Diseased trees that are growing on private property must be removed to prevent the spread of disease to other trees on either public or private property, in accordance with applicable Minneapolis City ordinances.
Tree diseases that require tree removal include (but are not limited to):
Frequently Asked Questions
My tree has a green/orange ring sprayed around the trunk. What does it mean?
- If your tree has been marked with a green ring, it has been infested with Emerald ash borer (EAB), and the tree must be removed and the wood disposed of as directed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
- If the tree is marked with an orange ring, it has Dutch elm disease (DED), and the tree must be removed and the wood disposed of as directed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Who is responsible for removing the tree?
The property owner is responsible for removing the tree and disposing of the wood. It is recommended that individual property owners hire their own contractors, as that is often the least expensive option for tree removal. However, it is important that any contractor hired has a Tree Service License from the City of Minneapolis. View a list of licensed tree service companies.
Property owners can also chose to use a contractor hired by the MPRB. However, the MRPB does not always receive the lowest bids for tree removal, so property owners may end up paying more than they would if they hired their own contractor. Additionally, property owners using a MPRB contractor will be charged an $80 administrative fee.
Can I remove the tree myself?
Property owners may remove their own infected trees. However, the wood must be disposed of in accordance with Minnesota Department of Agriculture guidelines.
When must the tree be removed?
- Trees marked with an orange ring for Dutch elm disease must be removed within 20 days of notification.
- Trees marked with a green ring for EAB must be removed by May 1, 2013.
What happens if my tree is not removed by the deadline?
Condemned trees that are not removed by the above dates will be removed by a private contractor hired by the MPRB. The removal cost, plus an administrative fee will be billed to the property owner.
The marked trees are on my private property. How can the Park Board mark them for removal?
MPRB Ordinance Chapter 10, Article II, PB10 authorizes the Park Board to condemn infected trees on private property.
Who can I contact for more information?
Contact the Forestry Department at 612-313-7710 or forestry@minneapolisparks.org.
About hazardous trees
The Forestry Department acts as a consultant to the Division of Regulatory Services - Housing Inspections regarding inspection of private trees for the purpose of determining if a tree poses a hazard. If Forestry determines that a private tree is hazardous, it is reported to Housing Inspections for enforcement.
