Highlands Ranch has an expanding suburban forest with more than 14,500 trees living in our parks and along our roadways. We are proud to have been named a Tree City USA for 36 consecutive years by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree City USA program honors cities, communities and towns committed to planting and nurturing trees.

The Metro District supports a thriving suburban forest through a variety of practices including maintaining the health of existing trees, fighting tree-related diseases, tree and limb recycling, a Tree Planting Program and annual Arbor Day activities.

Homeowner incentive program

The Metro District is working to eradicate all Russian olive trees from Metro District owned and managed properties over the next few years. In conjunction with this ongoing removal program, we offer an incentive program for homeowners to remove any Russian olives from their own yards. Reducing the number of these invasive trees in our community is a collective effort. 

Russian olive trees were not originally planted with bad intentions – however, we now know how harmful they can be to our local ecosystems. In fact, they have been illegal to sell in Colorado for almost 20 years. Russian olive trees tax water reserves, can spread easily and can out-compete native species for nutrients and space.

Program details:

Homeowners are eligible to receive $150 towards the removal of Russian olive trees on their property. The incentive will be distributed per household, not per tree.

1. Homeowners first apply for the incentive program online: Application for Russian Olive Removal Homeowner Incentive Program 
2. After receiving an application, Metro District forestry staff will verify a Russian olive is on the property.
3. After verification, the removal is to be completed by the homeowner. 
4. Forestry staff will schedule a follow-up visit to confirm the Russian olive has been removed.
5. Upon confirmation, a $150 check will be mailed to the homeowner.

After receiving an application, Metro District forestry staff will walk through all of the steps of the program to make sure each property owner understands the requirements for eligibility and method of incentive distribution.

Questions? Please contact Forestry Supervisor Caleb Palmer at cpalmer@highlandsranch.org or 720-240-5915.

Trees recommended for our area

Are you looking to replace a tree in your yard or add a new tree to your landscape? This resource from the Colorado State University Extension might be helpful:

• Front Range Tree Recommendation List

Information and Tree Care Tips

• Emerald Ash Borer in Highlands Ranch FAQ
• Trees Enhance Curb Appeal
• Tree Watering Tips
• Adding Fruit Trees to Your Landscape
• Trees in the Landscape
• Winter Tree Care Tips
• Protecting Evergreens from Insect Attacks
• Saving Damaged Trees After Storms
• What to Consider When Adding Trees to Your Landscape

Additional Resources & Links

• Colorado State Forest Service
• National Arbor Day Foundation