Tree Protection in Lakewood, CO (2026)
2 verified tree protection rules for Lakewood, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Protected Tree Species
Lakewood, Colorado protects existing trees with trunks over 8 inches in caliper on development sites under Zoning Ordinance § 17.6.5.8, but exempts a named list of nuisance species, including Cottonwoods, Siberian Elms, Russian Olives and Female Box Elders, from that protection. Protected trees need a fenced buffer at the drip line during construction, and removed trees must be replaced at 100 percent of the caliper lost.
Lakewood, CO Protected Tree Rules
Some RestrictionsLakewood Zoning Ordinance § 17.6.5.8.C.3 (see also §§ 17.6.5.8.A, .E; 17.6.5.9) (Article 6, Adopted May 13, 2019 text, within the ordinance's May 8, 2023 revision)
17.6.5.8: Existing Tree Preservation A. Existing trees with trunks greater than 8-inch caliper, measured 1 foot above grade, within a development shall be preserved to the extent reasonably feasible and will help satisfy the landscaping requirements of this Section. Such trees shall be considered "protected" trees within the meaning of this Section... C. Trees that meet one or more of the follo...
Parkway Planting
New construction and residential additions over 20 percent in Lakewood must plant one deciduous street tree for every 35 linear feet of street frontage, under Zoning Ordinance § 17.6.5.2. Placement depends on whether the sidewalk is detached or attached, and trees can't block sidewalks below 8 feet or interfere with utilities.
Lakewood, CO Street Tree Planting Rules
Some RestrictionsLakewood Zoning Ordinance § 17.6.5.2 (Article 6, Adopted May 13, 2019 text, within the ordinance's May 8, 2023 revision)
The following standards shall apply to all residential additions greater than 20 percent or new construction. A. One deciduous street tree shall be provided for every 35 lineal feet of street frontage. Street trees shall be evenly spaced along the street frontage. ... E. Plant materials shall be located to avoid interference with vehicular and pedestrian movement. Plant materials shall not proj...
Looking for Jefferson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lakewood city rules.
Tree Protection in Jefferson County →