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

Section 9-4-1 gives the parks and recreation department "charge, custody, and control" of trees growing in boulevards, boulevard areas, along public streets and avenues, and in city parks or public areas, with power to supervise, plant, care for and maintain them. Section 9-4-2 puts day-to-day upkeep on the abutting property owner, who must grade, seed or sod the boulevard planting area and give trees and grass ordinary care, but bars that owner, or anyone else, from planting, trimming or removing a boulevard tree, or using the boulevard for anything besides grass, trees or public walks, without first getting a permit.

Section 9-4-3 lets the city itself assume full responsibility for purchasing, planting, maintaining and removing boulevard, park or public-place trees when funding and labor allow. Until then, § 9-4-4 lets the board of park commissioners authorize the parks and recreation department to issue removal, planting and care permits to abutting owners at the owner's own expense, under guidelines the park board sets; a denied permit can be appealed to the park board. Every permit issued must meet § 9-4-6: it has to describe the work, specify the species or variety, size, grade and location, briefly note the planting and support method and any trimming, and carry a definite expiration date, and the permit becomes void if its terms are violated.