Financial assistance for tree care
Tree roots lifting sidewalks
Trees on private property
Trees in the public right-of-way
Who is responsible for maintaining trees in the public right-of-way?
Adjacent property owners are required to maintain trees in the public right-of-way abutting their property as required by ordinance (Chapter 57 of the Revised Municipal Code).
What can I plant in the public right-of-way?
Most shade trees are allowed along the public right-of-way. Not permitted are evergreen trees, Siberian elm, silver maple, cottonwood, aspen, or trees with thorns or fleshy fruit. You must obtain a permit and the approval of the City Forester for the tree type. Our brochure Street Trees is downloadable and can help you choose an appropriate tree. Prohibited or temporarily suspended tree types are as follows:
Denver currently prohibits the planting of the these trees and classes of plants in the public right-of-way
· Poplar species (Populus spp.),
· Willow species (Salix spp.),
· Boxelder (Acer negundo),
· Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila),
Weeping or pendulous trees,
· Trees with bushy growth habits that cannot be maintained to a single stem, and
· Shrubs or hedges that, by their growth habit, would obstruct, restrict, or conflict with the necessary and safe use of the public rights-of-way.
Denver has temporarily suspended the planting of the these trees in the public right-of-way.
· Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) and its hybrids,
· Evergreen conifers,
· Ash species (Fraxinus spp.),
· Sunburst honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos inermis ‘Sunburst’),
· Mulberry species (Morus spp.),
· Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima),
· Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia),
· Trees with thorns on the main stem or lower canopy, and
· Trees with fleshy fruits over ½-inch in diameter.
The above lists are not all-inclusive, and trees not included on any list will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Do I need a permit for tree planting, care or removal in the public right-of way, and what is the cost?
Permits are required prior to any pruning, planting or removing of plant material in the public right-of-way. There is no charge for these permits. The person doing the work is responsible for pulling the permit. Excavation requires a call to 1-800-922-1987 to ensure the avoidance of underground utilities.
If I need to hire a contractor to work on my trees, are there any special requirements I need to be aware of?
Yes, by ordinance, tree contractors must be licensed with the City and County of Denver with either a large tree or ornamental tree license. Prior to licensing, prospective contractors must pass both a field and written exam and show proof of adequate insurance coverage. Forestry maintains a list of current licensed
Large Tree and
Ornamental contractors to help you choose an appropriate tree contractor. If you are a tree care company and desire to be licensed, please call 720-913-0651 for details.
Is there financial assistance available for tree work on my property?
Denver Forestry has a limited amount of Federal funding available for qualifying low-income households. The property must be owner occupied and the tree(s) have to be in violation of Denver’s Vegetation Ordinance. You may call Denver Forestry at (720) 913-0651 for additional information.
Can Forestry help when my neighbor’s tree overhangs my yard causing conflict with my roof, trees, etc.?
No. Denver Forestry can only act to have trees pruned or removed when they represent a legitimate structural hazard. Healthy tree branches that overhang adjacent property should be negotiated with the neighbor and are a civil matter.
A permit is required prior to removing any plant material in the public right-of-way. Denver Forestry will inspect your particular situation and discuss your options. Removal of a tree conflicting with a sidewalk is the last option in cases such as this and is rarely necessary. You may contact a Forestry Inspector for your area.
What is required to plant or care for trees on private property?Denver ordinances do set requirements for owners of trees on private property, although there are no restrictions on what types of trees may be planted on private property. Owners must care for their trees, hire licensed tree contractors, trim/treat/remove dangerous or unhealthy trees, and protect front yard trees during residential demolition or construction. When planting, a greater variety of tree types may be planted on private property, than adjacent to the street on the public right-of-way. Owners may call the Forestry Office or consult these downloadable publications: Trees Recommended for Private Property, Street Trees, City Forester Ordinance, and Tree Protection Ordinance.
How can I find a consulting arborist?
The following is a list of consulting arborists within 50 miles of Denver, current as of March 11, 2008.
|
Name
|
Status
|
City
|
State
|
Phone
|
|
Robert Brudenell thenaturalway@earthlink.net
|
Registered
|
Englewood
|
CO
|
(303) 347-0988
|
|
Steven Day stevejday@earthlink.net
|
Registered
|
Littleton
|
CO
|
(303) 973-1515
|
|
Eugene Eyerly
|
Registered
|
Denver
|
CO
|
(303) 934-4274
|
|
Steven Geist SGEIST1@aol.com
|
Registered
|
Aurora
|
CO
|
(303) 306-3144
|
|
Donald Godi dgodi@dhgainc.com
|
Registered
|
Lakewood
|
CO
|
(303) 983-2853
|
|
Michael Hughes miketjx@qwest.net
|
Registered
|
Berthoud
|
CO
|
(970) 532-0511
|
|
Stefan Ringgenberg rsrtree@aol.com
|
Registered
|
Boulder
|
CO
|
(303) 530-0640
|
For the most up-to-date listing, visit the the American Society of Consulting Arborists' web site at: http://www.asca-consultants.org