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

Colorado Springs Heritage Tree Program under CSCC §4.7.108 designates trees meeting one or more criteria: (a) 24+ inch diameter at breast height (DBH), (b) species rarity, (c) historical significance, (d) notable landscape feature, or (e) outstanding specimen. Designated trees cannot be removed except for demonstrated safety hazard documented by certified arborist, and then must be replaced with approved specimen-size tree. Notable Heritage Trees include downtown Ponderosa pines near the Hotel St. Nicholas, Garden of the Gods specimen Gambel oaks, and Cheyenne Cañon's old-growth conifers. Construction projects must install Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) — typically 1 foot radius per inch DBH — protected by orange construction fencing. Root zone damage during construction triggers fines and remediation. El Paso County Black Forest Preservation Plan protects Ponderosa Pine stands with similar standards — mature Ponderosas in Black Forest commonly exceed 150 years old. The 2013 Black Forest Fire destroyed many heritage stands, elevating protection priority. Manitou Springs protects several historic trees as part of its cultural-landscape designation. Residents can nominate trees through Colorado Springs Forestry and the Tree Advisory Board.