Boulder’s urban tree canopy is at a tipping point. An urban tree canopy is the layer of leaves and branches of trees that provide shade and cover for the ground below. Ours has decreased between 2013 and 2020. Losses due to Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and other pests, severe weather events, and other causes have outpaced new planting and growth. We could lose up to 25% of our urban canopy to EAB in addition to losses from other pest species like the drippy blight currently attacking mature red oaks.
This first biennial State of the Urban Forest Report describes the progress made since the approval of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan and outlines priorities to ensure we continue working to achieve our vision of a resilient and sustainable urban forest.