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Open Space & Forestry
Responsibilities
The Open Space & Forestry Division is tasked with maintaining grounds around city facilities, greenways, wetlands, undeveloped natural areas as well as the city’s urban forest.
Forestry maintains trees in the areas above in addition to parks, medians and certain rights-of-way. Per Brighton’s municipal code, it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the trees in their adjacent public right-of-way (area between the street and the sidewalk). Citizens can verify if they have a public right-of-way tree by checking to see if their tree is on the city’s inventory.
Tree Inventory
In 2023, the City adopted the use of a new platform to update the existing tree inventory. This launch was funded in part by a grant from the Colorado Tree Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to leading Colorado’s efforts to preserve, renew and enhance community forests. A link to the updated inventory can be found here:
Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan
Tree Care Licensing
All persons engaged in the business of performing tree care and landscaping (spraying) in Brighton must have a license. The Contractor’s License and Tree Care addendum must both be completed and submitted to our One Stop Customer Service Center at City Hall:
1stop@brightonco.gov
Brighton City Hall
500 S 4th Avenue
Brighton, CO 80601
Documents
- City Tree Care Contractor License Holders (PDF)
- Tree Trimming License Information Q&A (PDF)
- Municipal Code Article 5-68 – Tree Care
- Municipal Code Article 15-16 – Contractor Licenses
Plant Recommendations
A variety of different tree species grow throughout the City of Brighton. Choosing the right tree for the right location will help maximize the benefits from your tree. View the approved list of trees (PDF) from the forestry division gives more information.