DRMC chapter 57 makes the Denver City Forester responsible for all trees in public rights-of-way and parks. Removal, pruning, or planting of street trees requires a Denver Forestry permit. Approved species list emphasizes climate-resilient, drought-tolerant, non-ash varieties.
Denver Office of the City Forester, part of Denver Parks & Recreation, administers DRMC chapter 57 (Trees). All trees in the public right-of-way (typically the area between sidewalk and curb) are city property even though abutting owners must water and maintain them. Removing, topping, or significantly pruning a street tree without a Forestry permit is prohibited. Forestry maintains an approved species list that excludes ash (due to emerald ash borer), Russian olive, Siberian elm, and tree of heaven. Replacement plantings must come from approved species; permits are free or low-cost. Denver's 2020 'Game Plan' targets a 20% canopy by 2050. Significant heritage trees on private property (24+ inch DBH) may also require permits during construction.
Unpermitted street-tree removal violates DRMC §57-43 with fines up to $999 plus replacement-cost restitution, often $1,000-$10,000 for a mature tree. Damaging a city tree during construction triggers tree-protection penalties under chapter 57 plus possible building-permit suspension.
Denver, CO
Colorado Department of Agriculture lists Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) as a List B noxious weed under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act. Denver Forestry r...
Denver, CO
Denver requires permits for the removal of any tree on public property and trees in the public right-of-way under DRMC Chapter 57 (Vegetation) and the Denver...
Denver, CO
Denver protects significant trees through the Office of the City Forester under DRMC Chapter 57. While Denver does not have a formal 'heritage tree' registry...
See how Denver's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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