Eagan, MN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 7.08, Subdivision 1.D.5 sets the clearance standard: at maturity, overhanging branches of deciduous trees within a public street right-of-way, and within ten feet of a private street, must clear at least thirteen and one-half feet above the street surface, and at least eight feet above the ground in all other public places such as sidewalks and trails. The rule expressly reaches trees rooted on private property whose limbs overhang into the right-of-way, not just city-planted boulevard trees. Subdivision 1.E backs the height standard with an enforcement mechanism: any tree, shrub or landscaping in a right-of-way that violates the section must be trimmed or removed as the city requires to eliminate a sight-line or physical obstruction, and the city can act without first notifying the owner if the danger is imminent.

Day-to-day responsibility splits by ownership under Subdivision 4: property owners must trim and remove nonconforming shrubs and landscaping in the boulevard themselves, while the city trims trees in the right-of-way and can assess the cost of that work back to the abutting owner. If an owner never brings a nonconforming tree, shrub or landscape planting into compliance, Subdivision 5 lets the city do the work and assess the cost, and the general Chapter 7 penalty in Section 7.99 applies to the underlying violation as a misdemeanor or petty misdemeanor.