Minnesota Heritage Tree Program and DNR Forestry

Minnesota does not have a statewide heritage tree protection statute restricting removal on private property. The DNR maintains a voluntary Heritage Tree recognition program celebrating notable specimens. State law does establish mandatory shade tree disease management under Minn. Stat. 18G governing oak wilt, Dutch elm disease, and emerald ash borer; quarantine and treatment orders preempt local action. Minn. Stat. 89.001 authorizes the Shade Tree Program supporting municipal forestry. On state lands, Minn. Stat. 89 governs DNR forestry. Heritage tree protections on private property are entirely a local matter; Minnesota does not preempt or mandate municipal heritage tree ordinances, leaving cities to designate and protect significant trees.

Violating state quarantine orders for tree pests under Minn. Stat. 18G is a misdemeanor with civil penalties. There are no state penalties for removing a heritage tree on private property.