on
private trees.
canopy
assessment
reflects basic
information
(location) of
both public and
private canopy
combined.
Detailed
information
available on
private trees. Ex.
bottom-up
sample-based
assessment of
trees.
Current
citywide UTC
assessment
based on 2021
data.
Diversity
Establish a genetically
diverse population of
publicly-owned trees
across the entire city and
for each neighborhood.
Tree populations should be
comprised of no more
than 30% of any family,
20% of any genus, or 10% of
any species.
Fewer than five
species
dominate the
entire tree
population
citywide.
No species
represents
more than 20%
of the entire
tree population
citywide.
No species
represents more
than 10% of the
entire tree
population
citywide.
Fraxinus
pennsylvanica
(11%) and
Gleditsia
triacanthos
(11%) exceed
10%, and there
are plans in
place to
reduce their
population.
Suitability
Establish a tree population
suited to the urban
environment and adapted
to the overall region.
Suitable species are
gauged by exposure to
imminent threats,
considering the "Right
Tree for the Right Place"
concept and invasive
species.
Less than 50%
of trees are
considered
suitable for the
site.
50% to 75% of
trees are
considered
suitable for the
site.
More than 75%
of trees are
considered
suitable for the
site.
reliant on
irrigation for
survival;
predictions of
future
drought,
extreme heat,
and abrupt
cold will pose a
challenge to
many species.
The Players: MODERATE
Table 11. Fort Collins’ urban forestry performance level for nine indicators of a sustainable urban forest
that relate to partnerships and the community.
INDICATOR OVERALL OBJECTIVE OR
INDUSTRY STANDARD
PERFORMANCE LEVEL NOTES
LOW MODERATE HIGH
Neighbor-
hood Action
Citizens understand,
cooperate, and participate
in urban forest
management at the
neighborhood level. Urban
forestry is a neighborhood-
scale issue.
Little or no
citizen
involvement or
neighborhood
action.
Some active
groups are
engaged in
advancing
urban forestry
activity, but
with no unified
set of goals or
priorities.
The majority of
all
neighborhoods
are organized,
connected, and
working
towards a
unified set of
goals and
priorities.
UFA program;
HOA tree
planting
programs
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 48
Technical Appendix
Large Private
&
Institutional
Landholder
Involvement
Large, private, and
institutional landholders
embrace citywide goals
and objectives through
targeted resource
management plans.
Large private
land holders are
unaware of
issues and
potential
influence in the
urban forest. No
large private
land
management
plans are
currently in
place.
Education
materials and
advice is
available to
large private
landholders.
Few large
private
landholders or
institutions
have
management
plans in place.
Clear and
concise goals
are established
for large private
land holders
through direct
education and
assistance
programs. Key
landholders and
institutions have
management
plans in place.
partners noted
a good
relationship
with Forestry.
CSU
coordinates
with Forestry
on
management
of trees along
their
boundaries.
Opportunity to
increase
cooperation on
campuses for
Broadcom/He
wlitt-Packard,
Poudre School
District,
Woodward
Governor, and
Green
Industry
Involvement
The green industry works
together to advance
citywide urban forest goals
and objectives. The city
and its partners capitalize
on local green industry
expertise and innovation.
Little or no
involvement
from green
industry leaders
to advance
local urban
forestry goals.
Some
partnerships
are in place to
advance local
urban forestry
goals, but more
often for the
short-term.
Long-term
committed
partnerships are
working to
advance local
urban forestry
goals.
Forestry staff
are highly
involved in
regional
conversations
about EAB,
wood waste
utilization, and
other topics.
City
Department
and
Agency
Cooperation
All city departments and
agencies cooperate to
advance citywide urban
forestry goals and
objectives.
Conflicting
goals and/or
actions among
city
departments
and agencies.
Informal teams
among
departments
and agencies
are
communicatin
g and
implementing
common goals
on a project-
specific basis.
and
collaboration
occur across all
departments
and agencies.
City policy and
actions are
implemented by
formal
interdepartmen
tal and
interagency
working teams
on all city
Veg Team
meets to
discuss
vegetation
across city
departments.
Partners noted
that Zoning
and Forestry
may require
closer
cooperation.
Funder
Engagement
Local funders are engaged
and invested in urban
forestry initiatives. Funding
is adequate to implement
citywide urban forest
management plan.
Little or no
funders are
engaged in
urban forestry
initiatives.
Funders are
engaged in
urban forestry
initiatives at
minimal levels
for short-term
projects.
Multiple funders
are fully
engaged and
active in urban
forestry
initiatives for
short-term
projects and
long-term goals.
Shade and
Living Tribute
Trees
programs;
private
donation of
$50,000 per
year in 2022
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 49
Technical Appendix
Utility
Engagement
All utilities are aware of
and vested in the urban
forest and cooperates to
advance citywide urban
forest goals and objectives.
Utilities and city
agencies act
independently
of urban
forestry efforts.
No
coordination
exists.
Utilites and city
agencies have
engaged in
dialogues
about urban
forestry efforts
with respect to
capital
improvement
and
infrastructure
projects.
Utilities, city
agencies, and
other
stakeholders
integrate and
collaborate on
all urban
forestry efforts,
including
planning, site
work, and
outreach/educat
ion.
coordination
between
Forestry and
utilities.
Additional
coordination
may be
needed for
education and
outreach to
private
property
owners.
Utilities and
Engineering/CI
P have
concerns
about
increased
mitigation
requirements
of draft Land
Developer
Engagement
The development
community is aware of and
vested in the urban forest
and cooperates to advance
citywide urban forest goals
and objectives.
Little or no
cooperation
from
developers in
(or awareness
of)
municipality-
wide urban
forest goals and
objectives.
Some
cooperation
from
developers and
general
awareness and
acceptance of
municipality-
wide goals and
objectives.
Specific
collaborative
arrangements
across
development
community in
support of
municipality-
wide goals and
objectives.
exhibit good
understanding
and
acceptance of
city rules. New
LUC updates
demonstrate
capacity for
city goals &
Public
Awareness
The general public
understands the benefits
of trees and advocates for
the role and importance of
the urban forest.
Trees are
generally seen
as a nuisance,
and thus, a
drain on city
budgets and
personal
paychecks.
Trees are
generally
recognized as
important and
beneficial.
Trees are seen
as valuable
infrastructure
and vital to the
community’s
well-being. The
urban forest is
recognized for
the unique
environmental,
economic, and
social services it
provides to the
community.
generally
supportive of
the urban
forest on
public land.
Support for the
private urban
forest needs
further
assessment to
tease apart
public
sentiment
about specific
Regional
Collaboration
Neighboring communities
and regional groups are
actively cooperating and
interacting to advance the
region's stake in the city's
urban forest.
Little or no
interaction
between
neighboring
communities
and regional
groups.
Neighboring
communities
and regional
groups share
similar goals
and policy
vehicles related
to trees and the
urban forest.
Regional urban
forestry
planning,
coordination,
and
management is
widespread.
local
communities
have indicated
an interest in
partnering.
There's an
opportunity to
share planning
and resources
and coordinate
more on
education/outr
each.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 50
Technical Appendix
opportunities
at county level
(Larimer,
Weld), CO
State Forest
Service,
CSU/CSU
Extension, and
Poudre School
District.
The Management: MODERATE-HIGH
Table 12. Fort Collins’ urban forestry performance level for 12 indicators of a sustainable urban forest
that relate to Forestry operations.
INDICATOR OVERALL OBJECTIVE OR
INDUSTRY STANDARD
PERFORMANCE LEVEL NOTES
LOW MODERATE HIGH
Tree
Inventory
based, current inventory of
all intensively-managed
public trees to guide
management, with
mechanisms in place to
keep data current and
available for use. Data
allows for analysis of age
distribution, condition, risk,
diversity, and suitability.
No inventory or
out-of-date
inventory of
publicly-owned
trees.
Partial or
sample-based
inventory of
publicly-owned
trees,
inconsistently
updated.
Complete, GIS-
based
inventory of
publicly-owned
trees, updated
on a regular,
systematic
basis.
Current
inventory dates
from 2018-2023
Canopy
Assessment
Accurate, high-resolution,
and recent assessment of
existing and potential city-
wide tree canopy cover
that is regularly updated
and available for use across
various departments,
agencies, and/or
disciplines.
No tree canopy
assessement.
Sample-based
canopy cover
assessment, or
dated (over 10
years old) high
resolution
canopy
assessment.
High-resolution
tree canopy
assessement
using aerial
photographs or
satellite
imagery.
Current UTC
from 2021 data
with
comparison to
2011.
Management
Plan
Existence and buy-in of a
comprehensive urban
forest management plan
to achieve city-wide goals.
Re-evaluation is conducted
every 5 to 10 years.
No urban forest
management
plan exists.
A plan for the
publicly-owned
forest resource
exists but is
limited in
scope,
acceptance,
and
implementatio
n.
A
comprehensive
plan for the
publicly owned
forest resource
exists and is
accepted and
implemented.
demonstrates
elements of a
management
plan, such as a
proactive
pruning
program. There
is opportunity
to create a
planning
document that
can be
circulated for
support.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 51
Technical Appendix
INDICATOR OVERALL OBJECTIVE OR
INDUSTRY STANDARD
PERFORMANCE LEVEL NOTES
LOW MODERATE HIGH
Risk
Management
Program
are managed for
maximum public safety by
way of maintaining a city-
wide inventory,
conducting proactive
annual inspections, and
eliminating hazards within
a set timeframe based on
risk level. Risk
management program is
outlined in the
management plan.
Request-based,
reactive system.
The condition
of publicly-
owned trees is
unknown.
There is some
degree of risk
abatement
thanks to
knowledge of
condition of
publicly-owned
trees, though
generally still
managed as a
request-based
reactive system.
complete tree
inventory with
risk assesment
data and a risk
abatement
program in
effect. Hazards
are eliminated
within a set
time period
depending on
the level of risk.
noted a
decrease in risk
assessment
needs and tree
failures with
shorter pruning
rotation.
Forestry is
trying to shift
away from a
request-based
reactive system.
Maintenance
Program of
Publicly-
Owned Trees
publicly-owned trees are
well maintained for
optimal health and
condition in order to
extend longevity and
maximize benefits. A
reasonable cyclical
pruning program is in
place, generally targeting 5
to 7 year cycles. The
maintenance program is
outlined in the
management plan.
Request-based,
reactive system.
No systematic
pruning
program is in
place for
publicly-owned
trees.
All publicly-
owned trees are
systematically
maintained, but
pruning cycle is
inadequate.
All publicly-
owned trees
are proactively
and
systematically
maintained
and adequately
pruned on a
cyclical basis.
There is
extensive
pruning taking
place, currently
on a 5–6 year
cycle. Young
trees are visited
more
frequently—
every 2-3 years
to manage
clearance.
Maintenance
Program of
Publicly-
Owned
Natural Areas
The ecological structure
and function of all publicly-
owned natural areas are
protected and enhanced
while accommodating
public use where
appropriate.
No natural
areas
management
plans are in
effect.
Only reactive
management
efforts to
facilitate public
use (risk
abatement).
Management
plans are in
place for each
publicly-owned
natural area
focused on
managing
ecological
structure and
function and
facilitating
public use.
plans are in
place for natural
areas by zone,
but with minor
exceptions, they
do not include
tree
management
components; in
many places,
trees are not
desired
Planting
Program
Comprehensive and
effective tree planting and
establishment program is
driven by canopy cover
goals, equity
considerations, and other
priorities according to the
plan. Tree planting and
establishment is outlined
in the management plan.
Tree
establishment
is ad hoc.
Tree
establishment
is consistently
funded and
occurs on an
annual basis.
establishment
is directed by
needs derived
from a tree
inventory and
other
community
plans and is
sufficient in
meeting
canopy cover
objectives.
Data from
Urban Forest
Strategic Plan
can be used to
create a data-
driven planting
plan to address
priorities.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 52
Technical Appendix
INDICATOR OVERALL OBJECTIVE OR
INDUSTRY STANDARD
PERFORMANCE LEVEL NOTES
LOW MODERATE HIGH
Tree
Protection
Policy
Comprehensive and
regularly updated tree
protection ordinance with
enforcement ability is
based on community
goals. The benefits derived
from trees on public and
private property are
ensured by the
enforcement of existing
policies.
No tree
protection
policy.
Policies are in
place to protect
trees, but the
policies are not
well-enforced
or ineffective.
Protections
policies ensure
the safety of
trees on public
and private
land. The
policies are
enforced and
supported by
significant
deterrents and
shared
ownership of
city goals.
place to protect
trees during
development,
and a
permitting
process is in
place for public
trees. Policies
are enforced,
but there are
currently no
policies to
protect trees on
private land
outside of
development
scenarios.
City Staffing
and
Equipment
Adequate staff and access
to the equipment and
vehicles to implement the
management plan. A high
level urban forester or
planning professional,
strong operations staff,
and solid certified arborist
technicians.
Insufficient
staffing levels,
insufficiently-
trained staff,
and/or
inadequate
equipment and
vehicle
availability.
Certified
arborists and
professional
urban foresters
on staff have
some
professional
development,
but are lacking
adequate staff
levels or
adequate
equipment.
Multi-
disciplinary
team within
the urban
forestry unit,
including an
urban forestry
professional,
operations
manager, and
arborist
technicians.
Vehicles and
equipment are
sufficient to
complete
required work.
adequately
staffed but has
identified near-
term needs to
scale
department
with growth of
canopy.
Equipment is in
good shape
overall, but
some
equipment
needs were
noted. City is
approaching
maximum
capacity of
existing staff.
Funding
Appropriate funding in
place to fully implement
both proactive and
reactive needs based on a
comprehensive urban
forest management plan.
Funding comes
from the public
sector only, and
covers only
reactive work.
Funding levels
(public and
private)
generally cover
mostly reactive
work. Low
levels of risk
management
and planting in
place.
funding from
engaged
private
partners and
adequate
public funding
are used to
proactively
manage and
expand the
urban forest.
Most funding is
from the public
sector, but work
is more than
reactive. Risk
management
and planting
could be
increased.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 53
Technical Appendix
INDICATOR OVERALL OBJECTIVE OR
INDUSTRY STANDARD
PERFORMANCE LEVEL NOTES
LOW MODERATE HIGH
Disaster
Prepared-
ness &
Response
plan is in place related to
the city's urban forest. The
plan includes staff roles,
contracts, response
priorities, debris
management and a crisis
communication plan. Staff
are regularly trained
and/or updated.
No disaster
response plan is
in place.
A disaster plan
is in place, but
pieces are
missing and/or
staff are not
regularly
trained or
updated.
A robust
disaster
management
plan is in place,
regularly
updated and
staff is fully
trained on roles
and processes.
Storm response
plan in place
Communi-
cation
Effective avenues of two-
way communication exist
between the city
departments and between
city and its citizens.
Messaging is consistent
and coordinated, when
feasible.
No avenues are
in place. City
departments
and public
determine on
an ad-hoc basis
the best
messages and
avenues to
communicate.
Avenues are in
place but used
sporadically
and without
coordination or
only on a one-
way basis.
Avenues are in
place for two-
way communi-
cation, are well-
used with
targeted,
coordinated
messages.
place including
the City's
Access FC
system.
Additional
points of
contact include
phone and
email to various
staff. Outside of
Access FC
system,
communication
may be one-
way and/or
harder to track.
Trees Help Build a Safe Community
Trees enhance neighborhoods by providing a sense of community and safety. This is not
just perception; a 10% increase in neighborhood tree canopy cover has been associated
with a 12%–15% reduction in violent and property crimes. Along streets, trees help to slow
traffic, making streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Trees also cool streets and
sidewalks, creating more comfortable conditions for walking, biking, and public transit.
In communities with high incidences of crime, trees and shrubs can reduce sight lines. In
such communities, poorly maintained trees can contribute to a perceived lack of care,
which can have negative effects on mental health. An equitable approach to urban
forestry cover seeks to increase the benefits that trees provide while mindfully
addressing real concerns that residents may have about tree canopy in their
neighborhood, such as by ensuring proper maintenance.
Sources: Swift et al., 1997; Kuo, 2003; Ewing & Dumbaugh, 2009; O’Neil-Dunn, 2012; Gilstad-Hayden
et al., 2015; USDA Forest Service, 2018.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 54
Technical Appendix
OPERATIONS REVIEW
An operations review of the Forestry Division was conducted via surveys, staff
interviews, and review of written policies and data. Select metrics lend themselves to
comparison with findings from a 2014 municipal urban forestry census, which
provides benchmarks for forestry programs among U.S. cities by region and
population size (Hauer & Peterson, 2016).
Number of Public Trees per Capita
Fort Collins’ public tree inventory of 57,991 trees is 0.34 public trees per capita (figure
23). While this is lower than the average for U.S. cities, it is also reflective of Fort
Collins’ native shrubland and grassland ecosystems.
Figure 23. The number of public trees per capita for 330 U.S. cities who provided data to a 2014
municipal forestry census, compared to figures for cities with populations from 100,000-249,999, cities
in the West region of the U.S., and Fort Collins.
Public Tree Activities by Year
The Forestry Division pruned 8,832 trees per year, on average, in the years from 2019–
2023 (figure 24). This marks a gradual increase in pruning activities over prior years
as part of efforts to achieve a five-year pruning rotation for all public trees (figure 25).
In 2022, the Division pruned 10,877 trees or 22.4% of the public tree inventory, which
meets the standard for a five-year pruning cycle. Industry standards recommend a
regular pruning cycle of 5–10 years. Only approximately one-half of U.S. cities
proactively prune their trees on a regular cycle of any duration (Hauer & Peterson,
2016).
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
All Cities Pop. 100,000-
249,999
West Region Fort Collins
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 55
Technical Appendix
Beginning in 2021, public tree planting exceeded tree removals (figure 26). In this
year, the Forestry Division also began prophylactic treatments of public ash trees for
emerald ash borer.
Figure 24. Forestry Division tree activities by year, 2019-2023.
Figure 25. Percentage of public trees pruned by year. Public trees less than 18 inches DSH (light green)
and trees 18 inches DSH or larger (dark green) are shown relative to the percentage necessary for a 5-
year pruning cycle.
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Pruned
Removed
Planted
EAB Treated
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Year
18+ in DSH
<18 in DSH
5-Year Pruning Rotation
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 56
Technical Appendix
Figure 26. Number of public trees planted and removed by year.
Staffing
The Forestry Division currently employs 17 full-time staff, 5 hourly staff, and receives
part-time assistance from one office assistant (table 13, figure 27). One additional full-
time staff is housed within the Zoning Department; city council added this position
in 2023 to support forestry needs related to development.
Table 13. Forestry Division staffing, 2024.
STAFF TITLE
City Forester 1 0
Assistant City Forester 1 0
Senior Specialist, Forestry 3 0
Forestry Zoning Inspector (Zoning Dept.) 1 0
Senior Supervisor, Forestry 1 0
Crew Chief, Forestry 3 0
Technician II, Forestry 6 0
Technician I, Forestry 2 0
Hourly Staff 5 0
Office Assistant 0.25 0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
T
r
e
e
s
Year
Removed
Planted
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 57
Technical Appendix
Figure 27. Organizational chart, City forestry staff.
Needed Capacity
Additional capacity needs have been identified for grant writing, development plan
review, and for operations including pruning, removal, planting, stump grinding,
potholing, infrastructure conflicts, and contract management. Grant writing capacity
can assist the Division with securing external funding sources to support expanded
planning, policy development, and operations. In plan review, additional capacity
would help the Division manage a growing number of requests for tree plan and
permit review as staff members are increasingly working with developers to ensure
that tree standards are met.
Operations needs can be summarized as one additional crew that will facilitate staff
rotations to ease physical demands, reduce injuries, and provide opportunities for
cross-training staff in various tree activities.
Credentials and Training
Among 17 existing staff members, fifteen hold Certified Arborist credentials from the
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA; figure 28). The Forestry Division was
compared to 655 U.S. cities that reported on forestry staff credentials in a national
municipal urban forestry census (Hauer & Peterson, 2016). The portion of Forestry
Division staff that have advanced training in arboriculture is similar to, or higher
than, the average among all U.S. cities for ISA Certified Arborist and Municipal
Specialist credentials but slightly lower than the average for cities that are similarly
sized to Fort Collins.
Inspector
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT //
ZONING SERVICES
City Forester
Assistant
City Forester
Senior Supervisor,
Forestry
Chief (4) Technician II (1) Specialist (3)
Technician II (5) Technician I (2)
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 58
Technical Appendix
Figure 28. Portion of City forestry staff with ISA credentials compared to forestry staff in 655 U.S. cities
of all sizes (blue dashed line) and a subset of cities with a population between 100,000 and 249,999
(red solid line).
Interviews of Forestry Division staff reported that city government is generally
supportive of training opportunities as budget allows. The Division is highly
participatory in regional working groups and discussions that relate to wood waste
diversion and utilization, pest and disease management, and other forestry topics,
providing team members with advanced regional learning opportunities. The
Division also hosts trainings for external arborists and has Tree Worker Certified
Proctors on staff who assist with annual tests.
Interviews supported a need for a more formal, consistent, and organized training
process, as well as written policy and processes for training that can be referenced.
There is also an opportunity for the Forestry Division to provide wage increases for
advanced certification so that compensation rates keep pace with the labor market.
Facilities
The Forestry Division has two office locations. Staff are divided between the two
offices. Building, wood yard, and mulch space is approaching maximum capacity.
Equipment
The Forestry Division is adequately equipped for its current workload, but
equipment needs require frequent reevaluation (table 14). Staff noted equipment
needs including replacements for equipment that is frequently used and currently
in Fair condition: a grapple, utility lift, and large aerial lift. Staff also noted needs for
additional equipment including a water truck, a small bucket truck, a traffic
attenuator, and trucks that are able to haul a skid steer and/or stump grinder. If an
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Certified Arborist Tree Risk
Assessment
Qualification
Tree Worker Board Certified
Master Arborist
Municipal
Specialist
Fort Collins
All U.S. Cities
Pop. 100,000-249,999
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 59
Technical Appendix
additional operations crew were to be added to the Division, there would be
equipment needs related to outfitting that crew.
