One of the hallmarks of Minneapolis’ quality of life is its urban forest, which covers more than 26 percent of the landscape. Nature’s canopy is showcased in many shades of green in the summer and vivid reds, oranges and yellows of autumn.

The urban forest is also an important resource for the health and well-being of our environment and society. Trees lower heating and air conditioning costs, prevent erosion, provide wildlife habitats and increase property values.

Doing its part to maintain and preserve our priceless urban forest, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Forestry Division is responsible for all City-owned trees. It monitors the planting, pruning and removal of trees on public property, which includes 6,400 acres of park land.  

Fast Forestry Facts

• Since 1979 Minneapolis has been nationally recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The four criteria that must be met to qualify for this status include:
• Annual Arbor Day Proclamation and Celebration
• Legally constituted tree body
• Ordinance which pertains to trees
• $2 per person spent on trees.
• Over $9 million budget for MPRB Forestry Division.
• Number of full-time Forestry personnel – Approximately 77.
• Minneapolis cares for nearly 200,000 boulevard trees on 1,078 miles of streets.
• Number of trees planted since 1974 – 211,594.

Awards

• Tree City USA Growth Award – Annually since 1994
• National Arbor Day Foundation Arbor Day Award of Excellence (advertising and celebration categories) – 1981, 2000, 2009
• Award of Merit, Minnesota Society of Arboriculture – 2006, 2007
• Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee Award – 1992, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007
• Award of Excellence, National Roadside Vegetation Management Association – 2005