Denver · Tree removal
Tree Removal in Denver
In Denver, it is unlawful to be paid for cutting, trimming, pruning or removing trees without a city tree service license. Licenses are issued only after a written exam and a field test through the Office of the City Forester, plus proof of insurance. Before hiring anyone, check the city's licensed contractor list.
Call availability varies by area and time of day. Calls are answered by an independent tree service provider.
Does a Denver tree company need a license?
Yes. Chapter 57 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code requires any business that prunes or removes trees and shrubs for pay, barter or trade to be licensed with the Department of Excise and Licenses, after passing the City Forester's written and field exams. Each licensed company must have at least one individual license holder.
- Exam
- Written and field practical through the City Forester.
- Insurance
- Liability, workers' compensation and auto coverage, with the city as additional insured.
- Renewal
- Through the Denver Business Licensing Center.
Licenses and public tree permits
The license is separate from permits. Removing, planting, injecting or attaching anything to a public or protected tree requires a permit from the Office of the City Forester. Those permits are issued at no charge but must be approved before work starts. Street trees in the tree lawn between sidewalk and curb are public trees.
The city publishes a list of licensed tree contractors so residents can check a company before hiring. The city also cautions that passing the exam does not guarantee quality, so choose carefully.
Hiring for a Denver removal
Check the licensed contractor list
Confirm the company holds a current Denver tree license.
Ask for insurance certificates
Liability and workers' compensation.
Confirm who pulls permits
Public and protected trees need City Forester permits first.
Get the scope in writing
Stump, cleanup and wood disposal.
Keep the permit on site
For public tree work.
Trees Denver crews remove most
| Tree | Why it comes out | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ash | Emerald ash borer on the Front Range | Dead ash turns brittle; often needs a lift |
| Siberian elm | Weak wood, invasive | Breaks in snow and wind |
| Silver maple | Large limbs over roofs | Common storm failures |
| Cottonwood | Huge and brittle | Often near ditches and creeks |
| Spruce and pine | Beetles, drought, snow breakage | Ips beetles after dry years |
Red flags when hiring
No Denver tree license
Unlicensed paid tree work is unlawful in the city.
Offers to top the tree
A sign of poor practice.
Door-to-door after a storm
Verify the license and insurance before agreeing.
Unwilling to handle permits for street trees
Public tree work without a permit is a violation.
Why Denver licenses tree workers
Denver's urban forest is planted, not native: the plains around the city had few trees before settlement. Nearly every tree on a Denver street was put there by people, and the city has long regulated who works on them to protect that investment.
Licensing also protects homeowners. Tree work is among the most dangerous trades, and a crew without insurance can leave the owner exposed if someone is hurt or a neighbor's property is damaged. For storm work specifically, see storm damage tree removal in Denver.
Denver tree removal questions
Can I remove a tree on my own property without a permit?
A private tree generally does not need a City Forester permit, but anyone you pay to do it must hold a Denver tree license. Public and protected trees need permits.
Is the tree lawn tree in front of my Denver house mine?
No. It is a public tree. Removing or pruning it requires a City Forester permit.
Do suburbs like Lakewood and Aurora require licenses too?
Several do, with their own requirements. Check the city where the work will be done.
How do I find a licensed company?
Use the City Forester's licensed contractor list.
Tree Removal help in Denver
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in Denver, CO.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
Call now
Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
(844) 955-1716Call nowCall availability varies by area and time of day