Tree Protection in Colorado (2026)
25 rules on the books across Colorado, 16 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Heritage & Protected Trees
Extra protections for old, large, or historically significant trees, including the penalties for removing them without approval.
Denver
Some RestrictionsDenver requires a city forester permit before removing established trees (6-inch-plus trunk diameter) in required…
Read full rule →Greeley
Some RestrictionsA tree can be formally designated a Greeley historic landmark, just like a building: owners may nominate a tree for the…
Read full rule →Littleton
Some RestrictionsLittleton's Unified Land Use Code protects any tree 36 inches or more in diameter at breast height, plus…
Read full rule →Loveland
Some RestrictionsLoveland does not run a heritage-tree registry. Instead, its Unified Development Code protects any "significant tree"…
Read full rule →Manitou Springs
Light RestrictionsManitou Springs runs a Heritage Tree Program that can designate a unique public or private tree for special recognition…
Read full rule →Protected Tree Species
Specific native species (oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper) protected by city ordinance, diameter thresholds, removal permits, and replacement ratios.
Aurora
Some RestrictionsIn Aurora's Black Forest area, Ponderosa Pine over 4 inches and Gambel Oak over 3 inches in diameter are protected…
Read full rule →Denver
Some RestrictionsBefore residential demolition or construction, Denver requires a city forester permit to remove any 'established tree'…
Read full rule →Fort Collins
Some RestrictionsFort Collins requires developers to preserve any "significant" tree, one measuring six inches or more in diameter…
Read full rule →Lakewood
Some RestrictionsLakewood, Colorado protects existing trees with trunks over 8 inches in caliper on development sites under Zoning…
Read full rule →Littleton
Some RestrictionsLittleton's tree code shields healthy native trees during construction with a fenced protected root zone, but removal…
Read full rule →Parkway Planting
Permits and rules for planting in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb, including approved species lists and Bureau of Street Services standards.
El Paso County
Significant RestrictionsEl Paso County bars tree planting in its road rights-of-way as a rule; a landscaping tree may go into the ROW only with…
Read full rule →Fort Collins
Significant RestrictionsFort Collins makes it unlawful to plant, prune or remove any tree within a street's public right-of-way, including the…
Read full rule →Arapahoe County
Some RestrictionsUnincorporated Arapahoe County regulates trees and shrubs planted in county rights-of-way and medians under LDC §…
Read full rule →Arvada
Some RestrictionsArvada Land Development Code § 4-6-6-1 requires new development to plant at least one deciduous street tree for every…
Read full rule →Aurora
Some RestrictionsAurora, Colorado requires a written permit from the parks and open space director before planting or removing any tree…
Read full rule →Boulder
Some RestrictionsBoulder Municipal Code section 6-6-4 bars anyone from planting or removing a tree in a public right-of-way, easement…
Read full rule →Colorado Springs
Some RestrictionsPlanting a tree in a Colorado Springs right-of-way or parkway requires a City Forester's permit, and the species must…
Read full rule →Denver
Some RestrictionsDenver requires a permit from the city forester before anyone plants a tree in the public right-of-way, with planting…
Read full rule →Greeley
Some RestrictionsOwners planting trees in the street-side parkway in Greeley must space shade trees at least 35 feet apart and…
Read full rule →Lakewood
Some RestrictionsNew construction and residential additions over 20 percent in Lakewood must plant one deciduous street tree for every…
Read full rule →Littleton
Some RestrictionsLittleton requires street trees to be installed under an approved Site Plan or Master Development Plan, kept clear of…
Read full rule →Longmont
Some RestrictionsLongmont requires deciduous canopy trees planted in the tree lawn or a tree grate along local and collector street…
Read full rule →Loveland
Some RestrictionsLoveland requires street trees in parkways along residential streets citywide and outside the DT zone and neighborhood…
Read full rule →Pueblo
Some RestrictionsPueblo bans planting or spacing street trees in any public place except as set by the Parks Director's specifications…
Read full rule →Weld County
Some RestrictionsNew commercial and industrial development inside Weld County's I-25 Overlay District must landscape its road frontage…
Read full rule →