Table 14. Forestry Division equipment, quantity, and condition.
TYPE OF EQUIPMENT QUANTITY CONDITION RATING
Aerial lift 3 2 Fair, 1 Good
Chip truck 3 Fair
Chipper 3 Fair
Grapple truck 2 Good
Stump grinder 2 1 Fair, 1 Good
Dump truck 3 Fair
Pickup trucks 8 2 Good, 6 Fair
Electric vehicle 1 Fair
Traffic attenuator 1 Fair
Front loader 1 Fair
Electronic message & arrow board 1 Good
Utility trailer 5 Good
Budget & Funding
The Forestry Division is supported by the City’s General Fund, which is the main
operating fund for the City of Fort Collins. The Division also has a revenue account
that captures restitution and payment-in-lieu monies from development activities.
From 2019–2023, the Forestry Division annual budget ranged from $2.34 million–
$3.35 million (figure 29). As a percentage of the total city budget, Fort Collins is on
par with the average for 463 cities that provided budgetary information to a 2014
municipal forestry census (figure 30).
A significant snowstorm in March 2021 that brought up to 27 inches of snow resulted
in extensive tree damage, which led to an additional allocation of $273,837 to the
Forestry Division for storm response that funded storm cleanup and additional
pruning activities in 2021–2022. In addition, the Division received two private
donations of $50,000 each in 2022 and 2023, designated for tree planting.
Of the cities that provided budgetary information, only one-half (53%) reported that
their annual budget was adequate to meet their city’s forestry needs. Their average
budget shortfall was 45%. Among cities that were similarly sized to Fort Collins, the
percentage who said their annual budget was adequate to meet their forestry needs
dropped to 39%. In these cities, the average budget shortfall was approximately 36%.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 60
Technical Appendix
Figure 29. Forestry Division annual budget, 2019–2023.
Figure 30. Municipal forestry budgets as a percentage of total municipal budgets for 463 U.S. cities
(adjusted for inflation from 2014 values) compared to the Forestry Division’s 2023 annual budget.
The Forestry Division’s budget supports tree activities that are completed by both in-
house staff and contractors. The largest annual expenditures relate to pruning
(figure 31). From 2019–2023, average expenditures for contractual pruning were
$224,000 per year (table 15). In 2023, the Forestry budget allotted $300,000 for
contractual pruning.
$0
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Fo
r
e
s
t
r
y
D
i
v
i
s
i
o
n
An
n
u
a
l
B
u
d
g
e
t
Year
0.0%
0.1%
0.2%
0.3%
0.4%
0.5%
All Cities West Region Pop. 100,000-
249,999
Fort Collins
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
f
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 61
Technical Appendix
Figure 31. Average annual Forestry Division expenditures by activity, 2019–2023.
Table 15. Contractual pruning expenditures by year, 2019–2023.
YEAR
2019 $200,000
2020 $200,000
2021 $200,000
2022 $219,384
2023 $300,000
AVERAGE $223,877
Forestry Plans, Policies, and Documents
The following written plans, policies, and documents are maintained by the City or
the Forestry Division regarding tree care:
Tree Management Standards and Best Management Practices Manual (2010):
Written standards for arborist licensing, pruning, removal, pesticide application, and
tree protection. The Forestry Division would like to update this manual.
Emerald Ash Borer Management and Response Plan (2020): Details a three-year
treatment plan for the city’s ash trees; procedures for detection, management, and
tree replacement; and projected impacts.
Approved Street Trees List: Species guidance for street trees that are planted by
property owners, developers, and landscapers in the public right-of-way.
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
Pruning Planting Removal Emergency
Response
Pest/Disease
Response
Other
20
1
9
-20
2
3
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 62
Technical Appendix
Parks Department Storm Damage to Urban Forest Rating Policy: Describes how
storm damage is assessed by city quadrant and prioritized. The Forestry Division
would like to update this policy.
Forestry does not yet have the following plans or programs:
● Urban Forest Management Plan
● Risk Management Program
● Public Tree Maintenance Program
● Tree Planting Plan
Forestry Service Requests
The Forestry Division received an average of 131 requests per year from 2019–2023 via
Access Fort Collins, the city’s online service request portal (table 16). An additional
1,453 requests per year were sent via the Division’s email address. The Forestry
Division also responds to service requests that are sent via phone and email to
individual staff members; these requests have not been historically tracked.
Table 16. Forestry service requests from the public, 2019–2023.
YEAR
2019 71
2020 124
2023 131 1,430
Requests via all channels of contact are routed to specific staff members based on
topic. The most common requests relate to tree planting, insect and disease,
maintenance, private tree issues, and arborist licensing. Pruning and removal
requests are sent to Crew Chiefs, who specialize in specific topics. Emergency
requests are typically routed directly to the City Forester, Assistant City Forester, or
Senior Forestry Supervisor.
The typical response time for requests is within one year; a small number of larger
projects and tree replacement requests are completed within two years. With a
move toward a five-year pruning rotation, Forestry has been increasingly responding
to pruning requests with education about the city’s pruning rotation, attempting to
defer individual requests until an entire neighborhood can be scheduled and pruned
at once.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 63
Technical Appendix
Challenges of the existing system include multiple avenues of contact, which can
create duplicate requests if residents reach out via more than one channel with their
request.
Wood Waste Program
The Forestry Division has worked to be zero waste since 2009 by diverting all wood
waste material from landfills. The Division works with local wood workers to
repurpose quality wood waste from the public tree inventory into value-added
products. Other wood waste is provided as mulch to the general public at two
locations. Residents can recycle private tree materials at city and county drop-off
points and privately managed waste facilities. The City of Fort Collins is a member of
the Urban Wood Network, a national network of urban wood professionals and
stakeholders.
Future Tree Canopy Growth
Tree canopy cover is projected for Fort Collins to the year 2040 under current tree
planting practices, and tree planting is estimated for three possible tree canopy
scenarios (table 17). By projecting 2011–2021 tree canopy trends and planting efforts
into the future, Fort Collins is on a path to achieve 15.7% tree cover by 2040 (figure
32). Tree planting and preservation would need to significantly scale up to achieve
17%, 18%, or 20% canopy cover by 2040, involving the planting or preservation of
2,623–8,736 additional trees per year across public and private land. This would entail
additional Forestry Division support for tree planting as well as strong community
involvement to increase tree planting on privately owned land.
Based on Forestry expenditures from 2019–2023 of $490.55 per tree planted, annual
planting budgets for each canopy scenario are estimated to be between $1.3 million–
$4.3 million per year. Because growing citywide tree canopy involves both public
and private tree planting, these costs would be borne by both city government and
the private sector. Preservation of existing trees, such as through enhanced tree
protection policies for private land, may be a more cost-effective way to achieve a
higher canopy goal.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 64
Technical Appendix
Table 17. Tree canopy cover, canopy acres, and estimated trees to be planted under current levels of
public tree planting and three scenarios.
CANOPY COVER 2021:
6,396 ACRES (12.6%)
CANOPY
ACRES
2040
CANOPY
COVER
2040
TREE
CANOPY
CHANGE,
ACRES
(2024–2040)
TREES TO BE
PLANTED/
PRESERVED PER
YEAR, WITH
ANNUAL
PLANTING
COSTS,
PUBLIC +
Current Planting 7,988 15.7% 1,592 538 $263,916
Scenario 1: 17% by 2040 8,643 17.0% 2,246 2,623 $1,286,701
Scenario 2: 18% by 2040 9,151 18.0% 2,755 4,661 $2,286,248
Scenario 3: 20% by 2040 10,168 20.0% 3,772 8,736 $4,285,342
Figure 32. Predicted tree canopy cover under current levels of public tree planting and three scenarios.
OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Fort Collins’ Forestry Division provides a high level of service in the management of
its public tree inventory. The city recently achieved the first year of a five-year
pruning cycle, aided by an additional one-year budget allocation for storm response
in 2021–2022 that supported additional pruning activities. This puts Fort Collins
within a minority of U.S. cities that proactively manage their public tree inventory per
urban forestry industry recommendations of a 5–10 year routine pruning cycle. The
Division also recently achieved a level of planting that exceeds removals in 2022,
aided by $100,000 in private donations for tree planting.
20%
18%
17%
15.7%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
22%
2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036 2038 2040
Ca
n
o
p
y
C
o
v
e
r
(
%
)
Year
Scenario 3:
20% by 2040
Scenario 2:
18% by 2040
Scenario 1:
17% by 2040
Current
Planting
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 65
Technical Appendix
As the inventory grows, it will be necessary to scale Forestry Division operations and
capacity to keep pace. As noted in the public tree inventory, public trees skew to
younger size classes (see figure 14). As these trees grow into larger size classes, per-
tree maintenance costs will increase over time.
Additional capacity will be particularly needed if Fort Collins wants to increase its
rate of canopy growth over time. The City is on a path to achieve 15.7% tree cover by
2040, if the previous decade’s trend continues. To increase canopy cover to 17%–20%
would require the additional planting of or preservation of 2,623–8,736 trees per year
across public and private lands. The costs of such an endeavor vary but, using
Forestry’s per-tree expenditure from 2019–2023 as a benchmark, costs are estimated
to be $1.3 million–$4.3 million per year. Enhanced tree protection and preservation
provides an alternative to tree planting to achieve the City’s canopy goal.
The Forestry Division is currently fully staffed and has identified needed capacity in
grant writing, plan review, and operations. Additional staff capacity in plan and
permit review will become especially necessary with any future adoption of an
expanded land use code and any additional policy changes for tree preservation and
protection. To maintain a five-year pruning cycle as the urban forest grows, it will be
necessary to add an additional operations crew and associated equipment.
Additional operations capacity will help existing staff develop new skills and remain
healthy in physically demanding positions by allowing for crew rotations among
different tree activities.
The Forestry Division could benefit from closer tracking of resident requests and
budget expenditure by tree activity. Such tracking expands the opportunities for
reporting about tree activities relative to the City’s Key Outcome Areas. It also
provides opportunities to more closely track staff time and expenditures related to
resident requests.
Detailed work plans are another method to make efficient use of personnel and
budget. Enhanced data collection for the tree inventory to include maintenance
needs and risk can help inform planning for the routine pruning cycle and reduce
resident requests. Inventory data about vacant planting sites, combined with the
priority planting and tree placement analyses, can be used to create annual planting
plans to plant trees where they are most needed.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 66
Technical Appendix
Forestry Division Contributions to a High Performing Government
Fort Collins’ Forestry Division, housed within the Parks Department, provides a high level
of service in the management of public trees.
Proactive Maintenance. The Division is among a minority of U.S. cities that maintain
public trees on a routine pruning cycle. Routine maintenance is a safer and more cost
effective alternative than reactive pruning that takes place in response to storm damage,
emergencies, and public requests, saving the City up to 50% in pruning costs. The
Division currently maintains public trees on a 5–7 year pruning cycle, with the goal of
attaining a consistent five-year pruning cycle.
Data-Driven Management. The urban tree canopy assessment, inventory data, and
other information that is presented in the Urban Forest Strategic Plan will be regularly
updated to assist Forestry with informed decision making. The information in the Plan
can also be used to inform policy updates for the strategic growth and protection of the
urban forest.
Resident Involvement. Urban Forest Ambassadors are trained volunteers that assist the
Forestry Division with inventory data collection. This program provides residents with an
opportunity to learn more about their urban forest and contribute to its upkeep.
Residents are also able to make requests related to public trees through Access Fort
Collins. And more than 900 residents contributed their ideas to the creation of this
Urban Forest Strategic Plan through participation in the planning process.
Integration with City Plans and Priorities. Trees and tree benefits are integrated into
many City plans, including the City’s strategic plan, and there are future opportunities to
increase Forestry involvement in planning efforts. Implementation of this Urban Forest
Strategic Plan will enhance the ways that urban forestry can be related to city Outcome
Areas.
Sources: AECOM, 2013; Fort Collins 2024 Strategic Plan.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 67
Technical Appendix
Community Engagement and Policy
Integration
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
Public engagement took place throughout the planning process to gather
community input and feedback about Fort Collins’ trees. Public engagement
included a public survey and three public meetings. Forestry partnering entities
were also invited to provide feedback in structured focus group meetings.
Public Survey
The Urban Forest Strategic Plan planning team released a public survey in fall 2023
that was open to public participation from September–December 2023. Nine
hundred seventy-one (971) participants completed the survey, which included 14
questions (table 18).
Ninety-nine percent (99%) of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that trees are
an important part of Fort Collins (figure 33), while 95% agreed that public trees are
well cared for or somewhat well cared for (figure 34). There was mixed agreement
about whether Fort Collins has the right number of trees or too few (figure 35).
In general, respondents favor public land for tree planting, including parks, streets,
schools, and trails, over private property (figure 36). When asked about their support
for various private tree protection mechanisms, including tree removal permits, tree
replacement or payment-in-lieu, and increased education about tree protection
standards during construction, most respondents (75%) supported increased
education (figure 37), while approximately 40% of respondents supported stronger
tree protection mechanisms. Twenty percent of respondents did not support
stronger private tree protection policies.
Participants ranked the top three tree benefits as shade, urban heat island
mitigation, and air quality improvements (figure 38). In an open-ended question
about their hopes for the future of Fort Collins’ urban forest, the most common
response themes included hopes for a healthy urban forest, opinions about species
selection, and a desire for more trees (figure 39; table 19).
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 68
Technical Appendix
Figure 33. Responses to public survey question that asked participants to rate their agreement with
the phrase, “Trees are an important part of Fort Collins” using a five-point Likert scale.
Figure 34. Responses to a public survey question that asked participants to complete the phrase,
“Public trees seem…” with one of five response options.
Figure 35. Responses to a public survey question that asked participants to complete the phrase,
“Across Fort Collins there are…” with one of three response options.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Strongly
agree
Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
disagree
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Trees are an important part of Fort Collins.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Well cared
for
Somewhat
cared for
Poorly cared
for
Neglected No opinion
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Public trees seem...
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Too many trees The right amount
of trees
Too few trees
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Across Fort Collins there are...
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 69
Technical Appendix
Figure 36. Responses to a public survey question that asked participants to answer the question,
“Where is it most important to plant trees?”, with the option to select multiple choices.
Figure 37. Responses to a public survey question that asked participants to complete the phrase, “I
support…” with one of four response options.
Figure 38. Responses to a public survey question that asked participants to rank tree benefits in order
from most (rank 1) to least (rank 10) important.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Parks Streets Schools Businesses Trails Private
property
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Where is it most important to plant trees?
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Required tree removal
permits for trees above a
certain size
Required replacement
or payment in the
amount of the trees'
appraised value
Increased education
about tree protection
standards during
construction on private
property
I don't support stronger
policies on private
property trees
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
I support...
12345678910
Av
e
r
a
g
e
r
a
n
k
Rank tree benefits in order of most to least importance.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 70
Technical Appendix
Figure 39. Responses to the open-ended question, “What is your hope for the future of the urban forest
in Fort Collins?”, categorized by theme. A response could be positive, negative, or neutral about a
theme.
Table 18. Public survey questions and responses (971 participants).
QUESTION RESPONSES*
Q1- Trees are an important part of Fort
Collins.
Strongly agree (94%)
Agree (5%)
Neutral (0.2%)
Disagree (0%)
Q1- Having trees is worth the financial
cost of maintaining them.
Strongly agree (86%)
Agree (11%)
Neutral (2%)
Disagree (0.2%)
Q1- Public street trees seem well cared
for in Fort Collins.
Agree (48%)
Neutral (11%)
0 100 200 300
Volunteering
Solar
Cycling
Sidewalks
Streets/Medians
Gardens/Fruit trees
Xeriscape/Water
Equity
Preservation
City Funding/Staffing
EAB
Benefits/Value
Climate Change
Heat/Shade
Maintenance
Tree Planting
City Identity
Private Land Policy
Development
Resident Resources
More Trees
Species
Healthy Urban Forest
Number of Responses
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
T
h
e
m
e
What is your hope for the future of the
urban forest in Fort Collins?
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 71
Technical Appendix
QUESTION RESPONSES*
Strongly disagree (0.7%)
Q2- Across Fort Collins there are…
Too few trees (50%)
The right amount of trees (49%)
Q2- In my neighborhood there are… The right amount of trees (60%)
Too many trees (2%)
Q3- Trees in the urban environment
provide many known benefits to the
community, some of which are listed
below. To help us understand how to
best maximize these benefits to meet
community needs, please rank the
benefits below from most important to
yo...
Help reduce crime (9.2)
Increase my property value (7.5)
Reduce flooding/run-off (basement/property) (6.6)
Screen and provide privacy from my neighbors (6.6)
Protect us from noisy roads and highways (6.5)
Help landscape and beautify my property (6.1)
Improve my mental and physical health (6)
Provide habitat for wildlife (4.8)
Improve air quality (reduce air pollution) (4.5)
Prevent the city from becoming a hotter and drier place
(3.9)
Shade to help reduce temperatures and keep my
Q4- Where is it most important to
plant trees in Fort Collins? Please
select your top five.
Parks (88%)
Private property (52%)
Retail/commercial areas (i.e., parking lots) (71%)
Schools (78%)
Streets (parkways and medians) (79%)
Trails (65%)
Other (6%)
Strongly agree (84%)
Agree (13%)
Neutral (2%)
Disagree (0%)
grown between the curb and sidewalk,
in street medians, in parks, cemeteries,
golf courses, and other City facilities,
and are maintained by the City. These
public trees seem:
Well cared for (55%)
Somewhat cared for (40%)
Poorly cared for (3%)
Neglected (0.5%)
No opinion (2%)
Q6- How do you feel about the City of
Fort Collins Forestry Division's response
to tree-related requests in the
community?
Responsive (29%)
Neutral (46%)
Responsive, but not in a timely manner (3%)
a Heritage Tree Program. Heritage Tree
Programs are developed to protect
and maintain trees on both public and
private property in the community that
may be of special species, sizes, or have
I am in support of a Heritage Tree Program (54%)
I am not in support of a Heritage Tree Program (9%)
I don’t know enough to decide (37%)
forest, the City of Fort Collins is
assessing the need to preserve canopy
on private property. Examples of
certain size of diameter (46%)
Required mitigation standards to apply - which means
requiring replacement or payment in the amount of the
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 72
Technical Appendix
QUESTION RESPONSES*
tree removal guidelines to the building
permit process, home expansion,...
Increasing education around tree protection
standards during construction on private property
(75%)
I don't support stronger policies on private property
Open response (see below)
Q10- Do you live, work, or play in Fort
Collins? Please select all that apply.
I own a home here (77%)
I rent a home/apartment here (16%)
I am visiting (2%)
I work or go to school here (32%)
I own a business here (10%)
Q11- What zip code do you live in?
80526 (29%)
80525 (26%)
80521 (20%)
80524 (17%)
80528 (7%)
80523 (0.3%)
80527 (0.1%)
80522 (0%)
80523 (0%)
Q12- How do you identify your race
and/or ethnicity? Please select all that
apply.
White (798)
Hispanic/Latinx/Spanish Origin (38)
Asian/ Asian American (19)
American Indian/Alaska Native (13)
Middle Eastern/ North African (6)
African American/ Black (4)
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (3)
African (0)
Decline to specify (113)
Q13- What is your age?
65-74 (21%)
55-64 (19%)
45-54 (14%)
35-44 (18%)
18-34 (17%)
12-17 (0.1%)
Under 12 (0%)
Q14- How would you prefer to receive
information from the City regarding
the urban forest? Please select all that
apply.
Email (650)
City website (372)
Social media (@ParksandRecFC) (282)
Community events (253)
Volunteer opportunities (209)
Training or workshops (177)
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 73
Technical Appendix
Table 19. Public survey write-in comment themes and specific examples. Percentages reflect the
proportion of comments that related to a theme out of 655 total comments. Comments could be
categorized as fitting with more than one theme.
COMMENT THEME EXAMPLES
Healthy/resilient/diverse/
beneficial urban forest;
Grow & maintain the urban
forest (15.7%)
“We can continue to have a beautiful, well managed, resilient urban
forest that will help us cool the city and combat climate change.”
“Keep maintaining the trees we have, while still advocating for more
cover.”
Species (11.5%)
against disease and infestation in this particular climate (as well as a
good guess on what our climate will be in the future).”
“Wider diversity of tree species to guard against loss of canopy trees
from pests or disease.”
More trees (10.8%) parks.”
“Protection of existing trees and encourage and support new tree
growth.”
Financial & educational
support for residents (8.4%)
to new neighborhoods where there are no trees.”
“Informing public of their responsibility to care for trees.”
“I hope to educate more people about the value of trees and be sure
that when any development happens, trees and animal habitats are
given much more consideration than seems to be the case in recent
years.”
Maintenance/ Preservation
(6.5%)
preserved, and that more trees should be planted in areas where they
are appropriate. When this becomes an issue of nuisance, private
property rights, or detriment to public use, all factors should be
considered (including value of the trees) before planting or removing
trees. I hope that Fort Collins can continue to beautify our city by
maintaining healthy trees, both public and private, and adding more
in the right places.”
“For Fort Collins to have more trees, all of the trees well taken care of
and the city be cleaner and habitants breathing fresher air and the city
looking prettier and enchanting. For trees and nature areas to be
preserved and taken care of and not destroyed and not for people to
keep destroying them for construction. Protect prairie areas of the city
too!”
Development (6.1%)
landscaping- they put trees right up next to house and windows for
curb appeal but don’t take into consideration the size at maturity- so
beautiful trees have to be removed.”
“When large trees are removed for redevelopment of a property, the
city, the developer and landowner must take responsibility for the
adequate care of young replacement trees. I see too many dying
young trees in new developments in the city.”
