Tree & Shrub Planting and Care in Colorado Springs, CO

Quick answer

Healthy trees and shrubs in Colorado Springs start with species suited to your elevation and water, correct planting depth, mulch kept off the trunk and steady establishment watering. Water during dry winter spells when the ground isn't frozen. In wildfire areas, keep woody plants out of the first five feet around the house.

Last updated October 22, 2026

Trees and shrubs carry a Colorado Springs landscape through drought, wind and winter, but few of the trees that shade the city grew here naturally outside the foothills and drainages. That makes plant choice, planting technique and watering especially important. Most problems with landscape trees and shrubs here trace back to the wrong species for the site, planting too deep, or drought stress, including dry winters.

Choose for the site

Hardiness: check your ZIP code on the USDA map; Monument, Black Forest and Woodland Park are colder than central and south Colorado Springs.
Water: pick trees and shrubs that can thrive on the water you can give them under your provider's rules.
Soil: on expansive clay, CSU Extension recommends keeping trees at least 15 feet from the foundation.
Wildfire: in the wildland-urban interface, keep shrubs and trees out of the first five feet around the house and space them farther out, following Colorado State Forest Service guidance.
Avoid noxious species: Colorado's Noxious Weed Act lists plants that must be controlled or eradicated, including Russian olive, tamarisk and myrtle spurge. Don't plant them, and ask about removal if you have them.

Planting it right

Set the root flare at or slightly above grade. Planting too deep is a leading cause of slow decline.
Dig wide, not deep. A hole two to three times as wide as the root ball lets roots spread.
Loosen or cut circling roots on container plants.
Mulch a few inches deep, kept away from the trunk. Near homes in wildfire areas, use rock instead of wood mulch close to the house.
Water through establishment, often more than one growing season in our dry climate.

Winter watering

Dry, windy winters with little snow cover are hard on evergreens and young trees. CSU Extension recommends watering trees and shrubs during extended dry periods in fall and winter, on days when temperatures are above freezing and the ground isn't frozen, early enough in the day for water to soak in. Hand watering and drip are allowed at any time under CSU's rules.

Pruning basics

Remove dead, damaged, crossing and rubbing branches first.
Prune spring-flowering shrubs such as lilac soon after they bloom.
Never top trees; it causes weak regrowth and decay.
After heavy, wet spring or fall snow, remove broken limbs with clean cuts and leave large damage to an arborist.

Pests and large trees

Drought-stressed pines and spruces are more vulnerable to bark beetles, and stressed shrubs to aphids, mites and scale. The El Paso County CSU Extension office and its Master Gardener help desk can help identify problems. Large tree pruning, removals and work near power lines are better suited to a tree service with proper equipment and insurance, ideally with an ISA Certified Arborist.

When you're ready, request a landscaping company for planting or shrub care in Colorado Springs.

Frequently asked questions

Should I water trees in winter in Colorado Springs?

During long dry spells, CSU Extension recommends watering trees and shrubs on days above freezing when the ground isn't frozen, early enough for water to soak in. Hand watering and drip are allowed at any time under CSU's rules.

Which plants should I avoid?

Don't plant species on Colorado's noxious weed lists, such as Russian olive, tamarisk and myrtle spurge. Some must be eradicated by law. CSU Extension can help identify plants.

How should I plant near my house in a wildfire area?

Colorado State Forest Service guidance treats the first five feet around the house as the most critical zone. Keep it lean and noncombustible, and space trees and shrubs farther out.

Sources and further reading

Request help now