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

Loveland's heritage / specimen-tree framework operates through the Title 18 Unified Development Code rather than a stand-alone heritage-tree ordinance. The UDC defines Significant Tree (§ 4557) and Diameter at Breast Height — DBH (§ 4561), and the Soil Amendment definition (§ 4559) supports protection of root zones. Significant Trees on a development site must be inventoried, identified on the landscape plan, and protected, retained, or replaced consistent with UDC standards under Development Services review. Outside the development context, Loveland does not impose a separate heritage-tree designation that protects trees on established single-family lots. Statewide, the Colorado Champion Tree program — administered by the Colorado State Forest Service — maintains the registry of the largest documented specimens of each species in Colorado; nominations are open to the public. The Loveland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry division manages approximately 25,000 publicly owned trees and tracks notable specimens on city property informally, consistent with Loveland's Tree City USA status (continuous since 1989). The City's Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Preparedness and Management Plan inventories ash species on city property and outlines retention-vs.-removal decisions for significant ash trees. UDC 2026 updates (effective March 17, 2026) tightened landscape standards but did not add a stand-alone heritage-tree designation; future amendments may revisit this.