Step 1 - Apply for a Business License from the City Clerk’s Office
City Code states that a person or business paid to cut, train, prune, shape or remove trees, which are 15 feet or higher, including conifers, in Colorado Springs is required to have a tree service business license. {1968 Code §5-64C; Ord. 75-164; Ord. 95-42; Ord. 01-42). Tree service candidates must pass an exam administered by City Forestry before obtaining a business license.
General Tree Service License
A general tree service business license shall authorize the licensee to cut, train, prune, shape or remove trees for hire from or above the ground through climbing, use of an aerial lift, or a ladder exceeding the height of twelve feet (12').
Limited Tree Service License
A limited tree service business license shall authorize the licensee to cut, train, prune, shape or remove trees for hire from the ground only except by use of a ladder not exceeding the height of twelve feet (12'). (Ord. 14-89)
City Code
Fees and Payment
- Annual license fee: $110
- Late renewal fee: $55
- Duplicate license fee: $5
Tree Service Licenses are valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance or renewal.
The City Clerk's Office accepts cash, check, money order, Visa and MasterCard.
Required Documents
- Business License Application
- Certificate of Commercial General Liability Insurance with the City of Colorado Springs listed as the certificate holder ($1,000,000)
- Workers' Compensation and Employers' Liability Insurance with the City of Colorado Springs listed as the certificate holder ($100,000)
- Trade Name Registration and Certificate of Good Standing with the Colorado Secretary of State, if applicable.
Step 2 - Pass the Written and Practical Exams from the City Forestry Division
NOTE: The person successfully completing the written exam will be a Licensed Representative for the business where they work. If that person leaves the business, the business must have a different person test to be a licensed representative.
- Apply. Complete the business license application, provide required documentation, and pay application fees through the City Clerk’s Office (City Administration Building Suite 101, 30 S. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903) as outlined above.
- Keep the receipt. The receipt is required to take the City Forester exam.
- Schedule the exams. Call City Forestry at (719) 385-5942 to schedule a time to take the written, tree ID and pruning competency examinations with the City Forester's office. It is best to complete all three sections in the same day.
- The exam fee is $120 and is payable by cash or check only to Colorado Springs Forestry Department at the time of the exam.
- Prepare for the exams. Review the licensing packet for information and resources.
- Take the exams. On the day of your exams, arrive on time with everything you need to take the exams:
- Receipt showing proof of payment of application fees for your business license
- Personal protective equipment (gloves, ear protection, eye protection, hardhat, etc.)
- Work zone safety equipment (i.e. traffic cones, signs)
- Work equipment (i.e. saws, pruners, etc.)
- City Forester’s approval. The City Forester shall authorize issuance of a Tree Service Business License by the City Clerk's Office after the applicant successfully passes the written and practical exams or furnishes evidence of previous satisfactory experience, as the City Forester's professional judgment deems proper. The City Forester will notify the City Clerk of the recommendation.
Online Application Portal
The City Clerk’s office is pleased to offer you access to our licensing services online. By creating an account, you will be able to view, apply and submit a General/Limited Tree application. You will also be able to check the status of pending request, access payment information, and much more.