Plant a Better Future Plant a Better Future | 3 Call 50 - 75 Ft

Plant a B e tt e r

Future Colorado

The Right Tree Selecting Trees for Maximum Benefit in Urban, Suburban and Rural Com- munities • Safety & Electric Service Reliability • Energy Conservation • Appearance & Health • Proper Tree Planting • After Planting Care • Natural Directional Pruning Contents

Introduction ...... 2

Benefits of Planting Trees ...... 3

Safety & Electric Reliability ...... 4

Call Before You Dig Phone Numbers ...... 5

Energy Conservation...... 6

Selecting a Tree...... 7

Soil Test Phone Numbers...... 9

Tree Species List ...... 10

Planting Your Tree ...... 14

Caring for Your Tree...... 18

Pruning Your Tree...... 18

Natural Directional Pruning...... 19 Benefits of Planting Trees This guide provides information Improved Wildlife Habitat for homeowners, nurseries, garden Trees provide nesting places and centers, tree growers, landscape safe cover for many species of birds designers, builders, businesses and and other animals. other landowners on the selection and placement of trees to maximize Increased Property Values their benefits and to avoid any haz- Trees also enhance property values. ards the trees might create. When Studies have shown that mature you properly select and site a tree, trees raise the value of homes by you will bring many benefits to your 15 percent or more. They add to home and community. the beauty and comfort of a home Plant a and can screen an unattractive view Energy and Cost Savings or provide privacy. Businesses also Better Future Properly placed shade trees lower benefit from trees planted on bou- Means Choosing temperatures in communities and levards and shopping areas, attract- homes and reduce the need for air ing more customers to their stores. the Right Location conditioning, conserving energy Alternatively, poor species selection and dollars and reducing air pollu- for Your Tree and poorly placed trees, such as tall- tion. Trees shade homes, streets and growing trees planted too close to parking lots reducing the urban heat There are many potential benefits of planting from power lines can help prevent these power lines, can decrease your prop- island effect. In winter, the correct trees—environmental, economic and social. situations from occurring, but severely erty value, or block business signage. trees can provide shelter from winds, However, trees that are poorly placed can pruned trees are, at best, unsightly. At worst, reducing energy usage. See page 6 Healthier Communities create problems. Our goal is to help you they become unhealthy, trees with a high for more information. Trees enhance social interaction in understand why choosing a suitable location risk of failure that need to be removed. communities. Trees are a focal for your tree provides a better future for your Air and Water Quality point for gatherings and help tree and all of us. Trees can also extend the length of an outage to underground utility lines if they Trees help improve air quality by reduce the isolation of inner city Trees growing near high voltage power lines interfere with access to equipment. Over- trapping particulates and absorbing neighborhoods. Tree plantings are can cause downed lines and power outages grown trees can scrape the sides of houses carbon dioxide. Trees play an impor- effective ways to bring communities in storms. Because tree branches can carry or cars, drop fruit and leaves into neighbors’ tant role in the environmental cycle together, which helps them orga- electricity, trees interfering with power lines yards, block signage, hang low over side- by absorbing carbon dioxide and nize for other community goals as may cause short circuits, activate protective walks or even cause them to heave or break. giving off oxygen. Trees store large well. Thus trees become catalysts equipment, and interrupt service. Trees can amounts of carbon in their trunks for creating healthier communities. also provide access to high voltage power All of these potential problems can easily and leaves, which reduces the envi- Better Species Selection lines that can lead to severe injury and death be avoided by planting the right tree in the ronmental effects of burning fossil from electrical contact. Pruning trees away right place. fuels. Their roots help hold soil in Selecting the right tree as listed in place, reducing erosion and slowing this guide helps eliminate invasive, water runoff, contributing greatly to non-native species of trees (such as water quality. Russian Olive and Buckthorn) that are banned for planting by some state governments.

2 | Plant A Better Future Plant A Better Future | 3 Call 50 - 75 ft. Zone C Before Plant taller trees (40 ft. mature height or greater) You Dig House House

