This month, CTRC welcomed a special volunteer: Konstanze Fabian, a local tree expert and manager with Bartlett Tree Experts. Konstanze donated her time, expertise, and a variety of saplings to help us add new life to our property.

Planting for the Future

Konstanze and the CTRC team planted autumn blaze maples, seedless honey locusts, and bicolor swamp oaks—all hardy species chosen to thrive in Colorado’s challenging climate. Though the saplings are only one to two feet tall now, they are planted with care in a mix of amended soil, compost, and biochar to give them the best start possible.

“These trees will need one main ingredient to succeed: water, water, water,” Konstanze reminded us. With our full sun and frequent winds, keeping the root systems hydrated will be critical during their early years.

Benefits for Generations to Come

While the shade and beauty of the new trees will take time to develop, the long-term benefits will be significant. Carefully spaced, they will form natural windbreaks, privacy screens, and shade—enhancing both the environment and the comfort of horses, riders, and volunteers at CTRC.

“These trees will also support biodiversity,” Konstanze explained. “We don’t want monocultures. A mix of maples, honey locusts, and oaks ensures habitat for local birds, insects, and other wildlife.”

The honey locusts were even planted in CTRC’s sensory area, since this is one tree species that can safely coexist where horses have direct access.

Partnering with Bartlett Tree Experts

Konstanze volunteers her expertise through Bartlett Tree Experts, a scientific tree care company that has been family-owned since 1907. She manages the Littleton operation of Bartlett’s Rocky Mountain Division, which also has offices in Boulder and Fort Collins.

“Bartlett is built on science,” Konstanze shared. “We provide soil and plant diagnostics, nutrient management, and insect and disease treatments. While we don’t usually plant large trees, we’re always happy to plant small ones and give back to the community.”

Bartlett has already helped CTRC with existing trees, providing pruning, crown reduction, nutrient treatments, and injections to protect ash trees from invasive pests. Thanks to this care, the trees around our farmhouse are thriving.

Looking Ahead

The saplings planted this month will grow into a lasting gift for CTRC—offering beauty, shade, and ecological benefits for decades to come. We are deeply grateful to Konstanze and Bartlett Tree Experts for their donation and support.

To learn more about Bartlett Tree Experts, visit bartlett.com.