~ Colorado Springs, CO - Trees are often seen as just a part of the scenery, but they play a much bigger role in our daily lives than most people realize. In a recent episode of the Behind the Springs podcast, City Forester Matt Puckett shed light on the importance of trees in shaping our community and the hard work that goes into caring for them.

With a passion for the outdoors since childhood, Matt's interest in forestry was sparked by the idea of getting paid to climb trees. Now, with over 15 years of experience, he leads the City's Forestry team and oversees the management of more than 130,000 public street trees and 20,000 park trees.

Contrary to popular belief, forests are not limited to mountains or wilderness areas. In fact, Colorado Springs has its own urban forest that requires constant care and attention. Matt and his team handle everything from pruning requests to treating diseases in order to maintain a healthy and thriving urban forest.

"The amount of benefits that trees bring to our City - it's astronomical," Matt shared. From improving air quality to increasing property values, trees have a significant impact on both environmental health and economic vitality. Studies have even shown a connection between tree canopy and lower crime rates, better mental health, and longer lifespans.

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The City of Colorado Springs has been recognized as a Tree City USA community for an impressive 49 years. "We outcompete everyone else," Matt proudly stated with a smile. As they approach their 50th celebration next year, plans are already underway for something big.

One of the latest efforts to expand the City's tree canopy is through the Grow Shade Together program. This grant-funded initiative focuses on neighborhoods in the southeast region with lower tree coverage and offers qualifying residents free trees to plant on their property.

When it comes to keeping trees healthy, Matt emphasized the importance of using organic mulch. "What mulch does is it helps retain the soil moisture and gives nutrients back into the soil," he explained. And if you ever come across a damaged or hazardous tree, you can report it on the GoCOS app. "Our citizens are the voice of our urban forest sometimes," Matt acknowledged.

Planting and caring for trees is not just about today, but also about thinking ahead for future generations. It may seem like a simple act, but it has a lasting impact on our community. For those interested in planting a tree, caring for one, or learning more about available programs, resources and applications can be found at ColoradoSprings.gov/forestry.

Trees may be a quiet part of our City's story, but thanks to the dedicated Forestry staff and engaged residents, that story continues to grow. So next time you take a walk through your neighborhood or enjoy the shade on a hot summer day, remember the important role that trees play in making our community a better place to live.

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