Planting Zone Guides 25 - 75 ft. Transmission Lines Underground utility lines can Zone B Plant medium-sized trees present serious safety risks when 10 ft. (25-40 ft. mature height) The larger lines that carry power 10 ft. digging a site for tree planting. You from power plants to substations must call for a “locate” to identify No Plant Zone* are called “transmission lines”. They all underground electric, gas, water, 0 - 25 ft. Zone A Plant shorter trees carry higher voltage electricity than No Plant Zone* sewer, cable and telephone lines to Pole-to-house service line (25 ft. mature height the typical distribution system found Transformer or less) 10 ft. help choose a good planting site and (Ground-level in most neighborhoods. The support electrical box) before you do any digging. Call 811 Underground lines Overhead lines structures for transmission lines are or the one-call service center in your H-frame wood poles, single steel state to locate these lines for you * Don’t plant within 10 feet of ground-level * Don’t plant within 10 feet of pole-to-house lines. equipment so we can see it and open it. poles, or steel lattice-type towers. within three days. Don’t dig within Please do not plant trees under 24 inches of these line locations. transmission lines. Not only can trees Colorado: Call 811 or the Utility Safety & become overgrown and cause power Notification Center of Colorado outages, they also can block the path 1-800-922-1987.” Electric of construction vehicles that need Service access to the lines for maintenance and emergency repairs. For further Reliability information about trees and trans- Trees are a common cause of electric service business, which is the line between the mission lines, contact our Siting & interruptions nationwide. Even with regu- pole and the house or building. Larger trees Land Rights department. lar tree maintenance, we respond to many must be planted even further away from the service calls because trees have interrupted main power lines that run along backyards, Colorado: 1-800-621-9427 electrical service. Trees in power lines can alleys or roadways. Generally the taller the cause serious and sometimes fatal accidents tree grows, the further it should be from any involving contact with power lines. Under- power lines. standing the “zone” approach to finding a good spot for your tree can help solve many Underground Lines of these problems. You will find a hardiness If you have underground utility lines, be zone guide with corresponding tree recom- careful not to locate a tree or shrub in front mendations on pages 10-13. of any electrical equipment installed at ground level. When power outages occur, Overhead Lines our crews need to locate and access the To help ensure electric service reliability and equipment quickly. If equipment is hidden public safety in your neighborhood, consider or the doors are blocked, the length of the the tree planting zones in the illustration outage may be extended plus your plantings above. No trees should be planted within could be damaged. 10 feet of the service line to your home or

4 | Plant A Better Future Plant A Better Future | 5 North Selecting A Tree Blossoms. Many trees have colorful blos- Appearance soms, including: crabapples (Malus spp.), callery pears, magnolias, and most of the When choosing a tree, you should Generally medium–sized trees West East Prunus spp. (plums and cherries). consider its appearance and how it that grow no taller than 40 feet fits into your landscape. Trees vary should be at least 25 feet away widely in size and shape. Two gen- from a power line. Tall trees that eral distinctions are those that drop will grow to more than 40 feet their leaves or needles each year should be at least 50 feet from the (deciduous) and those that are green line. The size of the tree at matu- South all year round (evergreens or coni- rity should also be a consideration Fruit. Many trees have fruit that attracts Save energy by planting trees that shade fers). Many have showy blossoms, when siting it in relation to your wildlife and adds color to your yard, includ- your house on the east and west sides ing: crabapples, the yaupon (Ilex vomitoria), turn bright colors in the fall or have house. Trees planted too close to a in summer. The trees will then shed their hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) and the Texas attractive bark. house can damage the roof, siding leaves in the fall to allow heat gain from the madrone (Arbutus texana). winter sun. In cooler climates, evergreens or cause foundation problems. planted on the north or northwest side can Size provide a winter windbreak. The small sapling at the nursery that Consider how the tree will look might seem to fit well under power when mature. Will it frame the Energy lines can grow very rapidly–taller house nicely or overwhelm it? Some- times a tree that seems too big in a Conservation than you might anticipate. This guide lists only trees that may be planted front yard will make a good back- ground for the house when placed Properly placed trees can conserve energy In southern climates only, where winters Fall Color. Trees with brightly colored leaves under or near some distribution in the back. Consult your local and reduce your heating and cooling bills. are fairly warm and summers are very hot, in the fall include: amur maple (Acer ginna- power lines. (See the planting zone la), serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), red oak nursery about trees that grow well plant large- and medium-sized shade trees guides on page 4). Many shrubs and eastern redbud ( Cercis canadensis). in your area and their mature size. Cooling close to the house on the southwest side. fit well under power lines as well. This will help you make the right Planting deciduous trees—trees that drop These will add to your energy savings by Larger trees can be planted in other decision about what to buy and their leaves in the fall—on the west and east reducing cooling costs even further. places in your yard, but be sure to sides of your house will provide the greatest place them far enough from power where to place your trees. energy savings by blocking the morning and Heating lines, the house and other obstruc- afternoon sun in the summer and letting the Trees planted as a windbreak on the north/ tions, so they don’t require pruning sunlight warm your home in the winter. northwest side of the house can reduce air Bark. Some trees have attractive bark that is for power line clearance as they infiltration and heating costs in the winter. especially noticeable in the winter, such as: grow and spread to their mature size. three-flowered maple (Acer triflorum), gold- In addition, trees planted to shade drive- This can be accomplished by planting a ways, patios, sidewalks and streets will enball leadtree ( Leucanena retusa), and the dense row of evergreen trees with a row of western water birch ( Betula occidentalis). help create a cooler environment around shrubs or smaller trees in front. the home. Trees do this by shading the con- crete from sun and through transpiration, a In colder climates, avoid planting trees on natural evaporative cooler. Reducing cooling the south side of your house. On sunny costs also reduces the peak demand for elec- winter days, you can open your shades on tricity in summer months, helping to reduce the south side to take advantage of passive the need for new power plants and keeping solar warmth. Evergreens. Evergreens provide year round electricity costs down. color and shelter for the birds: All the conifers on our recommended tree species list are evergreen, as is the Texas madrone (Arbutus texana) and several other low-desert trees.

