The Office of the City Forester continuously works to maintain the health of Denver's urban forest through targeted projects in various neighborhoods, and by working with other city agencies and vendors to issue necessary permits. Find information on current special projects in the following sections, along with public service announcements and other important notices.
These are the first standalone, interactive report from the Office of the City Forester which covers an urban tree canopy assessment, urban forest management, and tree diversity.
Follow the links below to learn more about canopy changes in your neighborhood, tree inventory updates, program and project highlights, and more:
Denver Parks and Recreation and the Office of the City Forester are taking a big step toward creating a greener and cooler community here in Denver. As we develop the very first Urban Forest Strategic Plan, we’re looking for feedback from ALL Denver residents. The urban forest encompasses all trees within the city, both on public and private property. The purpose of the Urban Forest Strategic Plan is to refine existing tree canopy goals, identify new goals and provide a common and equitable vision for the future of the urban forest in Denver.
Learn more about this project
The City and County of Denver has identified the need to update its tree inventory, focusing on “street trees” in public rights-of-way that are maintained by the adjacent property owner; and trees in medians and parkways that are maintained by Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) and its Office of the City Forester (OCF). The last tree inventory update was completed in 2016 after a three-year process and is used as a management tool by the OCF following best practices in arboriculture. The goal of the inventory update is to identify trees that have been removed, along with other information such as newly planted species, locations, detailed sizing, and current tree conditions.
Beginning the week of January 9, 2023, residents may see the city’s consultants, Davey Resource Group, inspecting trees in front of homes, businesses, and adjacent to property lines. The inventory update will include approx. 220,000 trees in medians, parkways, planting strips and other rights-of-way. Learn more about typical right-of-way layouts in Denver.
Starting in southwest Denver, DPR’s goal is to complete inventory of the entire city within three years. In addition to serving as a day-to-day management tool, the inventory update will provide information on the impacts of various efforts to expand the city’s urban canopy, along with the effects of extreme weather events, changes in species selection, and the health of newly planted trees.
These regulations are intended to serve as requirements for arboricultural activities on public right-of-way and other public places, and otherwise defines required practices and treatments pertaining within the City and County of Denver, Colorado. Any failure to comply with these regulations will be considered subject to prosecution or serve as a basis for a hearing conducted by the Manager of Parks and Recreation, or both.
Download full Tree Care Rules & Regulations(PDF, 226KB)
Download Tree Retention and Protection Appendix(PDF, 269KB)
The following rules and regulations governing forestry review and inspection fees are issued by the Manager of Parks and Recreation of the City and County of Denver.
Download full Forestry Fees Rules & Regulations(PDF, 203KB)
Download the presentation from the licensed tree service contractor meeting:
Diseased Tree Removal/Replacement on Monaco
Beginning spring 2021, the Office of the City Forester will be performing tree work on Monaco Parkway, between 1st Avenue and 6th Avenue, staged over the next 3 to 4 years. Many of the locust trees in this area of the Parkway are dying from thyronectria canker, an incurable disease common in locust trees in our area.
The project will start with the removal of trees in the worst condition and will continue over the next 3-4 years as trees continue to decline. Soon, you will begin to see trees in this area marked with a ribbon to indicate the need for removal and replacement. These trees will be replaced with a mix of species.
We request your help in maintaining the trees through supplemental watering and avoid wounding when mowing or trimming. Should you have any questions about tree care or the upcoming work being done, please email forestry@denvergov.org.
The revitalization of the 16th Street Mall from Market St. to Broadway is being lead by Denver's Dept. of Transportation & Infrastructure. Find more information about this project.
In preparation for construction associated with this project, tree removal permits will be issued beginning in late March 2022. It is anticipated that a new block of construction will begin every six weeks, with tree removals following that schedule.
As of 2021, the Office of the City Forester is no longer accepting renewal payments, nor issuing renewal licenses.
Tree Service Licenses will be renewed and issued by the Denver Business Licensing Center, Department of Excise & Licenses. License holders may choose to renew their license via email/online, in person or by mail. During the last quarter of 2020, the Department of Excise & Licenses will be emailing current license holders instructions for renewal and payment processes.
Find more information from the Department of Excise & Licenses; Tree Service Licenses.
During dry winter seasons with little snowfall, residents are encouraged to water trees on their property when temperatures exceed 40 degrees. Without consistent moisture, trees become stressed and will not have enough energy to ward off pests, disease, root death and crown dieback.
Water using the flood-irrigation technique: leave a hose on low-flow for at least 15-20 minutes, moving it around the base of the tree every few minutes until the entire root area is moist. It's important to note that tree root systems are wide, so water under the entire canopy.
The goal is to water enough so that it can seep at least 12" deep into the soil to reach the root system. Because the ground is cold, this may take a couple days of watering to accomplish. Let the soil dry out before watering again.
Learn more about winter tree watering.