Grow Greeley's Urban Forest

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White map of of the four council wards with light blue indicating less canopy cover and dark blue indicating more cover.

What is an Urban Forest?

An urban forest is made up of all the trees in a city, including yard trees, park trees, and trees growing along streets and rivers. To better understand an urban forest, we look at where trees are located and where they are lacking. Imagine flying over Greeley and getting a bird's-eye view of all the trees across the city.

Urban Forest Strategic Plan Project Overview

The City of Greeley is embarking on an exciting planning process to shape the future of its urban forest. Greeley's urban forest includes all the trees across the city, from yard and park trees to trees growing along the Poudre River.

The Urban Forest Strategic Plan will guide the growth, care, and sustainability of the trees in our city. Trees are important for our residents, enhancing air quality and providing shade and cooling.

The project will help create a long-term vision for maintaining and growing Greeley's urban forest. To create a long-term strategy, we must examine Greeley's canopy cover over a broad timeframe to understand our past and current urban forest conditions.

Why It Matters

Greeley is growing. This in-depth process will guide future efforts to provide a community forestry program that will enhance the quality of life for all residents. When we look at the infrastructure of our community, we can't overlook the critical benefits trees provide to help keep our city clean, safe, and beautiful. Our urban forest provides many essential benefits to the community, including:

  • Improved Air Quality: Trees absorb pollution and produce oxygen.
  • Energy Savings: Trees provide cooling shade in the summer and act as windbreaks in the winter. Strategically placed, trees reduce energy costs.
  • Stormwater Management: Trees help manage stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding.
  • Enhanced Livability: Green spaces improve mental health, increase property values, and foster a sense of community.

Greeley's urban forest requires proactive care to address challenges such as aging tree populations, pest and disease threats, and urban development impacts.

How You Can Get Involved

Your feedback ensures this plan meets our community's needs. This is a chance to have a say in the future of Greeley's trees and outdoor spaces, ensuring our canopy grows, is resilient, and benefits Greeley for years. By working together, we can ensure that Greeley's urban forest continues to thrive for generations. Your voice matters! Provide your feedback in the following ways:

  1. Survey: Fill out our short online survey to share your perspective.
  2. Community Meetings: Attend one of our upcoming meetings to discuss your vision for the urban forest.


What is an Urban Forest?

An urban forest is made up of all the trees in a city, including yard trees, park trees, and trees growing along streets and rivers. To better understand an urban forest, we look at where trees are located and where they are lacking. Imagine flying over Greeley and getting a bird's-eye view of all the trees across the city.

Urban Forest Strategic Plan Project Overview

The City of Greeley is embarking on an exciting planning process to shape the future of its urban forest. Greeley's urban forest includes all the trees across the city, from yard and park trees to trees growing along the Poudre River.

The Urban Forest Strategic Plan will guide the growth, care, and sustainability of the trees in our city. Trees are important for our residents, enhancing air quality and providing shade and cooling.

The project will help create a long-term vision for maintaining and growing Greeley's urban forest. To create a long-term strategy, we must examine Greeley's canopy cover over a broad timeframe to understand our past and current urban forest conditions.

Why It Matters

Greeley is growing. This in-depth process will guide future efforts to provide a community forestry program that will enhance the quality of life for all residents. When we look at the infrastructure of our community, we can't overlook the critical benefits trees provide to help keep our city clean, safe, and beautiful. Our urban forest provides many essential benefits to the community, including:

  • Improved Air Quality: Trees absorb pollution and produce oxygen.
  • Energy Savings: Trees provide cooling shade in the summer and act as windbreaks in the winter. Strategically placed, trees reduce energy costs.
  • Stormwater Management: Trees help manage stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding.
  • Enhanced Livability: Green spaces improve mental health, increase property values, and foster a sense of community.

Greeley's urban forest requires proactive care to address challenges such as aging tree populations, pest and disease threats, and urban development impacts.

How You Can Get Involved

Your feedback ensures this plan meets our community's needs. This is a chance to have a say in the future of Greeley's trees and outdoor spaces, ensuring our canopy grows, is resilient, and benefits Greeley for years. By working together, we can ensure that Greeley's urban forest continues to thrive for generations. Your voice matters! Provide your feedback in the following ways:

  1. Survey: Fill out our short online survey to share your perspective.
  2. Community Meetings: Attend one of our upcoming meetings to discuss your vision for the urban forest.


  • Community Meeting 1

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    The first community meeting for this plan was a great stepping stone to determine what residents think about trees and tree care in our city. Over 50 community members came to hear about the project and share their feedback on five large boards. This feedback will be valuable in shaping the plan.

    Here is what we have heard so far:

    What Residents Value Most

    • Cooling shade (24%)
    • Wildlife habitat (15%)
    • Property beautification (12%)
    • Health benefits (9%)

    Key Concerns

    • Sidewalk/street damage (24%)
    • Visibility issues (21%)
    • Water requirements (15%)
    • Utility damage (9%)

    Watering Practices

    • 89% of respondents water their trees
    • Most use in-ground irrigation (41%)
    • 14% practice winter watering

    Neighborhood Observations

    Residents noted issues with:

    • New development tree placement
    • Tree removal without replacement
    • Species selection concerns
    • Need for more trees along sidewalks
    • Educational outreach gaps

    Next steps: Staff will compile all feedback for the project team to review and determine next steps.

Page last updated: 05 Mar 2025, 09:45 AM