Blaine, MN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

For most established homes, Blaine's published guidance does not impose a permit requirement to remove a healthy tree growing on private property. Boulevard and right-of-way trees, however, are maintained by the city's Forestry Division and are removed by the city (dead or dying trees are removed at no cost to homeowners), so residents should not cut them. Removal becomes mandatory when a tree is declared a public nuisance under Chapter 90, Article III (Shade Tree Management). Sec. 90-57 declares as public nuisances living or standing elm trees infected with Dutch elm disease or harboring elm bark beetles, oak trees with oak wilt fungus as determined by the city forester, and other diseased or infested trees. Once notified, the owner must debark, salvage, or remove the bark-intact wood and tree parts to an authorized disposal site within 21 days, and stumps must be removed, ground out, or debarked to the ground line. Ash trees killed by emerald ash borer on private property are the homeowner's responsibility to remove. Tree removal tied to building or development is governed by Blaine's tree preservation standards (significant trees 8 inches or greater in diameter), which can require replacement or escrow.