What makes Altura Park unique is the graceful tree canopy over Aspen and Hannett, providing shade to those who stroll the avenues. But it’s not hard to see that the 70-year-old Siberian Elm trees are in decline. Many parks across Albuquerque that are of the same vintage of Altura have aging elms that are approaching the end of their lifespans. As urban trees have it, they have lived a good long life watching us walk under their leafy crowns with our kids and dogs; but have also suffered from lightning strikes, inadequate water, and excess heat. Because they were planted too close to the street or improperly trimmed in the past, they now struggle to survive. Looking up into the canopy, one can see large dead branches and several times a year a couple of those limbs come crashing down.

Over the past several years the City and APNA have been planning for the eventual replacement of our trees. A block of five stressed trees is now removed near the corner of Avenida Manana and Aspen, illustrated above. 

In February of 2023 a plan was approved by the City and the APNA board.  Below are the highlights;

1. As the existing trees die, replace them with a new hybrid elm.  They will be positioned approximately 10 feet from the curb directly behind the removed tree.

2. Install a bubbler irrigation system to feed the new elms, while maintaining the current spray system to water the existing trees and grass.  

4. Remove soil around the elm roots, and replace with a fine bark mulch to create a 10-15 foot wide walking path around the park perimeter.

5. Re-sod the trodden and bare areas.

6. Create a new "pollinator garden" at the park's eastern extremity, where Aspen and Hannett meet.