You know that feeling when you're driving through Colorado Springs neighborhoods and you notice certain trees just don't look right anymore? Maybe they're dropping branches more often, looking stressed, or you've heard about your neighbor's ash tree suddenly dying. Well, you're not imagining things – and you're definitely not alone in noticing these changes.
As someone who's been watching our local trees evolve over the years, I can tell you that 2025 is shaping up to be a really important year for figuring out which trees might be a problem in our area. Between our crazy climate, sneaky invasive pests, and growing wildfire worries, some of our most common tree species are facing serious challenges that could affect both your property and your family's safety.
Let me walk you through what's happening with our local trees and which species you should be keeping a close eye on this year.
Here's the thing – we're seeing a perfect storm of factors coming together that's making tree risk assessment more important than ever. The area where our neighborhoods meet the wild around Colorado Springs is expanding, which means more homes are sitting right next to areas where wildfires can start and spread quickly.
What's really changed is how we're thinking about how we handle our trees. It's not just about keeping trees healthy anymore – it's about understanding which trees might become fire hazards or fail during our increasingly intense weather events. The Front Range Tree Recommendation List has been updated to reflect what's really going on, and some species that were perfectly fine a decade ago are now on the 'watch out' list.
Cities and utility companies are really focusing on how wildfire risk ties into urban tree planning. They're actively identifying tree species that pose a higher fire risk, especially in those spots where neighborhoods meet open space.
If you've got ash trees on your property, I'm really sorry to say this, but their days are probably numbered. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been wiping out ash trees across the Front Range, and experts are now saying to steer clear of all ash species.
This little green beetle might be tiny, but it's incredibly destructive. The larvae feed under the bark, choking off the tree's food supply. Once a tree is infested, it typically dies within 2-4 years. What's really scary for us and our homes is that infected trees can fail suddenly, dropping large branches or falling over entirely.
If you've got ash trees, you're looking at either expensive treatment programs or removal. There's really no middle ground here.
Colorado's climate has been throwing curveballs at our trees, and some species just can't keep up. It's like our trees are on a roller coaster! We're seeing more extreme temperature swings, longer drought periods, and unexpected late freezes that stress trees beyond their breaking point.
Trees that are already struggling with climate stress become more susceptible to pests, diseases, and are more likely to break apart. They're also more likely to become fire hazards because stressed trees have lower moisture content and more dead wood.
Some of the trees that were really popular in yards 20-30 years ago are now showing their age – and their weaknesses. Silver maples, certain types of Freeman maples, and some poplar species were chosen for their fast growth and attractive appearance, but now we're seeing their weak spots.
Based on the latest Front Range Tree Recommendation List and what I'm seeing out in the field, here are the trees you should be most concerned about:
Status: Not recommended – high emergency risk
Every single ash tree in Colorado Springs is vulnerable to EAB. Green ash, white ash, blue ash – doesn't matter which type you have. These trees are now considered a big emergency risk because they can fail without much warning once the borer takes hold.
If you're keeping an ash tree, you need professional treatment every year, and even then, you're fighting an uphill battle. Most experts recommend removal and replacement with a more resilient species.
Status: Not recommended – structural weakness
Silver maples are notorious for having weak branch attachments and brittle wood. They grow fast, which sounds great until you realize that fast growth often means weak wood structure. These trees are prone to dropping large branches during storms, and their shallow root systems make them more likely to topple in high winds.
I've seen too many silver maples cause property damage during our spring windstorms to feel comfortable recommending them anymore.
Status: Not recommended – disease susceptibility
Freeman maples were supposed to be the answer to silver maple problems, but many types are having big problems with diseases and falling apart. They really get hit hard by verticillium wilt, which can kill them relatively quickly.
Status: Not recommended – site limitations and toxicity
Black walnuts produce juglone, a chemical that's toxic to many other plants. This makes them not a great neighbor for other plants in city yards where you want a mix of plants. They also have specific site requirements that are hard to meet in most residential settings, leading to unhappy trees that are more likely to break.
Status: High maintenance and increasingly problematic
Many pretty crab apple trees, especially older varieties like Bechtel, really get sick easily with fire blight, apple scab, and other diseases. When these diseases take hold, they can make the tree weak and create dead wood that becomes a fire hazard.
