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Larimer County, CO Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Private-tree trimming
No county permit needed
Fort Collins street/public trees
Free City Forester permit
Commercial-tree threshold
15-inch diameter or greater
Permit authority
Fort Collins City Forester
Code section
Fort Collins Mun. Code § 27-31

Summary

On your own private land in unincorporated Larimer County you may trim your trees without a county permit. In Fort Collins, a free City Forester permit is required before pruning or trimming any tree in the public right-of-way or on City property.

City-specific rules exist: Loveland, and Fort Collins have their own tree trimming rules that differ from Larimer County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Any person desiring to plant, treat, cut, trim, prune, or remove any tree within the public right-of-way of any street or sidewalk, or upon other City-owned property within the City, or to remove any tree planted upon any commercial property with a diameter of fifteen (15) inches or greater, must first obtain a free permit from the office of the City Forester.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Larimer County's Land Use Code does not require a permit to prune trees on private property. Fort Collins, however, controls work on street and public trees. Under Municipal Code Chapter 27, anyone wanting to cut, trim, prune, or remove a tree in the right-of-way, on City property, or a commercial tree fifteen inches or more in diameter must first get a free permit from the City Forester, who inspects to protect the urban forest. Homeowners remain responsible for maintaining sidewalk and vision clearance over abutting streets.

Violations & Fines

Working on a street or public tree in Fort Collins without the required City Forester permit is a municipal code violation subject to fine and possible restitution for tree damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trim my own backyard tree?
Yes. Neither Larimer County nor Fort Collins requires a permit to prune trees on your own private residential property.
What about the tree in the parkway strip?
That is usually a Fort Collins street tree. You need a free City Forester permit before any trimming or pruning.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Larimer County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsRainwater HarvestingSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Larimer County rules

Compare Larimer County to another location·View the Colorado landscaping rules overview

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Tree Trimming in Cities Across Larimer County

Fort Collins, COLoveland, CO