Sun on concrete hits different in RiNo. If you’ve ever walked down Blake or Larimer on a hot afternoon, you know the shade from a single canopy tree can feel like natural air conditioning. You want that comfort on your block and you want to do it the right way. In this guide, you’ll learn how street-tree permits work in Denver, which species are allowed, simple planting and care tips, and how trees can cool your home and street over time. Let’s dive in.
Why street trees matter in RiNo
RiNo’s streets have lots of hardscape and fewer mature shade trees compared with many Denver neighborhoods, so each new tree makes a difference. Trees cool by blocking sun and by evaporating water through their leaves, which can lower nearby air temperatures a few degrees. The EPA reports that shaded surfaces can be much cooler at peak heat, and urban forest areas average about 3 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than less green areas. You will feel the biggest gains as trees mature, so think long term and plant smart now. You can explore the science behind tree cooling in the EPA’s overview of using trees to reduce heat islands.
- Read more: EPA guidance on trees and urban heat
Permits you need in RiNo
Denver’s Office of the City Forester regulates street trees in the public right of way. That includes the tree lawn between the curb and sidewalk or within 10 feet of the curb where there is no tree lawn.
- Street-tree permits: Planting, removing, attaching items to, or injecting a street tree requires a free permit issued before work. Reviews typically take up to 5 business days. Start here: Denver street-tree permits.
- Your responsibility: By city code, the adjoining property owner is responsible for maintenance of street trees along their property, even though street trees are city trees. See details on property owner responsibilities.
- Licensed help: If you hire paid help, the company must be a licensed Denver tree service contractor. Check the city’s contractor licensing resources. Contractors typically pull permits on your behalf.
- Street occupancy: If planting will block parking or the sidewalk, you may also need a Street Occupancy permit.
- Safety first: Call Colorado 811 before you dig so utilities are marked. Use the city’s guidance on utility locates.
What you can plant and where
Approved vs. prohibited species
Denver allows only certain trees in the public right of way. Use the city’s Approved Street Tree List to choose species suited to the site and climate. Avoid species on the city’s prohibited list, which includes cottonwoods and aspens, willows, boxelder, Siberian elm, ash species, Bradford pear, silver maple, Russian-olive, tree-of-heaven, mulberry, and similar problem trees. Check details under the city’s construction and development resources.
Spacing and siting basics
Set your tree up to thrive and protect sidewalks, lights, and views at intersections.
- Spacing from trees: About 35 feet between shade trees and 25 feet between ornamental trees.
- Distance from features: Aim for roughly 30 feet from intersections, 20 feet from street lights, 10 feet from alleys, driveways, and hydrants, 7 feet from attached sidewalks, and 5 feet from water meters.
These are common city standards. Confirm exact distances for your block with the City Forester during permitting.
Planting and care for Denver’s climate
Best time to plant
In Denver, late September through October is often ideal for planting. Spring can also work if you can water consistently. The city’s care guide has seasonal tips for timing, staking, pruning, and protection.
Watering and mulch made simple
New trees need steady water to establish, especially in RiNo’s semi-arid conditions.
- First two weeks: about 3 to 5 gallons daily.
- April to October: roughly 10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter every 2 to 4 days.
- November to March: 10 gallons per inch every 2 to 4 weeks when it is above about 40 degrees and there is no snow cover.
- Mulch: Apply a 3 to 4 inch ring, keeping mulch 6 inches away from the trunk.
See the city’s full tables and tips in General Tree Care.
Cooling and comfort benefits you can expect
Trees cool your block by shading hard surfaces and through evapotranspiration. The EPA notes that shaded surfaces can be many degrees cooler at peak heat, and neighborhoods with more canopy average around 3 degrees cooler than those with less greenery. When trees shade buildings, they can also reduce air-conditioning demand, though savings vary by placement and building. Benefits build as trees mature, so plan for long-term care, watering, and smart siting. Learn more in the EPA’s heat-island guide.
Programs to help you get a tree
- Denver Digs Trees: The Park People offers low-cost and free trees each spring to Denver addresses, with workshops and planting support. Check eligibility and upcoming distribution dates at Denver Digs Trees.
- City Forestry: Denver’s Office of the City Forester runs planting initiatives and can guide you on site-specific questions during permitting and inspections.
Step-by-step checklist for RiNo homeowners
Confirm where you’re planting. If it is in the public right of way, you’ll need a street-tree permit. Start with street-tree permits.
Pick the right species. Use the Approved Street Tree List and avoid trees on the city’s prohibited list.
Mark utilities. Call 811 and follow the city’s utility locate guidance before digging.
Apply for permits. The City Forester’s permit is free and typically reviewed within 5 business days. If you’ll block the curb or sidewalk, check Street Occupancy rules too.
Plan for care. Water about 10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter on the city’s recommended schedule and add mulch as noted in General Tree Care. The adjoining owner is responsible for maintenance.
Hire the right help if needed. Use a licensed tree service. See contractor licensing, and have your contractor pull required permits.
Planting a street tree is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to improve daily comfort on your block. If you’re planning a project or weighing a property decision in RiNo and want neighborhood-smart guidance, reach out to Hector Murguia and our team. We live and work in Denver’s core neighborhoods and are here to help you make confident, long-term choices.
FAQs
What permits do I need to plant a street tree in RiNo?
- You need a free street-tree permit from Denver’s Office of the City Forester before planting, removing, injecting, or attaching anything to a street tree.
Who maintains the street tree in front of my property?
- The city owns street trees, but the adjoining property owner is responsible for routine maintenance under Denver ordinance.
Which street-tree species are not allowed in Denver?
- Avoid cottonwoods and aspens, willows, boxelder, Siberian elm, ash species, Bradford pear, silver maple, Russian-olive, tree-of-heaven, mulberry, and other prohibited species listed by the city.
How far from driveways and lights should I plant?
- Common standards include about 10 feet from alleys and driveways, 20 feet from street lights, and roughly 30 feet from intersections, plus minimum distances from sidewalks and meters.
When is the best time to plant in Denver’s climate?
- Late September through October is often ideal, though spring plantings work if you can irrigate consistently during establishment.
How much should I water a new street tree?
- Plan on about 3 to 5 gallons daily for the first two weeks, then around 10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter every 2 to 4 days in warm months, and every few weeks in winter when conditions allow.
How long before a new tree provides meaningful shade?
- Expect several years to a decade or more for a large canopy to develop, with benefits increasing as the tree matures.
Where can I get low-cost trees in Denver?
- The Park People’s Denver Digs Trees program offers low-cost and free trees to Denver residents each spring, along with planting support.
