Tree Contractor Information

All tree contractor's licenses must be completed online. 

Any current tree contractor who does not renew by March 31st of the current year, will be considered a new tree contractor, and must test and pay all fees. Testing and testing fees will not be required if you provide a current license from Denver or Aurora. 

Application for a Tree Contractor's License can be done online at www.LakewoodCO.gov/treecontractor. No person shall engage in any tree or shrub maintenance or removal, within the City without a license. 

The license will be issued in the name of an individual person under the name of a firm or corporation and is non-transferable. 

There are two classes of tree contractor licenses. 

1) LARGE TREE LICENSE - includes any work that will require workers to leave the ground through climbing or use of an aerial lift. Work may be done on any size tree, shrub, or evergreen.

2) ORNAMENTAL LICENSE - includes any work that can be done without leaving the ground. Work may be done on small trees, shrubs and evergreens, including trimming and removal.

Insurance Requirements 

Each applicant must furnish at the time of application and keep current Certificate(s) of Insurance listing the City of Lakewood as a Certificate Holder (City of Lakewood, 2775 S Estes St. Lakewood CO 80227) stating the following minimum requirements:

1) Commercial General Liability insurance of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence for bodily injury and/or property damage.

2) Comprehensive automobile liability insurance, including statutory personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage, for all vehicles, whether owned, non-owned or hired, used in performance of the Licensee's business, of no less than a combined single limit of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

3) Shall furnish worker's compensation in compliance with Colorado Law. Please Note: A Worker's Compensation Waiver will be used in the event there are no employees.

It is the responsibility of the contractor to make sure insurance documents are kept up to date.

Licensing and Testing Requirements 

If applicant submits a current license from Aurora or Denver, then testing is not required, you will need to provide a copy of the cooperating city's license. If the applicant is not licensed in one of the cities mentioned above, then the applicant must take a written test and field test. If the applicant is an ISA Certified Arborist, they will not have to take the written test but will need to take the field test which includes tree identification and a climbing test. If the applicant is an ISA Certified Tree Worker, they will need to take the written test but not the field test. If the applicant has both ISA certifications, they may be issued a license at the discretion of the Forestry Supervisor. 

If you do not have any of the above-mentioned items, please email Forestry@LakewoodCO.gov or call 720-963-5240 before filling out the online application.

Applicant must first complete the online application, submit all required documents and pay all fees required before testing is scheduled. A grade of at least 70% will be considered passing. Once an applicant has successfully passed the written test, he/she must demonstrate their ability in competency pertaining to the license applied for in the field. If the applicant fails any one part of the test, they are not allowed to advance and they must wait 30 days and pay the test fee(s) again before being allowed to re­test. Applicants are allowed three failed tests before having to re-test the following year. 

If you have questions about the testing portion, please contact the City Forester at 720-963-5246 prior to applying. 

Fees Required 

New contractors (all fees must be collected before testing and are non-refundable}

Initial Fee $65 

Written test - $35 

Climbing and tree ID test - $85 

Renewing contractors - $25 annually. Failure to renew your license within 90 days of the expiration date, you will be required to re-test and pay all new contractor fees. Testing and testing fees will not be required if you provide a current license from Denver or Aurora.

Please Note: The license shall be valid for the current calendar year and will expire on December 31st

Approval of Application 

After completion of the online application, the application is reviewed by the Forestry Department for approval. This routing process takes approximately seven business days. 

If you have any questions regarding a license for Tree Contractors, please email Forestry@LakewoodCO.gov or call 720-963-5240.

1. Gather your Digital Required Documents. 

• Application
  • Follow instructions in #2 below to "Create an account and apply for a new license." Apply as a "Public" user not a contractor, you will select this from the top of the screen when creating an account.
• Copy of your Denver or Aurora license if applicable (you will upload to your online application).
• ISA Certifications (you will upload to your online application).
• Insurance Documents (you will upload to your online application).

  • Each applicant must include a Certificate of Insurance when they submit their application. Certificate of Insurance must meet the following requirements:

    • The City of Lakewood must be named as the certificate holder. Use the following Address:

    • City of Lakewood
      2775 S. Estes St.
      Lakewood CO 80227

    • Commercial General Liability insurance of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence for bodily injury and/or property damage.

    • Comprehensive automobile liability insurance, including statutory personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage, for all vehicles, whether owned, non-owned or hired, used in performance of the Licensee’s business, of no less than a combined single limit of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

    • Shall provide worker’s compensation proof in compliance with Colorado Law or notarized worker’s compensation waiver
      Workers Compensation Waiver(PDF, 19KB) or Accessible Workers Compensation Waiver(PDF, 21KB)

It is the responsibility of the contractor to make sure the Certificates of Insurance are are kept up to date. Once an account is created as instructed in #2, the documents can be uploaded to the website. 

2. Create an account and apply for a new license:

https://lakw-trk.aspgov.com/eTRAKiT/
Video Instructions: How to apply for a tree contractor license

• Click on: Apply for New Licenses (under Lakewood Licenses):

• There are two options Public Login and Contractor login. You should select Public Login then Click Register here.

• Fill out the required information to create a new public user account. Click Create Account.

3. License Application

Step 1: Complete the License Application fields. Select the license type and subtype from the dropdown menu. Under the Licensee Name field, Type in the name of the individual who holds the license. Licensee must be an active employee.

Fill out the additional info section and upload supporting documentation (insurance certificates, workers compensation waiver, Denver or Aurora license, ISA Certifications, etc.) in the attachments section. Once the documents have been successfully uploaded you will see them under attachments (once the attachment is added you will need to click the ‘upload” button).

Step 2: Complete address and contact information

Step 3: Review the information to ensure its accurate and complete. Click Next Step.

Step 4: Congratulations! Your license application submittal is complete. Please check your email for more information.

If you need assistance call 720-963-5240.

Tips for Hiring a Tree Contractor

1. Check with the Parks Division about the license status of the person or company.
2. Get more than one estimate.
3. Ask for a written proposal that lists all the work to be performed including clean-up and hauling away of the tree debris.
4. Beware of “door knockers” people who usually go door to door after storms as a way to earn quick money. They are typically non-professionals and not licensed. Most reputable tree companies have all the work they need without going door-to-door. Anyone can list themselves in a phone book or print flyers.
5. Ask to see their proof of insurance coverage.
6. Never be rushed by bargain prices or pay for tree work in advance. Common complaints received involve people who pre-pay for tree work and either the work is partially completed or never started. People who take money in advance rarely return phone calls.

The companies on this list have met the requirements for licensing by the City of Lakewood. Each has provided written documentation of minimum insurance in effect at the time of licensing.  We do not endorse any companies on the list. We do however, suggest that before you enter into any contractual agreement you obtain at least three written bids, check references and verify current insurance coverage.  

License Types

Large Tree: Includes any work that will require workers to leave the ground through climbing or use of aerial lift. Work may be done on any size tree, shrub or evergreen.
Ornamental: Includes any work that can be done without leaving the ground. Work may be done on small trees, shrubs and evergreens, including trimming and removal.