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

For routine tree removal on an established residential lot outside any development, Lakeville does not impose a tree-removal permit. The City also does not require tree care companies to be licensed to work in Lakeville — but all Minnesota contractors must be registered through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), and the City recommends using the MDA Tree Registry to find contractors. Permit-like requirements apply in two situations. First, development triggers: under the August 2025 Tree Preservation Ordinance, removals tied to subdivisions, site-plan development, or infill building permits require an approved tree preservation plan, with replacement obligations once removal exceeds 40% of significant-tree diameter inches (and 100% replacement for heritage trees). Second, diseased/pest trees: under the City's Shade Tree Epidemic Pest Control Ordinance, removal of infested or diseased trees (emerald ash borer, Dutch elm disease, oak wilt) is required within the timeline provided by the City. Disposal rules apply — no wood or brush debris from the infested/diseased tree may be left onsite after removal; all stumps must be cut as low to the ground as possible, or debarked if left higher than 3 inches above ground (stump grinding is not required); and infested ash or elm wood should not be kept as firewood because intact bark lets EAB and Dutch elm disease keep reproducing. Boulevard and park trees are City-managed; residents should not remove them and instead report concerns to Forestry (952-985-2724).