Pueblo, CO Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned species
- 6 named species
- Where banned
- All public places citywide
- Exception
- S-3 Zone restoration projects only
- Penalty
- Class 2 municipal offense
Summary
Pueblo bars planting cottonwood, box-elder, fruit-bearing mulberry, Russian olive, tamarisk and tree of heaven in any public place, with a narrow exception for river restoration projects.
it shall be unlawful to plant, in any public place in the City, any tree of the cottonwood (Populus spp.) except for any cottonless variety thereof, box-elder (Acer negundo), fruit-bearing variety of mulberry (Morus alba), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), tamarisk (Tamarix), or Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) genus or species.(b)Nothing in this Section is intended to prohibit planting of any species of cottonwood trees, and other native species, in any public place in the City located within an S-3 Zone District or within the boundaries of any restoration project undertaken pursuant to Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, Public Law 104-303, if approved by the Director of Parks and Recreation. (1957 Code, §18-29; Ord. No. 6938 §1, 1-13-03)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 109).
Full Breakdown
Pueblo Municipal Code § 10-2-3 makes it unlawful to plant six species in any street, alley, sidewalk, parkway or other public place in the city: cottonwood (except cottonless varieties), box-elder, fruit-bearing mulberry, Russian olive, tamarisk and tree of heaven. The only carve-out is for cottonwoods and other native species planted within an S-3 Zone District or within a federally authorized river restoration project, and only with the Parks and Recreation Director's approval. The ban targets weak-wooded, invasive or debris-heavy species along Pueblo's streets and the Arkansas River corridor. Planting a barred species in a public place is a Class 2 municipal offense.
Violations & Fines
Unlawful planting under § 10-2-3 is a Class 2 municipal offense per § 10-2-15; a repeat conviction within three years becomes a Class 1 municipal offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a cottonwood tree on my parkway in Pueblo?
What species can't I plant along a Pueblo street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pueblo
Compare Pueblo to another location·View the Colorado invasive plant rules overview
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