Fort Collins Memorial Tree Program - Ordinance & Pruning

Parks and Public Spaces Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Fort Collins, Colorado maintains a Memorial Tree Program and a seasonal pruning schedule for public trees in parks and rights-of-way. This guide summarizes how the program works, who enforces rules, how pruning is scheduled and what residents must do to request a memorial planting or report pruning issues. It cites official City of Fort Collins program and urban forestry pages and lists actions to apply, pay, appeal or report concerns.

Program overview

The Memorial Tree Program lets residents donate or dedicate trees for planting on city property under conditions set by Parks and Urban Forestry. Planting options, site selection, species lists and maintenance responsibility are determined by the city's forestry staff. For program details and eligibility, see the official program page Memorial Tree Program[1].

Donated memorial trees become city property and are maintained per city guidelines.

Pruning schedule and maintenance

Fort Collins schedules pruning and routine maintenance for park and street trees seasonally to protect tree health and public safety. Priority, timing, and scope depend on species, location, and maintenance cycles managed by Urban Forestry. For the city's published pruning guidance and seasonal updates, consult the Urban Forestry pruning page Urban Forestry - Pruning[2].

  • Typical pruning windows are set by season and species; schedules are posted by the forestry division.
  • Emergency pruning for hazard trees is prioritized and may occur outside regular schedules.
  • Memorial plantings follow species and site standards; private requests must meet city criteria.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of planting, pruning and removal rules falls to the City of Fort Collins Parks and Urban Forestry staff and code enforcement where applicable. Specific monetary fines and escalation steps are not specified on the cited program or forestry pages; see the official resources for enforcement contacts and any code references Memorial Tree Program[1] and Urban Forestry - Pruning[2].

If you damage a city tree, the city may require remediation or replacement per its authority.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: city orders to remediate, removal or replacement of trees, or administrative actions may apply.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Parks and Urban Forestry division; submit reports or service requests via the city contact pages listed below.
  • Appeals and review: appeal procedures and time limits are governed by the department or applicable code provision; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes a Memorial Tree Program application and guidance on the Parks site when available; fee information or an application number may be provided on the program page. If no formal form is posted, contact Urban Forestry for current application procedures Memorial Tree Program[1].

Some memorial donations require payment and an agreement; check the current program page for fees.

How the program handles requests

  • Submit application or request to Urban Forestry per the program instructions.
  • The city reviews site, species suitability and maintenance commitments.
  • If approved, the city schedules planting or directs donation handling according to the seasonal pruning/planting calendar.

FAQ

Who owns a memorial tree after planting?
Once planted on city property, memorial trees are city property and maintained by the city.
Can I request a specific species or location?
Species and location requests are reviewed but final decisions are made by Urban Forestry based on site and maintenance needs.
How do I report a hazard or damage to a public tree?
Report hazards or damage to the Parks/Urban Forestry service request portal or contact parks staff via the city website; emergency hazards should be reported immediately.

How-To

  1. Review the Memorial Tree Program page and eligibility requirements.
  2. Prepare donor information, dedication text and preferred species or alternatives.
  3. Complete and submit the program application or contact Urban Forestry for the current form.
  4. Pay any required donation or fee as instructed by the city.
  5. Coordinate planting date and any signage with Parks staff; monitor post-planting care per city guidance.

Key Takeaways

  • Memorial trees are managed by City of Fort Collins Parks and Urban Forestry.
  • Planting and pruning follow seasonal schedules and city standards.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Fort Collins - Memorial Tree Program
  2. [2] City of Fort Collins - Urban Forestry Pruning

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