6 | Plant A Better Future Plant A Better Future | 7 Health Another consideration in tree selection is the long-term health of the tree, which can be affected by soils, climate, and susceptibility to disease and insect pests.

Size Again, mature size is an important consideration. Trees that need to be pruned severely to fit into their space are prone to disease, insect infestation and wind damage.

Cold Hardiness Zone Select trees that are hardy in your area so they will withstand cold winters and the heat of summer. Trees in this guide are identified Soil Test by their cold hardiness zone. Check the map Phone on page 9 to see which trees will thrive in your area. Number Colorado Insects and disease Use these Cold Hardiness Zones to select Soil trees that will survive winter in your region. 970-498-6000 Some tree species are particularly Soil conditions can affect the health of your prone to certain disease or insect trees. Some trees don’t do well in boggy, Hardiness Zone Key infestations. Choosing other species poorly drained, clay or heavily compacted or disease-resistant cultivars of these Zone 3 -40 To -30 sites. Others have problems in sandy soils trees can help assure the long-term Zone 4 -30 To -20 that don’t hold moisture. The pH of the soil health of your trees. Zone 5 -20 To -10 can affect growth in some trees. Most trees Zone 6 -10 To 0 listed in this guide are widely adaptable to Heat and rainfall Zone 7 0 To 10 a variety of soil types. Check the special Be sure to check with an arborist or Zone 8 10 To 20 notes, however, to make sure the tree you your nursery for trees that are well choose will do well on your site. If you need adapted to your climate. Zone 9 20 To 30 help determining your soil type, consult Zone 10 30 To 40 your local agricultural extension office or a private soil testing laboratory. They can give (temperatures are average lows in degrees F.) you information for your area and even test your soil if necessary.

8 | Plant A Better Future Plant A Better Future | 9 Appropriate Trees–for Size Form Rate1 Zone Fall Flower Light2 Culture/Comments Appropriate Trees–for Size Form Rate1 Zone Fall Flower Light2 Culture/Comments planting under or near Color planting under or near Color distribution power lines distribution power lines

