Salida’s urban forest

Trees absorb traffic sounds as well as carbon dioxide, provide cleaner air and water, foster healthier residents and promote higher property values. Energy use, storm water management, water use and wildlife habitat are all affected by community forest management.

Trees have not always been such an abundant part of Salida’s environment. Prior to the settlement of Salida, trees in this area were scarce, growing only along the banks of the Arkansas River and some main streams. Community forest efforts began in the 1880s with the establishment of Salida. As irrigation ditches were dug, trees were planted to provide shade. Other trees were planted to provide wind breaks.

As these original trees matured they modified wind patterns and soil temperatures so that more types of trees could be planted and grow. Thus was the beginning of Salida’s urban forest.

The Salida Tree Board was established 106 years after the settlement of Salida, as a steward for our urban forest planted on city property. Arbor Day was officially celebrated, an ordinance pertaining to city trees was passed, and Salida became a Tree City USA.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program counts more than 3,600 communities across the country as members.

Participation in this program helps to build a community’s urban forest. Salida has been a continual participant for the past 36 years.

Today there are some 34 species, totaling more than 2,800 trees, comprising the public portion of Salida’s urban forest (street right-of-ways, parks and other public grounds).

Many more trees are located within private properties, both commercial and residential.

The Salida Tree Board is a volunteer advisory board representing the City of Salida. This board works directly with the Salida Parks and Recreation Department, the Salida Public Works Department, as well as the Colorado State Forest Service and local ISA-certified arborists, to oversee management of the portion of Salida’s urban forest planted on city property, which includes trees in city parks and the city street trees.

Just as the City of Salida evolves, so too does our urban forest evolve.

Trees are living organisms with life cycles. Good management practices address identifying the species of trees that will thrive in our community; proper planting, maintenance and pruning of new trees; health assessment, maintenance and pruning of established trees; and end-of-life care and removal of diseased and dying trees.

The benefits of a diverse and healthy urban forest are endless. Salida’s trees represent a significant economic, social and environmental asset for our community. Their existence enhances our quality of life.

Please contact the Salida Tree Board to learn how you can help to grow Salida’s urban forest through our Adopt-A-Tree program. Visit Salidatreeboard.com or email info@cityofsalida.com.