Ramsey County, MN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Ramsey County, 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
- County permit
- None
- Private tree removal
- No permit (St. Paul)
- Boulevard tree removal
- Free Forestry permit
- Issued by
- Saint Paul Forestry
- Utility locate
- Gopher State One Call
Summary
Ramsey County issues no tree-removal permit for private property. In Saint Paul, no permit is required to remove a private tree, but any work on a public boulevard tree, including removal, requires a free Saint Paul Forestry permit.
All maintenance work being performed on public boulevard trees requires a free permit issued by Saint Paul Forestry. This includes planting, stumping, treating, trimming, or removal.
Full Breakdown
Because Ramsey County has essentially no unincorporated land, it does not run a tree-protection or tree-removal permit program; that authority sits with cities. In Saint Paul, a permit is not required to remove trees on private property. The permit requirement applies to publicly owned boulevard trees: all maintenance work, including removal, requires a free permit from Saint Paul Forestry, which inspects the site before issuing it, and a licensed contractor is typically required. For planting or stumping work, the applicant must first have Gopher State One Call locate utilities. Other cities (Roseville, Maplewood) run their own forestry permit programs.
Violations & Fines
Removing or damaging a public boulevard tree without a permit can make the owner liable for the tree's appraised value and replacement cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?
Who issues tree-removal permits in St. Paul?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ramsey County
Compare Ramsey County to another location·View the Minnesota landscaping rules overview
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