Deciduous Trees Cornus alternifolia 15-25’h wide M 3-7 reddish yellow ml Keep root zone cool. Moist, acidic well pagoda dogwood 20-30’w spreading -purple white drained soil. Best in cooler climates. m Acacia farnesiana 15-30’ h spreading S 8-10 — yellow Thorny. Evergreen. Multi-stemmed. Fruit enjoyed by birds. sweet acacia 30’w blooms best in spring. Cornus drummondii 20’h open S/M 5-8 — white mw Can form thickets. White fruit. m Acacua abeyra 14-18’h upright M 9-10 — yellow Not thorny. Evergreen. Blooms best in roughleaf dogwood 20’w spreading mulga 14-18’w winter & spring. Desert adaptable. Cornus florida 20’h spreading S/M 5-9 — white mw Acidic, well drained soil. Birds enjoy fruit. mw Acer circinatum 20’h rounded S 5-8 orange- — Multi-stemmed. flowering dogwood 20’w Zone 5 requires hardy seed. vine maple 20’w red Cornus kousa 20-30’h vase to S 5-8 purple creamy mw Acidic, well drained soil. Pink to red fruit Acer ginnala 15-25’h rounded M 3-8 yellow yellow m Wide range of soils and pH. Best in moist, kousa dogwood 20-30’w rounded scarlet white late in summer. Amur maple 15-25’w red fragrant well drained soil. Cornus mas 20-25’h oval to M 4-7 purple- yellow ml Prefers rich well drained soil. Wide range Acer glabrum 25’h rounded M 4-8 — — mw Multi-stemmed. Cornelian-cherry 15-20’w rounded red of pH. Bright red fruit. Rocky Mountain maple 15’w Cotinus coggygria 10-15’h spreading M 5-8 yellow- — m Soil and pH adaptable. Prefers rich, well Acer griseum 20-30’h oval to S 5-7 russet — mmw Tolerant of wide range of soils and pH. common smoketree 10-15’w rounded red drained soil. Bright red fruit. paperbark maple 20-30’w rounded red Best in moist, well drained soil. Cotinus obovatus 25’h rounded M 4-8 yellow pink mmw Heat and drought tolerant. Soil adaptable. Acer palmatum 15-25’h rounded S 5-8 yellow — mw Well drained soil. American smoketree 25’w to red purple Japanese maple 15-25’w red Crataegus spp 15-30’h rounded to S/M 4-8 Vaughn white red m Well drained soil. Tolerates urban stress- Acer tataricum 15-25’h rounded to S/M 3-8 yellow — mmw Tolerant of harsh conditions, including hawthorn 15-35’w oval scarlet, es. Birds enjoy 1/2” red fruit that persists Tatarian maple 15-25’w spreading reddish high pH and drought. Not as hardy as Winter until late fall. Check cultivars for details. -brown ginnala. King Select cultivars: ‘Vaughn,’ var. Inermis, Acer triflorum 20-30’h spreading S 4-7 yellow white mmw Moist, well drained acidic soil. Lovely red- ‘Superba,’ ‘Ohio Pioneer,’ ‘Winter King.’ three-flowered maple 20-30’w & red exfoliating golden amber bark. gold m Acer truncatum 20-30’h rounded S 4-8 yellow — mmw Drought tolerant and hardy. Eucalyptus torquata 15-25’h spreading M 9-10 — pink Evergreen. Desert adaptable. Shantung maple 20-30’w to red coral gum 15-25’w m Aesculus pavia 10-20’h rounded S 4-8 — — mmw Well drained, acidic soil. Fraxinus cuspidata 20’h upright M 7-9 — white Soil adaptable. Heat and drought tolerant. red buckeye 10-20’w fragrant ash 15’w rounded Fragrant flowers. Halesia tetraptera mmw Amelanchier spp 20-30’h columnar M 4-8 yellow white mmw Can form thickets. White fruit. Select 25-30’h oval M 4-8 — white Moist, well drained acidic soil. Does not Carolina silverbell serviceberry 12-20’w to oval copper pink cultivars: ‘Cumulus,’ ‘Majestic,’ ‘Autumn 25-30’w bell tolerate high pH. to red Brilliance,’ ‘Robin Hill.’ shaped mw Betula occidentalis 25’h pyramidal M 4-7 yellow — mmw Bark resembles that of cherry. Hamamelis virginiana 20-30’h rounded M 4-8 yellow yellow Moist soil. Somewhat tolerant of urban western water birch 20’w witch hazel 20-25’w environment. Flowers in fall. mmw Caesalpinia cacalaco 10-15’h spreading F 9-10 yellow — m Semi-deciduous. Thorny. Best bloom in Ilex decidua 15-30’h spreading M 5-9 yellow white Tolerant of wide range of soils. casalote 10-15’w winter. Desert adaptable. possumhaw 15-25’w ml Carpinus caroliniana 25’h spreading S 4-9 yellow — l Best in deep, rich, moist soil. Withstands Ilex vomitoria 15-20’h upright M/F 7-10 — — Soil adaptable. Salt tolerant. Scarlet fruit. blue beech, ironwood 20’w orange- periodic flooding. yaupon 15-20’w irregular red Koelreuteria paniculata 25’-30’h rounded M/F 5-8 yellow showy m Soil and pH adaptable. Tolerant of drought, Goldenraintree Cercidium microphyllum 12-20’h spreading M 8-10 — yellow m Multi-stemmed. Thorny. Flowers best in 25-30’w amber yellow heat and wind. foothills palo verde 12-25’w spring. Leucaena retusa 15-25’h rounded F 7-9 yellow yellow mmw Moist, well drained soil. Gray exfoliating goldenball leadtree Cercidium praecox 20-30’h spreading M 9-10 — yellow m Semi-deciduous. Thorny. Multi-stemmed. 15-25’w red bark. Multi-stemmed. palo brea 20-30’w Blooms best in spring. Desert adaptable. Lysiloma microphylla var. 15’h spreading M/F 9-10 — white m Evergreen. Multi-stemmed. Desert thornberi 15’w adaptable. Cercis canadensis ‘alba’ 20-30’h rounded M 4-9 yellow white mmw Moist, well-drained soils. May be less feather tree whitebud 25-35’w -green robust than eastern redbud. Maackia amurensis 20-30’h rounded S 6-8 — white m Loose well drained soil. Tolerant of wide Cercis canadensis 20-30’h rounded M 4-9 yellow pink mmw Wide range of pH. Does well in moist soil Amur maackia 20-30’w range of pH. Nitrogen fixing. eastern redbud 25-35’w -green (not extremely wet). Legume. Magnolia ‘Galaxy’ 20-30’h pyramidal S 6-8 bronze purple m Rich, moist, acidic soil. Cercis canadenis var. texensis 20’h rounded M 6-8 — pink mmw Good drainage. Soil adaptable. galaxy magnolia 15’w pink Texas redbud 20’w purple Magnolia x soulangiana 20-30’h oval to S 5-8 — large m Moist, well drained soil. Chilopsis linearis 15-20’h spreading M 7-9 — pink rose m Well drained, dry soil. Persistent fruit. saucer magnolia 20-30’w rounded white desert willow 10-15’w Form is very loose and open. purple

