Blaine, MN Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Blaine's tree protection requirements apply to construction and development rather than to homeowners removing a tree from an established yard. Per the city's Tree Preservation standards, a Forestry Evaluation must be submitted with a building permit application if there are clumps of trees or trees greater than 8 inches in diameter on the lot; the evaluation (and protective fencing) is not required if all trees are located more than 50 feet from construction activity. Trees of 8 inches diameter or greater are the significant trees that trigger preservation. Protective fencing must be installed at the tree drip-line or at least 10 feet from the tree base, extending up to 50 feet from the building foundation or area of site disturbance, using orange plastic, wood lathe, or silt fencing. All significant trees removed or fatally damaged must be replaced on-site or, alternatively, satisfied by a payment to the City Restoration Fund. Replacement trees not installed by final building inspection must be escrowed at $300 per 8-inch-diameter replacement tree; minimum replacement size is 2.5-inch caliper deciduous or 6-foot conifer. If damage occurs within a designated tree protection area, an additional $300 per tree is added to the replacement escrow. Questions go to the City Forester. Routine forestry, diseased-tree abatement, and boulevard trees are handled separately under Chapter 90 Shade Tree Management.