If you are planting, treating, or pruning trees and will be occupying right-of-way space for more than thirty minutes, you must submit a Temporary Encroachment Permit.
If you are planning to remove a tree on property that is within the city limits of Aspen, please click this link for instructions on how to measure your tree. If it meets any of the size thresholds listed below, you’ll need to submit a Tree Removal Permit application before starting work.
- Woody shrubs that contain stems that are 3 inches and greater in diameter.
- Coniferous trees that are 4 inches and greater in diameter.
- Deciduous trees that are 6 inches and greater in diameter.
First time submitting a permit application? Click here to set up an account. After you submit an application, the City Forester or permit coordinator will complete a site visit to establish the value of the trees, based on health, size, planting location, and other criteria. Mitigation may be made in one or more ways:
- Replace the same value in trees back on the site,
- Pay the value as cash-in-lieu to the City, or
- A combination of the above.
Funds collected through tree mitigation are reinvested directly into Aspen’s urban forest. These dollars support the planting of new trees, the care and maintenance of existing trees, and long-term forest health projects within City parks and public rights-of-way. Your contribution helps ensure Aspen’s tree canopy remains vibrant, resilient, and well cared for.
To make sure you have everything you need for your application, review the Tree Removal Permit Checklist. If anything’s unclear, our Forestry Team is happy to help — call us at 970-544-2555.