Private land policy (4.7%)
often complicate things and create resentment between citizens and
City departments. I'll support more carrots than sticks for tree issues.”
“I am all for increasing the canopy of Fort Collins, as long as the city is
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 74
Technical Appendix
COMMENT THEME EXAMPLES
that increased canopy without proper maintenance, could lead to
future potential fire hazards. I'm also concerned about private
homeowners that don't maintain their trees causing that same issue.
I'd like to see the city MORE involved in declaring dead private trees
hazardous, and forcing homeowners to deal with the situation. Easier
said than done I realize however.”
City identity (4.1%) forestry and sustainability in the US.”
“The trees is Fort Collins are incredible. I moved here only 2 years ago
and they’re one of my favorite parts of the city.”
Other (3.9%)
Fort Collins covers. At least recently (last 10000 years). That said, trees
are great.”
“The city needs to be aware that due to the policy of suppressing small
natural fires along the Poudre trail and not removing fallen trees but
piling them up on the side of the trail, has created a potential for a
huge fire hazard that would likely burn entire neighborhoods that are
near by, such as Pateros Creek.”
General positive (3.7%) keeping trees and nature integrated into the city. Thank you.”
“Thanks for the forward thinking efforts from the city!”
Heat/shade (2.5%) and sidewalks to encourage walking/biking and reduce car use.”
“More shady places to walk in summer.”
Climate change (2.4%)
“Increased tree canopy throughout the city. Focus on trees that are
only the best climate-wise for the next 50+ years. This is an investment
in our community to avoid big and costly problems due to climate
change-induced heatwaves, droughts, floods, etc. We have a great
start, but we must continue to prepare.”
Emerald Ash Borer (2.1%)
the emerald ash borer invasion. I'd like to see a concerted effort to
have them all inoculated against this destructive bug.”
“That we can keep up with planting trees to replace those which need
to be removed, i.e., emerald ash borer and other pests which need to
be proactively addressed.”
Benefits/value of trees (2.1%)
quality of life.”
“Science supports the following 1) Trees reduce temperatures 2) Trees
increase mental health 3) Trees support more wildlife I hope we are
able to develop a sustainable urban forest to help with the listed
issues.”
Funding/staffing (2%) municipal arborist field with implementation of the highest quality
and knowledgeable tree care providers in the state.”
“That we continue to support and fund good care for our trees!”
Equity (2%) “More trees all around town but especially in lower income areas and
areas that are largely developed (lots of concrete i.e. Parking lots,
malls, etc.).”
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 75
Technical Appendix
COMMENT THEME EXAMPLES
Tree planting (1.8%)
“I hope that the city can fill in any gaps that exist, by convincing
property owners to plant more trees where there are currently too few.
I also hope that the program continues indefinitely, or until there is
some other self-sustaining program.”
“Support for young/growing trees. Continued planting.”
Maintenance (1.7%) “Continued strong maintenance of trees especially larger sizes..”
Xeriscape/ water (1.5%)
landscape throughout the city to replace turf and eliminate landscape
with high water needs. Education to the general public about how to
xeriscape and what trees to plant in this area of Colorado.”
“Probably the largest threat to our current city trees is the high cost of
city water. I've seen many trees doing poorly or that have died because
residents choose not to water their trees-likely because of the high
cost of water. This will only become a larger problem as climate warms
and dries.”
Community gardens/ fruit
trees (1.5%)
harvest. This would be great on Precision and Cinquefoil instead of
more apartments.”
“More urban fruit trees for urban foraging!”
Streets/ medians (1.2%)
“More trees along larger roads and in public shopping places. More
trees between sidewalks and the road (including adding a buffer
between sidewalks and roads to make pedestrians feel safer and make
sidewalks more inviting).”
Preservation (1.1%)
higher temperatures that have become the norm during seasons
when it hasn't been hot in the past, and that there are more efforts to
save much older trees that are unhealthy, like the cottonwoods down
by the river. I also hope that there will be more effort by developers to
save as many trees as possible on lands that are slated to be razed.”
“For them to maintain the beauty of this town, and it's many trees, esp
the older and more mature ones downtown on Oak, mountain, etc.
And when clearing land to build new neighborhoods and homes,
making it more difficult to remove existing trees too.”
Sidewalks (0.9%)
area big mistake and just leads to unhealthy trees and root issues
along cement walkways, path, roadways.”
“Trees between the sidewalk and street, and trees in medians are high
priority because they are enjoyed by all citizens.”
Cycling (0.6%) room to grow but don’t present obstacles to seeing cars, bicyclers and
animals. They should be properly trimmed for these reasons, too.”
“Plant trees along bike trails.”
Solar (0.5%)
rights protected from encroaching shade from trees and from new
development encouraged by changing city policies.”
“I would love to see more trees, but the type of trees should match the
size of the property they are planted on. Fort Collins is blessed with a
sunny climate which is good for home solar projects. Since we do not
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 76
Technical Appendix
COMMENT THEME EXAMPLES
have enough sun to justify any type of solar improvement. Fort Collins
is trying to reduce its carbon footprint, poorly placed large trees
reduce individuals ability to contribute.”
Volunteering (0.2%)
to help with our forest canopy.”
“Home owners have the right to have none to many trees on their
property. The city should not dictate what home owners do. Educating
people on the benefits of having trees which are obvious to most
people would help most. Providing saplings to plant or a volunteer
group to plant trees on people's property that want them would also
be helpful. Educating on the importance of deep watering at least
once a month even through winter is crucial. A lot people do not take
care of trees during the winter.”
Meta (0.2%)
ff
11 choices.”
“This survey is not only well conceived but so easy to use!!!”
Public Meetings
Public meetings were held on October 25 and 26, 2023, and March 2, 2024, and were
attended by more than 150 members of the public. Participants left verbal and
written comments and other feedback that expressed a variety of viewpoints about
trees in Fort Collins (figure 40). Major themes from public comment are collected
below.
Tree Benefits
● Shade, cooling, and wildlife benefits of trees were frequently mentioned.
● Several residents requested additional planting of edible fruit and nut trees.
● There is public interest and concern about water usage, indicating an
opportunity for additional education and outreach regarding trees’ role in
conserving water, drought tolerant species selection, etc.
Species Selection
● Several participants spoke and left comments in support of native tree
species.
● Many participants left opinions about the value and drawbacks of specific
kinds of trees, e.g., oaks, cottonwoods, and talked about their favorite trees.
● There were a smaller number of comments that were skeptical of native
species, for example, comments that questioned the role of native trees
within a grassland ecosystem or that stressed adaptability over nativity.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 77
Technical Appendix
● Several residents voiced support for more diversity in trees and shrubs that
are planted in Fort Collins.
● Participants expressed interest in resources that would help them select
appropriate tree species for specific sites, drought tolerant species, etc.
● Emerald ash borer has caused some concern about future pest and disease
resilience and the plan for replacing ash trees that are removed in the future.
Forestry Division
● There was general support for the Forestry Division.
● Some participants are satisfied with the current level of funding for Forestry,
while others wanted to see the Division grow.
● Many residents support expansion of volunteer opportunities, community
involvement, and internships in Forestry.
● Several residents expressed concerns that tree establishment activities could
be improved, e.g., watering, mulching, and increasing the survival of newly
planted trees.
Tree Canopy
● A number of participants commented that commercial properties and streets
are in greater need of additional tree planting/green space development.
● Many comments were made in support of building equitable tree canopy by
strategically investing in tree cover within disadvantaged neighborhoods
and/or in areas with low tree canopy.
Tree Policy
● A large number of comments at public meetings focused on the potential for
new policies and ordinances that would strengthen protections for trees on
private property. Comments were made both in support of, and in opposition
to, such policies.
● There were a number of questions and comments that indicated that
participants want to learn more about policy options to create an informed
opinion.
● In response to discussion and written comments about private tree policy,
there were several requests for separate, added engagement that focuses on
this topic.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 78
Technical Appendix
● While residents are divided about tree protection on private residential land,
there was more general support for strengthening tree protection policies
that govern large developments and commercial properties.
Resident Resources
• Homeowners would like to learn more about proper tree care.
● Cost is a difficulty many residents face when planting new trees. Tree care and
removal costs are a burden to homeowners.
● There is strong support for additional resources for private property owners
that support private tree protection, for example, financial resources,
mitigation credits, and outreach and education. Support for resources may be
in addition to, or in lieu of, mandates.
● There were a few requests about guidelines for preventing trees from
blocking solar panels.
Figure 40. An interactive board from the
October 25, 2023, public meeting.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 79
Technical Appendix
Partner Focus Groups
In October and November, 2023, the City of Fort Collins held a series of partner focus
group meetings with city departments/divisions and external partners to inform the
development of Fort Collins' Urban Forest Strategic Plan. In total, representatives
from more than 49 partner entities and branches of local government participated
across ten focus group meetings.
Meeting Participants
City of Fort Collins Departments &
Divisions
Cemeteries
Connexion
FC Moves
Forestry
Fort Collins 911
Gardens on Spring Creek
Golf
Light & Power
Natural Areas
Nature in the City
Neighborhood Services
Parks
Planning
Planning, Development,
Transportation
Park Planning & Development
Police Services
Recreation
Streets
Utilities
External Partners
Arthur Irrigation Company
Bartlett Tree Experts
Bath Landscape Design & Irrigation Co.
BHA Design
Blue River Forestry & Tree Care
Broadcom Inc.
Colorado State University
CSU Extension
Davey Tree
Downtown Development Authority
Downtown General Improvement
District
Fort Collins Tree Care Inc.
City of Greeley
Hartford Homes
HF2M Inc.
Housing Catalyst
Larimer and Weld Irrigation Company
Larimer County, Natural Resources
Lumen
Norris Design
Pleasant Valley and Lake Canal
Company
Poudre Fire Authority
Poudre River Public Library District
Poudre School District
Ripley Design Inc.
SavATree
South Side Ditch Company
Transfort
Wisdom Tree Care
Zak George Landscaping
This section provides a description of major themes that arose from the ten
meetings and the needs, issues, challenges, and opportunities that were identified
with each theme.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 80
Technical Appendix
Policies & Procedures
● Create Explanatory Resources About City Policies and Procedures.
Stakeholders requested more plain-language written explanations and
illustrations about city code to consolidate and convey information in various
formats and to provide consistency in code implementation across staffing
changes. Examples include tip sheets, best management practices manuals,
and specifications.
● Industry Standards. City policy should refer to written standards that can be
easily updated and that reflect industry best practices. Examples include
standards for boring and utility clearance. Standards should be consistent for
in-house versus contracted labor.
● Code Enforcement. Even with good tree policies on the books, both internal
and external stakeholders noted that the City often lacks the resources to
consistently monitor and enforce those policies. Examples were cited for
development—both tree protection policies during construction and
replacement of mature trees within developments.
● Irrigation Standards. Tree roots can be damaged by improper irrigation.
There is a need for improved education, outreach, permitting, and Forestry
department involvement related to good irrigation practices for trees.
● Tree Metrics and Goals. Stakeholders expressed uncertainty about what tree
metrics and goals they should use for plans and to measure progress. For
example, is the number of trees or canopy cover a more important metric?
● Tree Replacement Policy for Subdivisions. Developers would like to see an
adjustment to the time frame for which they are responsible for tree survival
after new developments are completed. Tree care becomes the responsibility
of homeowners after they move into their houses. In practice, mature trees
are often not being replaced by developers per city code unless there are HOA
funds to replace them.
City and Stakeholder Coordination
● Good Camaraderie and Culture. Both internal and external stakeholder
groups noted existing camaraderie among different City departments that
touch trees and between the City and several external partners. They noted an
intentional effort toward development of personal relationships that facilitates
communication and collaboration. Communication and partnership with
Forestry is established with many organizations and is performing well.
● City Interdepartmental Coordination. Stakeholders noted several
opportunities for improved coordination among city departments; examples
included adding more departments to sidewalk repair maps, collaborating on
a compost program that is under development, and adding Forestry to
planning teams for other City plans.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 81
Technical Appendix
o Stakeholders in development and construction noted a need for more
City interdepartmental coordination and communication on tree
species, planting locations, and tree protection requirements,
particularly between the departments of Zoning and Forestry.
o An informal Veg Team was established in the past two years with
representation from different departments that manage vegetation to
discuss shared management objectives and goals. It meets 2-3 times
per year. The Veg Team grew from a need for more formal policy, e.g.,
during plan review.
● Collaboration With and Among External Partners. Stakeholders named
several examples where the City could facilitate broader conversations about
urban forestry with and among external partners. Examples include:
o Facilitate a regional meeting that brings together tree care companies
and foresters to share information and respond to emerging threats.
o It was noted that the City has a good working relationship with
Colorado State University on the maintenance of trees on properties
adjacent to CSU campus. The City and CSU coordinate on maintenance
and treatment contracts for trees in shared spaces.
o There is an opportunity to expand the CSU partnership model to other
partners who steward large tracts of land or campuses. Potential
engagement topics include tree management, planning, and planting
on campus and adjacent properties and setting an example for other
businesses in Fort Collins.
o The City, Poudre Schools, and CSU all operate annual Arbor Day
celebrations that are good opportunities to reach the public. There is
some coordination on annual celebrations to set annual themes. This
may be an opportunity for further coordination.
o The Cities of Greeley and Fort Collins noted opportunities to collaborate
more, for example, to share resources and information. Greeley has a
City plant database with hydrozone as a filter criterion that could be
useful in Fort Collins.
● Consistent Messaging. Coordination with partners to provide consistent
messaging on topics such as EAB, cutting for solar, and property
management.
Public Education & Outreach
● Strong Public Support for Trees. Trees are largely viewed as assets by
community members, partner organizations, and elected officials. City council
recently declared trees to be “living infrastructure”.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 82
Technical Appendix
● Trees as Infrastructure. A potential drawback to strong community support
for trees is that they can be viewed as simplified or undervalued assets, which
misses the complexity of their management needs as infrastructure. For
example, residents may complain when trees are removed due to poor health.
This is an opportunity for more education and outreach.
● CSU Extension. The Extension service receives a lot of questions/feedback
about trees from residents and has started programs to address this, e.g., a
Master Gardener program that provides free tree expertise to residents.
● Xeriscaping. Stakeholders noted a need for more public education about tree
establishment and watering in a xeric environment. It is difficult to grow trees
in Fort Collins relative to other places in the U.S.
o Homeowners, HOAs, and irrigation companies could all be better
educated about proper tree watering practices.
● Public Notice. The City could improve its communication to the public about
its own activities; examples given include planned tree maintenance and
removals, if there are alternatives to mitigation planting in suboptimal
locations, planting permits, and ROW designation.
● Homeowner Rights and Responsibilities. Homeowners may not be
adequately educated about their rights and responsibilities for trees in their
yards and within the ditch easement, alleys, and street ROW.
o Home buyers within new developments may need more education
about tree benefits and care to promote survivorship of newly planted
trees. Involving them earlier in the homebuying process to teach and
gather input regarding species and location of trees that will be
planted in their yards may promote survivorship.
● Infrastructure Conflicts. Ditch easements and alleys are often sites for utility
conflicts, which arise from poor management of trees and uncertainty around
rights and responsibilities for maintenance. At the same time, utilities may
have misconceptions about how trees impact infrastructure. There is an
opportunity for better education to the public and within utilities companies.
Right Tree In The Right Place
● Species Selection. Tree species diversity can be challenging in Fort Collins
due to its high desert climate and a growing emphasis on water conservation.
Several needs for support with species selection were noted:
o Species recommendations for naturalized buffers to boost habitat and
capture stormwater. Importance of native/cottonwood forests along
rivers for wildlife and enjoyment by people.
o Ensuring minimum species diversity and adequate Forestry
involvement, particularly for new developments.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 83
Technical Appendix
o Balancing species requirements with design and aesthetic preferences.
Tree planting palettes are limited and shift often, which is a source of
frustration for developers and landscape designers. They would like to
see more consideration for design within new developments.
o Mitigation planting recommendations.
o Limited species in streetscapes, but parks present an opportunity to
diversify plantings. Expanded plant palettes for parks.
o Limited space downtown where planting spaces are small.
● Planting Locations. On a topic that closely relates to species
recommendations, stakeholders are looking for more guidance from the City
on proper planting locations.
o Trees along trails are hard to establish (i.e., solitary/exposed) and
maintenance is difficult, which can create conflict within departments.
o Clarification on responsible parties at different planting locations, for
example, along utility ROWs.
o In sites that cycle through site plans > tree planting > dead tree >
required replant—does failure to establish mean that the location isn’t
appropriate for a tree, or does it require a different kind of tree and/or
different management? How is the city handling sites with repeated
tree failure?
o Downtown is very well served by many organizations that include trees
in their programming and budgets. Perhaps other parts of Fort Collins
are in need of similar investment.
● Sourcing Trees. Stakeholders noted that it is becoming increasingly hard to
find new species or hardy ones due to development pressure and increased
tree planting. Local shortages require ordering from more distant wholesale
nurseries. This can affect plant hardiness and species diversity.
● Costs. Tree maintenance costs are burdensome to landowners.
Trees and Other Infrastructure
● Ditch Easements. The rules and stewardship of the land without ownership
along ditch easements were brought up in several stakeholder conversations.
Trees that are not adequately maintained pose a risk to both residential
structures and ditches. Conflicts arise because maintenance of trees within
ditch easements is the responsibility of the homeowner; however, ditch
companies are responsible for the delivery of water. The City is limited in their
authority to regulate ditch easements.
o Homeowners may not be adequately educated about their rights and
responsibilities for the ditch easement.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 84
Technical Appendix
o Trees are often not intentionally planted in the easement and are often
not well maintained.
o There’s conflicting information about how tree roots impact ditch
embankments—do they stabilize them or deteriorate them?
Opportunity for better education.
● Alleys. Alleys have abundant trees that are often not well managed, which
creates conflicts with utilities. The rights and responsibilities of homeowners,
the City, and utilities with regard to tree care was noted as a point of
confusion for all three groups.
● Traffic Calming. CSU and the City share a joint interest in trees as traffic-
calming measures, which can be linked to their Vision Zero programs to
eliminate traffic fatalities. Fort Collins is a leading city in the U.S. in bike use
and bike safety. CSU has examples of vegetated medians on their campus
that they think should be replicated throughout the city to make better use of
center turn lanes, promote bike safety, and reduce maintenance costs.
● Street Conflicts. A number of infrastructure conflicts with street trees were
brought up in discussion. A recurring question was whether adjacent property
owners have adequate information/resources to maintain trees in the street
ROW.
● Solar Infrastructure. There is conflicting information for homeowners who
are installing solar arrays about how much tree clearance is needed and
which species are compatible with solar.
● Bike Infrastructure. Trees can block bike racks, and low-hanging branches
are a concern over bike lanes. At the same time, low-stress bike networks are
an effort to make ROW more bikeable and reduce conflict with cars; they
could use more shade.
Threats to the Urban Forest
● Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The City has an EAB management plan but does
not have funding to remove trees that present a hazard to the ROW, which is
the responsibility of adjacent property owners. EAB management in the ROW
requires the City to increase enforcement of city codes.
o There may be an opportunity to collaborate with contractors to offer
payment plans to ease financial barriers.
o There is a need for more EAB education/outreach to homeowners,
renters, and HOAs. Also a need for different agencies to coordinate on
EAB messaging.
● Species Selection/Diversity. Species lists should reflect the latest information
about climate change, with adequate consideration for xeriscaping and
resistance to pests/diseases.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 85
Technical Appendix
● Fire Safety. Is there a need for public education about the placement of
evergreen trees close to homes?
● Water Use. As the cost of water increases and the community reduces water
use, it is important to provide adequate water to support trees. Some HOAs
may be limited in the dues they can collect to support tree watering.
CITY CODE REVIEW
City code provides a regulatory framework for the protection, preservation, planting,
and care of public and private trees. Fort Collins’ Code of Ordinances (2023) and Land
Use Code (2023) were reviewed in January 2024 using a set of criteria from the 2016
Municipal Tree Census (Hauer & Peterson, 2016) and International Society of
Arboriculture Ordinance Guidelines (Swiecki & Bernhardt, 2001; table 20). Any
changes to City code after January 2024 are not reflected in this code review.
The review identifies several areas where existing code could be strengthened,
including the following recommendations:
• Reference the Tree Management Standards and Best Management Practices
manual within city code. The manual contains procedures and policies related to
arborist licensing, pruning, and other tree activities that the city has relied on
since 2010 but that are not referenced in city code. Referencing the manual and
providing instructions for updating it ensures that its use will persist across
staffing and leadership changes.
○ Update the manual to comply with current best management
practices.
• Establish an insect/disease control strategy, and/or reference external documents
such as the Emerald Ash Borer Management and Response Plan that describe
authority, procedures, and policies for pest and disease control.
• Expand tree protections:
○ Extend tree protection to prohibit damage to trees that are required to
be preserved or protected.
○ Provide credits or incentives for tree preservation.
○ Establish penalties for damage or removal of trees that are to be
preserved, protected, or saved.
○ Expand tree protections that currently only apply to development to
additional scenarios.
• Encode the existing wood waste program and Tree Fund to preserve existing
programs and resources across any future changes in leadership.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 86
Technical Appendix
Table 20. City code review. Matrix is adapted from Municipal Tree Care and Management in the United States (Hauer, 2014).
