Salida Tree Board Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I get a street tree at my home?

A: Fill out the adoption form or a paper form obtained at the Salida Regional Library or from Salida city hall. Forward the form to the Tree Board with the required information. A volunteer from the Board will inspect your site. If there is a suitable planting site, your name will be added to the list of adopters and a tree will be planted as funds become available.

Q: Are there reasons I might not receive a tree?

A: Yes, your site must be able to accommodate a tree. Proximity to corners, fire hydrants, water meter pits, driveways, and over head power lines all make sighting a tree difficult. Trees in your yard may also make it difficult to plant a street tree. Finally, there must be a city right of way at your location. Not all Salida neighborhoods have right of ways.

Q: Does the tree in front of my house belong to me or the city?

A: Street trees are the property of the city, however, it is a team effort. As a homeowner you are required to give the tree at your home basic care i.e. regular watering. The city is responsible for pruning and removal. You may remove, correctly prune, or replace your tree with permission from the city. See the codes on this website.

Q: Can I pick the type of tree to be planted in front of my home?

A: The Tree Board attempts to respect the wishes of home owners as to species. We encourage to browse through Salida Trees to get ideas. However, availability, correct sizing and other considerations will be the final determinate. The Tree Board has final authority as to species.

Q: Where can I get information on trees that will grow well in Salida?

A: Go to the pamphlet Salida Trees located on this site or pick up a hard copy at the Salida Regional Library, City Hall, the CSU Extension office at the fair grounds or the Colorado State Forrest Service.

Q: Are there some trees that may not be planted in the right of way?

A: Yes, all Evergreen trees, Aspens, Lombardy Poplars, Siberian Elms, Russian Olive and White Poplar are all trees that may not be planted in the parkway. In fact some of these species should not be planted at all within the city limits.

Q: Are there some trees that may not be planted in the city?

A: Yes, see the Tree Ordinances in the code section of this website.

Q: How much water does my new street tree need?

A: For the first THREE years, young trees need weekly water of about 15 to 20 gallons in summer. In WINTER your trees need monthly watering when the ground is not frozen. To check for frozen ground use a screw driver, if its blade can penetrate the ground so can water. If you fail to water your young tree in summer and WINTER it will not thrive. Filling the bowl within the tree ring several times works well. For the first year, try to keep water from flowing directly on the trunk. As the tree grows it will need to be watered at it’s drip line i.e. where the branches end.

Q: Do even large trees need to be watered?

A: Yes. Although requirements vary by species (see Salida Trees for additional information) almost all of our trees will require supplemental water. Trees send out their roots over quite a large area. Most of Salida’s mature street trees get their water when you water your lawn. If you reduce water to your lawn do so gradually and consider giving water directly to your trees. Mulch helps reduce watering needs.

Q: Why did the city cut down the tree at my house?

A: Many street trees in Salida were planted one hundred or more years ago. Some of these trees have outlived their normal lifespan. Such trees often described as overmature start to drop large branches. Some rot from the inside. Those trees that have been identified as potential hazards are slated for removal. If a tree is removed at your property, the Tree Board will be glad to get you on the list for a replacement. Fill out an adoption form found on this site or at the Salida Regional Library, or City Hall.

Q. Why hasn’t the city cut down the dead tree at my residence?

A: Trees are removed as funds and manpower become available. If you think you have a dead or hazardous street tree at your home call the Salida Public Works Department.

Q. If I get a street tree will it lift the side walk as many of the older trees have done?

A: The Tree Board attempts to pick trees that are less prone to this behavior. Tree roots, however, need oxygen, and if the soil is compacted, the roots must stay very close to the surface to be able to “breathe”.

Q. Who do you recommend to trim the trees in my yard?

A: The Tree Board cannot recommend a particular business. The City Clerk’s office maintains a list of Tree Services licensed to work within the city. See the pruning section of the Tree Pamphlet for pruning tips.