Tree Information and Resources

What We Do

The city manages trees in city parks, and the right-of-way (ROW).

  • The ROW ranges from 25 to 35 feet from the road centerline or 10 to 20 feet behind back edge of curb.
  • The city routinely prunes trees located in the ROW to ensure the safe passage of vehicles, safety of pedestrians, and to maintain sightlines. All other tree maintenance (watering, mulching, etc.) is left up to the property owner.
  • If you have any questions about ROW or other city-maintained trees, contact us at 952-446-1660.

What You Can Do

Plant trees properly. Planting properly will set your trees up for success long-term. Well-planted and properly maintained trees can reduce energy bills, capture stormwater, and attract wildlife.

  • Planting Resources: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/righttree-shrub.html
  • Newly planted trees need 15-20 gallons of water a week for the first few years, watering until the ground freezes. During a drought, mature trees can benefit from being watered once a week using a soaker hose. In general, trees need the equivalent of 1 inch of water per week.
  • Mulch trees in a donut shape, making sure to keep mulch 3 inches away from the base of the tree. Mulch helps to hold in soil moisture and prevents the growth of weeds.
  • Prune trees periodically to improve form, remove deadwood, and encourage proper growth.
  • Make sure to check oak wilt risk status before you prune. Ideally, most pruning should be done in winter.
  • Treat large, healthy ash trees with an injectable insecticide to prevent the infestation and spread of Emerald ash borer (EAB).
  • Hiring certified tree care professionals can help to maintain and preserve trees. If the tree work requires you to be off the ground, a professional should be hired.

 

Common Tree Pests and Diseases

  1. Oak wilt
  2. Dutch elm disease (DED)
  3. Bur oak blight
  4. Japanese beetles
  5. Fire blight
  6. Asian longhorned beetle
  7. Two-line chestnut borer
  8. Buckthorn Management

 

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

  1. EAB was discovered in St. Paul in 2009 and was found in Minnetrista in 2021.
  2. Look for signs of EAB in your ash trees.
  3. Consider having ash trees in your yard treated with an insecticide or removed to prevent infestation. Contact an ISA certified arborist to discuss the best course of action for your tree(s).
  4. Prevent the spread of EAB by not transferring firewood out of quarantine areas (Hennepin County is an EAB Quarantine area)
  5. More information about EAB management: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialanimals/eab/management.html 

     

Helpful Links:

  1. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare/residential.html
  2. University of Minnesota Extension: https://extension.umn.edu/find-plants/trees-and-shrubs

 

Print