TOPIC ADDRESSED CHAPTER &
SECTION COMMENTS
Credentials
Requires certified arborist for paid private tree work
Requires Certified Arborist for public tree work (X) CO 27-17
This is included in the Tree
Management Standards and
BMP document. CO 27-17
allows for the City Manager to
implement written rules. A
recommended improvement
is to mention this document
Requires licensing of private tree care firms X CO 27-34–40
Defines official authority for public tree management X CO 27-17
Public Tree Management and Protection
Establishes/Authorizes City Forester to regulate public trees X CO 27-17
X CO 27-17
Establishes a community Tree Board or Commission
Defines public trees
Requires annual community tree work plans
Identifies formula for determining monetary tree value (X) LUC 3.2.1 I-7 Applies only to development
Establishes responsibility for public tree maintenance (e.g. City, adjacent
property owner) X CO 24-42, 27-
17, 27-57 is implied but not directly
Requires regular public tree maintenance X CO 27-57
Requires particular types of maintenance (e.g., pruning) X CO 27-58
(X) CO 27-17 Tree Management Standards
and BMPs
Establishes permit system for work on public trees X CO 27-33
Requires payment of fees for the removal of public trees
Establishes provisions for penalties for non-compliance X CO 27-59–62
Restricts tree removal on public property Permit required; see next line
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 87
Technical Appendix
TOPIC ADDRESSED CHAPTER &
SECTION COMMENTS
Permit or approval required for tree removal, pruning or excavating near
public trees X CO 27-31–32
X LUC 3.2.1 G
X CO 27-19
Establishes provisions for trimming for overhead utility line clearance
Restricts burning of solid wood waste
Establishes a wood utilization program Recommended Improvement
Establishes an insect/disease control strategy Recommended Improvement
Prohibits tree topping (X) CO 27-17 Tree Management Standards
and BMPs
Regulates abatement of hazardous or nuisance trees on private property (X) CO 27-18(c)
Regulates removal of dead or diseased trees X CO 27-58
Tree Fund Recommended Improvement
Tree Planting
Regulates tree species which may or may not be planted on private
property (approved tree list) X LUC 3.2.1 D-4,
Requires tree planting around and within parking lots X
Requires replacement of removed publicly owned trees X LUC 3.2.1 D-2-d Applies only to development
Permits public tree planting - beyond the right-of-way X LUC 3.2.1 D-2-b
X D-1-c
Regulates tree species which may or may not be planted on public
property (approved tree list) X LUC 3.2.1 D-1-c,
Private Tree Protection and Preservation
Restricts tree removal on private property
Permit or approval required for tree removal on private property
Requires preservation of trees during development on private property X LUC 3.2.1 F
Prohibits damage to preserved/protected trees Recommended Improvement
Prohibits damage or removal of trees on another person's property
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 88
Technical Appendix
TOPIC ADDRESSED CHAPTER &
SECTION COMMENTS
Inventory of trees on site required X LUC 3.2.1 F
Identification of forests/woodlands required
Specific species and/or size tree regulated (e.g. heritage/significant trees) (X) LUC 3.2.1 F Applies only to development
Location of Critical Root Zone/Dripline required X LUC 3.2.1 G-7
Minimum canopy cover requirement set
Identification of riparian buffers, natural areas, preservation zones X LUC 3.2.1 A, M
Tree protection/preservation plan required X LUC 3.2.1 C
Identification of prohibited activities in dripline/critical root zone X LUC 3.2.1 G-3
Tree protection fencing required X LUC 3.2.1 G-3
aeration, vertical mulching, trunk protection, soil protection, irrigation,) on X LUC 3.2.1 G, G-
7, J-2
Provide credits/incentives for tree preservation Recommended Improvement
(X) LUC 3.2.1 C
Requires Grading plan to include protected/preserved trees
Utility plan with trees to include protected/preserved trees X LUC 3.2.1 K
Tree planting requirements for removal of regulated trees X LUC 3.2.1 F, F-1
Fee in Lieu of planting mitigation trees X LUC 3.2.1 F
Tree mitigation survival requirements X LUC 3.2.1 I-4–6
Fine for removal of regulated trees Recommended Improvement
Penalties established for damage and removal of preserved/saved trees Recommended Improvement
Bonding to ensure required trees are planted X LUC 3.2.1 I-4
Bonding utilized to discourage tree removals
Other Ordinances of Note
Defining 'City Forester' X CO 27-16
Alley ROW maintenance X CO 27-31
Right of entry X CO 27-56
Tree spacing X LUC 3.2.1 D-1-c
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 89
Technical Appendix
TOPIC ADDRESSED CHAPTER &
SECTION COMMENTS
Visual clearance X LUC 3.2.1 L
Requirement of ROW planting X
ROW tree spacing from infrastructure X
Minimum species diversity for development plans X LUC 3.2.1 D-3
Minimum sizes for trees planted X LUC 3.2.1 D-4–5
Buffering requirements X LUC 3.2.1 E-1
Water conservation requirements X LUC 3.2.1 E-3
Required maintenance for development landscape X LUC 3.2.1 I-5
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 90
Technical Appendix
HERITAGE TREE PROTECTION
Heritage Trees, sometimes also called Landmark or Significant Trees, are mature
trees that receive special recognition and protection due to their ecological, cultural,
and/or historic significance. The designation of heritage tree status acknowledges
the outsized benefits that these trees provide to their communities and seeks to
protect them from damage, removal, and neglect. Typically, protections are either
reinforced through community outreach exercises including education, mapping,
and storytelling, or required by policy or ordinance.
Mature trees provide many benefits to communities, including cleaner water, cooler
and cleaner air, improved human health outcomes, increased safety, and positive
effects on business and commerce. The value of some of these benefits can be
quantified based on avoided costs—for example, trees that cool the air help nearby
residents save on energy costs. However, most of the demonstrated benefits from
trees are not currently quantifiable, and many heritage tree designations are
founded on preserving access to a diverse species or the emotional connection to
specific trees that serve as a backdrop to community events and key historic
moments.
Preservation
The Land Use Code references “significant trees” as being at least 6 inches DSH and
requires their preservation “to the extent reasonably feasible”.
Heritage Tree Programs
To develop suggestions for Fort Collins’ Forestry Division as it considers options for
increased tree preservation and protection, DRG reviewed the existing programs for
heritage or landmark trees of 24 municipalities. Cities were identified based on
internet searches for “heritage tree”, “landmark tree”, “remarkable tree”, and
“significant tree” terms along with “program” or “ordinance”; they were also
identified by other municipal partners and from references contained within
resources about heritage tree programs.
In general, existing heritage tree programs can be characterized into two basic
structures: voluntary programs, where trees are nominated for heritage status based
on ecologic, cultural, and/or historic significance; and mandatory programs, where
trees are automatically enrolled into a heritage tree program once they reach a
certain size. Several cities combine aspects of voluntary and mandatory programs.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 91
Technical Appendix
Examined Programs
Austin, TX
Charlotte, NC
Corvallis, OR
Fernandina Beach, FL
Fort Worth, TX
Glenview, IL
Lakewood, WA
Manitou Springs, CO
Menlo Park, CA
Nashville, TN
Palo Alto, CA
Pittsburgh, PA
Portland, OR
Sacramento, CA
Salem, OR
San Luis Obispo, CA
San Mateo, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Seattle, WA
Sonoma, CA
Telluride, CO
Washington, DC
Westmont, IL
Whitemarsh, PA
Voluntary Heritage Tree Programs
Thirteen cities with voluntary heritage tree programs were reviewed. Voluntary
programs are those in which public and/or privately owned trees may be nominated
for recognition as heritage trees; trees are not automatically enrolled. All the
reviewed programs applied to trees on public land, and all programs allowed for
nomination of trees based on local landmark status or cultural/historical significance
in addition to, or instead of, size and species constraints.
Seven of 13 cities’ heritage tree programs restrict the removal of designated trees.
Two cities (Telluride and Seattle) have city codes with detailed restrictions governing
heritage trees once designated.
Seven programs map or describe the trees for the public; four cities share heritage
tree characteristics via an interactive map such as an ESRI StoryMap.
Summary of 13 Voluntary Programs
● Requires property owner consent (100% of programs examined)
● Nomination criteria includes social factors (cultural or historical significance,
local landmark; 100% of programs)
● Mapped locations shared with the public (62%)
● Restricts removal (54%)
● Requires certified arborist assessment before or after designation (38%)
● Heritage tree status maintained across land transfers (46%)
● Shared via an interactive web map (31%)
● Provides public maintenance funds (15%)
● Maintenance requires a permit (15%)
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 92
Technical Appendix
Mandatory Heritage Tree Programs
Thirteen municipal ordinances were reviewed in which trees of a certain size are
automatically enrolled in a heritage tree program, thereby protecting the tree from
removal or significant damage. Seven of these cities additionally permit designation
of a heritage tree based on cultural or historic significance. None of the programs
reviewed applied to park lands only.
In one city (Sonoma, CA), the city assumes maintenance and removal responsibility
for heritage trees, regardless of location. In the other twelve cities, a permit is
required to remove a heritage tree. Most of these cities waive the permit
requirement if the tree is hazardous. Eleven cities require mitigation planting and/or
a fee-in-lieu for heritage trees that are removed.
Summary of 13 Mandatory Programs
● Prohibits removal and damage (100% of programs reviewed)
● Minimum size requirement (100% of programs). Median = 15 inches DSH
(range 8–50 inches DSH)
● Permit required for removal (92%). Permit often waived if tree is hazardous
(69%).
● Mitigation required (85%)
o Planting required: varies in number of stems, by inch, etc (85%).
Sometimes there are species requirements (62%).
o Relocation required (8%)
o Fee-in-lieu (77%): varies from $250 flat fee to value calculated from basal
area
● Species requirements for heritage tree designation (46%)
● Fee for removal (15%; separate from mitigation requirements)
● Requirements vary by land type (15%): in two cases, small residential
properties were exempted, or public/private/developed land had different
requirements
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 93
Technical Appendix
CITY POLICY AND PLANNING FRAMEWORK
The City of Fort Collins is committed to continuously enhancing, improving, and
innovating services for its community. To achieve this, various City and County
departments collaborate in developing plans, studies, and strategies. A
comprehensive assessment of selected City of Fort Collins plans, studies, and
standards was conducted to evaluate the integration of tree preservation,
protection, and planting efforts. The purpose of the review is to identify
opportunities or gaps in these documents and provide recommendations that will
improve Fort Collins’s urban forest resource.
● Fort Collins Water Efficiency Plan (2015)
● Water Shortage Action Plan (2020)
● Fort Collins City Plan (2019)
● Fort Collins Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management and Response Plan (2020)
● Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2021)
Trees Contribute to Neighborhood & Community Vitality
Trees Enhance Streetscapes. Trees beautify streets and encourage residents to spend
time outdoors. Trees along streets and sidewalks help to slow traffic and create more
comfortable conditions for walking, biking, and public transit use.
Trees Improve Public Health. Trees provide opportunities for outdoor recreation,
improve access to nature, and reduce stressors that impact vulnerable populations.
People living in neighborhoods with more canopy cover have been shown to have better
overall health, including lower rates of obesity, more social cohesion, less stress, and
lower blood pressure. Trees significantly decrease the incidence of asthma and heart
disease in a community and help residents feel more at ease. The primary mechanism
for these effects arise from the ability of tree canopy to reduce air pollution, extreme
heat, and stress. Residents are three times more likely to be physically active when they
live in areas with high levels of trees and vegetation. A 2018 study showed that residents
reporting poor mental health decreased by 63% within 18 months after vacant lots near
their homes were planted with grass and trees.
Trees Provide a Sense of Community. Trees in neighborhoods contribute to a sense of
community. In Fort Collins, oaks, pines, and cottonwoods have strong cultural
significance. Tree canopy is often cited by residents as one of the reasons they love living
here.
Sources: Swift et al., 1997; Kuo, 2003; Ellaway et al., 2005; Ewing & Dumbaugh, 2009; O’Neil-Dunn,
2012; Donovan et al., 2013; Roe et al., 2013; Gilstad-Hayden et al., 2015; Ulmer et al., 2016; South et al.,
2018.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 94
Technical Appendix
● Fort Collins Our Climate Future Plan (2021)
● Fort Collins Strategic Plan (2022) - lists city council priorities
● Larimer County Internal Climate Action, Resilience, And Education (ICARE)
Report (2023)
Ratings
trees not incorporated
trees incorporated but requires revision or implementation
trees fully incorporated & implemented
Fort Collins Water Efficiency Plan (2015)
Description: Presents the current state of Fort Collins’ water supply system, demand,
and management, as well as the opportunities and corresponding implementation
principles to increase efficiency.
Opportunity/Gaps: Opportunity exists to promote urban trees’ role in improving
stormwater management, explore the impacts of water restrictions on trees, and
include recommendations for ensuring trees receive adequate irrigation.
Recommendation: Publish an updated document to update community members
on the city’s water supply and current water efficiency efforts and provide efficient
tree watering recommendations.
Water Shortage Action Plan (2020)
Description: The Water Shortage Action Plan outlines emergency restrictions to
water use to manage Fort Collins’s water supply in the event of projected shortages.
The Plan includes restrictions to tree irrigation: watering trees is permitted under all
levels of water restrictions, but under higher levels, trees must be hand-watered or
drip/microspray irrigated to maximize efficiency.
Opportunity/Gaps: Tree watering best practices could promote further water
conservation and tree health.
Recommendation: Update plan to include tree watering best practices, or consider a
public outreach campaign to raise awareness of tree watering best practices in the
event of water shortage. Require irrigation for public trees.
Fort Collins City Plan (2019)
Description: Shapes decision making and funding priorities over the next 10-20 years
to implement the vision and goals gathered from community members.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 95
Technical Appendix
Opportunity/Gaps: Trees offer numerous “co-benefits” not included in the plan that
can serve as a crucial tool in achieving the city’s goals, including: sequestering and
storing carbon, reducing stormwater runoff, improving air quality, reducing energy
usage through strategically planting trees around buildings, increasing pedestrian,
cyclist, and driver comfort along streets, sidewalks, and bus stops by providing
shade, providing food with the development of maintained food forests/orchards in
parks and open spaces, and increasing a community’s connectivity, involvement,
safety, and attractiveness.
Recommendation: Creating and maintaining a safe, healthy and resilient urban
forest is recognized as a guiding principle in meeting one of the Plan’s core values of
Environmental Health. Implementation of the Urban Forestry Strategic Plan will
assist in meeting the goals of the City Plan.
Fort Collins Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management and Response Plan
(2020)
Description: Reviews current EAB situation, the city’s plan, and the challenges at a
time when EAB had just been detected in the city.
Opportunity/Gaps: The implementation of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan’s
recommendations may relieve the deferred maintenance impacts and their
negative consequences anticipated in the EAB Management and Response Plan.
Recommendation: Publish an updated document to inform the community on the
current EAB distribution, the treatment’s progress, and the future management
plan.
Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2021)
Description: Envisions the future of parks and recreation, addressing needs and
providing a strategic roadmap for the City to shape the system over the next 20
years.
Opportunity/Gaps: The Plan identifies the promotion of planting, preservation, and
maintenance of canopy trees and native vegetation on public and private land as a
key action in implementing the city’s parks and recreation goals.
Recommendation: Coordinate the implementation of the Urban Forest Strategic
Plan to assist in meeting the goals of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Fort Collins Our Climate Future Plan (2021)
Description: Defines the city's goals for climate, waste, energy, community equity
and resilience, along with their respective implementation strategies.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 96
Technical Appendix
Opportunity/Gaps: One of the “next moves” action items identified in the Plan is the
development of an Urban Forest Strategic Plan, and a progress metric of healthy
natural spaces to be the city’s tree replacement rate and percent canopy coverage.
Trees could also be included in the goals relating to building an equitable and
resilient community, reducing energy use, becoming carbon neutral, and increasing
healthy local food sources.
Recommendation: Implementation of the Urban Forestry Strategic Plan will assist in
meeting the goals of the Our Climate Future Plan.
Fort Collins Strategic Plan (2022)
Description: As a companion to the City Plan, the Strategic Plan outlines short- and
mid-term objectives, influences the City’s budgeting process, and guides the
implementation of the City’s services.
Opportunity/Gaps: Trees are identified as an integral piece of the “Neighborhood
Livability & Social Health” strategic initiative, which precisely calls out the
components needed for a healthy urban forest. Although trees’ role in this category
has broad implications, there is an opportunity to further incorporate urban forestry
into other strategic initiatives.
Recommendation: Implementation of the Urban Forestry Strategic Plan will assist in
meeting the goals of the Our Climate Future Plan.
Larimer County Internal Climate Action, Resilience, And Education (ICARE)
Report (2023)
Description: Captures progress of County’s climate goals since the adoption of the
initial ICARE document in 2022, with intent to guide the forthcoming County
Climate and Sustainability Plan. This plan, the completion of which is anticipated in
2024, aims to address climate change and lessen impacts on community members
with innovative mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Opportunity/Gaps: There is opportunity to include the planting, maintenance, and
preservation of trees into the County’s goals.
Recommendation: Collaborate with the Larimer County Climate and Sustainability
Plan process to ensure integration and mutual reinforcement between the Urban
Forest Strategic Plan's priorities, recommendations, and actions, contributing to the
sustainable development and progress of Larimer County.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 97
Technical Appendix
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & POLICY INTEGRATION: SUMMARY
OF FINDINGS
Findings from the community engagement process demonstrate that the people of
Fort Collins value trees and understand the myriad ways that trees enhance quality
of life in the city. Feedback that was gathered from the public survey and three
public meetings indicate that residents are invested in the ongoing management of
Fort Collins’s trees and the ways that the City will help ensure tree canopy
preservation and growth into the future.
Residents are particularly interested in resources that will help them be effective
stewards of tree canopy. Examples of resources that were requested include
opportunities to volunteer and intern with Forestry; education and information
about species selection, including drought tolerant, climate adapted, and native
species; opportunities to provide input into citywide forestry management, such as
shaping the diversity and species composition of the urban forest; helping to
recognize and manage pests and diseases; becoming educated about proper tree
care; and having access to financial resources to help defray costs associated with
tree maintenance.
Feedback from Forestry Division partners, both internal and external to City
government, underscored the collaborative nature of Forestry staff and the high
level of expertise and service that they provide. Suggestions from these meetings
focused on building efficiency in partnerships and increasing the number of
resources that can assist partners with their own tree management. Suggested
resources include plain-language explanations of city code and policy, improved
consistency of code enforcement, tree species recommendations, information about
tree best management practices including care and irrigation, clarification about
responsibilities, and resources that can be shared with clients and the general
public. Several suggestions also centered on better integrating urban forestry and
the Forestry Division into existing and future planning efforts that relate to climate
resilience and city priorities.
A review of existing code, policies, and plans highlighted possible areas where the
City can enhance tree protection and preservation. Protection and preservation are
important strategies for canopy growth over time, both because a majority of tree
canopy is contained on land that is not city-owned, and preservation is more
effective (and cost effective) than relying on tree planting alone. Private property
protections are a topic of particular interest to the general public, with strong
opinions on multiple sides. In general, there seems to be stronger existing support
for tree protections that affect development, large tracts of land, and large
redevelopment projects than for ordinances that would affect private residential
property. Many residents expressed a need for more information before taking a
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 98
Technical Appendix
position. Further engagement would be needed to accurately gauge public support
for any enhanced protection measures. It is recommended that the City conduct
additional, focused engagement on the topic of tree protection ordinances,
particularly those that apply to private residential property.
References
AECOM. (2013). Financing San Francisco’s Urban Forest. San Francisco, CA.
https://default.sfplanning.org/plans-and-programs/planning-for-the-city/urban-forest-
plan/UFP_Financing_Study_Exec_Sum_131216.pdf
Burris, L. (2006). People of the Poudre: An Ethnohistory of the Cache La Poudre River National Heritage
Area, AD 1500-1880. Xplore Interpretive Design, Incorporated.
http://database.history.fcgov.com/digital/collection/rb/id/7014/
Cappiella, K., T. Schueler, and T. Wright. 2005. Urban watershed forestry manual: Part 1. Methods for
increasing forest cover in a watershed. Newtown Square PA: United States Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry.
City of Fort Collins. (2010). Tree Management Standards and Best Management Practices. Fort Collins,
CO. https://www.fcgov.com/forestry/pdf/tree-standards-3-31-10.pdf
City of Fort Collins. (2015). Water Efficiency Plan. Fort Collins, CO.
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/WEP_2015-
17_FullDraft_NoWaterMark_v9.pdf
City of Fort Collins. (2019). Fort Collins City Plan. Fort Collins, CO.
https://www.fcgov.com/cityplan/files/city-plan.pdf
City of Fort Collins. (2020). Fort Collins Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management and Response Plan. Fort
Collins, CO. https://www.fcgov.com/forestry/files/eab-management-and-response-plan_042221.pdf
City of Fort Collins. (2020). Water Shortage Action Plan. Fort Collins, CO.
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/final-wsap-effective-may-1-2020.pdf
City of Fort Collins. (2021). Our Climate Future Plan. Fort Collins, CO.
https://ourcity.fcgov.com/ourclimatefuture
City of Fort Collins. (2021). Recreate: Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Fort Collins, CO.
https://www.fcgov.com/parksandrecplan/files/fort-collins-parks-and-recreation-master-plan-spreads-
web.pdf
City of Fort Collins. (2024). Fort Collins 2024 Strategic Plan. Fort Collins, CO.
https://www.fcgov.com/citymanager/strategicplan
Donovan, G.H., D.T. Butry, Y.L. Michael, J.P. Prestemon, A.M. Liebhold, D. Gatziolis, and M.Y. Mao. 2013. The
Relationship Between Trees and Human Health: Evidence from the Spread of the Emerald Ash Borer.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine 44, 2: 139-145
Eisenman, T. S., Coleman, A. F., & LaBombard, G. (2021). Street trees for bicyclists, pedestrians, and
vehicle drivers: A systematic multimodal review. Urban Science, 5(3), 56.
Ellaway, A., S. Macintyre, & X. Bonnefoy. (2005). Graffiti, Greenery, and Obesity in Adults: Secondary
Analysis of European Cross-Sectional Survey. British Medical Journal, 331(7517), 611-2.
