Roseville, MN Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

The species-specific protection sits in section 1011.04(k)(6) of the Roseville City Code, part of the tree protection duties for trees retained on a site. Paragraph a bars pruning oak trees from March 15 through July 1, and paragraph b bars pruning elm trees from April 1 through August 31. The city council can alleviate or extend either window on a year-to-year basis by resolution if it decides the change is necessary for the betterment of city-wide oak and elm tree populations. When pruning of either tree type is absolutely necessary during a prohibited timeframe, the city must be notified before work begins and the landowner is required to seal all wounds with a proper wound sealing paint authorized by the city forester or another degreed forester or certified arborist assigned by the Community Development Department.

Section 1011.04 itself applies to an individual, business or entity applying for platting or a lot division that is not a minor lot subdivision, a building permit for a new principal structure or a footprint expansion of more than 50 percent, a demolition permit removing more than 50 percent of a principal structure, or a grading permit adding, moving or relocating 50 cubic yards or more (ten cubic yards in the shoreland management district). Trees retained on those sites must be marked and physically protected, with a safety fence at least four feet in height around the identified protection zone before any construction or grading occurs.