Natural Resources & Forestry

Aspen boasts many outstanding natural resources including having the premier high-altitude community forest in Colorado. The City of Aspen has established a dynamic natural resource program that encompasses both the urban forest and the surrounding natural resources, earning it the distinct designation of being a Tree City USA, as well as being accredited by the Society of Municipal Arborists, the highest recognition for municipal and community forestry programs.

Natural Resource Health Planning

The City of Aspen takes a hands-on approach of ensuring the health and vitality of its community forest and natural resources through the implementation of both a community forest management plan, as well as a noxious vegetation/restoration management plan. These plans give clear definition to the everyday operations carried out by our Department, such as tree pruning, planting, hazard tree identification/monitoring, insect and disease control, restoration or native habitats, upkeep of our cutting-edge GIS-based tree inventory program, and tree preservation. The City of Aspen takes pride in the management of the community forest and surrounding open space parcels, going above and beyond management activities of communities of similar size.

It is because of this resource management that the City feels the community forest and the local natural resources will remain intact and vital for generations to come. For more information or a free house visit regarding trees or natural resources, please email the City Forester, see right-hand column.

Water Efficient Landscaping Standards

In Spring of 2017 City Council passed Ordinance 16, amending Title 25 “Utilities 1, 2, 3” of the Municipal Code, to add a new chapter 25.30 entitled: Water Efficient Landscaping Standards. Learn more about the landscape ordinance.

Helpful Information

• City of Aspen Community Forest Management Plan 2018
• City of Aspen Noxious Vegetation Management Plan
• Smuggler Mountain Open Space 10 Year Forest Resource Management Plan
• Aspen Tree Inventory City of Aspen Tree
• Find free tree planting design around your home or business.
• Tree Care, See Mix Guide and Planting Guidelines
• Tree Removal Permit Application Process- Tree Sizes requiring a Tree Removal Permit are as follows (as measured 4.5 feet from the ground surface):
  • Coniferous trees that are 4” + Diameter
  • Deciduous trees that are 6” + Diameter
  • Native material that is 3” + Diameter
• Tree Value Calculator:
  The formula is:   $45 x 3.14 x (D/2)^{2
  [where D is the diameter of the tree at 4.5' feet above the ground]}
• City of Aspen i-Tree: Urban forestry analysis report:
  • COA iTree Parks Report
  • COA iTree Streets Report