Environmental Defense Fund. (2024). U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index [web tool].
https://climatevulnerabilityindex.org/
Ewing, R., & Dumbaugh, E. (2009). The built environment and traffic safety: a review of empirical
evidence. Journal of Planning Literature, 23(4), 347-367.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 99
Technical Appendix
Fort Collins History Connection. (n.d.). The History of “Council Tree” Avenue.
https://history.fcgov.com/visit/library-ct
Gilstad-Hayden, K., Wallace, L.R., Carroll-Scott, A., Meyer, S.R., Barbo, S., Murphy-Dunning, C., & Ickovics,
J.R. (2015). Research Note: Greater tree canopy cover is associated with lower rates of both violent and
property crime in New Haven, CT. Landscape and Urban Planning, 143, 248–253.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2015.08.005.
Hauer R.J., & Peterson W.D. (2016). Municipal Tree Care and Management in the United States: A 2014
Urban & Community Forestry Census of Tree Activities. Special Publication 16-1, College of Natural
Resources, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.
Helburg, J. (2009). An Anecdotal History of the Parks and Recreation Department, Fort Collins,
Colorado. City of Fort Collins, Colorado. http://www.fcgov.com/recreation/pdf/anecdotal_history.pdf
Hughes, Nancy. (2013, May 13). Trees Mean Business. California Urban Forests Council.
https://investfromthegroundup.org/trees-mean-business/
Jay Breidt, Kit Gray, Andrew Monson. (2022, April 27). Where to Go Birding in Fort Collins. Audubon
Rockies, Fort Collins, CO. https://rockies.audubon.org/birds/where-go-birding-fort-collins
Johnson, Z. S., Koski, T., & O'Conner, A. (2017). The hidden value of landscapes [PowerPoint slides].
Colorado State University. http://webdoc.agsci.colostate. edu/hortla/Colorado_Water_2017.pdf
Kuo, F. E. (2003). The role of arboriculture in a healthy social ecology. Journal of Arboriculture, 29(3), 148–
155.
McDonald, R.I, Kroeger, T., Zhang, P. & Hamel, P. (2020). The value of US urban tree cover for reducing
heat-related health impacts and Electricity Consumption. Ecosystems, 23, 137–150.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-019-00395-5
McPherson, E.G,. Xiao, Xl, Maco, S.E., VanDerZanden, A., Simpson, J.R., Bell, N., & Peper, P.J. (2002).
Western Washington and Oregon Community Tree Guide: Benefits, Costs and Strategic Planting.
Center for Urban Forest Research Pacific Southwest Research Station.
McPherson, E.G., Simpson, J.R., Peper, P.J., Maco, S.E., & Xiao, Q. (2005). Municipal forest benefits and
costs in five U.S. cities. Journal of Forestry, 103(8): 411-416.
Michigan Audubon. (n.d.). Michigan Native Plants for Bird-Friendly Landscapes.
https://www.michiganaudubon.org/bfc/bird-friendly-plants/
Miller, R. W. (1988). Urban Forestry: Planning and Managing Urban Greenspaces. New Jersey: Prentice
Hall.
National Weather Service. (2021). Weather Related Fatalities and Injury Statistics.
https://www.weather.gov/hazstat/
Niinemets, Ü., & Valladares, F. (2006). Tolerance to shade, drought, and waterlogging of temperate
Northern Hemisphere trees and shrubs. Ecological Monographs, 76, 521–547.
https://doi.org/10.1890/0012-9615(2006)076[0521:TTSDAW]2.0.CO;2
Nowak, D.J., Hirabayashi, S., Bodine, A., & Greenfield, E. (2014). Tree and forest effects on air quality and
human health in the United States. Environmental Pollution, 193, 119–129,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2014.05.028.
O’Neil-Dunn. (2012). The relationship between tree canopy and crime rates across an urban–rural
gradient in the greater Baltimore region. Landscape and Urban Planning, 106, 262–270.
Ozdemir, Huseyin. (2019). Mitigation impact of roadside trees on fine particle pollution. Science of the
Total Environment 659: 1176-1185.
Rasmussen, S., Warziniack, T., Neel, A., O’Neil-Dunne, J., & McHale, M. (2021). When small is not beautiful:
The unexpected impacts of trees and parcel size on metered water-use in a semi-arid city. Remote
Sensing, 13(5), 998.
Ren, Feihong, et al. (2023). Trees help reduce street-side air pollution: A focus on cyclist and pedestrian
exposure risk. Building and Environment 229: 109923.
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
FORT COLLINS URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN 100
Technical Appendix
Roe, J.J., Thompson, C.W., Aspinall, P.A., Brewer, M.J., Duff, E.I., Miller, D., Mitchell, R., & Clow, A. (2013).
Green Space and Stress: Evidence from Cortisol Measures in Deprived Urban Communities.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(9), 4086–4103.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph10094086.
Shah, A.M., Liu, G., Huo, Z., Yang, Q., Zhang, W., Meng, F., Yao, L., & Ulgiati, S. (2022). Assessing
environmental services and disservices of urban street trees. an application of the energy accounting.
Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 186, 106563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106563.
Shashua-Bar, L., Pearlmutter, D., & Erell, E. (2009). The cooling efficiency of urban landscape strategies in
a hot dry climate. Landscape and Urban Planning, 92(3-4), 179-186.
Siriwardena, S.D., Boyle, K.J., Holmes, T.P., & Wiseman, P.E. (2016). The implicit value of tree cover in the
U.S.: A meta-analysis of hedonic property value studies. Ecological Economics, 128, 68-76.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2016.04.016.
South, E. C., Hohl, B. C., Kondo, M. C., MacDonald, J. M., & Branas, C. C. (2018). Effect of Greening Vacant
Land on Mental Health of Community-Dwelling Adults: A Cluster Randomized Trial. JAMA network
open, 1(3), e180298. https://doi.org/10.1001/ jamanetworkopen.2018.0298
Swiecki, T.J., & Bernhardt, E.A. (2001). Guidelines for Developing and Evaluating Tree Ordinances.
International Society of Arboriculture. Retrieved from https://wwv.isa-
arbor.com/education/onlineresources/treeordinanceguidelines
Swift, P., Painter, D., & Goldstein, M. (1997). Residential street typology and injury accident frequency.
Swift and Associates.
Tammy VerCauteren and Scott W. Gillihan. (2007). Integrating Bird Conservation into Range
Management. Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Brighton, CO. https://www.birdconservancy.org/wp-
content/uploads/2014/06/RMBO_SARE_manual_Jun_06.pdf
Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. (n.d.). “The Council Tree Site - An Arapahoe Perspective.”
Strauss Cabin and Council Tree. https://strausscabinandcounciltree.weebly.com/council-tree.html
Tresner, C. (1977, February 28). Wagar, Dr. Jack and Clinton Wasser. [Typescript (photocopy) of sound
recording]. Fort Collins Public Library Oral History Project. Fort Collins Public Library, Fort Collins, CO.
Trust For Public Land. (2024). Fort Collins, CO. https://www.tpl.org/city/fort-collins-colorado
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2018. Urban nature for human health and well-being: a
research summary for communicating the health benefits of urban trees and green space. FS-1096.
Washington, DC. 24 pp.
U.S. Department of Energy. (n.d.) Low-Income Community Energy Solutions.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/slsc/low-income-community-energy-solutions
U.S. Federal Government. (2022). Climate Mapping and Resilience Assessment [web tool]. Data
accessed April 24, 2024. https://resilience.climate.gov
Ulmer, J.M., Wolf, K.L., Backman, D.R., Tretheway, R.L., Blain, C.J., O'Neil-Dunne, J.P, & Frank, L.D. (2016).
Multiple Health Benefits of Urban Tree Canopy: The Mounting Evidence for a Green Prescription.
Health & Place, 42, 54–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2016.08.011.
US Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.) Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands.
https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands
USDA Forest Service. (n.d.). i-Tree [Computer software]. www.itreetools.org
USDA, NRCS. 2024. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC.
http://plants.usda.gov
Vargas, K.E., McPherson, E.G., Simpson, J.R., Peper, P.J., Gardner, S.L. & Xiao, Q. (2007). Interior West
Community Tree Guide: Benefits, Costs, and Strategic Planting. USDA Forest Service.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/psw/publications/documents/psw_gtr205/psw_gtr205.pdf
Wolf, K.L. (2005). Business district streetscapes, trees, and consumer response. Journal of Forestry,
103(8), 396-400. https://nacto.org/docs/usdg/city_trees_retail_wolf.pdf
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
2024
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
“Change is never
easy, and it often
creates discord, but
when people come
together for the
good of humanity
and the Earth, we
can accomplish
great things.
—David Suzuki
Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
1 . FORT COLLINS’ URBAN FOREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
2 . TREES ENHANCE NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY VITALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
3 . A HIGH-PERFORMING FORESTRY DIVISION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
4 . FUTURE GROWTH STRATEGIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
5 . MOVING FORWARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
6 . SELECTED REFERENCES & GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
Land Acknowledgment
4 Acknowledgments 5
The Fort Collins Urban Forest Strategic Plan was created with funding
from the City of Fort Collins.
Kendra Boot City Forester
Ralph Zentz Assistant City Forester
Ernie Wintergerst Senior Supervisor, Forestry
FORESTRY
DIVISION
PLANNING
TEAM
ADVISORY
BOARDS
Air Quality Advisory Board
Land Conservation and Stewardship Board
Natural Resource Advisory Board
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Transportation Board
STEERING
COMMITTEE
Teddy Parker-Renga Colorado State Forest Service
Fred Haberecht Fort Collins resident
Daniel Burcham Colorado State University
Katy McLaren Environmental Services, City of Fort Collins
Nick Armstrong Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Natalie McNeill The Davey Tree Expert Company
Emily Haukeness Parks and Recreation Communications,
City of Fort Collins
Valerie Van Ryn Parks and Recreation Communications,
City of Fort Collins
Mike Calhoon Parks Department, City of Fort Collins
Honoré Depew Environmental Services, City of Fort Collins
CITY COUNCIL Jeni Arndt Mayor
Susan Gutowsky District 1
Julie Pignataro District 2
Tricia Canonico District 3
Melanie Potyondy District 4
Kelly Ohlson District 5
Emily Francis Mayor Pro Tem, District 6
Prepared by Davey Resource Group, Inc. for the City of Fort Collins.
Special thanks to:
The Fort Collins community members and
visitors who shaped this plan .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
Land Acknowledgment
Land Acknowledgment 7
IMAGE 1. SOAPSTONE PRAIRIE NATURAL AREA NEAR FORT COLLINS .
6
The City of Fort Collins acknowledges and honors the lands
situated within the city as the original homelands of the
Hinono’eiteen (Arapaho), Tsétsėhéstahese (Cheyenne), Numunuu
(Comanche), Kiowa (Caiugu), Čariks i Čariks (Pawnee), Sosonih
(Shoshone), Oc'eti S'akowin (Lakota) and Núuchiu (Ute) Peoples .
This area is an important site of trade, gathering, and healing
for these Native Nations . These lands are home to a diverse
urban Native community representing multiple Native Nations
and Indigenous Peoples . Despite forced removal and land
dispossession, they continue to thrive as resilient members of
our community . We are grateful for Native community members
and honor the rich cultural heritage they bring to our collective
community . We further recognize and value their social,
intellectual, economic, and cultural contributions . The City of Fort
Collins is committed to supporting, partnering, and working with
the Native and Indigenous community .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
Land Acknowledgment
Executive Summary8
When you come into Fort Collins, Colorado, it doesn’t take long to realize that you
have arrived somewhere special. Whether you live here, work here, or like to visit,
you have probably, at some point, noticed our tree canopy. Fort Collins’ trees add
to the livability of our neighborhoods and surrounding areas. Trees improve our
mental and physical health, provide protection from urban heat, and are an integral
component in our battle against climate change.
FUTURE GROWTH
STRATEGIES
Rooted in Community proposes seven
Growth Strategies for Fort Collins’ urban
forest:
1. Strategically invest in growing tree canopy
where it will promote resilience and quality
of life in Fort Collins .
2. Complete the shift to proactive
management of Fort Collins’ public trees .
3. Strengthen city policies to protect trees .
4. Collect data to track changes to tree canopy over time and to inform forestry
activities .
5. Sustainably resource the Forestry Division to keep pace with growth of the urban forest .
6. Deepen engagement with the community about tree stewardship .
7. Expand the network of Forestry Division partners .
TREE CANOPY IS GROWING IN FORT COLLINS
The urban forest is the collection of trees
that grow on public and private land
across the city . Over a 10-year period, tree
canopy cover in and around Fort Collins
has increased by over 930 acres. Not all
communities can say the same—many cities
are losing canopy at accelerated rates .
However, tree canopy cover varies widely,
ranging from almost no trees in some parts
of the city to over 40% tree canopy cover
in other areas . While nearly all land uses in
the city have gained tree canopy over the
past decade (commercial land is the only
land use type that has lost canopy), we
have work to do to ensure that all residents
are able to experience the benefits of trees .
Themes of the Urban Forest
Strategic Plan
This Rooted in Community is a framework for action . It is a 20-year plan
that establishes a vision for managing the urban forest into the future .
Three themes emerged during the planning process:
Build resilience & wellbeing
of people and trees .
Sustainably grow the Forestry Division
as the urban forest grows .
Expand the community’s knowledge
about tree benefits and stewardship .
TREES ARE AN
INVESTMENT IN OUR
COMMUNITY
Trees are one of the few investments
that appreciate in value over time . Their
benefits are innumerable, from improving
human health and safety to improving
the economic vitality of the community .
THE VISION FOR FORT
COLLINS’ URBAN
FOREST
The City of Fort Collins is committed to
bringing trees and their benefits to people
where they are needed most to support
human health, reduce urban heat, and build
climate resilience .
Rooted in Community outlines a set
of strategies that will build upon the
stewardship of Fort Collins’ urban forest
over the last 160 years . Investments in
urban tree canopy will ensure that tree
benefits will grow and become more
equitable, improving the lives of the people
of Fort Collins for generations to come .
$2.2 million
in benefits is provided annually by
Fort Collins’ trees through cleaner
water, cleaner air, and greenhouse gas
reduction .
Public Engagement for
Rooted in Community
More than 1,180 community members
gave input about this plan via:
• Partner focus groups (9) .
• Public meetings (3) .
• Community survey .
• Public draft preview .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
Land Acknowledgment
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
1 FORT COLLINS’
URBAN FOREST
10
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
12 13
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
Fort Collins’
Urban Forest
When viewed from above, the green tree canopy of Fort Collins stands
out against the surrounding steppe, shrubland, and grassland of the
Front Range. These trees bear witness to the sustained stewardship that
has been provided by residents over more than 160 years. Trees have
grown to become one of the hallmarks of the city, enhancing the natural
beauty and hospitability of the Cache la Poudre River valley.
Fort Collins’ urban forest includes trees growing along streets, in public
parks, cemeteries, golf courses, and natural areas, and in the yards of
homes, schools, and businesses. Together, these trees are a dynamic,
living system that provides invaluable environmental, economic, and
societal benefits to enhance the quality of life in Fort Collins.
Themes of the Urban Forest
Strategic Plan
This Urban Forest Strategic Plan summarizes the state of Fort
Collins’ urban forest and outlines a vision for the next 20 years to:
Build resilience & wellbeing
of people and trees .
Sustainably grow the Forestry Division
as the urban forest grows .
Expand the community’s knowledge
about tree benefits and stewardship .
FIGURE 1. THE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS .
URBAN FOREST STRATEGIC PLAN
This Urban Forest Strategic Plan is a
comprehensive plan for the management,
protection, and improvement of Fort
Collins’ urban forest . It summarizes the
state of the city’s urban forest and the City
of Fort Collins Forestry Division’s program .
Then, it provides seven Future Growth
Strategies with tiered actions that the City
of Fort Collins and its partners can take to
ensure that its urban forest remains healthy and vibrant into the future .
The plan establishes a 20-year vision for managing the urban forest by
answering a series of questions about Fort Collins’ present and future
(Figure 1) .
99%
The proportion of
residents who said that
trees are an important
part of Fort Collins in a
public survey .
What do
we have?
What do
we want?
How are
we doing?
How do we
get there?
Strategic
Planning
Approach
1
3
24
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
14 15
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
A HISTORY OF
TREES & FORESTRY
IN FORT COLLINS
These were the original homelands of the
Arapaho and Cheyenne Tribes that were
forcibly removed . In the Cache la Poudre
River Valley, trees are mostly found along
waterways .
Gardens and
promenades
with trees are
popularized in
Fort Collins . City Council makes the first allocation
for “Street Forestry” ($700) .
City Forestry Program
proposed by W . D . Thomas,
Jr ., includes introducing
City Forestry Code, arborist
licensing, and survey of unsafe
and infested trees .
Fort Collins is
recognized as a
Tree City USA by
the Arbor Day
Foundation .
The first computer-based
citywide inventory of
public trees is conducted .
MID–1800s
1890s–1920s
1870s–1880s
1920s
1951 1977
1988
The Council
Tree is known
as an important
cultural site for
multiple tribes to
gather for trade .
As part of the
City Beautiful
movement, city
residents plant
elms, oaks, and
maples along
streets in Old
Town .
The City hires
its first Forester,
an independent
contractor with
authority to
perform forestry
services and
allowed to use
City equipment .
A tree sanitation
program begins
in response
to Dutch Elm
Disease .
The Forestry Division
assumes maintenance
of street trees .
1939 1970
1980
10,000+ YEARS BEFORE PRESENT
IMAGE 2. ON THE CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER, COLORADO (1875) BY THOMAS WORTHINGTON
WHITTREDGE | CREDIT: AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART, FORT WORTH, TX .
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
16
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest
“Tree-henge” is planted
in Lee Martinez Park .
City develops first drought
response plan, prioritizing
trees, in response to severe
drought conditions on the
Front Range .
Forestry begins a program
to provide free mulch to
residents .
The City updates its comprehensive
plan, City Plan, as well as its
Transportation and Transit Plans .
City Council sets two tree-
related priorities; one around
tree subsidies and another to
improve tree policies .
1990
2002
2010
2019
2021
Forestry’s biological control
program successfully eradicates
spongy moth .
Forestry begins a wood recycling
program in alignment with the City’s
Zero Waste initiative .
Emerald
ash borer is
detected within
the Growth
Management
Area .
City Council
adopts updated
climate action
goals to reduce
emissions .
Trees in Fort Collins are dedicated as
important community infrastructure in
Municipal Code .
This plan, the first ever Fort Collins Urban
Forest Strategic Plan, is funded .
1991
2008
20202015
2022
2023
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
17
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
18 19
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
TREES SUPPORT FORT COLLINS’
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
The City of Fort Collins 2024 Strategic Plan outlines seven Key Outcome Areas by
which the City measures progress toward its vision and goals . Trees relate to each of
these seven Outcome Areas through the many benefits that they provide and show
that Fort Collins is a great place to live, work and visit .
1. High Performing Government.
The Forestry Division proactively
maintains public trees and responds
to hundreds of resident requests
each year . It also influences private
tree stewardship through arborist
licensing, tree planting subsidies,
City code implementation, and
tree protection and preservation
requirements for development .
2. Culture & Recreation. Trees add to
the beauty and character of Fort
Collins and encourage people to
spend more time outdoors .
3. Economic Health. Trees in business
districts encourage people to
stay longer and participate in the
local economy . Trees add value to
properties and help residents save
money on energy costs .
4. Environmental Health. Trees provide
habitat for wildlife and absorb carbon
and other greenhouse gasses that
contribute to climate change .
5. Neighborhood & Community Vitality.
Trees improve wellbeing and health
outcomes in people by cleaning and
cooling the air and reducing stress .
6. Safe Community. Well-maintained
trees build a sense of community
and are associated with reductions in
crime .
7. Transportation & Mobility. Trees slow
traffic and make streets and sidewalks
safer and more comfortable for active
modes of transportation .
FORT COLLINS’ TREE CANOPY COVER
HAS GROWN TO 13.7%
Urban tree canopy was measured
across Fort Collins—where it is, how
it is changing, the benefits it provides
to residents, and where potential tree
planting opportunities exist . The analysis
used high-resolution aerial imagery
from 2011 and 2021 to determine the 10-
year change in canopy cover as viewed
from above . It looked at land within the
current city limits as well as the growth
management area, which delineates the
possible future extent of city boundaries .
Average tree canopy cover in Fort
Collins and the growth management
area is 12 .6% (Map 1) . Tree cover varies
widely, ranging from almost no trees in
some parts of the city to over 40% tree
cover (Map 2) . In general, tree cover
tends to be highest within the oldest
parts of the city, where residents
have been planting trees since
the nineteenth century .
From 2011 to 2021, the
city and the growth
management area
experienced an
overall increase
in tree canopy
cover of 936 acres
(+17 .2% tree canopy
compared to 2011)
(Map 3) .
The largest gains in tree cover took
place within low-canopy areas near the
borders of the city, while canopy losses
tended to take place within the more
densely developed commercial and
industrial areas . While the tree canopy
study can tell us where canopy gains
and losses have occurred over time, it
cannot answer specific questions about
the causes of tree canopy change .
However, it is known that the older
age of trees within the urban core,
urban environmental stressors, and
development (both new and infill) are all
possible drivers of canopy change over
the study period .
88%
PRIVATELY
OWNED
12%
PUBLICLY
OWNED
FIGURE 2. FORT COLLINS TREE CANOPY
COVER BY TYPE OF LAND OWNERSHIP .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
20 21
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
MAP 1. TREE CANOPY COVER IN FORT COLLINS CITY LIMITS AND THE GROWTH
MANAGEMENT AREA, MEASURED FROM 2021 HIGH-RESOLUTION AERIAL IMAGERY .
MULBERRY ST
DRAKE RD
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
CO
L
L
E
G
E
A
V
E
HARMONY RD
LE
M
A
Y
A
V
E
TRILBY RD
PROSPECT RD
TI
M
B
E
R
L
I
N
E
R
D
HORSETOOTH RD
SH
I
E
L
D
S
S
T
TA
F
T
H
I
L
L
R
D
City of Fort Collins, Colorado
Tree Canopy Cover 2021
±0 1 20.5 Miles
City Limits
Canopy Coverage
Growth Management Area
IMAGE 2. TREE CANOPY COVER IN FORT COLLINS .
