Boulder's Urban Forest Strategic Plan guides equitable tree-canopy expansion, prioritizing under-canopied neighborhoods for new plantings, emerald ash borer response, and climate-resilient species selection on public rights-of-way and open space.
Boulder Forestry, within Parks and Recreation, manages roughly 50,000 public trees and the Urban Forest Strategic Plan adopted to guide species diversity, climate adaptation, and canopy equity. The plan identifies neighborhoods with below-average canopy cover for priority planting, recognizing that historically lower-income and east-Boulder areas have less shade and higher heat-island exposure. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), confirmed in Boulder in 2013 — the first US infestation west of the Great Plains — drives ongoing ash removal and replacement with diverse species. Residents can request street trees through Boulder Forestry; private property trees remain owner responsibility but heritage specimens are protected under BRC Title 6.
Public trees managed by Boulder Forestry; residents are not penalized but unauthorized planting, pruning, or removal of street trees can trigger restitution and replacement orders.
See how Boulder's urban forest equity rules stack up against other locations.
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