In celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Day, we're challenging you to get out and check out some of our most TREEmendous trees in Wheat Ridge! We've compiled of list of 20 spectacular trees and provided the names, locations, and details about each.
Win A Tree!
As you make your way around to each tree, be sure to check them off the list! Then, complete our Tree Challenge Prize Entry Form for your chance to win a FREE tree! (your choice of a tree that could be planted in your yard or an indoor/houseplant tree) We'll be doing two separate drawings, one for kids, one for adults. So be sure to complete an entry form for each person!
Each tree on the list will be clearly marked on-site so you'll know you've found the right one!
City-owned trees in parks and right-of-ways:
1. Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
corner of W 41st Ave & Eaton St. (Mountain View side)
- Deciduous tree growing 40-60 ft. tall with a spread of 20-40 ft.
- Massive heart-shaped leaves with showy white flowers
- Extremely durable wood that is rot-resistant
- Has been know to be referred to as the cigar tree by its long hanging pods that hang on to the branches after their leaves fall
2. Upright European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata')
3021 Chase St.
- Dense deciduous tree growing to a mature height of 30 ft. with a 15 ft. spread
- Grows best in partial to full shade
- Highly tolerant of urban pollution and thrives in inner city environments
- Fruits attract birds without being a litter problem
3. English Oak (Quercus robur) - The Mayor's Tree
3019 Eaton St.
- Large deciduous tree growing up to 100 ft. tall with a spread of 75-100 ft.
- Very adaptable to drought conditions and high pH levels
- Acorns are a great source of food for squirrels and birds
4. The Tricolor Beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Roseomarginata')
Richards-Hart Estate W. 28th Ave. & Benton St.
- Dense deciduous tree with sharply oval form
- Grows to approximately 30 ft. tall with a spread of 20 ft.
- Incredible green, white and pink-variegated foliage
- Benefits from being planted in relatively sheltered locations with good moisture
5. The Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
Richards-Hart Estate W. 28th Ave. & Benton St.
- Planted in 1934 by Kevin Hart, a member of the Hart family who lived at this estate from 1926-1977
- Coniferous evergreen tree growing to mature size of 40-60 ft. tall and a spread of 15-20 ft. in parks as opposed to growing up to 75 ft. tall in the wild
- Native to the Rocky Mountains and can easily be spotted by its silver-blue-green needles
6. The American Linden (Tilia americana)
Richards-Hart Estate W. 29th Ave. & Benton St.
- Also referred to as a basswood or bee tree
- Grows to a mature height of 60-80 ft.
- Honey derived from flowers is regarded as the best in the world
- Known for various medicinal purposes
7. Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
4490 Teller St. (on W. 45th Ave.)
- Relatively low maintenance tree, great candidate for a street tree
- Gall common on leaves caused by psyllid insects
- Unique grey "warty" bark
- Mature height up to 60 ft. with spread up to 50 ft.
8. White Poplars (Populas alba)
2850 Quay St.
- Mature height and spread approximately 50-70 ft.
- Although beautiful, not recommended to plant due to its aggressive nature to spread
- Distinctive dark green leaves with white undersurface
- Smooth white bark featuring dark, diamond shaped markings
9. The RC Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
Wheat Ridge Rec Center 4005 Kipling St.
- Grows to a mature height of 70-100 ft. and a spread of 25 ft.
- Deciduous conifer once known to live among dinosaurs
- Full sun is ideal for growth
- Great winter cover for small birds
Trees located on private property:
list coming soon! awaiting permission from all property/home owners
Did you know?! Wheat Ridge has been a Tree City USA for more than 40 years!
What is Tree City USA?
The Tree City USA program has been greening up cities and towns across America since 1976. It is a nationwide movement that provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public trees.
A city achieves Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.