Arbor Day Traditions in The Springs
Here in Colorado Springs, Arbor Day is considered a major holiday. For the 47th year in a row, Colorado Springs is thrilled to continue the streak of being named Tree City USA. This year’s Arbor Day celebration consisted of a tree planting ceremony in the park.
On Arbor Day, the city of Colorado Springs took steps to enhance its urban greenery by adding 16 crabapple trees to John Venezia Park.
Thank you to KXRM Colorado Springs and Yahoo!Life for highlighting this inspiring story in our local community.
Crabapple Trees
How did our city decide that crabapple trees would be the right choice for the Arbor Day planting ceremony? There’s more to it than you might think.
Crabapple trees, known for their striking spring blossoms and hardy nature, are a popular choice for Arbor Day plantings.
These deciduous trees belong to the genus Malus and are valued for their ornamental beauty and relatively small size, which makes them suitable for a variety of landscapes, including residential areas and public parks.
Adaptability to the Local Climate: Colorado Springs experiences a semi-arid climate with significant temperature fluctuations, and crab apple trees are able to withstand these conditions. They are drought-tolerant once established and can endure the cold winters.
Contribution to the Ecological Diversity of the Area: Crabapple trees provide an essential source of nectar and pollen for pollinators such as bees during their blooming period.
The fruit of the crab apple, though not always palatable to humans, serves as a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife, supporting local biodiversity.
Aesthetic Appeal: Their vibrant spring flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and red, enhancing the visual appeal of the cityscape. In the fall, the leaves of many crab apple varieties change color, offering a display of autumnal hues that enrich the seasonal landscape.
Crabapple trees not only beautify the environment but also support local wildlife and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable urban planting practices.
There Are Many Reasons Why Crabapple Trees Are a Desired Tree for Planting
Arbor Day Celebration at John Venezia Park
At the event, Mayor Yemi Mobolade kicked off the celebration, recognizing the city’s commitment to its green spaces. Colorado Springs and its utility company received honors in the form of Tree City USA and Tree Line USA awards, courtesy of the Colorado State Forest Service.
Dennis Will, the city forester, underscored the importance of trees to the environment and residents alike. Trees not only contribute to clean air and provide cooling shade but also enhance the locale’s beauty.
This commitment to tree planting is in line with the original design laid out by the city’s founder, William Jackson Palmer, ensuring a lush future ahead.
The city’s forestry team will be busy planting around 50 trees in various parks and road medians citywide. These plantings contribute to a robust urban forest that supports community well-being and environmental health.
In Southern Colorado, tree care equals legacy care, and every newly planted tree is a nod to past visions and future aspirations. Get out and see how your city is growing more lovely with each planting!
Common Questions About Arbor Day in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Arbor Day Events
Colorado Springs observes Arbor Day with special events, such as tree planting ceremonies. In 2024, you can expect to see the community come together to honor the importance of trees in our city.
Dates to Remember for Arbor Day
In Colorado Springs, Arbor Day takes place in April. The specific date may vary, but the city often aligns its celebrations with National Arbor Day, which is typically the last Friday in April. This year, Arbor Day is April 26th.
Arbor Day Activities for Families
Arbor Day in Colorado Springs is a family affair with a range of activities. You can join tree planting events, educational talks, and enjoy interactive games that teach the value of urban forestry.
Arbor Day Tree Planting in 2024
Yes, there are tree planting events planned for Arbor Day 2024 in Colorado Springs. Keep an eye out for local announcements on where you can help plant trees and enhance the green spaces in our city.
Origins of Arbor Day in Our City
Colorado Springs has a long-standing tradition of celebrating Arbor Day that dates back several decades. The city takes pride in its rich history of tree appreciation and conservation efforts.
Arbor Day is a Great Opportunity to Spend Time Outside in Our Beautiful Community
Get Involved with Arbor Day
In the spirit of Arbor Day, you too can get involved in tree planting! Residents of Colorado Springs can take part in Arbor Day by planting trees at home, attending city-organized events, volunteering for green initiatives, or learning more about local conservation efforts.
The following tree services are a great way to improve your landscape in support of Arbor Day:
Tree Planting
What better way to celebrate Arbor Day than to plant your own tree? Choosing the right tree for your yard can be easy with the help of professionals that are local to Colorado Springs.
Tree Trimming and Pruning
Maybe you’re not quite ready to add a brand new tree to your space– tree trimming and pruning is a great way to improve the overall health and appearance of existing trees. In order to preserve the overall health of your trees, be sure to only cut during certain months and prune at a 45 degree angle. This is essential to protect the health of your trees!
Stump Grinding
Ugly tree stumps not only affect the overall look of your yard, but can be an annoying tripping hazard. Stump grinding can help eliminate the stumps that take away from the beauty of your landscape.
Tree Removal
While new trees can significantly improve the looks of your landscape, old and dead trees can do the opposite. Remove dead or damaged trees to free space for new landscaping projects and reduce safety hazards.
