Grand Junction Cracks Down on Tree Cutting This Spring

Grand Junction homeowners know that April often means ladders are out, and sometimes, branches are getting trimmed. Here’s the catch: the tree you’ve maintained for years might not legally be yours to cut.

A recent reminder from the city of Grand Junction has residents talking about fines and liability. At a time when DIY yardwork is on the rise, officials say this when misunderstandings spike. Here’s what’s going on.

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Think It’s Your Tree? Here’s How to Know Before You Cut

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So, if one or more trees in your yard are in the public right-of-way, where is that exactly? The city says this is generally a tree located between the sidewalk and the street. This strip of land is known as the right-of-way. In Grand Junction, it belongs to the city, not the homeowner. Trees growing in these spots are considered public. If you are not sure about the status of a tree on your property, it’s worth asking Grand Junction's forestry division before you trim anything. Check out Grand Junction's tree inventory map.

Permits Required—and Not Just Anyone Can Do the Work

Some trees require a permit from the city before pruning or removal, especially those in the magical right-of-way space. The city says it requires approval before you can work on trees in the right-of-way space, and in many cases, work on these trees must be handled by a licensed tree care professional. Hiring unlicensed workers or skipping the permit process could cost you later. Check out Grand Junction's tree work request form.

What Happens If You Ignore the Rules—and Why It’s Trending Now

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What happens if someone ignores the rules? Legal action can result in being billed for the value of the tree, which could reach thousands. Grand Junction estimates it manages around 57,000 public trees, protecting the canopy from damage, drought, and accidental trimming. These fines are what have this enforcement reminder trending right now.