Plymouth, MN Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Significant Tree, deciduous
- At least 8 inches diameter at 54 inches height
- Significant Tree, coniferous
- At least 4 inches diameter at 54 inches height
- Protected Tree standard
- 75% of critical root zone left undisturbed
- Fencing trigger
- Required within 15 feet of a disturbance zone
- Critical Root Zone
- One foot radius per inch of trunk diameter
Summary
In the City of Plymouth, the Code defines exactly which trees its development regulations protect. A 'Significant Tree' is any healthy tree at least eight inches in diameter for deciduous species or four inches for coniferous species, measured 54 inches above ground, and a 'Protected, Preserved, or Undisturbed Tree' keeps at least 75 percent of its critical root zone undisturbed and is fenced during construction if within 15 feet of grading.
Tree Preservation Related: ... D.Protected, Preserved, or Undisturbed Tree: Any tree with at least 75 percent of its critical root zone left undisturbed, and which has been protected during the construction process by tree protection fencing if its trunk is located within 15 feet of any disturbance zone.E.Significant Tree: Any healthy tree measuring eight inches in diameter or larger at a height of 54 inches above ground for deciduous trees, and measuring four inches in diameter or larger at a distance of 54 inches above ground for coniferous trees.
Full Breakdown
03 defines the terms that drive the City's tree preservation regulations in Section 530. A tree only counts toward a development's tree preservation obligations if it qualifies as a 'Significant Tree': a healthy deciduous tree measuring at least eight inches in diameter, or a healthy coniferous tree measuring at least four inches in diameter, in both cases measured at a height of 54 inches above ground. The Code separately defines a 'Critical Root Zone' as the circular area extending outward from the trunk by one foot of radius for every inch of trunk diameter, and a 'Disturbance Zone' as any area physically altered by grading, utility work, building pads, driveways or parking.
A tree is 'Protected, Preserved, or Undisturbed' only if at least 75 percent of its critical root zone is left undisturbed, and, if its trunk sits within 15 feet of a disturbance zone, it must be fenced with tree protection fencing during construction. 23's per-inch fines for disturbing a tree shown as protected all turn on whether a given tree meets the significant-tree size threshold and whether it has actually been kept within the protected-tree standard, not simply left standing somewhere on the lot.
Violations & Fines
A tree preservation plan may show a tree as 'protected,' but if it does not actually meet the Section 502.03 standard, at least 75 percent of its critical root zone undisturbed and fencing installed within 15 feet of any disturbance zone, the City treats it as disturbed. Under Section 530.23, that triggers a $150.00-per-inch fine before any further permits are issued on the plat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tree does Plymouth's tree preservation ordinance protect?
What does Plymouth mean by a 'protected' tree?
How is a tree's critical root zone measured in Plymouth?
Does marking a tree as protected on a plan guarantee it can't be cut down?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth
Compare Plymouth to another location·View the Minnesota tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hennepin County handle protected tree species.