Permits & Helpful Resources
Do I need a permit to replace or remove my tree?
There are many site specifics that dictate whether or not a permit is required for your project. Our ISA Certified Arborists are well versed in the local codes and requirements for Telluride, Mountain Village, Ridgway, Ouray, Montrose, local HOA’s and surrounding municipalities, and will not only inform you about the applicable permit requirements but can file for the permit on your behalf if needed.
Tree Removal Applications and Permits:
Incentives:
Wildfire Information:
Local Organizations doing great things for trees:
Wood chips, Mulch and Firewood:
People often ask what we do with our wood chips. We re-use, recycle and compost our chips.
We reuse, recycle, and compost our wood chips to keep waste out of the landfill—and you can get in on it too! We offer:
Fresh Rough-Cut Wood Chips: Mixed-size chunks of fresh and dead Aspen, Spruce, and Cottonwood. These unscreened chips may include sticks and small rocks—perfect for pathways, erosion control, livestock bedding, and more.
Cured & Composted Mulch: A beautiful, dark, earthy material similar in look to bagged mulch (but not screened). Ideal for garden beds, planting amendment, and moisture retention.
Firewood: Aspen, Cottonwood, and Spruce/Fir tree rounds or split wood available by request—based on availability.
Friendly, local delivery available—reach out to check current availability and options!
For the 2026 season:
We are offering FREE WOOD CHIPS (Fresh Rough-Cut Wood Chips) delivered at no cost if you’re located within about 5–10 minutes of one of our active job sites.
How It Works – Free Wood Chip Delivery:
We’re excited to offer free fresh cut wood chips to local property owners as part of our commitment to sustainability and reducing waste.
What You Get:
• A large load of wood chips — approx. 15 yards (about the size of a one-car garage, waist deep)
• Free delivery if you're within 5–10 minutes of one of our active job sites
• First come, first served — availability depends on our current work locations
Here’s how it works:
Sign up using the form below with your name, address, phone number, and a brief note about where we can easily dump the load.
When we’re working in your area, we’ll send you a text to let you know we’re coming.
We’ll deliver the wood chips right to your property — no charge!
Click the button below to sign up and get on our list.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s the fastest way to reach Telluride Arborist®?
Texting photos is usually the quickest way for us to understand your project and respond efficiently.
Can I still call or email?
Of course. Some clients prefer texting, others prefer a phone call or email. Whatever is easiest for you works for us.
How soon can you get to my project?
It depends on the season, scope of work, and whether the situation is urgent or hazardous.
We do our best to respond quickly and communicate clearly about scheduling.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
Sometimes. Certain properties in Telluride and Mountain Village require tree removal permits.
We regularly help homeowners, HOAs, builders, and property managers navigate the process.
Are you ISA Certified Arborists?
Yes. Telluride Arborist® is led by ISA Certified Arborists with experience in high elevation mountain environments throughout the Telluride region.
Do you work with HOAs, builders, and municipalities?
Yes. We regularly work with homeowners, HOAs, builders, architects, property managers, and local municipalities.
Projects range from routine pruning to larger wildfire mitigation, forestry, and tree care planning.
Can you help with hazard trees or emergency situations?
Yes. We frequently assess storm damaged, declining, high risk, or hazardous trees.
We can help prioritize safety concerns, access issues, and next steps.
Do you provide arborist reports or tree assessments?
Yes. We provide arborist consultations, tree assessments, hazard evaluations, and arborist reports.
These are often used for homeowners, HOAs, permits, construction projects, and property planning.
Do you do wildfire mitigation and defensible space work?
Yes. Wildfire mitigation and defensible space are a major part of what we do.
This is especially important for high elevation mountain properties in the Telluride region.
Can you help with long term forest health and property planning?
Absolutely. Many clients hire us for ongoing guidance, not just one time tree work.
We help with forest health, wildfire resilience, tree preservation, planting, and long term property planning.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Telluride, Mountain Village, Placerville, Norwood, Ridgway, Ouray, Montrose and surrounding areas throughout the San Juan Mountain region.
Do you climb trees or use equipment?
Yes. Depending on the property and scope of work, we climb trees, use ropes and rigging systems, chippers, forestry equipment, and other tools needed to work safely and efficiently.
Do you have wood chips available?
Yes! We have fresh wood chips available locally.
Reach out if you’re looking for chips for trails, landscaping, erosion control, or garden use.
Why do you do this work?
Because we genuinely love trees. Seriously.
We love mountain landscapes, healthy forests, beautiful properties, and the challenge of working in the high elevation environments we call home. We live here, we work here, and we care deeply about helping trees and properties thrive safely for the long term.
Also… we just really love trees.