Blaine, MN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Blaine's Public Works Forestry Division handles tree trimming and shrub pruning within the public right-of-way, typically 15 feet from the back of the curb, on a roughly seven-year rotation. The city prunes to improve visibility at intersections, keep branches from obstructing vehicles or pedestrians, and allow utility access. Minimum clearances are 13 feet over streets for vehicles and equipment and 8 feet over sidewalks for pedestrians. The annual boulevard tree maintenance program trims the street side of boulevard trees throughout winter as weather permits. Residents whose property fronts a street right-of-way are responsible for general maintenance and upkeep of their boulevard. A critical timing rule applies citywide: the city advises NOT pruning elm, oak, or honey locust trees from mid-April through mid-August, because open wounds during that window attract beetles and fungal spores that spread Dutch elm disease and oak wilt. Routine pruning of these species should be done in the dormant winter months. Separately, diseased trees flagged as public nuisances must be pruned, removed, or abated under the Shade Tree Management ordinance (Chapter 90, Article III).