‘Be a Smart Ash’ initiative plants trees for free around Denver neighborhoods

Maddie Rhodes
·2 min read
2

DENVER (KDVR) – Denver Parks and Recreation is planting free trees around the city, all you have to do is qualify and apply for a tree near you.

The initiative is called Be a Smart Ash and its focus around creating an urban canopy that produces oxygen, reduces smog and cools the neighborhoods.

In short, if you qualify and apply for a tree, the city of Denver will plant a free tree in the public right-of-way in your yard.

The trees usually start as 1.5- to 2-inch caliper trees that stand about 8 feet tall. In past years, the city planted trees all around Denver and the trees are still standing taller than a person.

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Do you qualify for a tree?

The trees can’t be planted in individuals’ yards because the trees are a public amenity, so the qualification process is all about the room in the public right-of-way around your house.

These trees will go in the area displayed below:

Right-of-way layouts in Denver
Right-of-way layouts in Denver

To qualify for the tree, the right-of-way must be:

  • 30 feet from the outside edge of intersecting curbs

  • 35 feet from large shade trees

  • 25 feet from ornamental trees

  • 20 feet from street lights

  • 20 feet from stop signs

  • 10 feet from alleys, driveways and fire hydrants

  • 7 feet behind attached sidewalks

  • 5 feet from water meters and pits

  • Centered within tree lawns and planters

The city also looks at other requirements, such as the landlord’s permission if you’re renting a space.

If the space around your home qualifies, the process may take a few months, but it won’t take much work from the homeowner. You don’t even have to be home when the tree is planted.

Here’s the process

  1. Submit a request

  2. Within a couple of weeks, the city will process your request

  3. The city will mark your underground utilities

  4. An arborist will check out the site, mark where a tree can be planted and make a recommendation for the type of tree

  5. Your tree is delivered and planted

The department said it will be in touch during every step to let you know what’s happening.

As for which type of tree you’ll get, it depends on what’s in the plant nursery and what tree will thrive in your yard.

The trees usually range from hackberry, elm, Kentucky coffee, oak and catalpa.

If you’re looking to spruce up the area around your yard or help make Denver a little more green, the city is taking requests now.

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