Why Longmont Has Some of the Strictest Tree Protection in the State

If you live in Longmont or are thinking about moving there, tree protection are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Longmont has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of tree protection, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree Removal Permits

A Forestry Services permit is required to remove any City-maintained tree or any tree in the public right-of-way. Permits are submitted online and processed within ~5 business days. Healthy, high-value trees fall under LMC 13.24.110 with mandatory appraisal and mitigation. Removal must be performed by a Longmont-licensed Tree Contractor (LMC 6.88) and include stump grinding.

Key details: Permit Authority: Longmont Forestry Services. Code Sections: LMC 13.24 + 13.24.110 + 6.88. Review Time: ~5 business days. Stump Grinding: Mandatory. Private Property: No permit unless ROW or hazard.

Unpermitted removal of a city or ROW tree is enforced through LMC 13.24.110: the City Forester appraises the lost tree value and charges mitigation. Use of an unlicensed contractor violates LMC 6.88 (against the contractor). EAB-infested or hazardous private trees that are not addressed after a pre-code-enforcement letter can lead to nuisance abatement and city-billed removal.

Compared to other cities, Longmont takes a harder line on tree removal permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Replacement Requirements

When a healthy high-value City or ROW tree is removed, LMC 13.24.110 requires mitigation equal to the appraised value (ISA trunk-formula method) either as in-kind replacement trees or payment in lieu. Replacement trees in the ROW must be from the City's recommended species list, minimum 1.5-inch caliper, 15-gallon size, with two years of homeowner watering committed.

Key details: Mitigation Standard: Equivalent appraised value (ISA method). Minimum Caliper: 1.5 inches. Minimum Container: 15 gallons. Watering Commitment: 15 gal/week per tree for 2 years. Species List: Longmont Recommended Species List.

Failure to install required replacement trees, or installing species not on the approved list or below minimum caliper/size, can void the Forestry permit and trigger re-installation at the owner's cost. Failure to provide 15 gallons/week of water for two years can shift replacement liability back to the owner if the new tree dies.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Longmont actively enforces its tree replacement requirements requirements.

Tree Ordinances

Longmont's tree code lives in LMC Title 13 (Streets, Sidewalks, Public Places) Chapter 13.24 'Trees and Plants' and LMC Title 6 Chapter 6.88 'Tree Contractor License.' Together they govern responsibility (13.24.020), protection of high-value trees (13.24.110), abatement of dead/hazardous trees (13.24.160), and require contractor licensing for all aloft work. Longmont Forestry Services administers the program.

Key details: Primary Chapter: LMC 13.24 (Trees and Plants). Contractor Licensing: LMC 6.88 (Tree Contractor License). Owner Duty: LMC 13.24.020 — to center of alley. Protection Section: LMC 13.24.110 (appraisal + mitigation). Abatement Section: LMC 13.24.160.

Common citations: (1) unlicensed tree work — contractor charged under LMC 6.88; (2) unpermitted work on a city/ROW tree — owner or contractor liable for appraised-value mitigation under LMC 13.24.110; (3) failure to maintain or remove a dead/hazardous tree after Code Enforcement notice — abatement under LMC 13.24.160 at owner's cost. Penalties scale up for repeat violations.

This is one of the stricter rules in Longmont's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Longmont does not use the term 'heritage tree.' Instead, LMC 13.24.110 (Tree Protection) protects 'healthy, high-value' trees on City property and in the public right-of-way. The City Forester appraises any healthy high-value tree slated for removal and requires equivalent mitigation. Longmont is a designated Tree City USA member.

Key details: Code Section: LMC 13.24.110 (Tree Protection). Term Used: 'Healthy, high-value tree' (not 'heritage'). Appraisal Method: ISA trunk-formula by City Forester. Applies To: City-maintained + ROW trees. Recognition: Tree City USA member.

Removing, topping or significantly damaging a healthy high-value City or ROW tree without a permit triggers an ISA appraisal and a mitigation charge under LMC 13.24.110, payable as in-kind replacement trees or cash in lieu. Damage during construction without protection fencing/measures can result in similar appraisal charges against the contractor.

Compared to other cities, Longmont takes a harder line on heritage & protected trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Longmont is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Longmont, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Longmont's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.