Tree Canopy Cover
City Limits
• 13 .7% average tree cover .
• Tree cover has grown by
753 acres (+17 .3%) since
2011 .
City + Growth
Management Area
• 12 .6% average tree cover .
• Tree cover has grown
by 936 acres (+17 .2%)
since 2011 .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
22 23
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
DRAKE RDCO
L
L
E
G
E
A
V
E
HARMONY RD
LE
M
A
Y
A
V
E
TRILBY RD
PROSPECT RD
TI
M
B
E
R
L
I
N
E
R
D
HORSETOOTH RD
MULBERRY ST
SH
I
E
L
D
S
S
T
TA
F
T
H
I
L
L
R
D
City of Fort Collins, Colorado
Canopy Change by Block Grou
2011 to 2021
Growth Management Area
City Limits
±0 1 20.5 Miles
BlockGroups
Canopy Cover Percent
Greater than 25% Loss
25% to 0% Loss
0% to 40% Gain
40% to 80% Gain
Greater than 80% Gain
MAP 2. TREE CANOPY COVER BY U .S . CENSUS BLOCK GROUP . TREE COVER IS HIGHEST
WITHIN THE OLDEST PARTS OF THE CITY .
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
DRAKE RDCO
L
L
E
G
E
A
V
E
HARMONY RD
LE
M
A
Y
A
V
E
TRILBY RD
PROSPECT RD
TI
M
B
E
R
L
I
N
E
R
D
HORSETOOTH RD
MULBERRY ST
SH
I
E
L
D
S
S
T
TA
F
T
H
I
L
L
R
D
City of Fort Collins, Colorado
Canopy Percent by Council District
±0 1 20.5 Miles
City Limits
Canopy Cover Percent
0% to 5%
5% to 15%
15% to 25%
Greater than 25%
Growth Management Area
MAP 3. TREE CANOPY CHANGE BY U .S . CENSUS BLOCK GROUP, 2011–2021 . TREE CANOPY
LOSSES WERE HIGHEST IN THE DENSELY DEVELOPED URBAN CORE .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
24 25
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
RESIDENTIAL LAND CONTAINS THE MOST
EXISTING TREE CANOPY—AND THE GREATEST
POTENTIAL FOR MORE
In Fort Collins, residential land contains
over half of the city’s tree canopy (Figure
3) . Tree canopy has grown 15% on
residential land since 2011 . The largest tree
canopy losses by total acreage have taken
place on commercial land, which lost 30
acres (-10%) of tree cover since 2011 .
The largest potential for additional
tree canopy occurs within residential
and mixed-use zoning types, which
together contain 8,083 acres of possible
additional tree canopy .
FIGURE 3. ACROSS FORT COLLINS, RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES CONTAIN THE LARGEST
PROPORTION OF CITY TREE CANOPY, AS WELL AS THE LARGEST POTENTIAL FOR FUTURE
TREE CANOPY . TREE COVER HAS GROWN IN MOST LAND USE TYPES SINCE 2011 .
TREE CANOPY COVER BY LAND USE TYPE, 2011–2021
Residential
+15%
+32%
+21%-10%+13%-6%
10,000
12,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
Mixed
Use
Open
Space
La
n
d
A
r
e
a
(
A
c
r
e
s
)
Land Use
Commercial Industrial Institutional
Other Land Area
Possible Tree Canopy
Canopy Change, 2011–2021
Tree Canopy Acres, 2011
THE SPECIES COMPOSITION, SIZE, AND
CONDITION OF CITY-MANAGED (PUBLIC) TREES
From 2018–2023, the Forestry Division
and trained volunteers from the City’s
Urban Forest Ambassador program
updated the public tree inventory,
documenting 57,991 trees, 2,668 vacant
planting sites, and 729 stumps within
street rights-of-way, parks, and City-
owned property (Map 4) . Detailed
information about public trees is used
by the Forestry Division to guide
management decisions .
MAP 4. PUBLIC TREES AND PLANTING SITES AS DOCUMENTED IN
TREEKEEPER TREE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE . SELECT TREE INFORMATION
IS SHARED WITH THE PUBLIC ON THE FORESTRY DIVISION’S WEBSITE .
(two thirds) of Fort
Collins’ 57,991 public
trees are street trees .
38,660
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
26 27
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
PUBLIC TREES TREND CLOSE
TO RECOMMENDED DIVERSITY
GUIDELINES
Tree diversity helps to make the
population resilient to pests and diseases .
The importance of tree diversity can be
seen in the effects of emerald ash borer,
due to the large number of ash trees in
the community .
There are at least 214 unique species of
trees within the public tree inventory
that represent 56 genera and 26 families .
At a species level, the diversity of public
trees is approaching the urban forestry
industry guideline of no more than
10% of a single species present in the
inventory (Figure 4) .
In 2024, both green ash and honeylocust
exceeds recommended limits for species
abundance (Figure 4) . The abundance
of all ash species is expected to decline
over time due to emerald ash borer . The
Forestry Division is reducing the planting
of honeylocust on public property and
is encouraging developers to shift away
from planting honeylocust as part of
required street tree plantings that are
associated with development .
Genus- and family-level tree diversity
is also important, as many tree pests
and diseases have the ability to
attack multiple related species . It
is recommended that no one genus
should comprise more than 20% of
the tree inventory, and no one family
should comprise more than 30% .
The tree genera and families in the
public inventory remain below these
thresholds; however, the pest and
disease susceptibility of the larger tree
population remains unknown .
FIGURE 4. TOP FIVE SPECIES OF PUBLIC TREES . URBAN FORESTRY INDUSTRY STANDARDS
FOR BIODIVERSITY RECOMMEND THAT ANY ONE SPECIES SHOULD NOT EXCEED 10% OF
THE TOTAL POPULATION (“10% RULE”) .
A public tree inventory
provides information about the
possible management needs
& vulnerabilities of the entire
urban forest .
TOP FIVE SPECIES OF PUBLIC TREES
Green Ash
11%11%
8%
5%4%
10%
12%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
Honeylocust Bur Oak
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
f
Pu
p
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
Common
Hackberry
Littleleaf
Linden
10% Rule
PUBLIC TREES ARE IN
FAIR-TO-GOOD CONDITION
The condition of public trees reflects
significant investments in routine
maintenance as the Forestry Division
moves toward its goal of a five-year
pruning cycle and away from reactive
maintenance, which is comparably more
costly .
More than half of public trees (55%)
are rated to be in Good or Fair-Plus
condition, meaning that their trunks and
crowns are generally healthy and strong
(Figure 5) . An additional one-third
(34%) are rated to be in Fair condition,
indicating that they are healthy and
show no major defects .
PUBLIC OPINION: “PUBLIC TREES SEEM . . .”
Well Cared
For
100%
60,000
70,000
80%
50,000
60%
40,000
40%
30,000
20%
20,000
10,000
0%
0
Somewhat
Cared For
Poorly
Cared For
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Re
s
p
o
n
s
e
s
Neglected No
Opinion
FIGURE 5. THE FORESTRY DIVISION VISUALLY
ASSESSES THE HEALTH AND VIGOR OF
TREES BASED ON MULTIPLE FACTORS . 89%
OF PUBLIC TREES ARE RATED AS FAIR OR
BETTER .
FIGURE 6. 971 PEOPLE RESPONDED TO A PUBLIC SURVEY ABOUT TREES IN FORT
COLLINS . OF THOSE, 95% FELT THAT PUBLIC TREES ARE WELL OR SOMEWHAT WELL
CARED FOR .
Condition
28% Good
27% Fair Plus
34% Fair
8% Fair Minus 2% Poor
1% Dead
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
29
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
28 PUBLIC TREES SKEW YOUNG
A mixed-age tree population balances
the maintenance needs of public
trees over time and protects against
significant canopy loss . Sixty percent
of public trees in Fort Collins are young
(Figure 7), reflecting sustained tree
planting efforts within the city that
have occurred primarily through new
development as the city has grown .
Care of young trees during
establishment, as well as proactive
maintenance of older age classes, will
help increase the proportion of older
trees to balance age classes over time .
As the urban forest grows in the number
and maturity of trees, the benefits that it
provides will also increase . In the next 20
years, at the present rate of planting, the
population of public trees is projected to
shift toward more medium-sized trees .
FIGURE 7. THE RELATIVE AGE OF PUBLIC TREES, ESTIMATED FROM TRUNK DIAMETER .
SIXTY PERCENT OF PUBLIC TREES ARE YOUNG .
THE AGE DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLIC TREES
Young
(0–8”)
10%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
0%
Established
(9–17”)
Maturing
(18–24”)
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
f
I
n
v
e
n
t
o
r
i
e
d
T
r
e
e
s
Relative Age (Diameter Size Class)
Mature
(>24”)
BUILDING RESILIENCE TO FUTURE THREATS
PEST SUSCEPTIBILITY OF
PUBLIC TREES
Pests, diseases, and climate change are
potential threats to the long-term function
and survival of trees . Because tree pests
and diseases often have preferred hosts,
the susceptibility of the urban forest to a
pest or disease can be evaluated based on
its species and genus diversity .
Of the pests and diseases of concern in
Colorado, emerald ash borer threatens
13% of the public tree inventory that
is composed of the genus Fraxinus,
with potential tree losses valued at $22
million (Table 1) . Its potential impacts
on private land are more profound—it is
estimated that up to one-third of Fort
Collins’ urban tree canopy is composed
of ash trees . If Asian longhorned beetle
reaches Fort Collins, it threatens the
greatest number of public trees in the
city (36%), with potential losses valued
at $51 million .
Future indirect impacts of pest and
disease outbreaks include the influx
of wood waste from tree losses and
removals and costs associated with
tree replacement . This calls for a
comprehensive plan to divert wood waste
from landfills and put it into productive
use . Urban forest products that are
made from wood waste and reclaimed
wood reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
support local businesses, and improve the
environment; however, diverting wood
waste requires a high level of planning
and coordination across sectors .
TABLE 1. SUSCEPTIBILITY OF FORT COLLINS’ PUBLIC TREES TO POTENTIALLY IMPACTFUL
PESTS AND DISEASES OF CONCERN IN COLORADO . REPLACEMENT VALUES ARE BASED ON
ACTUAL TREE ATTRIBUTES INCLUDING SIZE AND ARE CALCULATED USING I-TREE TOOLS .
PEST/DISEASE NAME NUMBER OF
SUSCEPTIBLE
TREES
PERCENT OF
PUBLIC TREE
INVENTORY
TREE
REPLACEMENT
VALUE ($)
Asian longhorned beetle 20,687 36%$51,310,744
Spotted lanternfly 8,628 15%$13,100,340
Emerald ash borer 7,388 13%$22,038,024
Pine wilt nematode 3,830 7%$9,957,809
Dutch elm disease 2,351 4%$14,876,845
Spruce Ips beetle 2,046 4%$9,102,307
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
30
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
CLIMATE VULNERABILITY & RESILIENCE
Future climate predictions include more severe and
intense storms as well as more frequent periods of
extreme heat, drought, and early and late freezes
in Fort Collins, all of which can create challenging
conditions for trees .
Although trees require water to survive, in irrigated
spaces, trees save water by cooling air and surface
temperatures and by capturing natural precipitation,
which reduces the amount of irrigated water that is
lost through evapotranspiration . Planting trees over
turfgrass reduces total outdoor water consumption
by up to 50% . For these reasons, tree planting and
stewardship in public and private spaces aligns with
and benefits Fort Collins’ efforts to conserve water
now and into the future .
Drought
Tolerance of
Public Trees
• At least 4% of public
trees in Fort Collins
have LOW drought
tolerance, and at least
64% have MEDIUM
drought tolerance .
• The public tree
inventory is gradually
collecting
information about
irrigation status .
Mature tree canopy reduces total water use in irrigated landscapes .
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest
31 Strategies for Drought and Climate Resilience
Trees cool the air and take decades to reach maturity . For these reasons, it is
important to ensure the survival of trees during periods of drought . A combination
of emergency response actions and long-term strategies can help reduce tree losses
during drought .
Water new trees during establishment.
Newly planted trees are particularly sensitive to drought stress . They require regular
water during establishment, whether as natural precipitation or supplemental water .
The Forestry Division waters newly planted public trees for two years . In the future,
Forestry is prioritizing irrigated spaces for new tree plantings to ensure their long-
term survival .
Give trees dedicated irrigation.
Dedicated irrigation valves or zones allows for deeper watering of trees than the
rest of the landscape requires . The City is shifting to dedicated irrigation to trees
in anticipation of a warmer climate in the future . All public Capital Improvement
Projects along streets and in new parks now include dedicated irrigation to trees .
Create a drought response plan.
Forestry has begun to collect information about irrigation status as part of its
tree inventory . Inventory information about species and site characteristics can be
used to create an emergency response plan . This helps to identify trees that need
supplemental water during drought and priority locations for new irrigation . In
drought response, trees can be prioritized on factors including the water needs of
trees based on their species or microclimate, and the importance of trees based on
their size, species, and/or cultural value .
Plant more drought-tolerant species where possible.
The increasing availability of drought-tolerant, urban-adapted tree species presents
additional options for future planting . Species recommendations, such as the
trees and shrubs that are recommended by Plant Select, have few specimens in
the existing public tree inventory, demonstrating a potential for increased use .
Collaborative partnerships with local growers will be needed for the continued
management of pests and to secure desired climate-resilient nursery stock .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
32 33
• Tree canopy cover in Fort Collins and the Growth
Management Area is 12 .6% and has grown steadily over the
past decade . The extent of tree cover varies widely across
the city and the growth management area, ranging from
almost no trees to over 40% tree cover .
• The largest gains in tree cover took place within low-
canopy areas near the borders of the city, while canopy
losses tended to take place within the more densely
developed and treed urban core .
• The inventory of 61,388 public trees and planting sites in
Fort Collins revealed that the diversity of public trees is
approaching a level that will help the urban forest remain
resilient to pests and diseases . Future management
considerations should include planting species that are
resilient to emerging pests, diseases, and climate change .
• The condition of 89% of public trees is rated as Fair or
better . This is a reflection of investments made by the
Forestry Division in routine maintenance, with a goal of
moving away from reactive maintenance and toward a
five-year pruning cycle .
• Fort Collins’ public trees skew young, reflecting an uptick
in more recent tree plantings that are associated with city
activities and increased development . Future maintenance
needs are expected to increase over time as new trees are
planted and existing trees grow into larger size classes,
which will require additional resources for the Forestry
Division to keep pace .
Summary of
Findings
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
35
Fort Collins’ Urban Forest
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
2 TREES ENHANCE
NEIGHBORHOOD
& COMMUNITY
VITALITY
34
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
36
Trees Enhance Neighborhood & Community Vitality
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
Trees Enhance
Neighborhoood &
Community Vitality
Trees provide innumerable benefits to the people of Fort Collins,
making the city a more comfortable, healthy, and vibrant place to live.
Tree benefits also help to offset expenditures that are needed for tree
planting and maintenance. Because of the benefits that trees provide,
issues around building more equitable tree canopy relate to larger
conversations about social equity, environmental justice, and resilience.
FORT COLLINS’ TREES PROVIDE
$2.2 MILLION IN BENEFITS EACH YEAR
Some tree benefits can be
assigned a monetary value that
is based on avoided costs—this
includes air pollution reduction,
stormwater runoff mitigation, and
carbon sequestration and storage
(Table 2) . Based on these benefits
alone, Fort Collins’ trees produce
at least $2 .2 million in ecosystem
services each year . This amount
has increased in the past decade
with tree canopy growth . As of
2024, Fort Collins’ trees provide
an additional $346,000 in
services each year than in 2011 .
Of these benefits, public trees
account for more than $69,000
in annual benefits and have an
estimated replacement value of
$112 million . Replacement value is
the cost of replacing a tree with
tree(s) of a similar species, size,
and condition in the same location .
ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS ALL TREES PUBLIC TREES
Annual Benefits Quantity Value 2011–2021
Change
Quantity Value
Air quality:
pollution removal (pounds)
570,300 $942,949 $145,068 21,320 $32,038
Carbon sequestration (tons)5,810 $991,666 $152,564 276 $47,013
Stormwater:
avoided runoff (gallons)
35,130,000 $313,902 $48,292 2,318,837 $20,721
Total Annual Benefits $2,248,517 $345,924 $69,374
Structural Value
Carbon storage (tons)226,820 $38,684,069 $5,951,395 18,616 $3,175,046
Replacement Value $112,489,358
TREES HELP RESIDENTS SAVE MONEY
Trees save energy by providing shade and blocking
wind, which reduces the need for heating and
cooling and lowers energy costs for homes and
businesses . Properly placing three trees around
a home can reduce energy costs for the average
household by $100 to $250 per year . Trees that
shade air conditioning units can help them run
up to 10% more efficiently .
Trees also help residents save money
on health care costs . Trees reduce the
incidences
of medical
complications
due to asthma,
heart disease,
and heat-related
illnesses .
TABLE 2. ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS PROVIDED BY FORT COLLINS’ TOTAL
TREE CANOPY AND ITS PUBLIC TREES, AS ESTIMATED BY I-TREE TOOLS .
American Forests’
Tree Equity Score
The Tree Equity Score by
American Forests measures
the equitability of tree
canopy benefits using climate,
demographic, and socioeconomic
data . A Tree Equity Score ranges
from 0 (least equitable) to 100
(most equitable) .
Fort Collins has an average Tree
Equity Score of 87 out of 100
from American Forests .
American Forests recommends
planting at least 4,574 trees
to bring all block groups
to a Tree Equity Score of
75 or above .
In Fort Collins,
17 block groups
(orange) are High
or Highest priority
for increasing tree
equity . Planting
here will provide
the greatest
impact on resident
wellbeing .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
38
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
FIGURE 8. AMONG 971 RESPONSES TO A PUBLIC SURVEY, FORT COLLINS RESIDENTS
WERE ASKED TO RANK THE TREE BENEFITS THAT THEY VALUED THE MOST, WITH A RANK
OF 1 BEING HIGHEST . RESIDENTS PRIORITIZED BENEFITS THAT MAKE THE CITY A MORE
COMFORTABLE PLACE, SUCH AS SHADE, HEAT REDUCTION, AND BETTER AIR QUALITY .
FORT COLLINS RESIDENTS RANK
TREE BENEFITS BY IMPORTANCE
Sha
d
e
Urb
a
n
H
e
a
t
I
s
l
a
n
d
Air
Q
u
a
l
i
t
y
Wild
l
i
f
e
H
a
b
i
t
a
t
Hea
l
t
h
Bea
u
t
i
f
i
c
a
t
i
o
n
Red
u
c
e
N
o
i
s
e
Priv
a
c
y
Sto
r
m
w
a
t
e
r
Pro
p
e
r
t
y
V
a
l
u
e
Red
u
c
e
C
r
i
m
e
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
10
Av
e
r
a
g
e
R
a
n
k
Trees and Environmental Health
Trees provide innumerable ecological benefits that improve urban environments:
Trees Enhance Neighborhood & Community Vitality
39
Trees Cool Our Cities.
High temperatures in urbanized areas contribute to urban heat island effect, in
which impervious surfaces such as roads, buildings, and sidewalks trap and hold
heat . Urban heat island can raise air temperature in cities up to 7°F higher during
the day and 5°F higher at night compared to neighboring rural areas . Urban heat
island raises energy costs and power plant emissions and increases heat-related
illnesses, which cause more deaths in the United States each year than any other
natural disaster . Large, healthy trees lower temperatures through both shading and
evapotranspiration . Trees reduce peak summer temperatures by 2-9°F and prevent
an average of 1,200 heat-related deaths each year in the U .S, making them a critical
tool to combat the negative health impacts of high temperatures .
Trees Clean the Air.
Trees act as natural air filters, removing pollutants from the air and reducing
their negative impacts on humans and the environment . Through the removal of
air pollutants, trees save over 850 lives and prevent 670,000 incidents of acute
respiratory symptoms in the U .S . each year . Trees are also an important carbon
sink for climate change mitigation through the removal of carbon dioxide and
greenhouse gasses from the air . One large, healthy oak tree growing in Fort Collins
can remove over 30 pounds of pollutants from the air over 20 years .
Trees Intercept and Conserve Water.
Trees intercept and retain stormwater, reducing runoff and water pollutants by 20%–
60%, thereby reducing flooding, erosion, and the level of sediment and pollutants
that enter local waterways . A mature deciduous tree can intercept 700 gallons of
stormwater per year, and a mature evergreen tree can intercept 4,000 gallons of water
per year . Underground, tree roots and decomposition help to increase the amount of
water that soil can hold, allowing for more efficient use of irrigated water . In addition,
the cooling effects of trees during summer months help to reduce the amount of
moisture that is lost through evaporation . Through both processes, trees can retain
water in the soil and reduce irrigation quantity and frequency .
Trees Provide Food & Habitat for Wildlife.
Trees provide habitat and food for a wide variety of wildlife, supporting biodiversity
and maintaining the health of local ecosystems . Oaks can support over 500 species
of pollinators and other beneficial insects . In the Colorado Front Range, broadleaf
deciduous forests outside of riparian areas are relatively new to the region . The tree
canopy of Fort Collins provides migratory birds with an important stopover point . At
the same time, trees can provide refuge for species such as hawks and corvids that hunt
or outcompete native grassland birds and mammals . For these reasons, tree canopy in
natural areas must be thoughtfully placed . In backyards and along streets, however, tree
canopy acts as an important buffer for wildlife within the built environment .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
40 41
Trees Enhance Neighborhood & Community Vitality
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
TREES SUPPORT FORT
COLLINS’ SHIFT TO ACTIVE
TRANSPORTATION
Trees support the City’s goal to build a low-stress,
high-comfort active transport network that promotes
a physically active and environmentally sustainable
community (Transportation Master Plan, 2019) . Trees
growing in street rights-of-way help to slow traffic, making
streets safer and more attractive for use by pedestrians
and cyclists . Shade and evapotranspiration cooling
provided by street trees allow for more comfortable walking,
biking, and use of public transit and increase the appeal of
cycling routes . Trees and other vegetation can also reduce
the exposure of cyclists and pedestrians to air pollution .
