Habitat Trees

What defines a "habitat tree"? It's a tree initially marked for removal but is preserved to minimize wildlife hazards, mirroring natural decay found in ancient forests. It's known by various names such as wildlife tree, special use tree, veteran tree, snag, etc.

While preserving healthy existing trees is the best for the environment and wildlife, this guide focuses on ways urban areas can mitigate the loss of native and migratory bird habitats by safely conserving parts of dead trees. Dead or dying trees can often be made safe and retained, providing wildlife resources while posing no threat to the public. This effort aims to foster a healthier environment for coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Birds offer several societal benefits like natural pest control, waste breakdown, pollination, seed dispersal, fostering a connection to nature, promoting ecotourism, and environmental monitoring. Colorado's urbanization is leading to habitat destruction. Safely preserving decaying wood is a small but impactful step in maintaining vital habitat for our bird population.

The City of Littleton Forestry partnered with CU Boulder to create these guiding documents for habitat tree retention in the Front Range. 

Repurposing Hazard trees for bird habitat brochure

A Guide to Promote Bird Activity in Urban Environments through Hazardous Tree Mitigation