Does Scott County, MN have its own tree removal & heritage trees ordinance?

No. Scott County, MN does not appear to have a local tree removal & heritage trees ordinance, Minnesota state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Minnesota Statutes.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Scott County

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

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Tree removal permit rules in Scott 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

Private upland trees: No county permit
Shoreland lots: Clearing restricted
Authority: MN Rules ch. 6120
Right-of-way trees: County-managed

Summary

Homeowners may remove trees on their own land in unincorporated Scott County without a county permit. The real limits fall on shoreland lots near Prior and Spring Lakes, where DNR shoreland rules restrict clearing, and on right-of-way trees.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Scott County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Intensive vegetation clearing within the shore and bluff impact zones and on steep slopes is not allowed.

Source: Minnesota StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

There is no general county tree-removal permit for private land in the Scott County townships; an owner may take down yard trees, including ash killed by emerald ash borer, without county approval. Two situations change that. Trees in the public road right-of-way belong to the county highway department or township and cannot be cut by residents. And on shoreland, lots within the shore impact zone of Prior Lake, Spring Lake, Cedar Lake, and other protected waters, the county administers Minnesota's statewide shoreland standards, MN Rules chapter 6120, which bar intensive vegetation clearing near the water. Cities manage their own boulevard and street trees separately.

Violations & Fines

Removing your own upland trees carries no penalty. Clearing shoreland vegetation beyond what the shoreland ordinance allows draws a county zoning enforcement order and required restoration; damaging a right-of-way tree brings a county restitution charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a dead ash tree in my yard?

Yes. No county permit is needed to remove trees on your own upland property in the townships, including ash killed by emerald ash borer.

Are there limits near the lake?

Yes. On shoreland near Prior Lake, Spring Lake, and other protected waters, the county's shoreland rules under MN Rules chapter 6120 restrict clearing vegetation in the shore impact zone.

Sources & Official References

[1]Minnesota Statutes

Other rules in Scott County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome Restrictions Weed OrdinancesSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome Restrictions

All Scott County rules

Compare Scott County to another location·View the Minnesota landscaping rules overview

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