Carbondale has been recognized as a “Tree City” for three decades. The designation through the Arbor Day Foundation means a lot of things, including that Carbondalians care about the flora within town limits, which can require careful evaluation and planning.
In 1994, the Board of Trustees approved the formation of the Tree Board in response to a citizen movement for such an institution. According to longtime member Daniel Bullock, “The Tree Board advises on trees in the public right-of-way, parks, other public spaces and on development applications that require trees as set forth by the [Unified Development Code] and Town tree ordinance.” The group works in an advisory capacity to optimize tree planning and maintenance in Carbondale.
Though the vast majority of trees are introduced ornamental species rather than native ones, the Tree Board works closely with Town Arborist Carl Meinecke to balance planting species that do well in the arid environment and urban spaces. Planting trees helps “enhance our urban forest and enhance the enjoyment of our town,” Bullock told The Sopris Sun.
The Tree Board provides a number of services for Carbondale, including planting events each year, guiding tree-centric educational walkabouts, hosting info booths at First Fridays, advising developers and updating the Town’s tree inventory. Bullock hopes that in the next year, the Tree Board receives enough interest to schedule more tree walks and add more members to its board.
Meinecke emphasized that “Communication with many organizations [is] a must” when addressing tree health, such as the threat of the Emerald Ash Borer starting in 2023. He collaborates with the Colorado State Forest Service as well as other arborists and tree-care companies.
Bullock noted that individual citizens play a big role in tree stewardship, too. “Donations by individuals, groups and the memorial tree program have contributed to the planting of trees,” he explained. “The Kay Brunnier Fund has helped plant over 200 trees.”
Meinecke shared that countless details are considered when planting trees, particularly in town. It starts with location. Meinecke detailed that “A healthy environment for a tree [requires] good soil, adequate water, sunlight and space to grow below and above ground.” The latter is important when choosing a type of tree with an aim to make it thrive without disrupting surrounding infrastructure. “A common phrase used by arborists is ‘right tree in the right place,’” he quipped.
Meinecke recommends using tree wrap to protect saplings from sunscald and frost cracks given the widely variable weather in the Valley, and fencing to protect trees from foraging wildlife. Detailed tree planting guidelines and species recommendations are available on the Town’s website.
“It’s good to consider the benefits that our greater tree canopy provides us,” Meinecke continued. “A tree’s shade and the process of evapotranspiration help to cool our urban environment, as well as clean our air.” He can always use volunteer help with the Town’s tree inventory, updates to which help Meinecke with future planning. The Town’s current inventory, as well as those of other jurisdictions, can be viewed at www.cotreeview.com
Sometimes, the best action for the ecosystem is to cut down older trees. “Removing old trees is part of the life cycle for our urban forest to create new opportunities for future trees as well as reduce risk,” Meinecke explained. “An old urban tree may become a risk to its surroundings as it ages.”
Looking out for …
Next spring, Meinecke will plant some 30 trees in areas where ash trees were removed in response to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer. Most of the trees will be coming from the Colorado Tree Coalition. Some ash trees remain standing and Meinecke is prioritizing treatment of those trees, which he considers likely to be healthy enough to withstand the threat of the beetle. He will be speaking at the 31st Western Colorado Community Forestry Conference in Montrose next Wednesday, Oct. 30 about the Emerald Ash Borer in Carbondale.
Local boxelder trees are, likewise, in a precarious position. Other regional arborists have informed Meinecke of boxelders with verticillium wilt, a fungal disease that damages a tree’s vascular system. Symptoms include yellowing and browning of foliage, then death of branches and the possible eventual death of the tree.
Bullock is not just concerned about the here and now. “I feel it’s important for the citizens of Carbondale to understand that while the Tree Board is advising on immediate projects concerning trees in Carbondale, that the results of decisions concerning trees are long term — 30, 40, 50 years in the future,” he concluded.