Plymouth, MN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Plymouth, MN, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Preliminary plat or lot division creating new parcels
- Residential removal cap
- Up to 50% of significant tree inches, no penalty
- Non-residential removal cap
- Up to 75% of significant tree inches, no penalty
- Restitution rate
- $175.00 per tree inch removed beyond threshold
- Reforestation ratio
- 1.25 replacement inches per inch removed
- Unprotected-tree fine
- $150.00 per inch before further permits issue
Summary
In the City of Plymouth, a preliminary plat or lot division that creates new parcels must include a tree survey and preservation plan under City Code Section 530.11. Residential development may remove up to 50 percent of significant tree inches without penalty; anything beyond that threshold triggers mandatory reforestation or a $175.00-per-inch restitution payment to the City.
Developments in residential districts may remove or disturb up to 50 percent of the total inches of significant trees. Any removal or disturbance beyond this threshold shall require reforestation or restitution. ... For each one (1.0) tree inch that is removed or disturbed beyond the threshold, the subdivider shall replant 1.25 inches of new trees, or shall provide the City with $175.00 in restitution for each one (1.0) tree inch removed or disturbed beyond the threshold. ... A tree survey and tree preservation plan shall be submitted with all preliminary plat applications, and with all lot division applications involving the creation of one or more new development parcels.
Full Breakdown
Plymouth's tree preservation regulations in Section 530 apply to any property with a preliminary plat application, or a lot division creating one or more new development parcels, filed after August 15, 1995. 05 sets the removal threshold: residential developments may remove or disturb up to 50 percent of the total inches of significant trees on the site, non-residential developments up to 75 percent, and mixed-use sites apply the residential threshold only to the residential lot and the higher threshold to the rest. A 'significant tree' is defined elsewhere in the Code as any healthy deciduous tree at least eight inches in diameter, or coniferous tree at least four inches in diameter, measured 54 inches above ground.
11. 00 in restitution for every tree inch over the limit, or combine the two, with restitution going into the City's Community Planting Fund for local reforestation projects. The City Forester reviews the plan, and the Council decides whether to approve it as part of preliminary plat review.
Violations & Fines
Removing or disturbing protected trees beyond an approved tree preservation plan triggers a $150.00-per-inch fine under Section 530.23 before the City will issue any further permits, on top of the required reforestation or restitution owed under Section 530.07. The City Forester must inspect and authorize the site at staking, after initial grading, and again before a certificate of occupancy is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Plymouth require a tree removal permit for new development?
How many trees can a Plymouth developer remove?
What happens if a Plymouth developer removes more trees than allowed?
Is there a fine for cutting down trees Plymouth marked as protected?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hennepin County handle tree removal & heritage trees.