SERVICES OFFERED BY COLORADO SPRINGS FORESTRY

The City Forester is responsible for the maintenance and management of trees in parks and along streets in the public rights-of-way.  The assistance of adjacent homeowners is needed for watering, fertilizing and mulching trees on public property.

Street Tree Planting:

·         New Home Tree Ordinance - After occupancy, new homeowners whose builders have paid a tree fee (supplemented by the City) may be eligible to obtain a $150 certificate to purchase a tree for planting along their street frontage. 
If a "New Home Tree Certificate" is not used by a homeowner, a tree is planted elsewhere in the neighborhood through other planting programs.

·         Street Tree Planting "Decade of Trees Certificate" ? As funding allows, city homeowners may purchase a tree certificate with a value of $75 toward the purchase price of a tree for planting along the street frontage.

·         Street Tree Planting - As funding allows, any citizen who loses a street tree or has adequate space is eligible.

Park Tree Planting:

·         A tree replacement program is conducted for trees lost to vandalism, insect/disease, and other causes.

·         Trees are planted in new parks, and older parks are renovated as funding allows.

·         Tree Tribute Program - Citizens can arrange a tree planting to honor or memorialize friends and family members.

Tree Removal:

·         Public trees that are a hazard, dead, diseased or cause a visual obstruction of vehicular/pedestrian traffic will be removed along alleys, street rights-of-way, and in parks. Tree removal includes removal of the stump.

·         Trees on private property that are hazardous or infected/infested with Dutch elm disease or mountain pine beetle will be condemned and removed by the property owner.

Tree Pruning:

·         Trees in the right-of-way and parks are on a scheduled pruning cycle.  This helps reduce storm damage, gives sidewalk and street clearance, eliminates traffic hazards, and improves their general health.

·         Scheduled tree pruning enhances efficiency and helps trees survive longer and attain a higher value.  Scheduled maintenance keeps our urban forest safe and healthy.

·         We will interrupt the pruning schedule if there is an immediate need, such as a hazard.

Tree Protection - Where construction or excavation is taking place within 20' of a tree, certain root/branch pruning or auguring may be required.

Tree Service Licensing - Companies who perform tree work (15' or taller) in Colorado Springs must be licensed by the City.  They demonstrate their ability by passing a written examination and by correctly pruning a demonstration tree.  They are also required to carry liability insurance.

Tree Insect and Disease Management - Serious insect and disease problems on public trees are promptly treated.