Cheyenne's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Cheyenne, Wyoming, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Removal Permits

Cheyenne Tree Code Title 12 Section 2.4 regulates trees in the public right-of-way and parks. Removal, planting, or major pruning of street trees requires city approval through the Urban Forestry program.

Key details: Code section: Title 12 Section 2.4. Scope: Public right-of-way. Approval: Urban Forestry. Climate match: High Plains hardy.

Unauthorized removal or topping of public trees can result in restitution costs based on appraised tree value, replacement-planting requirements, and code citations under Title 12 Section 2.4.

Parkway Planting

Cheyenne Urban Forestry maintains an approved species list for parkway and street tree planting. Selections favor wind-tolerant, drought-resistant, salt-tolerant trees suited to High Plains soils and severe winters.

Key details: Elevation: About 6,062 ft. Zone: USDA 5a/5b. Approved species: Bur oak, hackberry. Code: Title 12 Section 2.4.

Planting non-approved species or planting in conflict with utility, sight-distance, or spacing rules can result in required removal at the owner's expense and a refusal of city maintenance support.

The rules around parkway planting in Cheyenne lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Cheyenne's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cheyenne is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Cheyenne can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.