Littleton's Iconic Cottonwood Tree Freed After 21 Years

The fence surrounding the 200-year-old plains cottonwood in Ketring Park has been removed, allowing the public to once again enjoy the tree's benefits up close.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a single, iconic cottonwood tree trunk repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the resilience and beauty of this historic natural landmark.The iconic cottonwood tree in Littleton's Ketring Park, now accessible to the public after the removal of a 21-year-old protective fence.Littleton Today

After a heavy snowstorm in 2005 caused damage to a 200-year-old plains cottonwood tree in Littleton's Ketring Park, the city built a fence around the tree to keep the public safe. Now, 21 years later, a risk assessment has determined the tree poses a low risk, and the fence has been removed, allowing residents to once again gather and enjoy the tree's benefits.

Why it matters

The preservation of this historic cottonwood tree, which predates the city of Littleton itself, represents the city's commitment to protecting important natural resources and recognizing the many benefits that mature trees provide to the community, from supporting wildlife to improving public health.

The details

In 2005, after one of the tree's five trunks snapped under the weight of heavy snow, the city initially considered removing the tree altogether. However, the surrounding neighborhood advocated to save the tree, leading the city to install a fence and plant three new trees around it. Over the past 21 years, the tree has shown remarkable resilience, growing new 'wound wood' to cover the injury and remaining in good health. A recent risk assessment determined the tree no longer needs the protective fence, allowing the public to once again enjoy its presence.

  • In early October 2005, a heavy snowstorm hit Littleton, causing damage to the cottonwood tree.
  • In 2005, the city hired arborist Mark James to assess the tree and recommend ways to make it safer.
  • In 2026, the City of Littleton and South Suburban Parks and Recreation District determined the tree posed a low risk and removed the fence.

The players

Mark James

An arborist hired by the City of Littleton in 2005 to assess the cottonwood tree and recommend ways to make it safer.

Mary Danser

The City of Littleton's forester, who evaluated the tree again in 2026 and determined the fence was no longer necessary.

Ketring Park

The public park in Littleton, Colorado where the iconic 200-year-old cottonwood tree is located.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Here we are, 21 years later, the tree is looking beautiful. It's in really good health. It's one of the healthiest, best trees in the entire park.”

— Mark James, Arborist

“We have a really unique opportunity that we've gotten to see the tree respond for 21 years. A lot of times, tree removal is the outcome for (branch failure). The risk is eliminated because the tree is eliminated.”

— Mary Danser, City Forester

“Trees are not static creatures. So to be able to see how it's responded to its shortcomings, like a branch failing, as well as its environmental conditions — it's a really beautiful example of the strength and adaptivity of trees.”

— Mary Danser, City Forester

What’s next

The City of Littleton and South Suburban Parks and Recreation District will continue to regularly evaluate the cottonwood tree and the cables that help stabilize it to ensure it remains safe for the public.

The takeaway

The preservation of Littleton's iconic 200-year-old cottonwood tree, despite initial concerns about its safety, demonstrates the city's commitment to protecting important natural resources and recognizing the immense value that mature trees provide to the community in terms of environmental, ecological, and public health benefits.