Ramsey County, MN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Private-tree pruning
- Not regulated
- Boulevard tree work
- Free city permit required
- St. Paul authority
- Saint Paul Forestry
- Permit cost
- Free
- County rule
- None
Summary
Ramsey County does not regulate tree trimming on private land. You may prune trees on your own property freely. In St. Paul, any work on a public boulevard (street) tree, including pruning, requires a free permit from Saint Paul Forestry.
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
There is no countywide tree-trimming ordinance in Ramsey County. Pruning trees wholly on your private property is not permitted or restricted by the county or, generally, by the city. The regulated case is the boulevard tree: the tree in the strip between sidewalk and street, which the city owns. In Saint Paul, all maintenance work on public boulevard trees, including trimming and pruning, requires a free permit issued by Saint Paul Forestry, and a licensed contractor is typically required. Residents may apply for a free permit to hire a private contractor to prune boulevard trees.
Violations & Fines
Working on a public boulevard tree without a St. Paul Forestry permit can result in a stop order and liability for damage to the city tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim the tree in my own yard?
What about the tree between the sidewalk and street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ramsey County
Compare Ramsey County to another location·View the Minnesota landscaping rules overview
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