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').

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 Exam 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Keep the receipt. The receipt is required to take the City Forester exam.
  3. Schedule the exam. Call City Forestry at (719) 385-5942 to schedule a time to take the written multiple-choice examination with the City Forester's office.
  4. Exam fee. The exam fee is $120 and is payable by cash or check only to Colorado Springs Forestry Department at the time of the exam.
  5. Prepare for the exam.  The 40-question exam will cover sections from the following topics, and it is based on industry knowledge and practical experience. 80% on the exam is a passing grade.
    1. ANSI A300-Pruning standards
    2. ANSI Z133 – Arboriculture Safety Standards
    3. Basic tree biology
    4. Local tree species commonly found in Colorado Springs
    5. City-approved traffic control setups
    6. Tree Risk Assessment best practices
    7. City Forestry rules, regulations, and tree permitting procedures
  6. Take the exam. On the day of your exam, arrive on time with:
    1. Receipt showing proof of payment of application fees for your business license
    2. Submittal of completed work Provide three photos of work your company has completed, associated with an address, demonstrating either structure pruning or crown cleaning.
  7. 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 exam 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.
  8. Documentation of Certifications: Please bring any documentation you have verifying current certifications or credentials from recognized industry organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). These documents may be used to determine exam requirements or verify professional qualifications

NOTE: Applicants who are ISA Certified Arborists or ISA Certified Tree Workers will only be required to take a 20-question exam covering:

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. 

Use Online Portal