How to apply for a tree removal permit in Denver, Colorado

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Denver's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

Expected processing time: 2-4 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 4" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. 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. Heritage / landmark designation: 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.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Denver: Property owner, authorized agent, or Denver-licensed tree service company.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree inventory, species, DBH, condition, justification, replacement plan. Required certifications: Denver-licensed tree service or ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Denver Parks and Recreation / Office of the City Forester. Permit fee: $50.00. Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Parks-Recreation/Forestry.

    View the full Denver ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 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.

Where to file

Denver Parks and Recreation / Office of the City Forester

(720) 913-0651

forestry@denvergov.org

Other Colorado permit walkthroughs

See Colorado permit fees compared — Denver's $50.00 fee in context.

See Colorado replacement obligations compared — how Denver's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See Colorado heritage criteria compared — how Denver's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Denver permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Denver's required report sections. Free, no account required.

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