1Growth Rate S=less than 12 in/yr, M=13-25 in/yr, F=more than 25 in/yr. 2Light m Full Sun, mw Partial Shade, l Full Shade. 1Growth Rate S=less than 12 in/yr, M=13-25 in/yr, F=more than 25 in/yr. 2Light m Full Sun, mw Partial Shade, l Full Shade. Notes: This list was developed with the intent of presenting a starting point for tree selection. Please work with your local forester or nursery to Notes: This list was developed with the intent of presenting a starting point for tree selection. Please work with your local forester or nursery to determine specific benefits and limitations of each species for your area. Some of the species are often found as both shrubs and in tree form, determine specific benefits and limitations of each species for your area. Some of the species are often found as both shrubs and in tree form, e.g. pussywillow and nannyberry. A shrub form can easily be pruned into a multi-stemmed small tree. e.g. pussywillow and nannyberry. A shrub form can easily be pruned into a multi-stemmed small tree.

10 | Plant A Better Future Plant A Better Future | 11 Appropriate Trees–for Size Form Rate1 Zone Fall Flower Light2 Culture/Comments Appropriate Trees–for Size Form Rate1 Zone Fall Flower Light2 Culture/Comments planting under or near Color planting under or near Color distribution power lines distribution power lines

Magnolia stellata 10-20’h oval S 4-8 — white m Sheltered location in north. Prefers moist, Salix discolor 15-18’h pyramidal M 4-8 — -— m Moist to wet soil. Multi-stemmed, fuzzy star magnolia 10-15’w rich well drained acid soil. pussy willow 12-15’w to oval silver catkins. Magnolia x soulangiana 20-30’h oval to S 5-8 — large m Moist, well drained soil. Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’ 20-30’h rounded F 5-8 — — mmw Salt tolerant. Branches spiral and twist. saucer magnolia 20-30’w rounded white corkscrew willow 15-25’w Young branches are yellowish. purple Sapindus drummondii 20-30’h rounded M 6-9 yellow yellow mmw Tolerant of dry soils. Excellent urban tree. Malus spp 10-35’h oval to varies 2-8 — white m Well drained acid soil. Very adaptable to western soapberry 10-20’w gold white flowering crabapple 10-25’w rounded pink red soil types. Select cultivars: ‘Adams,’ Sophora affinis 25-30’h rounded M 7-9 — rosy pink mmw Moist soil. High heat tolerance. Black ‘Centzam,’ ‘Hargozam,’ ‘Jewelcole,’ eve’s necklace 10-20’w leathery pod like string of beads is ‘Mazam,’ ‘Prairiefire,’ ‘Professor poisonous. Sprenger,’ ‘Red Barron,’ ‘Snowdrift,’ Sorbus alnifolia 20-30’h pyramidal M/F 4-5 — white m Well drained soil; pH adaptable. No ‘Spring Snow,’ ‘Sutyzam’ and more. Korean mountain ash 20-30’w to oval polluted environments. Better lawn than Olneya tesota 20-30’h spreading S 9-10 — pink- m Evergreen. Thorny. Long-lived. Edible boulevard tree. Does not do well in desert ironwood 20-30’w purple seeds. Desert adaptable. southern heat. Pistacia texana 20’h irregular S 8-9 — dark red mmw Good drainage. Heat, salt, drought Staphylea trifolia 10-15’h oval to M/F 4-8 dull greenish mw Moist, well drained soil. Good for parks. Texas pistache 20’w tolerant; pH adaptable American bladdernut 10-15’w rounded yellow white Flowers are bell-shaped. Pithecellobium flexicaule 15-20’h spreading S 9-10 — cream- m Evergreen. Multi-stemmed. Very thorny. Styrax japonicus 20-30’h broad M 5-8 — white mmw Moist, acidic well drained soil. Leaves Texas ebony 15-20’w yellow Desert adaptable. Japanese snowbell 20-30’w rounded bells hold late. Prunus americana 15-25’h rounded F 3-8 — white m Very hardy tree thrives with neglect. Can Syringa reticulata 20-30’h pyramidal M 3-7 — creamy mmw Full sun for best flowers.L oose, well American plum 10-20’w form thickets. Fruit used for jams. Japanese tree lilac 15-25’w rounded white drained acidic soil. Prefers cool summers. Prunus mandshurica 15-25’h upright M 4-8 golden white to m Rich, well drained loam. Fruit producing Ugnadia speciosa 25’h rounded S 7-8 yellow pink ml Moist soils. Manchurian apricot 15-25’w rounded orange pink cultivars may not be hardy in the north. Mexican buckeye 25’w Hardy cultivars include: ‘Manchu,’ Sun- Viburnum lentago 15-30’h oval M 3-7 purple- white mmw Very adaptable to wide range of gold’ and ‘Moongold.’ nannyberry 15-30’w red conditions. Prunus cerasifera 15-20’h rounded M 4-8 — pinkish mmw Moist, well drained soil. Purple fruit in Viburnum rufidulum 15-30’h oval M 5-9 purple creamy m Well drained soil. High heat tolerance. purple leaf plum 15-20’w white summer. Reddish-purple leaves. rusty blackhaw 15-30’w red white Dark blue fruit. Prunus maackii 20-30’h oval to F 3-6 — white m Fertile, well drained soil. Easily develops Xanthoceras sorbifolium 18-24’h upright M 4-7 — white m Loamy soil. Tolerates high pH. Amur chokecherry 18-25’w rounded girdling roots. Beautiful amber-colored yellowhorn 10-15w birchlike bark. Prunus mexicana 20’h rounded M 6-8 — white mmw Soil adaptable. Edible purplish-red plum. Mexican plum 20’w Does not form thickets. CONIFERS Prunus nigra ‘Princess 10-20’h upright M 2-5 — double m Requires well drained soil. Not drought tol- Juniperus chinensis 12-20’h pyramidal S 4-8 — — m Tolerant of wide range of soils and pH and Kay’ 8-10’w white erant. Yellow-red fruit. Prominent lenticels Chinese juniper 15-25’w urban environment. Attracts birds. Select princess kay plum on dark bark. Susceptible to black knot. cultivars: ‘Iowa,’ ‘Mountbatten,’ ‘Spartan.’ Prunus ‘North Star’ & 10-15’h rounded M 4 gold white m Well drained soil. Red berry used for Juniperus osteosperma 25’h pyramidal VS 3-8 — — m Provides good screen. ‘Meteor’ 10-12’w yellow preserves and eaten by birds. Utah juniper 20’w sour cherry Pinus aristata 8-10’h spreading S 4-7 — — m Tolerates dry rocky sites and range of pH. Prunus virginiana 20-30’h oval M 3-8 — white m Tolerates low fertility and dry sites. Dark bristlecone pine 10-30’w Will not tolerate smoke polluted air. ‘Schubert’ 15-20’w red-purple leaves and fruit. Susceptible Pinus cembroides var. 15-20’h pyramidal S 5-9 — — m Tolerant of dry soil. Drought and heat Canada red chokecherry to insects and black knot. Hardy and remota 15-20’w resistant. attractive. remote pinon pine Pyrus calleryana ‘Autumn 25-30’h rounded M 3-8 orange/ white m Tolerant of wide range of pH. Urban and Pinus edulis 10-20’h rounded to S 6-8 — — m Tolderant of dry soil. Drought and heat Blaze’ 25-30’w red salt tolerant. pinyon pine 10-15’w pyramidal resistant. autumn blaze callery pear Pinus mugo 15-20’h rounded to S 3-7 — — mmw Deep moist loam. Tolerant of calcareous Quercus gambelii 20’h spreading S 3-8 — — m Low maintenance. mugo pine 25-30’w pyramidal soils. gambel oak 15’w Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’ 3-20’h broad S 3-7 — — mmw Well drained, moist, neutral sandy to Rhus lanceolata 25’h irregular M/F 6-9 reddish yellow m Soil adaptable. Heat and drought tolerant. hicks yew 10-25’w pyramidal acidic loam. prairie flameleaf sumac 25’w purple green Fruit red to black at maturity. Thuja occidentalis 10-25’h pyramidal S/M 3-7 — m pH tolerant. Check specific cultivars for arborvitae 10-25’w details.

12 | Plant A Better Future Plant A Better Future | 13 6. Mulch with woodchips to a depth 7. Water is very important to a newly of two to three inches on top of the planted tree. A slow, root-saturating planting circle. Keep the mulch four one-hour trickle once a week is a inches away from the trunk to keep good rule of thumb for a new tree. fungus from growing on the trunk. This provides the new roots with sufficient moisture without over- Mulch can be obtained from watering them. If it rains or is very Xcel Energy contract tree trimming dry, the watering schedule should crews working in your neighbor- be adjusted accordingly. hood. Keep in mind that our mulch is not landscaping quality; sticks and 8. Fertilize in the second year. Do not leaves are mixed in with the wood fertilize a new tree during the first chips, especially during the sum- year after planting, as fertilizer is

