Denver County, CO Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Unlike some Colorado cities (Boulder maintains a Heritage Tree Program), Denver does not operate a separate heritage or landmark tree registry. However, notable specimen trees within Denver's 50+ Landmark Historic Districts (Capitol Hill, Curtis Park, Potter Highlands, Country Club, Stapleton-Park Hill) and on individually designated Landmark properties receive de facto heritage protection: any alteration of landscape features contributing to the historic character requires Landmark Preservation Commission approval under DRMC §30. Denver's Office of the City Forester separately curates a list of 'Champion Trees' — the largest specimens of each species in the city — which receive education and informal protection but not formal legal status. The Game Plan for a Healthy City (2019) and the 2021 Ordinance 21-1115 expanded tree review in development processes. Denver's venerable trees in City Park, Cheesman, and Washington Park are managed by DPR arborists with preservation priority. Mature cottonwoods along the South Platte riparian corridor fall under environmental protection via the DPR Natural Areas program.