Saint Paul, MN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Boulevard Tree Permit
- Required and free of charge
- Contractor Requirement
- Must be licensed and insured
- Private Trees
- No permit unless in Tree Preservation District
- Contact
- Forestry at (651) 266-6400
Summary
Saint Paul requires a free Forestry permit for trimming or pruning public boulevard trees. Licensed contractors must perform the work. Private trees need no permit outside the Tree Preservation District.
Boulevard Tree Permit Permit All maintenance work being performed on public boulevard trees, including planting, stumping, treating, trimming or removal, requires an approved permit issued by Saint Paul Forestry. There is no fee for a tree permit application. Tree Work Permit Application - 2026 This is a FREE permit application - there is no fee associated with obtaining a tree permit. Permitting Process Please read and understand the terms and conditions printed on the second page of the permit. If your property is on a block where ash trees were removed, or are currently being removed, please refer to the Ash Structured Removal page for more terms and conditions regarding ash related permits. Certain work performed on public trees may require a licensed and insured contractor. Please refer to licensed tree care companies to find a contractor. Once your application is received, Forestry will inspect the tree or planting site and determine whether a permit shall be issued. If you apply for a permit to plant a tree, forestry staff will provide tree species and planting location recommendations. [...] Fine Print *If work is done on a publicly owned boulevard tree that damages the tree, the person or persons responsible for the damages may be subject to restitution for the costs of corrective pruning or for the value of the tree including replacement costs as determined by Forestry.
Full Breakdown
Under Saint Paul Legislative Code Title XVII (Trees), it is unlawful to trim, prune, deface, or remove any tree or shrub growing on a public boulevard or street lawn without first obtaining permission from the Department of Parks and Recreation Forestry division. A Tree Work Permit is required for all boulevard tree maintenance and is issued at no cost. The permit process involves submitting a Tree Work Permit Application to Forestry, after which staff inspect the tree to determine eligibility. Work may only begin after receiving a signed approval.
Certain pruning and removal work must be performed by a licensed and insured tree care contractor; the city maintains a list of approved contractors. Property owners who damage a boulevard tree without a permit may be required to pay for corrective pruning or the full replacement value of the tree. For trees on private property, no city permit is generally required unless the property is within the Tree Preservation District south of Lower Afton Road. Gopher State One Call must locate utilities before any stump removal or planting work begins. Forestry Customer Service can be reached at (651) 266-6400.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim a tree on my own property in Saint Paul?
What happens if I damage a boulevard tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saint Paul
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