Ground level Root Collar mer months. Each load of mulch is a applied at the nursery. Your new minimum of 12 cubic yards (about tree can be damaged easily by too Proper six full-size pickup loads). If you see much fertilizer. a truck, ask the crew, and provide a Tree location for the truckload of mulch Root collar should be one to three inches above ground level. Planting to be delivered. Once you have selected the right trees for 3. Prepare the site. Dig a large saucer-shaped your site, follow these general steps to make hole two to three times wider than the root sure it will grow well. ball and no deeper than the height of the root ball or container. In the center, dig the 1. Call before you dig. Call your state’s one call hole deep enough to position the root ball agency (see page 5 for phone number) to with the root collar slightly above ground locate all underground utility lines in your level. Don’t dig the hole too deep. It is bet- yard before digging. Stay 24 inches away ter if the root collar is one to three inches from markings. higher than ground level because of possible 2. Decide how deep to plant the tree. The tree’s settling. Do not disturb the soil beneath the root collar (the bulge right above the root root ball, and do not place the root ball on system) should be above the top of the soil top of backfilled soil. once the tree has been backfilled. When 4. Place the tree carefully in the center of the a tree is containerized or balled and bur- hole after removing it from the container. For lapped at the nursery, dirt is sometimes balled and burlapped or bareroot trees, see heaped above the normal grade of the tree. pages 16 and 17. When the tree is planted it is important to expose the root collar by carefully removing 5. Back fill when the tree is positioned and this extra soil. Prune away any smaller roots straight. Back fill the hole with the soil that growing from the trunk down to where the was removed. As the back fill is added, lightly first large side roots occur (roots larger than push the soil around the roots or water the one-inch diameter). soil to eliminate air pockets. (Do not pack the soil after you water.) Back fill to the height just below the root collar.

14 | Plant A Better Future Plant A Better Future | 15 Special Planting Considerations Nurseries sell trees in three forms: balled and burlapped, containerized and bare-root. There are some special planting considerations for each type.

Balled and burlapped trees Ground level Balled and burlapped trees are generally Ground level larger trees dug from the ground at the Cuts 1 to 1-1/2” Deep nursery. The root ball is wrapped in burlap and encased in a wire or string basket. Score root bound trees using cuts one to • The basket and burlap should not be Balled and burlapped tree in hole. Keep root one-and-a-half inch-deep slits. Make an X Bare-root tree planted with root collar at or removed until the tree is positioned in the collar one to three inches above ground level. at the bottom of the root ball before planting. just above ground level. hole. This keeps the root ball intact and prevents the roots from drying out. Dry Containerized trees the new soil, away from the tree, • Soak in water for six to 12 hours roots are dead roots! Containerized trees usually come rather than encircling and pos- before planting. in plastic or paper pots, or wooden sible killing the tree as it matures. • Carefully loosen the top of the burlap. • Make sure the hole you dig is wide baskets. Remove soil to determine where the root • If the tree is too large or the root enough to spread out the roots collar is located—right above where the • Remember, the tree may be plant- ball is loose, place the tree and completely. Don’t wrap the roots large roots begin. Dig the hole so the root ed too deeply in the pot. Remove pot in the planting hole and adjust around in the hole. collar is one to three inches higher than the soil down to the root collar where for final position. Next, carefully • Since there is no root ball to hold ground line. the first large side roots begin. cut around the base of the pot. the tree straight, you will need to Plant the tree so that the root col- Then make a slice up one side of • Carefully place the tree in the hole and cut support it carefully while back fill- lar is at or just above ground level. the pot. Gently back fill and then away as much of the wire basket as you can remove the sides of the pot. Leave ing the hole. Back fill the hole half without disturbing the soil ball. • Determine if the tree roots hold the bottom of the pot in the hole. way and then water it to eliminate the soil together in the pot or if any air pockets under the roots • Remove all twine and rope from around the soil is loose. Bare-root trees before filling the hole completely. the ball. A bare root tree has no soil on the Don’t pack the soil after watering. • If the soil is packed and the roots roots. The roots must be carefully • Remove the nails holding the burlap together • Be sure to plant the tree so the are tightly wrapped together, the protected from drying out. Dry and gently fold the burlap back. root collar is at or just above tree is “root bound”. Carefully roots are dead roots! Cut away loose burlap without damaging root remove the tree from the pot. ground level. You may have to lay the tree on • Bare-root trees must be kept cool ball. Leave the remaining burlap and/or wire • Some bare-root species may have its side and press the pot to free and moist at all times. Small, hair- under the root ball. However, do not leave to be “sweated” to break dormancy, it from the soil ball. Before plant- like absorbing roots can dry out any burlap exposed above ground in more or they will not grow. Sweating re- ing, make a vertical slice up each quickly on a sunny or windy day. arid climates, as the burlap will wick moisture quires a dark, humid environment quarter of the root ball and cut an Leave these trees in their packing away from the roots as it dries. to help trees leaf out. Consult your X cut across the bottom of the soil materials and keep them moist, or nursery about whether your trees ball making cuts one to one-and-a- cover with moist mulch until you need this procedure. half inches deep. This will en- are ready to plant. courage the roots to grow out into

