Here are some links to helpful documents about the best trees to plant in Paonia. Our soils, invasive pests, climate, and other factors make some trees good bets and others certain losers. Every expert has their own list of favorite trees.These lists can change as conditions change, such as climate or the introduction of new varieties, pests, or diseases. We are working on updated lists that reflect current conditions.
Cedaredge recommended tree list- Current and vetted by CSU. By Jim Leser, retired extension service researcher.
https://www.cedaredgecolorado.com/DocumentCenter/View/45/Suggested-Tree-Planting-List-PDF
Here are two links from Town of Paonia: (These are old lists. We suggest you cross-check these for accuracy. We are working on new lists that reflect current conditions.)
Paonia approved trees for town right-of-ways
Prohibited trees – Paonia right-of-ways
Colorado Forestry Service has many publications that suggest good trees to plant. Good things to keep in mind are that ash borer is on the way so don’t plant a green ash and many people’s favorite, the quaking aspen, is not a good bet here particularly as temperatures drift upward.
Low Water Native Plants for the Western Slope. Colorado native Plant Society
Good lists toward the end of this document: Tree and Shrub Guide as well as a section toward the front about selecting a high quality tree at a nursery