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

Tree removal in Minneapolis is regulated by the Park and Recreation Board Forestry division, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 18G (pest and disease control), and the Minneapolis shade tree preservation ordinances. Boulevard and park trees are Park Board property; owners may not remove them, and MPRB arborists mark, permit, and either remove or replace them. Private-property trees are generally the owner choice to remove, except when designated as shade-tree-disease hazards. Dutch elm disease elms must be removed or sanitized within 20 days of MPRB marking under Minneapolis Code Chapter 225 and Minnesota Statute 18G.03, and owners failing to act are assessed city removal costs. The entire state including Hennepin County is under the emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine; when an ash tree on boulevard or private property is confirmed infested, MPRB may order removal and replacement. MPRB runs a resident cost-share program for private ash tree treatment and removal. Healthy private oaks, maples, and other trees can be removed without a city permit, but large-tree removal near protected water resources may trigger Minnesota DNR or MPRB shoreland review.