Quick answer: Most trees on private property in Denver can be removed without a permit. You do need a free permit from the Office of the City Forester to remove a tree in the public right-of-way, and to remove a tree in the front or side setback while a property is being demolished or built on.
The rule that matters is where the tree stands, not how big it is. This guide walks through each case using the city’s own rules. If you already know the tree has to go, see tree removal in Denver.
When do you need a tree removal permit in Denver?
| Where the tree stands | Permit needed? |
|---|---|
| In your yard, on private property | No, in most cases |
| In the public right-of-way next to your property | Yes. Free permit from the City Forester |
| In the front or side setback during demolition or construction | Yes. Permit from the City Forester |
| In a city park or parkway | Not yours to remove. Contact the city |
The Office of the City Forester states that the majority of trees on private property may be removed at the owner’s discretion without a permit.
What counts as the public right-of-way?
For most homes it is the strip between the sidewalk and the street, sometimes called the tree lawn. The trees there belong to the public, but the owner of the adjoining property is responsible for looking after them. That includes pruning and, with a permit, removal.
What happens if you remove a right-of-way tree without a permit?
Chapter 57 of Denver’s municipal code makes it unlawful to damage or remove a tree in the public right-of-way. If a tree is removed without a permit, the responsible party has to compensate the city for the tree’s value. If it is removed after a permit was refused, the penalty can be up to three times the appraised value.
How do you get a tree removal permit?
The permit is requested from the Office of the City Forester through the online permit form on its website, and there is no fee. The same permit covers planting a new tree in the right-of-way. Apply before any work is booked, because the tree cannot legally come down until the permit is approved. Permits are one of the first steps in the tree removal process.
What about construction and demolition?
When a home in a residential zone is being demolished or built, Denver protects established trees in the front and side setbacks. They have to be fenced off and preserved through the project and cannot be removed without a City Forester permit. If you are clearing a lot before building, read this alongside our land clearing page.
Do you need a permit to prune a tree?
No permit is needed to prune a tree on private property. Right-of-way trees are a different matter: the City Forester can treat a badly pruned or topped tree as irreparably damaged and bill the owner for its value. See tree pruning in Denver.
What if the tree is dead or dangerous?
The City Forester can order the pruning or removal of trees that are dangerous, diseased or blocking the right-of-way. If your tree shows the warning signs of failure, do not wait on paperwork to make the area safe. For a tree that has already fallen or is about to, see emergency tree removal.
Tree removal permit FAQs
How much does a tree removal permit cost in Denver?
Nothing. The Office of the City Forester does not charge a fee for the permit to remove or plant a tree in the public right-of-way. For what the removal itself costs, see tree removal cost in Denver.
Can I remove a tree on my own property in Denver?
In most cases, yes. Denver lets owners remove the majority of trees on private property without a permit. The exception is during demolition or construction, when trees in the front and side setbacks are protected.
Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in Denver?
Not if it stands on your private property. A dead tree in the public right-of-way still needs the free permit, although the city does not ask for compensation when a tree is dead, in poor health or structurally unsound.
Who is responsible for the tree between the sidewalk and the street?
The owner of the adjoining property. Denver makes that owner responsible for the care of right-of-way trees, including pruning and removal, even though the city regulates them.
