Habitat Trees

What is a “habitat tree?” Habitat tree- the retention of a tree that is planned for removal by mitigating hazards in a productive way for wildlife and mimicking the naturally occurring decay process that is found within old growth forests.  Can also be called:  wildlife tree, special use tree, veteran tree, snag, etc. 

The City of Littleton Forestry has partnered with CU Boulder to create a guiding document for habitat tree retention in urban spaces. Though prioritizing the preservation of healthy, pre-existing trees is the most beneficial environmental outcome for both humans and wildlife, this paper and field guide specifically focuses on ways that urban areas can lessen their contribution to native and migratory bird habitat loss, specifically by safely retaining parts of dead trees. Dead or dying trees can often be mitigated to pose no hazard to the public. Through doing so, part of the tree can be safely retained rather than ground removal. This aids in providing wildlife resources for a healthier basis for human-wildlife coexistence. 

Birds contribute many benefits to our society, such as: natural pest management, waste decomposition, pollination, seed dispersal, connection to nature, ecotourism, and environmental monitoring. Habitat destruction is on the rise as urbanization continues increasing in Colorado. Safely retaining decaying wood is one small way we can help provide habitat for our much-needed bird population. 

Download the field guide: Repurposing Hazard Trees for Bird Habitat(PDF, 1MB) (foldable brochure)

Read the paper: Repurposing Hazard for Habitat on the Colorado Front Range- A Guide to Promote Bird Activity in Urban Environments through Hazardous Tree Mitigation(PDF, 3MB)