Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Minnesota?

Short answer: for trees on private property in your own yard, usually no. For trees on the boulevard (between sidewalk and street), in protected districts, or under HOA covenants — yes.

Private property trees

In Minneapolis, St. Paul, and most Twin Cities suburbs, you can remove a tree from your own yard without a city permit. Exceptions:

• Heritage / landmark trees in some cities (Edina has a heritage tree program; St. Paul historic districts have stricter rules).
• Shoreland zones (within 1,000 ft of lakes / 300 ft of rivers) may require DNR review for significant tree removal.
• Wetland buffers — Twin Cities wetland conservation rules may apply.

Boulevard trees (the common gotcha)

The strip of grass between your sidewalk and the street is city right-of-way. Trees there are owned by the city, not you. Removing one without forestry approval is a fineable offense in:

• Minneapolis — call 311 / Forestry.
• St. Paul — call Parks & Recreation Forestry (651-632-5129).
• Most suburbs — call public works or city forester.

The city often removes hazard or diseased boulevard trees at no cost.

HOA covenants

Newer Twin Cities developments (Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Lakeville, Woodbury) commonly require board approval before removing any tree over a certain size, even on your private lot. Check your CC&Rs. Removing without approval can trigger fines and replanting requirements.

Diseased tree removal

Required removals:

• Dutch-elm-diseased elms (most cities issue a removal order with 20–30 day deadline).
• Oak-wilt-infected oaks before the spring spore mat season.
• Emerald-ash-borer-killed ash (deadlines vary).

If you receive a city removal order and don't act, the city may remove the tree and bill you (often 2–3× a private quote).

Pre-removal checklist

1. Confirm tree is on your property (not boulevard, not neighbor's). Check your survey.
2. Call your HOA if applicable.
3. Call 811 Gopher State One Call before any stump grinding.
4. Confirm contractor carries general liability and workers' comp insurance.
5. Get the quote in writing.

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Need a tree removed? Request a free quote — we handle permit research as part of every estimate.