Growing Shade Longmont:

Boulder County’s Residential Urban Forestry Program

The PLAY Boulder Foundation Tree Trust, Boulder County, and the City of Longmont are proud to launch Growing Shade,a program focused on increasing tree canopy in local communities to help reduce extreme heat, improve air quality, and enhance climate resilience and public health.

Who it Serves

All disproportionately impacted areas in Longmont east of Main Street with less than 25% canopy will be eligible to participate in the Fall 2026 Growing Shade program.

Available tree species and sign-up link will be posted in late-August. Click the link below to sign-up for our newsletter to be notified when the form is live!

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Timeline

Launch Party: Saturday, August 15th, from 12pm - 2pm at Lanyon Park

Community Outreach: August 15th - October 3rd

Tree Pick-Up Event: Saturday, October 3rd from 9am - 12pm at Clark Centennial Park

Ongoing Tree Care Support

Up until 2028, residents will receive direct tree care reminders and resources, including: 

  • General watering tips and seasonal reminders 

  • When to install or remove tree wrap 

  • Extra care during droughts or extreme weather 

  • Ability to ask questions to the Tree Trust and chat with other participating residents 

Workshops will be offered on general and resident-requested  topics related to tree care. Residents may opt out of ongoing support communications at any time. 

The Tree Trust team will also perform tree wellness checks twice a year during this 3-year timeframe to get visual confirmation that the tree is doing okay. Our team will not be entering your property, so it will be helpful if your tree is planted in a location visible from the street, if possible.

Why This Work is Necessary

Growing Shade was launched to increase tree canopy on private properties, where the majority of planting opportunities exist. By empowering residents to plant and care for trees, the program supports community-driven climate solutions right where people live.

Mature trees provide benefits that are essential to health and climate resilience, including:

  • Shade and natural cooling

  • Reduced energy costs

  • Improved air and water quality

  • Healthier ecosystems and biodiversity

  • Carbon sequestration

  • Reduced stress and greater physical well-being

Urban and suburban areas are especially vulnerable to extreme heat due to the urban heat island effect. Built surfaces such as asphalt and concrete absorb and radiate heat, while areas with greater tree canopy remain significantly cooler. For example, a 2024 study by CAPA Strategies and the City of Boulder found that neighborhoods with major tree loss were up to 6°F hotter than those with dense canopy. Similarly, a 2024 Climate Central study showed that Denver streets with minimal vegetation were up to 9°F hotter than shaded blocks just two miles away. 

By prioritizing historically under-resourced neighborhoods and partnering with local organizations, Growing Shade ensures that the benefits of trees are equitably shared across our communities.