Trees Please Pueblo

06/03/2026

Just say NO to monocultures!

In urban forestry, a monoculture refers to planting large numbers of the same species of trees in a city or neighborhood. While we understand the temptation for city planners and landscape architects to create visual uniformity, this practice is very detrimental to the health of our urban forest. Take for instance this street in the Walking Stick neighborhood that is completely lined with ash trees. Ash trees are susceptible to the emerald ash borer, a pest that has been found in Colorado. If (or more likely, when) the borer infests these trees, this neighborhood will lose it's entire street tree canopy! 😱

A good mix of tree species can reduce the risk of catastrophic canopy loss by interrupting pest/disease cycles and ensuring some trees survive even if others fail.

05/27/2026

🌳 One of the simplest and most effective climate solutions for cities? Plant more trees.

Urban trees cool the air, absorb CO₂, reduce pollution, mitigate flooding, support biodiversity, and transform the quality of public space.

They are not decoration.
They are living infrastructure for healthier, more resilient cities.

05/26/2026

State Street Miyabe Maple at Pueblo Zoo, at planting and one month later. According to the Morton Arboretum, this maple has shown excellent heat, drought, and alkaline soil tolerance - all qualities we are looking for when choosing tree species for Pueblo!

05/23/2026

05/22/2026

American hornbeam (Carpus caroliniana), also commonly called musclewood, planted near the goat enclosure at Pueblo Zoo. We're excited to see how this tree develops, as it is not a tree that is commonly planted in Pueblo. Here you can see it at planting and after one month of growth.

As part of our efforts to create a more resilient urban forest, it's important for us to try new species to see if they can adapt to Pueblo's climate. An increase in tree species diversity will not only create more varied habitat for wildlife, but will also reduce the likelihood of catastrophic tree canopy loss due to pests, disease, and extreme weather events.

05/20/2026

The new trees are thriving at Pueblo Zoo! This English Oak was dormant when we planted and now, one month later, it is fully leafed out.

This oak was strategically planted near an old, declining silver maple, with the hope that it can establish and grow for a few years before the silver maple has to be removed. Since trees are a long-term investment, it is important to plan ahead and plant new trees well before the existing canopy fails and has to be removed.

Remember, we have to plant like there is a tomorrow!

05/19/2026

Check out our new educational signage outside the Ecocenter at Pueblo Zoo! It was installed in connection with our community planting of 30 trees on the zoo grounds last month. The sign will educate visitors on how tree species diversity creates resiliency in our urban forest.

Thank you to Kyle for his beautiful graphic design work and to Pueblo SHED for their funding support which made the tree planting and sign installation possible!

05/19/2026

Green roadside barriers naturally absorb noise and reduce airborne dust pollution effectively.

05/15/2026

We were fortunate to be able to attend the Trees in the West conference at CSU Spur in Denver on Wednesday. This annual conference brings urban forestry advocates and professionals together to learn from each other. This year's conference was focused on community engagement and we were inspired to see the wonderful work people are doing in their communities - from Alamosa, Colorado to Lincoln, Nebraska, to Gainesville, Florida!

05/11/2026

We had a great morning helping our friends at El Camino Homeowner's Association - ECHO and Pueblo Parks and Recreation plant 28 trees near the playgrounds at El Camino and McKlosky Parks! Thank you to everyone who came out to help - neighborhood residents, Central High School soccer players, South High School football players, and Trees Please volunteers. We are so grateful for our community members who understand the importance of investing in trees for future generations. As these trees mature, they will provide much-needed shade and cooling for children using these playgrounds (and the adults accompanying them!).