Community Tree Ordinances
A tree ordinance establishes authorization and standards for addressing a wide range of issues regarding trees. They should be developed and implemented as part of a broader effort to identify and address a community’s tree-related goals.
To become a Tree City USA, the Arbor Day Foundation requires each community to have a tree ordinance which cover public trees. There are minimum standards that must be met, these are:
Applies to trees at all times, and is not just triggered by an event, such as development,
Delegates authority over public trees,
Provides clear guidance for planting, maintaining, and/or removing trees from streets, parks, and other public spaces.
The Arbor Day Foundation has provided a sample community tree ordinance document that communities can use as a starting place. The documents on this page are all of the communities ordinances in Colorado, sorted by county, that can be as references by communities looking to get their own tree ordinance in place.
For additional information visit the American Society of Consulting Arborists webpage on tree ordinances.