The City of Loveland is inviting residents to take an active role in restoring and enhancing Loveland’s tree canopy through its new Growing Loveland program. This initiative encourages property owners to identify City easements adjacent to their property—typically the area between the sidewalk and street—that could benefit from new trees.
Through Growing Loveland, residents can apply to have trees planted in these public easement areas. Once an application is submitted, and to ensure the best long-term outcome, forestry staff will help select the most suitable tree species based on the City’s recommended tree list, prioritizing diversity, long-term growth success, tree availability, and site conditions.
Tree planting locations must be part of the City’s public right-of-way. Trees will be planted during the spring and fall planting season and the City is looking for areas that are at least four feet wide to accommodate growth.
Loveland currently boasts approximately 25,000 trees, with an estimated 65% located in public rights-of-way. Traditionally, City forestry staff identify planting locations and species for the annual planting of 100 to 150 trees. Growing Loveland shifts that approach by inviting residents to help pinpoint areas in need—without any additional cost to the City.
“This program is a great way for residents to help us spot opportunities for canopy restoration,” said City Forester Jeff Caputo. “It also supports our efforts to replace trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer beetle and maintain a healthy, resilient urban forest.”
Residents must be the legal property owner of the area adjacent to the public right-of-way and trees will be selected from the City’s recommended tree list based on the location, taking into consideration the best chance of success and added diversity of tree types. The City will plant the tree and applicants are asked to water and maintain it.
There are also other considerations outlined in the application. Residents interested in participating can review the complete list of program eligibility requirements and limitations, and submit an application online at https://go.lovgov.org/Growing-Loveland.
For more information, call our Forestry team at 970-962-3625.
“Growing Loveland is part of the City’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and urban forestry health. By working together, we can ensure Loveland’s tree canopy continues to thrive for generations to come,” said Caputo.
Project Funding
The Growing Loveland program redirects existing funding and resources from the City’s annual forestry efforts. The forestry program is funded as part of the Parks and Recreation Department under the General Fund.
