Report Diseased or Hazardous Trees - Colorado Springs Bylaw

Parks and Public Spaces Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Colorado Springs, Colorado property owners and residents must report diseased or hazardous trees that threaten public spaces, sidewalks, streets, or utilities to the City Forestry Division. This guide explains when the city will remove or order removal, how to file a report, what enforcement looks like under city rules, and practical next steps for property owners and neighbors.

When to Report

Report trees that are dead, visibly diseased, leaning into public ways, or presenting an immediate risk of falling onto people, vehicles, or infrastructure. If a tree is near a public sidewalk, street, park, or utility line, notify the Forestry Division for an inspection.

  • Immediate hazards to people or traffic should be reported right away.
  • Non-urgent concerns (disease, minor lean, insect infestation) may be scheduled for assessment.
  • Work on trees in public right-of-way may require a city permit.
If a tree is blocking roadways or wires, call emergency services first.

How to File a Report

Use the City Forestry Division online report form or the City’s service portal to submit a forestry request with location, photos, and contact information. The Forestry Division will inspect and classify the tree as city responsibility or private property responsibility and advise next steps.[1]

  • Phone or online service request to Forestry Division with exact address and photos.
  • Provide evidence of hazard: lean, cracks, fungal growth, root failure, or recent storm damage.
  • Schedule an inspection if the city classifies the case as non-emergency.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces tree and vegetation rules through citations, orders to abate hazardous trees, and permit requirements. Specific fine amounts and escalation details are not specified on the cited Forestry or permits pages; see the municipal code or contact Forestry for statutory fines and appeals procedures.[2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Orders to abate or remove hazardous trees can be issued to property owners.
  • If ordered removal is not performed, the city may perform work and recover costs from the owner.
  • Appeals: time limits for administrative review are not specified on the cited page; contact the Forestry Division or the permitting office for appeal deadlines.
  • Common violations: unauthorized removal of public trees, failure to abate hazardous trees, pruning that damages public trees; penalties vary and are not specified on the cited page.
The city may bill property owners for emergency removals performed by municipal crews.

Applications & Forms

The Forestry Division publishes an online report form for tree issues and may require permits for removal or work in the public right-of-way; fee amounts or specific form numbers are not specified on the cited pages.[1]

What the City Will Do

After inspection the Forestry Division will classify responsibility. For city-owned trees, the city schedules removal or treatment. For private trees that affect public safety, the city may issue an order requiring the property owner to act within a deadline.

  • City crews remove or mitigate city-owned hazardous trees.
  • Property owners required to obtain permits for removal when work impacts the public right-of-way.
  • Documentation: keep photos and correspondence in case of appeals or cost recovery actions.

FAQ

Who is responsible for trees in the parkway between sidewalk and street?
The city may be responsible for parkway trees; the Forestry Division will inspect and determine responsibility after a report is filed.[1]
Can I remove a dead tree on my private property next to the sidewalk?
Private owners may need a permit if removal affects the public right-of-way; contact Forestry or permits to confirm requirements.[1]
How long will an inspection take?
Inspection timing varies by urgency and workload; the Forestry Division schedules immediate inspections for imminent hazards and non-urgent assessments as resources allow.

How-To

  1. Document the hazard with clear photos and the exact address.
  2. Submit an online forestry report or call the Forestry Division’s service line with your details and photos.[1]
  3. Wait for inspection scheduling and follow any instructions from the inspector.
  4. If ordered to remove a private hazardous tree, obtain required permits and complete work by the deadline or appeal as instructed.

Key Takeaways

  • Report hazardous trees promptly with photos and location details.
  • Permits may be required for removals affecting public right-of-way.
  • Contact the Forestry Division for inspections, orders, and appeal guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Colorado Springs Forestry Division - report a tree or tree issue
  2. [2] City of Colorado Springs - tree permits and right-of-way requirements

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data