The Best Trees to Plant in Denver
americanarbor March 21, 2022

Bosnian Pine

The Bosnian Pine is a low-maintenance evergreen that is great for separating homesites and creating wind barriers. They grow best in zones 4 to 8, and they produce lovely bluish-purple cones that eventually turn brown. These trees can handle harsh winters and all kinds of soil, so they’re very easy to maintain, and they slowly grow to heights up to 30 feet and widths of 10 feet or more. You’ll need to make sure your Bosnian Pines are watered regularly, especially during very warm periods.

Kentucky Coffeetree

This extremely drought-resistant tree,  can adapt to all kinds of soils and it’s considered both a shade tree and an ornamental tree. They grow in zones 3 through 8 and can reach heights up to 75 feet tall and widths of 50 feet at maturity. These lovely trees produce greenish-white flowers as well as seed pods that are 5 to 10 inches long. The Kentucky coffeetree gets its name since the seed pods look like coffee beans. These trees also come in a variety called “Espresso” which are podless.  Many years ago, the trees were used to build railway sleeper cars.  It also 

Magnolia

Magnolia trees produce beautiful, sweet-smelling flowers, and they can grow in zones 4 through 9. They need well-drained soil to grow properly, and it’s important to protect them against late, flower-killing frosts as well as harsh winds that can cause them to dry out. These lovely trees can grow to widths of up to 40 feet, and they can live over 100 years if they’re well-cared for.  They come in a variety of flower colors and shapes/sizes.  Plant in a protected location and be sure to winter water.   These trees refer acid-loving fertilizer, with morning sun and afternoon shade. 

Eastern Redbuds

The Eastern Redbud is truly magnificent in the spring when its small magenta buds become vibrant pink flowers. The leaves are heart-shaped, and the trees also produce pods that remain throughout the winter months. It’s a hardy tree that can survive at -30°F at elevations below 6,000 feet. They do need to be planted at the east of the front range locations. They grow best in zones 4 through 9 and can reach heights up to 30 feet tall. Plant them in eastern-facing areas so they can utilize the building by them as protection. Water them regularly and keep a thick layer of mulch around the base to promote constant moisture to the roots.

Colorado Blue Spruce

It’s no surprise that the Colorado Blue Spruce is one of the most popular evergreens. The tree’s silver-tinted blue-green needles are stiff and prickly and light brown cones can be found hanging from its branches. These trees can thrive in many different types of soil, and they’re fairly tolerant of floods and droughts. They can grow in zones two through seven and can reach heights up to 75 feet tall.

Serviceberry

This small tree has tiny clusters of flowers that bloom in the springtime, and produces berry-like fruit that birds love to eat. When fall arrives, the leaves explode into vibrant red and gold hues. Serviceberry trees grow best in zones four through eight, and prefer well-drained soil. Mature trees can grow up to 25 feet tall. This shrub / tree-form is a good plant for an under-canopy accent tree or near areas that tend to have good moisture. 

Autumn Brilliance

Also known as the Juneberry or Shadbush, the Autumn Brilliance is a variety of the above Serviceberry and is a native tree with a rich history. In fact, George Washington planted them on his property at Mount Vernon. They grow in zones three through nine, and need to be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil. In the early spring, these trees produce fragrant, white flowers and during the summer months, birds love to eat the berries that hang from their branches. Mature Autumn Brilliance trees can grow to 25 feet tall.

Tatarian Hotwings Maple

This small ornamental tree was discovered in Colorado, and they can grow up to 18 feet tall. They prefer moderate to dry soil, and can grow in zones four through ten. They produce unique scarlet-colored samaras (or helicopters) that stand out among the green leaves that grow on their branches.  These trees also stand out in the fall with beautiful seasonal colors. 

White Oak

White Oak trees are beautiful, large trees that can live for centuries. They can grow up to 80 feet tall in zones three through nine. These trees tolerate most soil types and can handle moderate droughts. They do not grow well in shallow or urban environments, since they produce a deep taproot. In autumn, these trees produce beautiful red and brown foliage before the leaves fall to the ground. The wood is used to build wine and whiskey barrels, and it was historically used to build the famous USS Constitution 

To learn more about what trees grow best in Denver, contact us at American Arbor Care.

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