Forestry

The City of Westminster Forestry Team works to preserve and promote a healthy, safe, and diverse tree canopy through progressive urban forestry practices and community engagement.

To achieve our vision, we aim to employ the most effective arboricultural techniques, utilize equipment and technology that results in timely and efficient work and to work closely with the citizens and commercial partners who are part of Westminster's urban forest.

Currently, Westminster Forestry actively maintains over 14,000 trees in parks, greenbelts, facilities and rights-of-way.

There are also thousands of trees found within the 3,090 acres of open space across the city. Management of open space trees focuses on hazard mitigation and protection from wildlife damage. Dead trees, broken branches and downed woody debris commonly are left in our natural areas as they play an important role in the ecosystem.

Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP)

Westminster has created an Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP). This plan will serve as a roadmap for the future of Westminster's tree canopy and the community that shapes and benefits from it. View the plan (PDF)

Programs & Services

Westminster Forestry coordinates several programs and offers various services available to residents:

• Planting Programs
• Self-Serve Site for Free Mulch (2026 season is open)
• Tree Limb Recycling (March through November)
• Christmas Tree Recycling (December 25- January 23)
• Emerald Ash Borer
• Right-of-Way Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Program (PDF)
• Russian Olive Removal (PDF)
• Habitat Trees

Learn more about proper tree care:

• Recommended Tree and Plant List (PDF)
• Winter Pruning Techniques (PDF)

How to Hire a Tree Care Company

The City of Westminster does not have a tree care company licensing program, but neighboring cities do (please note we do not endorse any companies on this list):

• City of Lakewood - Tree Contractor Information
• City of Denver - Licensed Tree Contractor List (PDF)

How to hire a tree care contractor:

• Get three or more detailed bids from different companies in writing.
• Check contractor’s credentials and ask for proof of insurance – ask if contractor employs International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborists and verify using this tool https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/verify.
• Never pre-pay contractors for tree work.

How to hire a Plant Health Care (PHC) contractor:

• Get at least three detailed bids from different companies in writing.
• Check contractor's credentials and ask for proof of insurance--make sure that companies and applicators are certified with the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
• Never pre-pay contractors for applications.

Topping Trees Destroys Trees

While pruning your trees this year - don't "top" them! Topping trees is the indiscriminate cutting back of tree branches to stubs or lateral branches to stubs. Topping is the most harmful tree pruning practice known. It can kill trees, weaken trees, promote rapid decay, lead to sunburn injury, destroy the beauty of the tree and lead to tree starvation.

Contact

Email Parks and Recreationor call 303-658-2201.