Giant Willow tree in Fort Collins - Ask Extension
Hi - I have a huge willow tree on my property (was told it is 100 years old) and was recently advised to remove it due to it's age. It is still alive,...
Knowledgebase
Giant Willow tree in Fort Collins #926676
Asked March 24, 2026, 4:26 PM EDT
Hi - I have a huge willow tree on my property (was told it is 100 years old) and was recently advised to remove it due to it's age. It is still alive, but there is some rotting in the trunk.
I know of another Fort Collins resident who had a large tree and the CSU extension would come out and measure it, and give general advice for its care.
I wanted to reach out to see if there is any assistance or interest in this tree, as we may have it removed this summer and I don't know if this is something that CSU is interested in for research or due to its history, etc. Thanks!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Adam,
CSU Extension doesn't measure trees, but the Colorado Tree Coalition can, if it's a potential contender for one of the largest. That said, if the tree needs to be removed, it wouldn't likely make the list.
Not knowing your exact species of willow, the largest weeping willows in the state measure 98" to 68" in diameter at chest height. Measure the circumference (all the way around) the tree about 4.5 feet from the ground and divide that number by Pi (3.14). That will give you the DBH. If your tree appears to be larger than 5 feet across (at DBH), then perhaps it's worth contacting the CTC: https://www.coloradotrees.org/contact
CSU Extension doesn't measure trees, but the Colorado Tree Coalition can, if it's a potential contender for one of the largest. That said, if the tree needs to be removed, it wouldn't likely make the list.
Not knowing your exact species of willow, the largest weeping willows in the state measure 98" to 68" in diameter at chest height. Measure the circumference (all the way around) the tree about 4.5 feet from the ground and divide that number by Pi (3.14). That will give you the DBH. If your tree appears to be larger than 5 feet across (at DBH), then perhaps it's worth contacting the CTC: https://www.coloradotrees.org/contact
