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P&R - Parks, Forestry and Open Space

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1. How should I care for Storm Damaged Trees?

Wait one growing season to fertilize and postpone routine pruning and other maintenance trimming for a few years for any injured tree. Fertilization of damaged trees should be avoided as it will cause additional stress on the already compromised systems of these trees. In general trees should be fertilized once a year in the spring and not in the middle of the summer. Trees go into a semi-dormancy period during the summer months due to the extreme heat. Fertilizing trees now, prior to the long dormancy period of winter, can cause new growth that will be further damaged as trees are not shutting down (or hardening off) as they should for a long winter’s nap. Remove damaged limbs as these are likely to fall or be blown out by later storms which could cause additional damage or injury to the tree and surrounding property . Loose or loosely attached branches or trunks that are split, torn or broken should be removed.
Many of the trees were wind thrown—beware that there could be root damage that might compromise the anchoring capacities of a tree.
Have a professional licensed tree care company as listed in the Parks and Recreation Department Trees and Gardens section of City’s web site do the work, especially if it is beyond your capabilities REMEMBER SAFETY FIRST!

2. What are the park and greenbelt hours?

Park hours are 5 a.m to 10 p.m. Greenbelt hours are Sunrise to Sunset. For complete park rules and regulations, see Parks.

3. How many picnic tables are available to use at the park pavilions/shelters?

Each shelter has three picnic tables available for seating 25 guests. Anderson Park Pavilion has enough seating for 100 guests and Prospect Park has enough for 150 guests. Forms and additional information are available at Park, Shelter and Pavilion Reservations.

4. How do I report an irrigation or maintenance problem in a park?

Contact the Parks Maintenance office at 303-205-7555.

5. Where can I dispose of leaves and tree debris?

Currently, the City of Wheat Ridge does not accept yard waste. Leaf and branch disposal would be through your trash disposal service and individuals would need check with their specific trash service’s particular requirements are as far as amounts they will accept per haul off and the specified cut lengths of the branches being disposed. Other options...

6. If I need to hire a contractor to work on my trees, are there any requirements I need to be aware of and do you recommend licensed arborists?

Yes, by City Ordinance, any person or company performing tree work for hire is required to possess an Arborist License. For more information as well as a list of tree care companies that meet the requirements set by the City, see Trees and Gardens. The Forestry Section suggests that consumers obtain several estimates, check references and insurance, and enter into a written contract before tree work begins.

7. I am concerned about the health of my tree or shrub. Who can assist me?

Contact the Jefferson County Plant Diagnostic Clinic at 15200 W. 6th Avenue, Unit C, Golden, CO 80401-6588, 303-271-6620, fax at 303-271-6644 or visit their website More...