2026 Impact Highlight
Statewide
Building Woody Plant Identification Skills for Diverse, Resilient Colorado Landscapes
Urban and community landscapes in Colorado are vulnerable to pests, diseases, and climate stress when dominated by a narrow range of tree and shrub species. Many landscape professionals, municipal staff, and land managers lack confidence in identifying woody plants. This gap contributes to poor plant selection, overreliance on a few species, and long-term management challenges. Strengthening woody plant identification skills is critical to diversifying plant palettes, improving plant health, and supporting resilient urban forests statewide.
Colorado State University Extension delivered an in-person woody plant identification program at the 2026 ProGreen Expo focused on deciduous and evergreen trees commonly used in Colorado landscapes. Presenters emphasized practical identification using leaves, buds, twigs, bark, and winter characteristics, alongside plant culture, site adaptability, and appropriate landscape use.
The program incorporated Colorado-specific recommendations and visual examples to support applied learning. Participants engaged in hands-on learning using tables of plant samples, with structured pauses throughout the program to examine and compare specimens directly.
Post-program evaluation results showed strong and measurable gains in knowledge and intended practice change among participants. For knowledge of the culture and use of woody plants, 63% of respondents reported significant increases, while 37% reported learning one or two new concepts. Knowledge gains in woody plant identification were higher, with 67% reporting significant increases and 33% reporting moderate gains.
The program also influenced intended professional behavior. About 74% of respondents indicated they intend to advocate for a more diverse palette of woody plants, while 26% reported they may do so. Additionally, 68% of participants reported plans to change or improve how they manage woody plants, with 32% indicating potential future changes. Participants self-reported increased confidence in winter identification techniques, distinguishing between similar species, and selecting appropriate trees and cultivars for Colorado conditions.
The program reached a geographically diverse audience, with participants representing at least 14 counties across Colorado, including Denver, Boulder, Jefferson, Douglas, Larimer, Arapahoe, Weld, El Paso, Summit, Eagle, Garfield, Park, and Mesa, as well as participants from outside the state.
Improved woody plant identification and selection supports healthier, more diverse urban forests that are better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stressors.
Encouraging species diversity and informed management helps reduce long-term maintenance costs, protect landscape investments, and enhance ecosystem services such as shade, air quality, and habitat. Benefits extend to communities across Colorado through more resilient and sustainable landscapes.