Knowledgebase

Is the growth of 4 Siberian Elm worth reporting? #871086

Asked June 01, 2024, 5:43 PM EDT

I am trying to obtain the NUMBER of the ordinance that is referred to that prohibits the growth of the Siberian Elm. Can you provide me with that number? Clump of four Siberian Elm in east Colorado Springs. The first Siberian Elm is at 3435 Chantilly Place Colo. Sprs. 80922. It is on the south side between 3425 resident. It is huge. Then there is an offspring in the front yard of 3435, large. Next 'off spring' is Siberian is #3, which is growing is a 7ft wide space between driveways, the tree is at the 3 foot mark in the area closes to 6422 Chantilly Place and claimed by that property owner. It is never kept up (elm tree) and the owner Refuses to remove it. My residence is 6430 Chantilly Place and I get ALL the nasties off this horrible nasty tree Siberian Elm. Finally, Tree #4 is growing in a open property which is owned by the City of Colorado Springs, directly behind 6438 Chantilly Place. I have reported it to the El Paso County dept. that handles landscaping problems and they refuse to any thing about it. I find it strange they do not enforce state 'Ordinances'.

El Paso County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Judith, 

Thanks for reaching out to Ask Extension about this, and I'm sorry to hear you're having such a difficult time with these trees in your neighborhood. 

Siberian elm is currently on the noxious weed watch list for the state of Colorado, meaning is is being monitored by the state but eradication is not required at this time. I did find this El Paso County ordinance (No. 18-01 Requiring the Removal of Weeds and Brush), but it does not mention the siberian elm by name as it is written.

For the City of Colorado Springs, I found this resource, which classifies the removal of siberian elm sprouts under City Code § 4.4.105; § 9.6.3.

"City code states that homeowners are responsible for maintaining the area between their property line and the curb line or centerline of the alley. This includes eliminating and controlling growth of weeds, including volunteer tree sprouts." 

Notably that city code only addresses sprouts and it sounds like you're having difficulties with both sprouts and mature trees. For the city of Colorado Springs, it is prohibited to plant a siberian elm in the public right of way, but I am having trouble finding a city code or ordinance that requires the removal of mature siberian elms. Have you contacted the city forestry department about these trees? You can reach them at <personal data hidden>. They might be able to help you if you believe the trees are in the public right of way. Please reference this guide from the city if you need help determining if the trees are in the public right of way. 

If the city forestry department is not able to assist and/or these trees are not in the public right of way, you might have ordinances from your home owners association, if you have one, that might help support your request for removal. 

Hope this helps! 

Thanks, 

Katie G., El Paso County CMG

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 04, 2024, 9:21 PM EDT

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