Trees and shrubs are the enduring backbone of any beautiful outdoor space. They provide shade on sunny days, structure to our gardens even in winter, and a habitat for local wildlife. More than just green additions, these woody plants are long-term investments that shape the character of our properties for years, even decades, to come. Here in Colorado Springs, selecting the right trees and shrubs means choosing those that can flourish amidst our unique environmental conditions: the bright, high-altitude sun, the sometimes-challenging soils, and the notable swings in temperature. We want to walk you through the process of selecting resilient trees and shrubs that will not just survive but truly thrive, forming a magnificent and lasting Colorado Springs landscape. This will help you make informed choices, ensuring your larger plantings become cherished features of your home.
Understanding Our Unique Growing Environment for Woody Plants
Before we can pick the perfect tree or shrub out, it helps to have a good understanding of what makes growing things in Colorado Springs distinctive. Our local conditions present a specific set of opportunities and challenges for woody plants.
Our soils can often be alkaline and may lean towards clay or be quite sandy, depending on your specific location. This means plants need to be tolerant of these soil pH levels and textures. The high altitude translates to intense sunlight, including more UV radiation, which some sensitive plants might find stressful. Furthermore, our weather patterns can bring about rapid temperature fluctuations; a warm spring day can sometimes be followed by a surprise frost, or a mild autumn can suddenly turn cold. Plants need to be hardy enough to handle these shifts without too much trouble. We also experience periods of drying winds and variable moisture, making water-wise choices important even for larger plants once they are established. A knowledgeable landscaper Colorado Springs will always consider these local factors when recommending plants.
Key Qualities to Look For in Your Trees and Shrubs
When selecting trees and shrubs that will form the permanent structure of your garden, several key qualities should guide your choices. First and foremost, especially given our climate, is drought tolerance once the plant is well-established. While all new plantings need regular water to get their roots settled in, choosing species that can manage with less water later on will contribute to a more sustainable landscape.
Adaptability to our local soil conditions is also very important. Plants that prefer acidic soils will struggle in our typically alkaline conditions without significant and ongoing soil amendment. It’s usually better to choose species that naturally do well here. Resistance to common local pests and diseases will save you future headaches and reduce the need for interventions. Another critical factor is the plant’s mature size. We must think the ultimate height and spread of a tree or shrub through to ensure it fits the available space without overcrowding or causing problems for buildings or power lines later on. Finally, consider seasonal interest. Does the plant offer beautiful spring flowers, striking fall color, interesting bark, or an appealing winter form? These attributes add to the year-round beauty of your garden.
Recommended Trees for the Colorado Springs Region
Selecting the right trees can transform your property, providing shade, windbreaks, and stunning visual focal points.
Deciduous Trees: These trees lose their leaves in the fall, often after a spectacular display of color. For shade, consider varieties of Maple like the Tatarian Maple or certain cultivars of Norway Maple known for their hardiness. Some Oaks, such as Gamble Oak (a native) or specific cultivated Red Oaks, can also do very well, offering strength and longevity. Ornamental Pears, like the Chanticleer, are popular for their spring flowers and consistent shape, though we need to be careful with selection to avoid invasive types. Lindens are also appreciated for their pyramidal form and fragrant summer flowers. When you look these options over, consider how their mature size will fit your yard.
Evergreen Trees: Evergreens provide color and structure throughout the year, which is especially valuable in our winter landscape. For our area, certain Pines like the Ponderosa Pine (our state tree and a true native) or Austrian Pine are robust choices. Spruces, such as the Colorado Blue Spruce (another iconic native) or Meyer Spruce, offer beautiful form and color. Some Firs can also thrive here. These trees can act as excellent screens or windbreaks and truly set a winter Colorado Springs landscape apart.
Recommended Shrubs to Enhance Your Garden
Shrubs are the versatile mid-layer of the garden, offering flowers, foliage texture, and structure. They can be used for foundation plantings, creating hedges, or as standalone specimens.
Flowering Shrubs: Many beautiful flowering shrubs enjoy our sunny conditions. Potentilla is a workhorse, blooming for a very long period with cheerful yellow, orange, or pink flowers. Certain varieties of Lilac fill the spring air with fragrance. Spireas offer a range of bloom times and colors, and many are quite drought tolerant once established. Serviceberry is a wonderful native option, providing spring flowers, summer fruit for birds, and good fall color. We can help you find shrubs that will bloom at different times to extend the season of color.
Evergreen Shrubs: For year-round green, Junipers are an excellent, very hardy choice, coming in many forms from groundcovers to upright types. Mugo Pine is a compact evergreen perfect for rock gardens or smaller spaces. Some varieties of Boxwood can do well if sited properly to protect them from winter wind and sun, offering a formal touch.
Native Options: We often encourage using native trees and shrubs in your design. Plants like Waxflower, Rabbitbrush, Apache Plume, and various types of Sagebrush are naturally adapted to our climate and soils. They typically require less water and support local wildlife. Many Colorado Springs landscaping companies are increasingly promoting these well-suited native plants.
Planting and Early Care for Long-Term Success
Giving your new trees and shrubs the best possible start is vital for their long-term health and vigor. The best times to plant are generally in the spring or fall, avoiding the heat of mid-summer and the frozen ground of winter.
Proper planting technique is essential. We always advise digging a hole that is two to three times as wide as the plant’s root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. This allows the roots to spread out easily. Whether or not to amend the soil in the planting hole is a topic with different viewpoints; for many native plants, planting directly into the native soil is preferred to encourage roots to adapt. For other non-native ornamentals, some compost worked into the backfill soil can be beneficial. We will show you how to determine what’s best for each plant.
Watering new trees and shrubs thoroughly and regularly during their first year or two is critical for establishment. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Applying a layer of organic mulch, like wood chips or shredded bark, around the base of the plant (but not touching the trunk or stems) helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Long-Term Care for Mature Plants
Once established, many well-chosen trees and shrubs will require minimal care. However, some ongoing attention will keep them looking their best. Pruning at the right time and in the right way helps maintain the plant’s health, shape, and vigor. Light pruning can often be done by homeowners, but for larger trees or more complex pruning tasks, consulting a professional is a good idea.
Fertilization is not always necessary, especially if you have healthy soil and have chosen plants well-suited to it. If growth seems poor or leaves are discolored, a soil test can help determine if any nutrients are lacking. Some more sensitive or borderline hardy species might benefit from winter protection, such as wrapping younger trees or providing a windbreak, especially during their first few years.
Working with Landscape Professionals
Choosing and siting large trees and shrubs is a significant decision. Colorado Springs landscaping companies and knowledgeable nursery staff can provide invaluable assistance. They can help you select the best species and cultivars for your specific location, source healthy, high-quality plants, and even undertake the planting, which can be a substantial task for larger specimens. Their expertise ensures that your investment in these important plants pays off with healthy growth and lasting beauty. A good landscaper Colorado Springs will also be able to advise on long-term care.
Finishing Thoughts
Selecting the right trees and shrubs is a foundational step in creating a resilient, beautiful, and mature landscape in Colorado Springs. By understanding our local growing conditions, choosing adaptable and appropriate species, and providing good initial care, you can cultivate a collection of woody plants that will enhance your property’s appeal and ecological value for many, many years. These living structures will grow with you, offering shade, beauty, and a connection to the natural world right in your own yard. We trust these insights will help you as you plan and plant the green architecture of your outdoor space. Feel free to look through other articles on our blog for more ideas on developing your garden.
