Rochester, MN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code § 9-4-5, exemption in § 9-4-7
- Needs permit
- Trimming, surgery, spraying beyond ordinary care
- No permit needed
- Grass trimming, small twigs below first limb
- Issuer
- Parks and recreation department
- Permit terms
- Species, size, location, expiration date, § 9-4-6
Summary
Rochester requires a written permit from the parks and recreation department before anyone trims, sprays, fertilizes or cuts a boulevard tree beyond routine upkeep, under Code § 9-4-5. Ordinary care, defined in § 9-4-7 as spading, trimming grass around the tree, and removing small twigs and growth below the first major limb, doesn't need a permit.
No person shall plant, move, spray, fertilize, or do surgery work, cut above or below ground or otherwise disturb any tree in any boulevard beyond ordinary care and maintenance along the public streets or avenues, parks, or public places of the city, nor cause such act to be done by others, without first obtaining a written permit from the parks and recreation department, which will issue the permit if, in its judgment, the desired work is necessary, and the proposed methods of workmanship thereof are of a satisfactory nature. The person receiving such permit shall abide by the specifications and standards adopted by the parks and recreation department of the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 8 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Section 9-4-5 bars planting, moving, spraying, fertilizing, doing surgery work, cutting above or below ground, or otherwise disturbing any boulevard tree along public streets, avenues, parks or public places, beyond ordinary care and maintenance, without a written permit from the parks and recreation department; that includes causing someone else to do the work. The department issues the permit if, in its judgment, the work is necessary and the proposed methods are satisfactory, and the permit holder must follow the department's adopted specifications and standards. Section 9-4-7 draws the line the permit requirement turns on, defining "ordinary care" as the care needed to maintain a tree, including spading and trimming the grass around it, and removing growth and small twigs or branches growing from the tree's side between the ground and its first major limb; that level of upkeep is exempt.
Anything beyond that, real trimming, surgery, cutting or spraying, needs the § 9-4-5 permit. As with removal permits, § 9-4-6 requires every issued permit to specify the species, size, grade, location, planting method, support method and trimming method, and to carry a definite expiration date, with the permit void if its terms are violated.
Violations & Fines
Trimming, spraying, fertilizing or cutting a boulevard tree beyond ordinary care without the § 9-4-5 permit is prohibited outright. The code does not list a separate fine specific to unpermitted trimming, but an issued permit becomes void under § 9-4-6 if its terms aren't followed, and the parks and recreation department sets the workmanship standard the permit holder must meet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim the tree on my Rochester boulevard myself?
Who issues a boulevard tree trimming permit in Rochester?
What has to be in a Rochester tree trimming permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rochester
Compare Rochester to another location·View the Minnesota landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.