Tree Protection in Colorado Springs, CO (2026)
4 verified tree protection rules for Colorado Springs, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Colorado Springs regulates tree removal primarily on public property and within development projects. Trees in the public right-of-way are managed by the City Forestry Division and cannot be removed without city authorization. For private development projects, the UDC requires tree preservation plans and may require mitigation when significant trees are removed during construction. Private homeowners generally may remove trees on their own property without a permit, but street trees and trees in designated open space areas are protected. The city's urban forest is managed under the Parks and Recreation Department.
Colorado Springs Tree Removal Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Colorado Springs does not currently have a formal heritage tree or landmark tree ordinance that protects individual trees based on age, size, or species on private property. The city's urban forestry program focuses on managing public trees in parks and rights-of-way. Some trees in historic districts may receive indirect protection through historic preservation review. The semi-arid climate and elevation (6,035 feet) limit the natural tree canopy, making urban forestry primarily focused on planting and maintaining trees rather than preserving large old-growth specimens.
Colorado Springs Heritage & Protected Tree Rules
Few RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Colorado Springs requires tree replacement primarily in the context of development projects. The Unified Development Code mandates landscaping and tree planting requirements for new development and redevelopment, including replacement when existing trees are removed during construction. Street trees removed for development must be replaced at the developer's expense. The city's Forestry Division maintains standards for tree species selection appropriate to the semi-arid climate and elevation. Residential homeowners are encouraged but generally not required to replace privately removed trees.
Colorado Springs Tree Replacement Requirements
Some RestrictionsTree Ordinances
Colorado Springs regulates street trees and public park trees under City Code Chapter 13 Article 2 but does not comprehensively regulate private-property trees on single-family lots. Permits are required to plant, prune heavily, or remove trees in the public right-of-way (typically the strip between sidewalk and curb). Development projects must meet tree preservation and replacement standards under the Landscape Code.
Tree Protection: Tree Ordinances
Some RestrictionsLooking for El Paso County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Colorado Springs city rules.
Tree Protection in El Paso County →