Ash Replacement & Reuse

Please click here to apply for this Ash GAP removal and replacement program.

The ash trees are at risk for an invasive insect called Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) that kills the trees very quickly. Removing smaller ash trees will slow the spread of the destructive insect.

The tree removal, stump grind, and replanting of a new tree is at no cost to the homeowner.

Homeowners eligible for right-of-way removal and replacement of their ash trees will be contacted by the Office of the City Forester. Only select small (12 inches or less in DBH) ash trees in the public right-of-way (PRW) will be removed. The PRW is the area between your property line and the street owned by the City of Denver. If you feel that you have a small condition ash tree that is eligible for this program, please email forestry@denvergov.org for more information.

The Ash GAP removal and replacement program began in the winter of 2020. The program will work throughout the city on an on-going basis. Homeowners who apply and are eligible should provide their contact information in order to receive up-to-date information about the process timeline.

March 2022 Update: We are experiencing delays with GAP Program removals. Thanks for your patience.

The tree and the stump will be removed by our contractors.

It is expected that the trees will decline in the near future with the arrival of Emerald Ash Borer. The homeowner will have to pay for the tree removal or treatment at a later date themselves if they choose to opt-out of the program.

All eligible ash trees in the public right-of-way of each property will be removed.

No, only ash trees in the public right-of-way are eligible for this program.

It is best to remove the tree while it is small and plant a replacement tree that will be less costly over its lifetime and have a greater chance of survival. Please click here for treatment options.

Please indicate that you would like a free replacement tree on your Ash Replacement Program application.

Only homes that opt in to the Be A Smart Ash replacement tree program will receive a new tree. Homeowners can opt-out of our free tree program at any time. However, there are many benefits to new trees. The new tree will be at no-cost to the homeowner, and the City of Denver will even water the tree(s) for one year.

It depends on availability, but our foresters pick out trees that are best suited for the location.  The tree is selected from this list of city-approved street trees.

Replacement tree(s) will be planted as soon as possible after the tree removal if there is adequate space for a new tree. Spring planting cycles typically last from April to July and fall planting cycles typically run from September to November.

Any new trees must meet our spacing requirements and will be sited by our foresters for distance from stop signs, water meters, driveways, etc. Click to learn more about the space needed in the right-of-way.

We hope so! We will place as many new trees as there is space for in the public right-of-way.

No, Denver Forestry only plants in the public right-of-way.

Typically, you’re looking for sound wood from trees that are 1 to 3 feet in diameter and 6 to 16 feet long. But many woodworking operations, such as Wood in 2 Wood featured in the video above, can work with even smaller trees – turning them into unique bowls, cutting boards and other products.

It’s important to note that urban wood is worth more than lumber from non-local or mass-harvested sources due to its unique features and character. For instance, the wood from Russian Olive trees, which are so common in parts of the Metro Denver area that they’re considered weeds, display very appealing colors and patterns after being milled. Some might consider these trees trash. Woodworkers consider them treasure.

There are many, but a few include 303 Tree, A Cut Above, Helping Hand, Lovett Tree Company and Taddiken, as well as many of the companies listed below.