Manitou Springs, CO Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Qualifying criteria
- 7 listed factors, § 12.38.090(B)
- Minimum trunk size
- 36-inch diameter at breast height
- Who reviews nominations
- Tree Committee (Parks & Rec Advisory Board)
- Private tree consent
- Owner must sign nomination consent form
- Owner responsibility
- Owner keeps maintenance and liability
- Appeal window
- 10 days to city council
Summary
Manitou Springs runs a Heritage Tree Program that can designate a unique public or private tree for special recognition based on size, history or rarity. Municipal Code Section 12.38.090 sets seven qualifying criteria, from a 36-inch trunk diameter to historical significance, and lets any resident nominate a tree to the Tree Committee.
"Heritage tree" means a unique tree that contributes to the environment and city character based on meeting one of the listed criteria. ... B.A heritage or historical tree is designated based on meeting one of the following criteria:1.Has a diameter at breast height of thirty-six inches or greater.2.Has historical significance to a person, place, or event.3.Has a distinctive size, shape or location, or is of a distinctive species or age which warrants heritage tree status.4.Has special aesthetic qualities for its species.5.Is prominently visible to the public, along major roads, or public places.6.Possesses rare horticulture or environmental value.7.Is not a hazard or obstruction without solutions or alternatives.
Full Breakdown
090(B). Those seven criteria include a trunk diameter at breast height of thirty-six inches or more, historical significance to a person, place or event, a distinctive size, shape, species or age, special aesthetic qualities, prominent public visibility along a major road or public place, rare horticultural or environmental value, or being free of unsolvable hazard or obstruction problems. 040, describing the tree's qualifying characteristics and history, with a photograph and location map. If the nominated tree sits on private property, the property owner must sign the nomination's consent statement and agree in writing to let the tree appear on the city's heritage tree map.
The Tree Committee reviews nominations against the criteria and records designated trees in a register, adding a unique symbol to the city's tree inventory. 090(G) keeps a heritage tree the property owner's responsibility for upkeep and liability, and expressly does not stop the owner from later developing the property or removing the tree, subject to the city's tree retention rules. A decision on a heritage designation, or on removing a tree, can be appealed to city council within ten days.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 12.38's general penalty, Section 12.38.110, applies to violations of the tree chapter generally, but the Heritage Tree Program itself carries no separate criminal penalty for a private owner who declines a nomination or later removes a designated tree. Section 12.38.090(G) confirms the owner keeps full authority to remove a heritage tree when developing the property, after consulting the director as specified on the consent form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tree on my private property in Manitou Springs be designated a heritage tree without my consent?
Does heritage tree status stop me from removing the tree later?
What size does a tree need to be to qualify as a heritage tree?
Who manages the Heritage Tree Program?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manitou Springs
Compare Manitou Springs to another location·View the Colorado tree protection overview
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