If youve spent time outside in southeast Colorado Springs during the summer, youve likely noticed one thing right away theres not much shade.That lack of shade isnt just uncomfortable, its part of a bigger issue the city is now trying to fix.Why the Southeast Feels HotterAccording to Matthew Puckett, City Forester for the City of Colorado Springs, the southeast side was identified as one of the areas that needs trees the most.We used data and metrics to secure this grant, Puckett said. And we identified that the southeast could benefit the most from trees. It was an under-shaded part of our city.This connects to whats known as theurban heat island effect, where areas with more pavement and fewer trees trap heat. Colorado College did a study in 2019, led by Professors Corina McKendry and Miroslav Kummel along with their students.In their findings, southeast Colorado Springs measured about six to eight degrees hotter than other parts of the city.Puckett added that while heat varies across Colorado Springs, certain parts of the southeast especially commercial areas do run hotter.The commercial side of the southeast is certainly a couple degrees hotter than, say, the west side, he said.Why Trees Make a DifferencePuckett says trees do more than just look nice they actively cool the environment.Its very measurable, said Puckett, Trees help with evaporation, they help with heat I mean, I wish I was underneath a tree right now.That cooling effect can make a big difference for people walking, working, or spending time outside.What It Feels Like for ResidentsFor Carlos Chaparro, a Southborough resident, the lack of trees is something he deals with every day.The sun is just right there kissing you, Chaparro said. It is just a bit ridiculous how there isnt enough trees to cover the area.Chaparro says the heat impacts even simple routineslike walking his dog.Shes a small dog, so she gets very tired very easily, said Chaparro. When she gets home, she just sleeps all day.He also pointed out that the issue goes beyond comfort.People who walk every single day, who do not have a car they feel the heat, Chaparro said. They feel just the agony of the sun.A $9 Million Effort to Add TreesTo help address the problem, the city launched a major tree-planting effort funded by a $9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Inflation Reduction Act.According to Puckett, the plan includes planting 12 thousand new trees and maintaining thousands more across the city, with a strong focus on the southeast.We already have well over 300 trees designated for planting areas in the southeast, said Puckett.How the Program Helps ResidentsOne of the biggest barriers to planting trees is cost.They can be anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on what nursery you go to, Puckett said. It is an investment.Through the citys program, residents in eligible areas can apply to have trees planted for them, sometimes with help maintaining them early on.There are programs where the city will water [the tree] for the first three years, said Puckett. Then the maintenance would be on the resident.After those first few years, trees are typically strong enough to survive with normal rainfall.Where Trees Get PlantedResidents can have a say in where trees go.They take a photo of where they would like their tree, Puckett explained. If it works for us, thats where were going to plant the tree.Still, the city focuses heavily on planting trees where they can have the biggest impact.Oftentimes, we see the most benefits shading sidewalks [and] asphalt, said Puckett.Community Voices Driving ChangeChaparro says he would absolutely take part in the program.Yes, 100%, he said. Those areas need trees.If he could choose one place, he already knows where hed start.I think it would have to be Jet Wing, Chaparro said, referring to a street near his neighborhood. If we just plant [trees] along the sidewalk it can give us shade.He also pointed to nearby parks.[Giberson Park] has like four or five trees, said Chaparro. If there was at least more trees, it would just be a bit better.How to Sign Up and DeadlinesResidents in southeast Colorado Springs can apply for a tree through the citys forestry program.According to Puckett, the process is simple.If you have a place that you want a tree and you live in that area thats pretty much it, he said.To apply, click here. Applications are open now through 2027, but timing matters.We dont encourage planting in June or July, Puckett said. Its just too much heat stress on the trees.That means spring and fall are the main planting seasons, and earlier applications are more likely to be included sooner.What Success Looks LikeFor the city, success isnt just about planting trees, its about long-term impact.At minimum, were doing a one-to-one tree replacement, Puckett said. But were trying to plant more trees than what weve taken out.The goal is to eventually expand the program beyond the southeast but for now, this area is the starting point._______Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching. ...read more read less