Encouraging individuals to shift their short vehicle trips
to active transportation modes (e .g ., biking, walking) is
one of the most effective ways to reduce vehicle miles
traveled, a goal of both the City’s transportation master
plan and Our Climate Future plan (2021) .
Bus Stops. Trees provide shade that can make waiting for the bus more
comfortable during summer months . Average tree cover is 18 .3% at the 22
bus stations and 423 bus stops across Fort Collins, a loss of 3 .7% cover
since 2011 (Map 5) .
Bike Lanes. Trees not only shade bike lanes; they also contribute to the
safety of cyclists by slowing traffic . Over the 267 miles of bike lanes across
Fort Collins, average tree canopy cover is 9 .5%, approximately the same as
it was in 2011 (+0 .1%) .
Canopy Cover:
Bike Lanes &
Bus Stops
Bus Stops
• 18 .3% average tree
cover .
• Bus stops have lost
3 .7% tree cover
since 2011 .
Bike Lanes
• 9 .5% average tree
cover .
• Tree cover has
stayed about the
same (+0 .1%)
since 2011 .
BALANCING THE COSTS & BENEFITS OF TREES
As with all infrastructure, tree placement
requires considerations for maintenance
and safety . Trees can increase some of
the maintenance needs of streets and
sidewalks, such as the frequency of street
sweeping . Trees may also cause heaving of
sidewalks where trees have been planted
in narrow parkways (<6 feet width), in
spaces with poor soil preparation and/or
compaction, or in places where the tree
species and the planting site have not been
well matched . In colder months, snow and
ice can persist within the shadows of trees,
creating a slipping hazard for pedestrians .
On the other hand, shade from trees
increases the lifespan of asphalt . While tree
maintenance can be costly, the benefits
of trees often outweigh the additional
maintenance costs . Careful placement of
trees can reduce both risk and cost .
MAP 5. TREE CANOPY COVER WITHIN BIKE LANES (BY STREET SEGMENT) AND WITHIN 30 FT
OF BUS STOPS AND TRANSIT STATIONS .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
42 43
Trees Enhance Neighborhood & Community Vitality
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
A FUTURE OF MORE
EQUITABLE TREE
CANOPY
The tree cover analysis of Fort Collins
identified 15,418 acres of possible tree
planting area within city limits and the
growth management area, on both
public and private land . Possible planting
area excludes places where tree canopy
would conflict with land uses, such as
agricultural fields, recreational fields, and
major utility corridors .
A priority planting analysis ranked
possible tree planting area on a five-
point scale from Very Low to Very High,
based on the potential for trees to
benefit the environment, human health,
and social equity (Map 6) . The analysis
identified 2,250 acres of High or Very
High priority where additional tree
canopy can capture stormwater, reduce
urban heat, improve health outcomes,
and benefit vulnerable communities .
N L
E
M
A
Y
AV
E
E TRILBY
RD
S L
E
M
A
Y
AV
E
W TRILBY
RD
N
S
H
I
E
L
D
S
ST
E HORSETOOTH
RD
LAPORTE AVE
S
S
H
I
E
L
D
S
S
T
City of Fort Collins, Colorado
Composite Priority Planting
Growth Management Area
City Limits
±0 1 20.5
Miles
Planting Priority
Very High
High
Moderate
Low
Very Low
MAP 6. COMPOSITE PRIORITY PLANTING AREAS THAT MAXIMIZE THE ENVIRONMENTAL,
SOCIAL, AND HUMAN HEALTH BENEFITS OF TREES .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
44 45
Trees Enhance Neighborhood & Community Vitality
45 COMMUNITY PRIORITIES
Findings from the community engagement process demonstrate that the people of
Fort Collins value trees and understand the myriad ways that trees enhance quality of
life in the city .
Residents and urban forestry partners noted these opportunities for future growth
of the forestry program:
Public Involvement in Plan
Development
The Urban Forest Strategic Plan was created with community
feedback that was provided through:
Three Public Meetings
●October 2023 & March 2024 .
●North & South Fort Collins .
●160 participants .
One Community Survey
●September–December 2023 .
●971 respondents .
●657 write-in comments .
●In partnership with Our
Climate Future Community
Consultants .
Nine Partner Focus Groups
●October–December 2023 .
●49 representatives from local
organizations, institutions,
businesses, and government
entities .
One Public Draft Preview
●August–September 2024 .
●210 page visits, 54 downloads .
●2-week preview and
comment period .
• Residents are invested in the
ongoing management of Fort
Collins’s trees and want to be
involved in decisions about how
the City will help ensure tree
canopy preservation and growth
into the future .
• Forestry Division partners, both
internal and external to City
government, underscored the
collaborative nature of Forestry
staff and the high level of
expertise and service that they
provide .
• Forestry partners want to continue
to foster growth and collaboration
among Forestry, other City
departments, and external
partners, for example, by ensuring
that Forestry is at the table in
other planning efforts .
• Both residents and Forestry
partners are interested in
resources that will help them
be effective stewards of tree
canopy, including informational
resources, financial resources, and
opportunities for involvement in
urban forestry .
• Fort Collins’ trees produce at least $2 .2 million in air
quality, stormwater, and carbon storage benefits each
year . Tree benefits have increased in the past decade
with canopy growth . Today, trees provide an additional
$346,000 in services per year than they did in 2011 .
• Trees support community goals to promote a physically
active and environmentally sustainable community .
Increasing tree canopy cover along bike lanes and near
bus stops can be one component of a comprehensive
approach to encouraging active modes of transportation .
• Many areas of greatest tree canopy loss have occurred
where tree canopy is most needed to build social equity
(see Maps 3 and 6) . Priority planting maps can be used to
guide future planting efforts on both public and private
land, to add trees where they can have the greatest
impact .
• Residents and urban forestry partners are interested
in resources that can assist them with tree planting
and maintenance as well as opportunities for input and
involvement .
• Residents value trees for the myriad ways that trees
enhance the quality of life in Fort Collins .
Summary of
Findings
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
47
Trees Enhance Neighborhood & Community Vitality
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
3 A HIGH-
PERFORMING
FORESTRY
DIVISION
46
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
48 49
A High-Performing Forestry Division
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
The Forestry Division is responsible for the planting and care of
public trees in Fort Collins. In recent years, Forestry has started a
shift toward proactive maintenance. It has set a goal of maintaining
public trees on a five-year pruning cycle, which reduces per-tree
maintenance costs and the number of emergency and service
requests. Forestry is also looking to boost the long-term resilience
of the urban forest as the region contends with new tree pests and
diseases and the stressors of a changing environment.
Fort Collins is within a minority of U .S . cities that manage
their public trees at a high level of service .
THE FORESTRY DIVISION STRIVES TO
PROACTIVELY MANAGE PUBLIC TREES
Fort Collins’ Forestry Division
provides a high level of service
in the management of its public
tree inventory . Over the past
decade, the Forestry Division has
contributed to the city’s steady
canopy growth by increasing the
number of public trees that it
plants and prunes each year . As
the inventory grows through City
tree planting and development,
it will be necessary to scale
Forestry Division operations and
capacity to keep pace .
A High-Performing
Forestry Division
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
50 51
A High-Performing Forestry Division
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
FORESTRY IS POSITIONING PUBLIC TREE CANOPY FOR GROWTH
Proactive pruning, tree planting, and pest
management are part of comprehensive
urban forestry care that promotes the
growth and survival of trees .
Pruning comprises a majority of yearly
Forestry activities (Figure 9) . As of
2024, Forestry is maintaining trees on a
5–7 year pruning cycle to maintain tree
health and is making progress toward
achieving a five-year pruning cycle
(Figure 10) . In 2022, the City reached
the benchmark for a five-year pruning
cycle for the first time, aided by an
additional one-year budget allocation for
storm response in 2021 that supported
additional pruning activities . This puts
Fort Collins within a minority of U .S .
cities that proactively manage their
public tree inventory on a routine
pruning cycle of any length .
In 2021, the Division achieved a level of
planting that exceeds removals, aided
by $100,000 in private donations for
tree planting . Also in 2021, the Forestry
Division began preventative treatments
of public ash trees for emerald ash borer .
FIGURE 9. MOST OF THE FORESTRY DIVISION’S EFFORTS ARE SPENT ON PROACTIVE
MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC TREES .
ANNUAL FORESTRY ACTIVITIES,
2019–2023
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
P
u
b
l
i
c
T
r
e
e
s
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
4,000
2,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
0
Pruned
Removed
Planted
EAB Treated
FIGURE 10. THE FORESTRY DIVISION IS APPROACHING A 5-YEAR PRUNING CYCLE FOR
PUBLIC TREES . STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY, TREE HEALTH, LONGEVITY, AND FORM ARE
IMPROVED THROUGH FREQUENT AND PROPER PRUNING .
PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE
OF PUBLIC TREES
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
f
P
u
b
l
i
c
T
r
e
e
s
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
10%
5%
25%
20%
15%
0%
5-Year Pruning Cycle
2015 2017 2019 2021 2023
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
53
A High-Performing Forestry Division
Forestry Division Contributions to a High-
Performing Government
Fort Collins’ Forestry Division, housed within the Parks Department, provides a
high level of service in the management of public trees.
Data-Driven Management. Regularly updating the urban tree canopy
assessment, inventory data, and other information in this Urban Forest Strategic
Plan will assist Forestry with informed decision making . The information in this
Plan can also be used to inform policy updates for the strategic growth and
protection of the urban forest .
Resident Involvement. Urban Forest Ambassadors are trained volunteers
that assist the Forestry Division with inventory data collection . This program
provides residents with an opportunity to learn more about their urban forest
and contribute to its upkeep . Residents are also able to make requests related
to public trees through Access Fort Collins . And more than 900 residents
contributed their ideas to the creation of this Urban Forest Strategic Plan through
participation in the planning process .
Integration with City Plans and Priorities. Trees and tree benefits are
integrated into many City plans, including the City’s strategic plan . There are
future opportunities to increase Forestry involvement in planning efforts .
Implementation of this Urban Forest Strategic Plan will enhance the ways that
urban forestry can be related to city Outcome Areas .
52
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
FORT COLLINS’ ANNUAL FORESTRY BUDGET IS ON PAR WITH
OTHER CITIES WHILE DELIVERING A HIGHER LEVEL OF SERVICE
The Forestry Division is supported by
the City’s General Fund, which is the
main operating fund for the City of Fort
Collins . From 2019–2023, the Forestry
Division’s annual budget ranged from
$2 .34 million to $3 .35 million . The
proportion of total City budget that is
dedicated to Forestry is on par with that
of other U .S . cities (Figure 11) .
Forestry’s budget supports tree activities
that are completed by in-house staff
and contractors . The largest annual
expenditures relate to pruning (Figure 12) .
FIGURE 11. AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL CITY BUDGET, FORT COLLINS IS ON PAR
WITH THE AVERAGE FOR 463 CITIES THAT PROVIDED BUDGETARY INFORMATION TO A
NATIONAL MUNICIPAL FORESTRY CENSUS .
ANNUAL FORESTRY BUDGETS
OF SELECT U .S . CITIES
All Cities
0.5%
0.4%
0.3%
0.2%
0.1%
0.0%
West Region Pop.
100,000–
249,000
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
f
C
i
t
y
An
n
u
a
l
B
u
d
g
e
t
FIGURE 12. MOST OF THE FORESTRY DIVISION’S ANNUAL BUDGET FROM 2019–2023 WAS
SPENT ON PRUNING PUBLIC TREES . PROACTIVE PRUNING HAS BEEN SHOWN TO REDUCE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE EXPENDITURES BY UP TO 50% . EXPENSES IN THE “OTHER”
CATEGORY INCLUDE SUPPLIES, MATERIALS, AND DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS .
YEARLY FORESTRY EXPENDITURES
BY ACTIVITY
Pruning
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
$200,000
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
$0
Planting Removal
Av
e
r
a
g
e
A
n
n
u
a
l
Ex
p
e
n
d
i
t
u
r
e
,
2
0
1
9
–
2
0
2
3
Emergency
Response
Pest/
Disease
Response
Other
Fort
Collins
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
54 55
A High-Performing Forestry Division
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
ADDITIONAL CAPACITY WILL HELP FORESTRY
KEEP PACE WITH GROWTH
In 2024, the Division employs 17 full-time staff, 5 hourly staff, and receives part-time
assistance from one office assistant . One additional full-time position, housed within
the Zoning Department, supports Forestry needs that relate to development . The
Forestry Division has identified additional needed capacity in the near term:
• Planning & Policy Support. An urban
forest planner will help with grant
writing, policy development, and the
incorporation of the urban forest into
long-range planning .
• Consistent & Safe Operations. An
additional operations crew, fully
equipped, will help Forestry consistently
achieve a five-year pruning cycle .
Additional operations capacity will also
allow for crew rotations among different
tree activities, which is important for
helping existing staff to develop new
skills and remain safe and healthy in
physically demanding positions .
• Contracted Services. In the near term,
an increase in contracted tree services
can help the Forestry Division maintain
the desired levels of pruning and
planting until Forestry has the resources
to support an additional operations
crew . Thereafter, contracted tree
services can supplement staff labor .
• Growing with the Urban Forest. New
development will increase the number of
trees in the public inventory . To maintain
a high level of service, Forestry budgets,
staffing, and resources should scale in
proportion to inflation and increases in
the number of public trees (Figure 13) .
FIGURE 13. WITHIN EXISTING CITY LIMITS, THE PROJECTED PRUNING COSTS UNDER A
FIVE-YEAR PRUNING CYCLE FOR PUBLIC TREE MAINTENANCE ARE PROJECTED TO GROW
AT THE RATE OF INFLATION . THE NUMBER OF NEW TREES AND GROWTH OF TREES INTO
LARGER SIZE CLASSES WILL BE OFFSET BY AN AVERAGE MORTALITY OF 1%–2% PER YEAR
AMONG PUBLIC TREES .
PROJECTED ANNUAL COST
OF 5-YEAR PRUNING CYCLE
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
o
f
P
u
b
l
i
c
T
r
e
e
s
2024 2029 2034 2039 2044
$1,000,000
$500,000
$2,500,000
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
$0
5% Inflation
0% Inflation
FORT COLLINS ON TRACK TO ACHIEVE
15.7% CANOPY COVER BY 2040
Fort Collins is on a path to achieve
15 .7% tree cover by 2040 if the
previous decade’s trend continues .
Increasing the rate of canopy growth
to deliver additional human health and
environmental benefits would require a
concerted effort to increase tree planting
and preservation within both the public
and private sector (Figure 14) .
For example, growing tree cover to 17%–
20% by 2040 would require additional
planting or preservation of approximately
2,600–8,800 trees per year across public
and private lands . The costs of such
an endeavor vary but, using Forestry’s
per-tree expenditure from 2019–2023
as a benchmark, costs are estimated
to be $1 .3 million–$4 .3 million per year,
spread across the public and private
sector . Enhanced tree protection and
preservation provides an alternative to
tree planting to achieve the City’s canopy
goal .
The population of public trees (on City
property) is projected to slow its growth
in the next 20 years as available vacant
planting sites are filled (Figure 15) . This
does not account for additional tree sites
that are added via development, which
has averaged 1,500–2,000 trees per year
in recent years .
FIGURE 14. IF THE CURRENT TREND CONTINUES, TREE CANOPY COVER IS PROJECTED TO
REACH 15 .7% BY 2040 . ACHIEVING HIGHER LEVELS OF CANOPY COVER BY 2040 WOULD
REQUIRE A SUSTAINED INCREASE IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE TREE PLANTING OVER TIME .
CITYWIDE TREE COVER—
ACTUAL & PROJECTED
Ca
n
o
p
y
C
o
v
e
r
2010 2020 2030 2040
14%
12%
18%
16%
10%
20%20% | 8,736 trees/yr
18% | 4,661 trees/yr
17% | 2,623 trees/yr
15.7%
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
56 57
A High-Performing Forestry Division
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
57
FIGURE 15. IF THE CURRENT RATE OF ANNUAL TREE PLANTING AND MORTALITY
CONTINUES, THE PUBLIC TREE POPULATION WILL LEVEL OUT OVER THE NEXT 20 YEARS
AS IT APPROACHES THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF AVAILABLE PLANTING SITES (RED LINE) .
THIS DOES NOT ACCOUNT FOR NEW TREE PLANTING SITES THAT MAY BE CREATED BY
DEVELOPMENT .
PUBLIC TREE POPULATION—
ACTUAL & PROJECTED
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
T
r
e
e
s
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
45,000
35,000
65,000
55,000
25,000
Possible Tree Sites
• Over the past decade, the Forestry Division has increased
the number of public trees that it plants and prunes each
year . The City has made significant progress toward its
goal of a five-year pruning cycle .
• The Forestry Division’s budget is on par with the average
forestry budget for U .S . cities, while delivering a level of
service that is well above average .
• The Forestry Division is fully staffed and has identified
needed capacity in grant writing, plan review, and
operations . To provide a high level of service, meet
its annual targets, and promote the health and career
development of Forestry staff, the Forestry Division has
a need for an additional operations crew and associated
equipment in the coming years . Labor from contracted
tree services can supplement Division capacity .
• In the future, Forestry Division resources should scale
with the number of new trees that are added to the public
tree inventory via development, the rate of inflation, and
desired increases in the rate of tree canopy growth .
Summary of
Findings
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
59
A High-Performing Forestry Division
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
4 FUTURE GROWTH
STRATEGIES
58
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
60 61
Future Growth Strategies
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
Three themes emerged from the strategic planning process to guide
stewardship of Fort Collins’ urban forest over the next 20 years:
THEMES:
The findings that are detailed above, as well as additional analysis
that is presented in an accompanying technical appendix, informed
the development of seven urban forestry Growth Strategies . Each
Growth Strategy contains two levels of initiatives that can support
implementation of this Urban Forest Strategic Plan . Fort Collins can
select from, and refine, this menu of initiatives over the life of the Plan
according to its capacity, resources, and community goals .
The Growth Strategies of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan reflect seven
Outcome Areas that are detailed in the City of Fort Collins 2024 Strategic
Plan . The most relevant Outcome Areas are listed for each strategy .
BUILD RESILIENCE & WELLBEING OF PEOPLE
AND TREES .
SUSTAINABLY RESOURCE THE FORESTRY
DIVISION AS THE URBAN FOREST GROWS .
EXPAND THE COMMUNITY’S KNOWLEDGE
ABOUT TREE BENEFITS AND STEWARDSHIP .
Future Growth
Strategies
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
62 63
Future Growth Strategies
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
Outcome Areas:
• Neighborhood &
Community Vitality
• Culture & Recreation
• Transportation & Mobility
• Environmental Health
STRATEGICALLY INVEST IN GROWING
TREE CANOPY WHERE IT WILL PROMOTE
RESILIENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN
FORT COLLINS
Growth Strategy 1.
While tree canopy is growing in Fort Collins, it is
not evenly distributed throughout the city . Forestry
can support multiple community goals by targeting
planting and maintenance where trees provide
the most value . Creating a more comprehensive
planting plan to guide planting decisions can help
Forestry shift species composition, source trees,
and spread out maintenance needs .
FOUNDATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Prioritize equitable planting and maintenance within areas of greatest tree canopy
loss that correspond to priority areas for human and environmental wellbeing .
• Implement a parks planting plan that aligns with the Living Tribute Tree program
to strategically fill vacant planting sites in parks .
• Create a more comprehensive planting plan to fill vacant planting spaces over 10
years, prioritizing underserved areas where trees are needed most . Scale annual
tree planting efforts to replace public tree losses due to natural mortality and
other tree removals .
• Incorporate new species that are adapted to future climate conditions, for
example, drought tolerant, pest/disease tolerant, and acclimated to warmer and
more extreme temperatures .
• Work with water efficiency experts to create educational resources about trees
and irrigation that include species guidance, proper tree watering techniques, and
tree watering protocols for water conservation . Encourage the use of dedicated
irrigation for trees .
• Grow the Community Canopy Program to supply more trees to residents for
planting on private property, prioritizing areas where tree canopy is most needed .
• Influence and utilize Low Impact Development design to capture stormwater to
water trees .
TRANSFORMATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Coordinate with other City departments to integrate trees into a complete
streets framework . Prioritize planting and maintenance along bicycle routes .
• Undertake a study of bus stops to understand patterns of recent tree canopy
loss, create solutions to increase tree cover, and reduce conflicts between trees
and bus infrastructure .
• Coordinate with other City departments to use smart growth urban design
principles to develop a comprehensive heat mitigation plan for the built
environment that prioritizes vulnerable populations . Include strategies for
development, land use, and tree preservation .
• Build tree connectivity to parks and schools .
• Develop and set canopy goals for different geographies, for example, by block
group, land use, or district, with a focus on underserved populations .
• Shift species composition of the urban forest toward more climate-adapted
and drought-tolerant species .
• Build species-level diversity of the public tree inventory . Track the use of
cultivars and varieties .
• Explore a citywide tree canopy goal that can inform planting and protection
objectives for private property .
• Provide species guidance for tree giveaways and private planting .
Foundational & Transformational
Initiatives
• Foundational Initiatives. May be simpler to implement,
or more urgent, or strategies that must be completed
before Transformational Initiatives can be tackled .
