How Denver Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide
Denver maintains 158 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Denver falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Parkway Planting
Denver requires a permit from the city forester before anyone plants a tree in the public right-of-way, with planting, spacing, and species rules set by regulation.
Key details: Permit required: City forester permit before planting. Enforcing agency: City forester, Parks and Recreation. Plan review fee: Charged for sites over 10,000 sq ft. Governing law: DRMC § 57-19 and § 57-20(a).
Planting a right-of-way tree outside the forester's rules, or without a permit under § 57-20(a), is unlawful and enforceable through administrative citations under Chapter 2, Article XVII.
Protected Tree Species
Before residential demolition or construction, Denver requires a city forester permit to remove any 'established tree', six inches or wider in trunk diameter, standing in a required setback area.
Key details: Protected size threshold: 6-inch trunk diameter, 4.5 ft up. Applies during: residential demolition or construction only. Permit issuer: city forester. Violation remedy: replacement or full appraised-value payment.
Removing a protected established tree without a permit lets the city forester order replacement or payment of the tree's full appraised value, enforceable as a property lien under §§ 57-27–57-28.
Heritage & Protected Trees
Denver requires a city forester permit before removing established trees (6-inch-plus trunk diameter) in required setbacks during residential demolition or construction, and mandates fencing and root-zone protection throughout the project.
Key details: Trigger size: 6-inch trunk diameter or larger. Where it applies: Front and side street setbacks. Permit issued by: Denver city forester. Applies during: Residential demolition or construction. Violation remedy: Full appraised-value mitigation, possible stop-work.
Removing an established tree without a permit, or violating the fencing and root-protection requirements, triggers a stop-work order, mandatory replacement, and mitigation for the tree's full appraised value under §§ 57-25(b) and 57-27.
The Bottom Line
Denver'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 Denver is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Denver's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.