Newly planted trees and shrubs in a Colorado Springs landscape

Tree Installation in Colorado Springs

Shade trees, evergreens, ornamentals, and native species — professionally selected for USDA Zone 5b and planted with proper soil amendment for long-term success at 6,000+ feet elevation.

The Right Trees Planted the Right Way at Altitude

Tree Installation scope is shaped by property conditions, access, preparation, materials, and the features included in the final plan.

CN Landscaping installs trees across Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Falcon, Black Forest, Larkspur, and Perry Park. We match species and planting details to elevation, sun, wind, mature size, soil, drainage, and the conditions visible at your property.

Whether you need a row of Colorado Blue Spruce for privacy screening along your north property line, a specimen Bur Oak to anchor a new landscape design, or a grouping of ornamental trees to complement a patio installation, we match the right species to the right location based on sun exposure, wind patterns, mature size, and soil conditions on your specific property.

How We Install Trees in Colorado Springs

Successful tree installation at altitude requires more than digging a hole. Colorado Springs' alkaline clay, low rainfall, and extreme temperature swings demand specific planting techniques that set each tree up for decades of healthy growth.

  • Species selection and site matching — We evaluate sun exposure, wind patterns, soil drainage, overhead utility lines, underground utilities, and mature tree size before recommending species. A tree that fits the space at planting should still fit the space in 30 years
  • Proper hole excavation — Holes are dug 2-3 times wider than the root ball but exactly as deep as the root flare. Sides are roughened to prevent glazing that repels roots in clay soil
  • Soil and backfill — Native soil, drainage, species, and root-ball conditions determine whether amendment is appropriate and how the planting hole is finished
  • Staking and protection — Two-stake systems with flexible strapping allow trunk movement while preventing blow-over during the first growing season. Stakes are removed after 12 months to encourage natural trunk strengthening
  • Deep watering and mulching — A 4-foot mulch ring at 3-4 inches deep (6 inches from trunk) retains moisture and regulates soil temperature. We install a deep watering schedule and show you exactly how to maintain it through the first two seasons

Tree Installation FAQ

The best time to plant trees in Colorado Springs is spring (mid-April through May) and fall (September through mid-October). Spring planting gives roots an entire growing season to establish before winter. Fall planting takes advantage of warm soil and cooler air, reducing transplant shock. Avoid planting in summer when heat stress at altitude is extreme, and avoid late fall when frozen ground prevents root development before winter.

We match species and nursery size to sun, wind, soil, available rooting space, irrigation, access, and the tree's mature relationship to structures and utilities.

Trees that grow best in Colorado Springs handle USDA Zone 5b winters, alkaline clay soil with pH 7.5-8.5, intense UV at altitude, and limited rainfall. Top performers include Bur Oak, Bristlecone Pine, Austrian Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Honeylocust, Hackberry, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Autumn Blaze Maple. Native species like Gambel Oak and Ponderosa Pine are particularly well-adapted. Avoid trees that require acidic soil or consistent moisture, such as most maples and birches.

Tree planting details are adjusted to the species, root ball, existing soil, drainage, utilities, and site exposure. Hole width and depth, backfill, amendment, staking, mulch, and watering are selected for the actual tree and soil rather than one universal recipe.

Ready to Plant Trees That Thrive?

Get a free estimate for professional tree installation. Serving Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Falcon, Black Forest, Larkspur, and Perry Park.