Status: Moderate to high risk in urban settings
While cottonwoods are native and can be beautiful, they're not great city trees. They have aggressive root systems, drop large branches regularly, and their cotton-like seeds create maintenance issues. In areas where wildfire is a concern, their size and tendency to collect a lot of dead branches make them risky.
If you have any of the high-risk species I mentioned, your first step should be getting a pro to check them out. Don't wait until storm season or fire season to figure out if your trees are safe. A qualified arborist can check how strong the tree is, look for disease issues, and assess overall tree health.
For those urgent situations or just to get a good look, local companies like Tree Removal Colorado Springs can really help you figure out what's going on and what to do next.
Here's something most people don't think about: if you need to remove a large tree, you'll want to plant its replacement as soon as possible. Trees take years to mature, so the sooner you get a new one in the ground, the sooner you'll have the shade and benefits you're looking for.
Focus on species that are recommended for our area – things like native oaks, drought-tolerant maples, and conifers that do well here. The Front Range Tree Recommendation List is your best resource for this.
Even if your trees aren't on the high-risk list, you should be thinking about defensible space around your home. This means making sure there's enough space between trees, keeping dead wood cleaned up, and avoiding highly flammable species near structures.
The goal isn't to eliminate all trees – it's to create a yard that can survive wildfire and won't contribute to fire spread.
Learn to recognize the signs of tree stress and failure. Things like:
If you notice any of these signs, especially in high-risk species, don't wait to get professional help.
Solution: EAB damage often isn't visible until the tree is really sick. By the time you see obvious symptoms like canopy thinning or D-shaped exit holes, the tree is usually beyond saving and may be weakened inside. Get an assessment now, while you still have options.
Solution: Emergency tree removal after a failure is always more expensive than planned removal. Plus, you're risking property damage, injury, and you could be on the hook for damages. If a tree is identified as high-risk, it usually saves you money in the long run to deal with it now, before it becomes a bigger headache.
For professional tree removal services, you can find good, experienced folks who can help you plan and budget for necessary removals.
Solution: Take photos of the leaves, bark, and overall tree shape and ask a local arborist or extension office. Many tree service companies offer free identification as part of their assessment services. You can also use tree identification apps, though it's always best to get a pro's opinion, especially when safety is on the line.
Colorado Springs has certain rules about tree removal, especially for bigger trees. Before you remove any significant trees, check with the city about permit requirements. Some neighborhoods also have HOA restrictions on tree removal.
If you're in a wildfire hazard area, there may be additional rules or even help available for creating defensible space. The city's fire department can tell you what kind of plants you need to keep clear.
For trees near power lines, you'll need to talk to Colorado Springs Utilities. Never attempt to remove or trim trees near power lines yourself – this is always a job for professionals with proper training and equipment.
The good news is that we're getting smarter about how we grow trees in our city. New plantings are focusing on different kinds of trees, how well they handle our weather, and how much they resist fire. Instead of planting the same few species everywhere, we're learning to match trees to specific spots and conditions.
Native and adapted species are getting more attention, and for good reason. They generally handle our crazy weather better and require less water and maintenance once established.
If you're planning new tree plantings, consider species like:
Don't try to assess tree risk on your own if you're not trained for it. Tree failure can be deadly, and the signs aren't always obvious to untrained eyes. If you have any concerns about tree safety, especially with the high-risk species I've mentioned, get professional help.
Emergency tree services are available when you have immediate safety concerns, but it's always better to address problems before they become emergencies.
For routine assessments, tree trimming, pruning, or stump grinding after removal, calling in the pros makes sure everything's done right and safely.
Here's what I recommend you do this year: Start by identifying all the trees on your property, especially any ash trees or other high-risk species. Get professional assessments for anything you're concerned about. Develop a plan for addressing problems before they become emergencies.
Remember, taking care of your trees is a long-term investment in your property's safety and value. The decisions you make in 2025 about problem trees will affect how your yard looks and feels for decades to come.
Don't wait until storm season or fire season to think about tree risks. The time to act is now, while you have options and can plan carefully. Your future self (and your insurance company) will thank you for getting ahead of things about tree safety.
If you need a hand figuring out which trees are risky or have questions about specific trees, don't hesitate to call up some experienced local tree pros. They can help you sort through all the details of keeping your trees safe and healthy, and make a plan that looks out for your home and our city's beautiful trees.
