Tree care · Mountain West
Colorado is dry and sunny, with big swings in temperature and cold, snowy winters in the mountains. Town trees on the Front Range and plains need steady watering, and the foothills mix pines, spruces and aspens with wildfire risk. Hail, wet snow and wind are hard on branches.
Trees that commonly grow or are often planted here. The storm risk is our plain rating for the species as a whole, not an inspection of your tree.
Pinus ponderosa
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPicea pungens
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPopulus tremuloides
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPopulus deltoides
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesFraxinus pennsylvanica
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesGleditsia triacanthos
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesAcer platanoides
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesUlmus pumila
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesAcer negundo
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesPinus contorta
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesSee every species in the tree library.
Widely known concerns in this part of the country. If you see signs, ask a certified arborist or your state extension office. Ranges change, so check your state's official maps.
More in tree pests and diseases.
Hail and strong thunderstorms are most common from late spring through summer. Heavy, wet snow can break limbs in fall and spring, and dry, windy periods raise wildfire risk in summer and fall.
Main storm months: May to August for hail and thunderstorms; September to May for heavy snow; summer and fall for wildfire
After a storm, stay away from downed lines and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Read what to do after a storm and our storm guides.
Many trees are pruned in the cool months while they are dormant, which also keeps cuts clean before spring growth. Dead or hanging limbs after hail, snow or wind should be dealt with right away, in any season.
Each species page lists its own best and worst times. See the month-by-month tree care calendar and when to prune.
Many Colorado cities, counties and fire districts have rules about tree removal or wildfire mitigation work. Check your city or county before any big job. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Read our plain guide to tree permits.
City rules we checked in Colorado, with links to the official sources. Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; short explanation, not legal advice.
See tree removal permits by city for every city we checked.
For homeowners
Could not confirm
We could not confirm a state-level tree license in Colorado; check with the state and your city. See the Colorado state rules page for details and official links.
Get two or three written quotes. To find local pros, search Google Maps and read their reviews. Full steps in how to hire a tree service and the hiring checklist.
Own a tree service in Colorado?
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Nearby states
For tree service owners
Many trees do well with pruning in the cool months while they are dormant. Dead, broken or hanging limbs should be removed as soon as you see them, in any season. An arborist can tell you the best time for your species.
Colorado air is dry and the sun is strong, so trees can lose water faster than the roots supply it. Deep, slow watering in dry spells helps. If leaves scorch or tops thin out, ask an arborist to look at it.
Not always. Hail can strip leaves and bruise bark, and many trees recover. Broken limbs and large open wounds should be checked by an arborist, who can tell you what to prune and what to watch.
If you have pines, especially in the mountains and foothills, it is smart to ask an arborist or your county extension office about bark beetles. Signs include pitch tubes, sawdust at the base and needles turning red. Do not move firewood from a suspect tree.
It depends on where you live. Many cities, counties and fire districts have tree or wildfire mitigation rules, and some HOAs have their own. Call your city or county before you cut. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Ask for proof of insurance, get written quotes and ask about arborist credentials. We could not confirm a state tree-work license, so check our Colorado license page and your city's rules. Avoid anyone who asks for full payment up front or tops trees.
We could not confirm a state-level tree license in Colorado; check with the state and your city. Our Colorado state rules page has the details and links to official sources. Short explanation, not legal advice.
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies. We do not do tree work and we do not list or rank tree companies. To find a local insured pro, search Google Maps, read their reviews and get two or three written quotes.