• Transformational Initiatives. May be more complicated
or difficult to implement, or they may represent
standalone strategies that are complex or on a long
implementation horizon, but overall they may provide
more value to the forestry program and the City’s larger
community goals and Outcome Areas .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
64 65
Future Growth Strategies
Outcome Areas:
• Economic Health
• Safe Community
• High-Performing
Government
COMPLETE THE SHIFT TO PROACTIVE
MANAGEMENT OF FORT COLLINS’
PUBLIC TREES
Growth Strategy 2.
The Forestry Division strives for a five-year
pruning rotation to maintain the health of
public trees, create safe public spaces in the
community, and reduce the cost of storm and
emergency response .
FOUNDATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Implement a five-year routine pruning cycle .
• Plan to scale up pruning activities as additional trees are added to the
inventory .
• Use the existing tree inventory to inform management decisions based on
species and size .
• Create an urban forest management plan that details Forestry operations over
the next 5–10 years .
• Incorporate the storm response plan, the City’s strategic plans, Parks Master
Plan, Our Climate Future plan, and other city management plans into urban
forestry operations .
TRANSFORMATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Collect more detailed public tree inventory data to guide management that is
based on risk rating, recommended maintenance, and/or related metrics .
• Project tree benefits under different management scenarios .
• Proactively implement climate adaptation strategies for multi-generational tree
survivability and success .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
66
Future Growth Strategies
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
Outcome Areas:
• Neighborhood &
Community Vitality
• Environmental Health
STRENGTHEN CITY POLICIES TO
PROTECT TREES
Growth Strategy 3.
In 2024, Fort Collins’ municipal code focuses on
the stewardship of public trees; however, only
12% of the City’s tree canopy is publicly owned .
Opportunities to protect trees on both public
and private land—whether through policy or
incentives—can help curb canopy losses, mitigate
heat, and protect community tree benefits .
FOUNDATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Engage the community in adopting a citywide land use code to improve tree
preservation and protection while balancing other priorities and needs of the
community .
• Draft a heritage tree program that allows for the elective enrollment and
protection of trees that have cultural, historic, or ecological value .
• Create policy summaries or tip sheets that clarify the responsibility for tree
maintenance in spaces including alleyways, property boundaries, and ditches .
• Plan for education and outreach that will guide tree protection for
development scenarios on private land .
• Reference existing good practices—best management practices and manuals,
ISA Certified Arborist requirements, wood utilization program—in city code .
• Develop an adaptable response strategy for current and future threats from
insect and disease .
67 TRANSFORMATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Clarify the legal responsibility for trees within vacant and boundary areas (land
without ownership) to encourage the protection and growth of tree canopy .
• Plan for tree preservation and tree canopy expansion within areas in the
Growth Management Area that are to remain as future green space as
identified by the Parks & Recreation Master Plan and the Natural Areas
Strategic Framework .
• Demonstrate the role for trees in outdoor water efficiency by creating water-
smart landscapes that incorporate trees on City property .
• Explore and expand tree protection and preservation policies within the Land
Use Code to apply to non-development scenarios .
• Develop additional policy for newly acquired homeownership who make
changes to their landscapes . Educate and engage with the public about policy
scenarios to gauge public support .
• Require landfill diversion for wood waste that originates from private land .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
68
Future Growth Strategies
Outcome Areas:
• High-Performing
Government
COLLECT DATA TO TRACK CHANGES
TO TREE CANOPY OVER TIME AND TO
INFORM FORESTRY ACTIVITIES
Growth Strategy 4.
Accurate, up-to-date data informs sound
decision making . Regular urban tree canopy
assessments and tree inventory updates
will provide information that can help the
Forestry Division evaluate progress and refine
management strategies .
FOUNDATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Repeat an urban tree canopy assessment in five years using 2026 data to
measure canopy change . Collaborate with other City departments to expand
the analysis to include additional land cover types and geographies .
• Map existing public trees that are under threat from pests and/or drought
using inventory data; look for trends that may inform tree activities .
• Complete data fields for all public trees about irrigation status and emerald ash
borer treatment priority .
• Conduct a sample inventory of natural areas in alignment with the Natural
Areas Strategic Framework .
TRANSFORMATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Repeat an urban tree canopy assessment in two years to capture early canopy
changes due to emerald ash borer . Apply advanced mapping options to guide
and measure the effects of policy changes .
• Update the public tree inventory on a five-year cycle .
• Use a sample inventory to evaluate tree species composition across the Growth
Management Area to better understand resilience of the urban forest to pests,
diseases, abiotic stressors, and climate change .
69
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
70
Future Growth Strategies
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
Outcome Areas:
• Economic Health
• High-Performing
Government
SUSTAINABLY GROW THE FORESTRY
DIVISION TO KEEP PACE WITH GROWTH
OF THE URBAN FOREST
Growth Strategy 5.
As the urban forest grows, additional capacity
and a sustainable funding stream will be
needed to keep pace with growth of the public
tree inventory . Additional metrics about tree
activities will be helpful for internal planning,
budgeting, and reporting to both City Council
and the community .
FOUNDATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Internally track public requests that are submitted via phone and email .
• Regularly report on budget expenditures by tree activity .
• Create work plans to make efficient use of personnel and budget .
• Acquire additional staff for tree planting/preparation and pruning .
• Add capacity for grant writing and reporting .
• Pursue grants and other limited funding opportunities .
• Contribute to local initiatives to expand the green workforce .
• Align strategies with Our Climate Future and leverage funding from the 2050 Tax .
71 TRANSFORMATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Use resource management software to track public requests .
• Create an urban forestry planner position .
• Annually or biannually report to the public on tree activities .
• Link tree activities to health, social, and environmental data, and to community
data (transit ridership, cycling/pedestrian stats, city Outcome Areas) as available .
• Add at least one additional, fully equipped Forestry crew .
• Implement a staff rotation schedule . Regularly rotate Forestry staff to different
teams to provide rest from physical labor and build knowledge across the team .
• Increase the space that is available to Forestry for operations, equipment, and
wood waste . Locate space where it can maximize efficiency of fuel use and time .
• Increase the budget for tree maintenance over time as young trees grow .
• Create new sources of sustained funding, such as a Tree Fund, and align with
City Give .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
72
Future Growth Strategies
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
Outcome Areas:
• Neighborhood &
Community Vitality
• Environmental Health
DEEPEN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE
COMMUNITY ABOUT TREE STEWARDSHIP
Growth Strategy 6.
There is a great amount of support for trees and
urban forestry in Fort Collins from the public,
officials, and the surrounding region . This
public support can help facilitate conversations
about private tree protections and expand
engagement to new community sectors .
FOUNDATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Engage the public in policy updates that protect trees on private property .
• Continue and grow the Urban Forest Ambassador program .
• Provide educational resources to assist property owners with private tree
planting, maintenance, and preservation .
73 TRANSFORMATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Integrate forestry activities with implementation of the Active Modes Plan .
Engage with Active Modes stakeholders including the cycling community .
• Expand engagement and volunteer opportunities into communities with health
and social vulnerabilities .
• Align wood utilization efforts with larger Zero Waste initiatives .
• Engage with parks advocates; see Nature in the City and 15-Minute Walk campaigns .
• Engage with the business sector to promote trees for economic development,
for example, by using trees to provide seasonal interest (e .g ., Holiday Lights)
and create inviting and comfortable spaces .
• Enlist community organizations to engage with their networks on topics
including tree benefits, tree responsibilities, policy development, and volunteer
opportunities .
• Work with other City departments and initiatives to develop and deliver
coordinated education about holistic landscape management that considers
trees, water, and the climate .
• Create resources on wood utilization best management practices for the public .
• Provide financial resources to assist property owners with private tree planting,
maintenance, and preservation .
• Expand volunteer opportunities to assist with activities such as young tree
pruning, watering assistance during drought, or community education .
• Create tip sheets that explain city code and policies in accessible, translated,
and easy-to-understand language .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
74 75
Future Growth Strategies
Outcome Areas:
• Safe Community
• High-Performing
Government
EXPAND THE NETWORK OF FORESTRY
DIVISION PARTNERS
Growth Strategy 7.
Technical partnerships within urban forestry
are abundant across the Front Range—see
for example the Colorado Tree Coalition, the
Front Range Urban Forestry Council, and the
Emerging Pests in Colorado (EPIC) Committee .
Increasing Fort Collins’ presence and role
within these collectives can promote greater
knowledge sharing and adaptability for the city
while building staff technical skills . Involvement
can also promote adoption of the latest
guidance and standards .
FOUNDATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Continue regional work with nursery growers to secure the quantity and types
of climate- and pest-adapted trees that will be needed to meet planting goals .
• Share urban forestry resources and knowledge with neighboring communities .
• Expand staff involvement in regional urban forestry networks; provide
additional opportunities for staff that contribute to career development .
TRANSFORMATIONAL INITIATIVES
• Encourage large corporate and institutional campuses to develop tree plans .
• Continue engagement with partners about management of public trees .
• Contribute expertise about trees and urban forestry in regional planning efforts
that relate to climate resilience, complete & green streets, human health, wood
utilization, etc .
• Continue to support the wood waste program and grow the regional network
of urban woodworkers and wood utilization partners .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
77
Future Growth Strategies
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
5 MOVING FORWARD
76
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
78
The trees in Fort Collins represent the deliberate, sustained
stewardship of its residents over the past 160 years .
Growth of the urban forest over the next two decades, and
adaptation to increase its resilience in the face of future
threats, will similarly require deliberate and sustained care .
The Forestry Division is well positioned to lead this
effort . It has set an example of collaboration and
proactive maintenance . In recent years, the Division has
hit two milestones that promote the growth and health
of public trees, efficient operations, and public safety:
planting that surpasses tree removals, and pruning at a
level that is needed to achieve a 5-year pruning cycle .
To maintain this level of service over the next 20 years,
the City should make near-term plans for a permanent,
modest increase in Forestry Division resources to
consistently meet these management targets . Thereafter,
Division resources should plan to scale with the number
of new trees that are added to the public tree inventory
via development, the rate of inflation, and desired
increases in the rate of tree canopy growth . Grants, as
well as resources such as a Tree Fund, can supplement
City funding streams .
In return, tree benefits to the people of Fort Collins—
including cooler, cleaner air and water efficiency—will
grow and become more equitable, promoting wellbeing
and sustainability over the next two decades and beyond .
“Other holidays
repose upon the
past; Arbor Day
proposes for
the future.
—J . Sterling
Morton
IMPLEMENTATION & METRICS
The following table summarizes metrics and near-term implementation steps by
Growth Strategy . It is not an exhaustive list, and it is expected that this information
will change over time as the Urban Forest Strategic Plan is implemented .
1. STRATEGICALLY INVEST IN GROWING TREE CANOPY
WHERE IT WILL PROMOTE RESILIENCE AND QUALITY OF
LIFE IN FORT COLLINS.
Timeframe: 10–15 years .
Create a more comprehensive planting plan that focuses on
underserved neighborhoods and low-canopied areas .
Regional forestry partners, scientists, local nurseries;
transportation partners; grant funds for tree planting .
Metrics:
Success
Looks
Like:
• Tree canopy cover: mean & variability .
• Public trees: number, size, condition, species diversity .
• Number of trees given to residents through the Community
Canopy Program .
• 15-Minute City priority of City Council .
• Third-party metrics and planning frameworks for connectivity
and social equity, such as Safe Routes to Schools and the Tree
Equity Score (American Forests) .
• Growth in tree canopy over time .
• Smaller difference between areas of high and low tree canopy .
• Higher proportion of drought- and pest-resistant trees .
• Reduction in daytime and nighttime summer temperatures and the
difference in temperature across the Growth Management Area .
• Residents will live within a 15-minute walk to nature and will have
trees visible from where they live, work, and play .
Next Steps:
Resources:
Year
0
Year
20
Focus planting in high-
priority neighborhoods .
Increase planting around
multimodal transit .
Planting builds
connectivity to parks &
schools .
Create a more comprehensive planting plan .
Continue Community
Canopy Program .Fill vacant planting sites .
Implementation Timeline
Moving
Forward
79
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
80
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
81
2. COMPLETE THE SHIFT TO PROACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF
FORT COLLINS’ PUBLIC TREES.
Timeframe: 5 years .
Create an urban forest management plan .
Urban Forest Ambassadors, pruning contractors .
Metrics:
Success
Looks
Like:
• Proportion of public trees pruned each year .
• Per-tree maintenance expenditures .
• Value of tree benefits .
• Expenditures on emergency response .
• Number of public requests .
• Number and credentials of Forestry staff .
• Annual Forestry budget, Forestry allocations, and
supplemental funding .
• A sustained five-year routine pruning cycle .
• An increase in the proportion of mature trees .
• Reduced expenditures for emergency and storm response .
• Growth in tree canopy benefits over time .
• Land use incentives prioritize tree benefits and tree canopy
equity for the people of Fort Collins .
• Proactive climate adaptation strategies for long-term tree
survivability .
Next Steps:
Resources:
Year
0
Year
20
Create urban forest
management plan .
Achieve consistent five-
year pruning cycle .
Increase Forestry
Division capacity .
Implementation Timeline
3. STRENGTHEN CITY POLICIES TO PROTECT TREES.
Timeframe: 5 years .
Begin public outreach about private tree protection,
create tip sheets about existing policies .
City Council, peer cities .
Metrics:
Success
Looks
Like:
• Tree canopy cover by land use .
• Volume of diverted wood waste .
• Number of participants in community outreach activities .
• Gallons of outdoor water consumption .
• An increase in net canopy growth on private property .
• A public register of Fort Collins’ heritage trees .
• Expansion of the wood reutilization network .
• Updated city code that reflects urban forestry best
management practices and industry standards .
• Best management practices for sustainable and water-efficient
landscapes .
Next Steps:
Resources:
Year
0
Year
20
Expand wood waste
diversion program .
Update City code .
Release tips sheets
about City tree policies .
Implementation Timeline
Gauge public sentiment about private tree protection .
Moving Forward
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
83
Moving Forward
4. COLLECT DATA TO TRACK CHANGES TO TREE CANOPY
OVER TIME AND TO INFORM FORESTRY ACTIVITIES.
Timeframe: Every 2–5 years .
Expand the attributes that are collected within the public tree
inventory; plan for an updated urban tree canopy assessment .
Urban Forest Ambassadors, GIS specialists, ISA Certified Arborists,
consultants
Metrics:
Success
Looks
Like:
• Up-to-date tree canopy studies and data .
• Expanded public tree inventory attributes, including risk and
irrigation status .
• Management and budgeting decisions are grounded in up-to-
date information about public trees and citywide tree canopy .
• Forestry activities are related to City Outcome Areas and other
community goals .
Next Steps:
Resources:
Year
0
Year
20
Expand public tree
inventory .
Summarize public tree
inventories .
Measure tree
canopy .
Measure tree
canopy .
Measure tree
canopy .
Summarize public
tree inventories .
Summarize public
tree inventories .
Measure tree
canopy .
Implementation Timeline
5. SUSTAINABLY GROW THE FORESTRY DIVISION TO
KEEP PACE WITH GROWTH OF THE URBAN FOREST.
Timeframe: 5–10 years .
Increase tracking of resident requests and annual
reporting of tree activities .
City Council, Parks Department, Forestry Division staff .
Metrics:
Success
Looks
Like:
• Grant awards received .
• Annual work plans .
• Annual tree activities by type .
• Budget requests & expenditures, by category .
• Number and tracking of public work requests .
• Number and credentials of Forestry Division staff .
• Number of missed work days due to injury .
• Improved internal tracking on public requests and tree activities .
• Increased public understanding and support of Forestry
Division activities and budget .
• Consistent, measured biannual budget increases .
• Planned, sufficient growth of Division staffing and resources .
• Successful grant requests .
• A sustainable work environment that prioritizes employee
health and wellbeing inside and outside of the workplace .
Next Steps:
Resources:
Year
0
Year
20
Add urban forestry
planner position .
Direct all public work requests
to integrated system .
Begin release of annual
work plans & summaries .
Implementation Timeline
82
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
84
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
6. DEEPEN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY ABOUT
TREE STEWARDSHIP.
Timeframe: 5–7 years .
Increase community engagement about tree care; expand
Forestry participation in other City departments’ planning efforts .
Urban Forest Ambassadors, Planning and Development Services .
Metrics:
Success
Looks
Like:
• Number of Urban Forest Ambassadors .
• Accessible tip sheets and written resources .
• Public participation .
• City plans that integrate trees .
• Resources provided to the public for tree planting and care .
• Tree ordinances and code updates .
• Forestry staff public appearances, media coverage, web/social
media impressions .
• Growth in the number of volunteers
• An increase in the volume of wood waste that is diverted from
landfills .
• Increased net growth of tree canopy on private land .
• Incorporation of trees in other City plans and initiatives,
prioritizing urban heat and equitable distribution of canopy .
• Expanded funding for tree planting and stewardship on
private land .
Next Steps:
Resources:
Implementation Timeline
Year
0
Year
20
Release public resources about
trees & water conservation .
Continue Community
Canopy Program .
Additional City plans
include trees .
Expand Urban Forest
Ambassadors .
7. EXPAND THE NETWORK OF FORESTRY
DIVISION PARTNERS.
Timeframe: 3–5 years .
Form a committee to guide implementation of the
Urban Forest Strategic Plan .
Colorado Tree Coalition, Front Range Urban Forestry Council,
other regional groups .
Metrics:
Success
Looks
Like:
• Number of regionally sourced trees .
• Number of Forestry staff involved in regional groups/
discussions .
• Institutional/large campus tree plans .
• Regional resources .
• Increase in locally sourced trees .
• An increase in the number of staff who participate in partner
activities .
• Equitable tree plans that are developed by institutions .
• An increase in regional resources about trees .
Next Steps:
Resources:
Year
0
Year
20
Expand regional wood
waste program .
Publish private tree plans .
Convene UFSP
implementation committee .
Implementation Timeline
85
Moving Forward
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
87
Future Growth Strategies
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
6 SELECTED
REFERENCES &
GLOSSARY
86
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
88 89
Selected References & Glossary
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
Selected
References
Complete references can be found in the Fort Collins Urban Forest
Strategic Plan Technical Appendix.
AECOM . (2013) . Financing San Francisco’s Urban Forest . San
Francisco, CA . 20 pp .
Eisenman, T . S ., Coleman, A . F ., & LaBombard, G . (2021) . Street
trees for bicyclists, pedestrians, and vehicle drivers: A systematic
multimodal review . Urban Science, 5(3), 56 .
Environmental Defense Fund . (2024) . U .S . Climate Vulnerability Index
[web tool] . https://climatevulnerabilityindex .org/
Hauer R .J ., & Peterson W .D . (2016) . Municipal tree care and
management in the United States: A 2014 urban & community
forestry census of tree activities . Special Publication 16-1, College of
Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI .
Trust For Public Land . (2024) . Fort Collins, CO [web page] . https://
www .tpl .org/city/fort-collins-colorado
USDA Forest Service . (n .d .) . i-Tree [Computer software] . www .
itreetools .org
USDA, NRCS . (2024) . The PLANTS Database . National Plant Data
Team, Greensboro, NC . http://plants .usda .gov
USDA Forest Service . (2018) . Urban nature for human health and well-
being: a research summary for communicating the health benefits
of urban trees and green space . FS-1096 . Washington, DC . 24 pp .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
90 91
Selected References & Glossary
FO
R
T
C
O
L
L
I
N
S
U
R
B
A
N
F
O
R
E
S
T
S
T
R
A
T
E
G
I
C
P
L
A
N
Glossary
Biodiversity: The variety of life that is found in a habitat or ecosystem .
Block Group: Federally defined geographic areas that are variable in
size and typically contain between 600–3,000 residents .
Carbon Sequestration: The removal of carbon from the atmosphere to
be stored within tree tissues .
Conservation: The careful preservation and protection of a resource,
such as water or natural areas .
Ecosystem Services: The collection of social, environmental, and
economic benefits that ecosystems provide to communities .
Environmental Justice: The just treatment and meaningful
participation of all people to mitigate inequities and harms in the
environment .
Equity: Equal access within a community to the same benefits,
opportunities, and outcomes, factoring in systemic inequalities .
Genus (plural, genera): A grouping of closely related species .
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Technology that is used to
capture, store, manipulate, analyze, and display geographic data .
Growth Management Area: The area outside Fort Collins’ city limits
that delineates the possible future extent of city boundaries .
Habitat: The sum of the physical, chemical, and biological environment
occupied by a particular species, population, or community .
Land Use: Describes the human use of land for cultural and economic
purposes .
Possible Planting Area: An area of land where it is possible to plant trees; excludes
places where tree canopy would conflict with existing land uses .
Priority Planting Analysis: A process to rank possible tree planting area based on the
potential for trees to benefit the environment, human health, and social equity .
Resilience: The ability to withstand and recover from stressors such as pests,
diseases, and drought .
Social Equity: The fair, just, and equitable management of resources and institutions
that serve the community .
Stewardship: The responsible care and management of a resource .
Stormwater Runoff: Surface water that is not absorbed after a rainstorm or snow
melt that flows into local waterways .
Tree: A woody plant that reaches a height of 15 feet or more at maturity .
Tree Benefit: A service that trees provide that improves the environment for people,
plants, and wildlife .
Tree Canopy: The upper layer of foliage and branches of trees as seen from above .
Tree Canopy Change: A measure of how tree canopy cover differs from one point in
time to another, expressed in acres and/or as a percentage .
Tree Canopy Cover: The amount of land that is covered by tree canopy as seen from
above, expressed as a percentage of the total land area .
Urban Forest: The collection of trees growing along streets, in public parks and
natural areas, and in the yards of homes, schools, and businesses .
Urban Heat Island: Urban areas that experience higher temperatures than nearby
rural areas due to buildings and paved surfaces that trap and hold heat .
Vulnerability: Being able to be damaged or harmed .
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B
Docusign Envelope ID: B3A9D8E9-BB4F-4714-8FAC-52B971A4681B