Find the perfect tree for your property with these tree-buying tips.

A great time to plant trees in Colorado is in the early fall, September 1 – October 15. This is the sweet spot, when the ground is still warm enough to dig holes and the newly planted trees will have time to start growing roots before cold temperatures arrive. The trees require less care during the dormant winter months, increasing the chances of survival. (If you can’t get to it right now, another great time to plant trees is in the spring, from March 15 to June 15.)

Before you go to the nursery to pick your new trees, it’s crucial to do a little homework and identify trees recommended for your yard. The Colorado State Forest Service and Colorado Tree Coalition have resources to help you narrow down the perfect new tree (or trees!) for your property. When developing your list of ideal trees, evaluate how much sun the chosen tree spot gets, and create a plan for watering regularly.

But you may feel overwhelmed in a nursery, standing among the trees available for purchase. How do you pick out a healthy, viable tree? Our urban and community foresters are here to help. Next time you go tree-shopping, follow this advice and feel confident in your choices.