16 | Plant A Better Future Plant A Better Future | 17 A

Branch bark ridge Branch collar B

Pruning Natural

After-Planting Your The right cut is from point A to Directional point B. Avoid cutting into branch Care Tree bark ridge and branch collar. Pruning

Give your tree a drink of water once a week. Pruning is an important maintenance prac- Newly planted trees need regular watering. tice that will improve the health, structure Generally, a deep watering once a week is and aesthetics of the tree. When you plant, enough. You do not need to water if there prune all broken, dead or rubbing branches. has been sufficient rainfall. Balled & bur- For younger trees you may want to “raise lapped and containerized trees have all their the crown” by removing some of the lower roots confined to the root ball. Be sure to branches, especially to provide room to walk water the ball thoroughly as well as the sur- or mow under the tree. Only remove a few rounding area to encourage root movement branches each season. Don’t cut the tips into adjacent soil. Water the tree during dry Branches are removed in the A side trim is necessary when off the branches. Instead, make your cuts at periods for the first three years after plant- center of the tree to create a half of the tree is growing into the unions between two branches or at the “V”-Trim pruning “V” shape. Side Trim pruning power lines. ing, including wintertime. trunk of the tree. When we must trim trees away from power lines, the A side trim is done when only a side portion of the tree Don’t fertilize your new tree. same pruning principles are applied. The American is growing into the power lines. When a side trim is orrect pruning can help ensure the tree’s C National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved a prun- necessary, even pruning properly around power lines Newly planted trees are easily damaged by defense against decay, if the proper cut is ing standard for utility tree maintenance known as ANSI can leave trees with an unnatural appearance. In some fertilizer. Do not fertilize the first year after made. Take a look at the illustration to help A-300. This method is also referred to as “natural direc- cases, it may be better to remove the tree and start planting. If the trees are planted into fertile make the proper type of cut for smaller tional pruning”. Xcel Energy attempts to maintain trees over with a more compatible tree. Of course no tree soil, they may not require any fertilizer. branches. every three to five years to help prevent power outages. trimming or removal would be necessary if the right Stake your tree only if it’s unstable. Basic tree trimming steps: For many years running, Xcel Energy has been recog- tree is planted in the right place initially. Most newly planted trees do not need 1. Locate the branch bark ridge. nized by the National Arbor Day Foundation with the staking. Only those that are unstable (and Tree Line USA award for it’s tree maintenance program. evergreens in high wind areas) should be 2. Locate the branch collar. If the tree is planted directly under power lines, its staked. Secure the tree to the stakes using 3. Locate the A & B targets. branches will be trimmed in the center of the tree, soft materials, like fabric or rubber, that will creating a “V” shape. The entire branches are removed not damage the cambium (the layer right 4. If necessary, support the branch as you to help the tree grow away from the lines rather than under the bark) of the tree. Stakes should be cut, to keep the bark from ripping. directly into them. removed after the first year in order for the trunk to strengthen properly. 5. Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a pruning saw to cut from A to B.

Note: It is important not to cut into the branch collar, Safety Reminder because doing so creates a wound that can hamper the You should never attempt to trim trees around power lines yourself. Most of these lines are fully energized and extremely dangerous. You may trees ability to defend against decay. hire a qualified professional tree trimmer to do this work in some areas. Call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-4999 to request that your pole-to-house line (service wire/loop) be temporarily disconnected while your trees are professionally trimmed.

18 | Plant A Better Future Plant A Better Future | 19 Acknowledgements Thanks to the Tree Trust of St. Paul, Minnesota, for developing and printing the first edition of this text in 2001. Thanks also to the following experts for their advice and input on recommended trees. Those marked with asterisk (*) also reviewed the booklet printed to assure regional accuracy.

*Steven J. Day, Consulting Arborist, Day & Associates, Denver, Colorado

George Duda, New Mexico Urban Forester, New Mexico State Forestry Division

*Brian Scott, Urban Forestry, Texas Forest Service-Amarillo

Pete Smith, Partnership Coordinator, Texas Forest Service-Urban Forestry Program

*Keith Wood, Assistant Staff Forester, Commu- nity Forestry, Colorado State Forest Service

For additional copies of this guide, call us at 1-800-895-4999 or visit us online at xcelenergy.com.

20 | Plant A Better Future Home Solutions Center P.O. Box 8 Eau Claire, WI 54702-0008 1-800-895-4999 xcelenergy.com

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