Tree Cutting and Arborist Services in Colorado Springs

Choose the work you want before requesting bids

Start by describing your goal: assess a tree you hope to keep, prune selected branches, remove a tree or grind an existing stump. Ask the assessor to explain the concern, alternatives and recommended follow-up before you approve cutting. For pruning, request a description of the branches the crew will remove and the intended outcome.

For removal, specify whether you want the crew to leave the stump or grind it. Give bidders the same tree list, photographs taken from a safe position and access information. Point out gates, nearby roofs, fences and surfaces you want protected. Ask for a site visit before agreeing to the final scope, and clarify whether the assessment carries a separate fee.

Verify the city license and insurance

Colorado Springs requires a tree service business license for cutting, training, pruning, shaping or removing trees for hire. The city reports licensing code changes effective October 5, 2026, including updated insurance requirements. Ask for the business’s current license and match its name to the contractor named in your quote. [1]

The city lists commercial general liability coverage of $1,000,000/$2,000,000 and workers’ compensation and employers’ liability insurance of $1,000,000 among its required documents. Request current insurance documentation for the business performing your work, and ask who will supervise the crew. [1]

ISA Certified Arborists and ISA Certified Tree Workers still take a city examination covering arboriculture safety, approved traffic control and local forestry procedures. Ask who will assess your tree and who will perform the cutting. Verify the credentials each person claims alongside the business license. [1]

Resolve street-tree and utility responsibilities

The City Forester manages trees in parks and along streets in the public right-of-way. For additional work you commission on city trees along the street at your residence, obtain a City Forester’s Permit before work begins. The city directs homeowners to contact a licensed tree service for inspection and permitting assistance. [2]

For limbs near power lines, call Colorado Springs Utilities at (719) 448-4800 for a free tree and utility safety inspection. The utility arranges line-clearance trimming at no customer cost when it determines that limbs encroach on or threaten the lines. Ask your contractor to separate your requested pruning or removal from the clearance work the utility agrees to perform. [3]

Colorado Springs Utilities calls for eight feet of landscaping space in front of green utility boxes and two feet on each side. It advises against covering or surrounding boxes with trees, shrubs, firewood and other materials. Agree on a place for logs, brush and equipment that preserves those clearances. [3]

Compare complete quotes and disposal plans

Request separate descriptions for cutting, hauling, stump grinding and restoration. Decide whether you want logs or chips left on site. Ask the contractor to specify small-branch cleanup, grinding depth, removal of grindings and any soil replacement. Record who will repair agreed surface damage and prepare the area for replanting.

As of October 13, 2026, the county reports that Black Forest Slash & Mulch is closed for the season and asks readers to check back in spring 2027. It has not announced the next season’s dates or hours. The program accepts tree and bush debris but excludes stumps and roots. Ask the contractor to identify a destination that accepts your debris and will be available on the job date. [4]

Compare bids against the same scope, including cleanup. Ask each contractor to state exclusions, payment stages, the proposed work window and how you will approve extra work. Assign responsibility for checking ownership, obtaining authorization and coordinating with the utility. Before accepting completion, walk through the site and review the agreed work and cleanup.

Black Forest Slash & Mulch published handling fees

Choose your next step

Your hiring checklist

1. Identify each tree and describe the outcome you want.
2. Confirm ownership and assign responsibility for checking authorization.
3. Request the contractor’s current city tree service license and insurance documents.
4. Ask the utility to review limbs near power lines before approving clearance work.
5. Show bidders access points, nearby structures and surfaces you want protected.
6. Separate cutting, hauling, stump work and restoration in the written scope.
7. Agree on debris destinations, retained chips or logs and final cleanup.
8. Confirm payment stages and require approval before extra work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an ISA-certified arborist still need a city tree service license?

Colorado Springs requires a tree service business license for paid cutting, pruning, shaping, training or removal. ISA Certified Arborists and ISA Certified Tree Workers take a shorter city examination covering safety, traffic control and local forestry procedures. Check the business license alongside the individual’s claimed credential. [1]

Do I need a permit for a tree beside the sidewalk?

Confirm ownership before authorizing work. The city requires a free City Forester’s Permit for additional work you commission on city trees along the street at your residence. Its guidance directs you to a licensed tree service for inspection and permitting assistance. [2]

Will the utility pay to remove my tree?

The utility’s published offer covers a free safety inspection and qualifying line-clearance trimming. Ask Colorado Springs Utilities to define the work it will arrange before assuming it includes whole-tree removal. Request a private quote for any remaining work you want. [3]

How should I compare tree removal prices?

Give bidders the same tree list and request a site assessment. Compare cutting, hauling, stump grinding, removal of grindings and restoration as separate scope items. Ask each contractor to explain exclusions and charges for extra work. Compare the complete written offers before choosing.