Roseville, MN Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Section 705.08(b) fixes where boulevard plantings go. Trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants must be located within the first three feet of the boulevard, measured from the property line. Section 705.03 defines the boulevard as the property between the edge of the street and the property line (right-of-way line). Plant material must be consistent with the public tree master plan and not in conflict with public plantings, judged by the city forester, and planting happens by permit only.

Section 705.08(a) adds a hazard rule: no tree, shrub or herbaceous plant can be planted, placed or left in a place the city engineer determines could cause a traffic hazard, with enforcement by the city forester and the city engineer. Subsection (c) requires placement consistent with §§ 705.07 and 705.08 and the guidelines in the public tree master plan.

The master plan is where species lists live. Under § 705.07 it addresses acceptable varieties of plant material, prohibited plantings of specific trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, minimum size, grade and quality, planting method and support, maintenance, and recommended trimming and treatments. Once approved by council resolution following review by the city tree board, the public works director and the community development director, it becomes the official city plan, and no tree planting permit is issued that does not conform to it.

The permit application states the number of plants and the location, size and specific species of each, and the city forester issues the permit when the application complies (§ 705.08(e)(2)). Section 705.09(3)b adds that no trees can be planted under or within ten level feet of any overhead utility wire, or over or within ten lateral feet of any underground public utilities, and § 705.09(3)a bars plantings that obstruct the view of vehicular traffic on public streets or pathways. Section 706.05(c) says boulevard plantings need no right-of-way permit under Chapter 706 but do not relieve anyone of the Minn. Stat. ch. 216D "One Call" law.