Loveland, CO Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

Loveland does not impose a town-wide replacement ratio (such as 2-for-1) on tree removal from established private residential lots outside the development context. The principal replacement framework lives in Title 18 of the Unified Development Code, which sets landscape installation, maintenance, and replacement standards for new development and redevelopment. Required landscape material, buffer-yard plantings, vehicle-use-area landscaping, and trees designated for retention as a condition of approval are subject to a replacement-on-removal duty: replacements must come from the City of Loveland Plant List (UDC-adopted), must meet UDC caliper and size standards at installation, and must conform to the approved landscape plan. The March 17, 2026 UDC amendments (SB 24-005 implementation) tightened these standards to favor climate-adapted grasses and drought-tolerant plantings, with corresponding adjustments to required tree species and irrigation efficiency. Trees removed from the city right-of-way under written City consent typically require replacement under the city's street-tree planting standards, coordinated by the Urban Forester. The Loveland Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Preparedness and Management Plan governs replacement of ash trees lost to EAB on city property and provides outreach to private property owners. Larimer County standards reference a two-inch caliper for balled-and-burlapped replacement trees, with diameter measured six inches above ground for trees up to four-inch caliper and twelve inches above ground for larger trees — a benchmark commonly mirrored in Front Range development review.