Tree Protection in Fort Collins, CO (2026)
2 verified tree protection rules for Fort Collins, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Protected Tree Species
Fort Collins requires developers to preserve any "significant" tree, one measuring six inches or more in diameter, found within a project's Limits of Development or a natural habitat buffer zone. Transitional Land Use Code Section 3.2.1(F) labels these "protected" trees, mandates fencing during construction, and forces replacement plantings or a mitigation fee when removal is unavoidable.
Fort Collins Protected Significant Tree Rules
Some RestrictionsFort Collins Transitional Land Use Code § 3.2.1(F)
(F)Tree Preservation and Mitigation. Existing significant trees (six (6) inches and greater in diameter) within the LOD and within natural habitat buffer zones shall be preserved to the extent reasonably feasible and may help satisfy the landscaping requirements of this Section as set forth above. Such trees shall be considered "protected" trees within the meaning of this Section, subject to th...
Parkway Planting
Fort Collins makes it unlawful to plant, prune or remove any tree within a street's public right-of-way, including the parkway strip, without a written permit from the City Forester. The City Code permit is free, but the Forester inspects the site first and can attach conditions before work begins.
Fort Collins Parkway Tree Planting Permit
Significant RestrictionsFort Collins City Code §§ 27-31, 27-32
Sec. 27-31. - Permit required for planting, pruning or removal of trees in public places. It shall be unlawful for any person to plant, treat, cut, trim, prune, remove or cause to be planted, treated, cut, trimmed, pruned, or removed any tree within the public right-of-way of any street or sidewalk, or upon other City-owned property within the City without having first obtained a written permit...
Looking for Larimer County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Collins city rules.
Tree Protection in Larimer County →