Denver Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Denver County, Colorado

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

4.0" DBH minimum for protection

All trees in the public right-of-way are regulated regardless of size. Street trees and park trees require Office of the City Forester approval for any work. Trees on private property affected by development subject to landscape and tree preservation review.

Protected Species

Regulated species lists prioritize drought-tolerant and EAB-resistant plantings; American elm and ash species subject to special provisions for Emerald Ash Borer management.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Denver Revised Municipal Code Chapter 57 (Parks and Recreation — Tree Regulations) regulates all public-right-of-way and park trees regardless of size; on private development sites, trees ≥4-inch DBH subject to landscape and tree-preservation review with replacement obligations to the Tree Planting Fund — Denver's enhanced-protection tier in lieu of a separate heritage-tree designation.

Permit Requirements

Tree Removal Permit required for any street or park tree. Private tree removal on development sites requires landscape plan review. Arborist License required for commercial tree work in Denver.

Who can apply: Property owner, authorized agent, or Denver-licensed tree service company

Required Report Sections

Tree inventory, species, DBH, condition, justification, replacement plan

Replacement Requirements

1:1 to 2:1 for street tree removal; on-site landscape replacement for development

Replacement required on-site or in nearby right-of-way; in-lieu fees to Tree Planting Fund when infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Permit fee
$50.00
Max fine/tree
$999.00

Permit fees vary by tree size and work type. Commercial arborists must hold Denver Tree Service License.

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Required Certifications

Denver-licensed tree service or ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

Denver Revised Municipal Code Chapter 57 (Parks and Recreation — Tree Regulations)

View full ordinance

Contact

Denver Parks and Recreation / Office of the City Forester

(720) 913-0651

forestry@denvergov.org

Other Colorado cities

Broomfield Centennial Commerce City Greeley Littleton Louisville Loveland Westminster
See all Colorado cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Denver before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Denver →

See Colorado permit fees compared: How Denver's $50.00 fee ranks in Colorado →

See Colorado replacement obligations compared: How Denver's replacement ratio ranks in Colorado →

See Colorado heritage criteria compared: How Denver's heritage designation ranks in Colorado →

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