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Although property owners are responsible for trees on their property, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) occasionally prunes trees on private property to maintain a safe right-of-way over public sidewalks, streets, or properties.

In addition, Minneapolis City Ordinance PB 10-23 directs MPRB to inspect certain private trees to determine if they are diseased or infested; to condemn diseased or infested trees; and to require removal, if necessary, to prevent disease or infestation from spreading to other trees. When a tree is removed for these reasons, the property owner is still responsible for the removal cost.

The  flow chart pictured below outlines the process, and the tab below has information on the stages of the process. Flow chart available in Spanish, Hmong and Somali.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Answers on Tree Removals has in-depth details, including costs, payment, and financial hardship options for homestead property owners. It is updated as MPRB receives new questions and new information or materials become available.

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Click to view in Spanish – Árboles Privados
Click to view in Somali – Geedaha gaarka ah
Click to view in Hmong – Saum

Tree Removal Process

See the flow chart graphic for an overview of the process

Stage 1 - Tree inspection

(a)   Certified tree inspectors identify and mark diseased or infested trees: green ring = Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation; orange ring = Dutch Elm disease

Stage 2 - Tree condemnation and notifications

(b)   MPRB leaves a door-hanger with initial information on the property and, within five days, sends a detailed letter to the property owner about condemnation; options and a timeline for removal of tree(s); and information on possible EAB treatment.

Stage 3 - Homestead property owners’ options for condemned trees

(c)   Treatment: Depending on how long a tree has been diseased or infested,  treatment with a pesticide  may or may not be an option to prolong the tree’s life. Treatment is at the property owner’s expense. Property owners should consult with a Minneapolis-licensed tree company when considering treatment options.

  • See Stage 4 – Treatment for infested ash trees on private property

(d)   Remove tree(s) and discard wood following Minnesota Department of Agriculture guidelines

(e)   Hire a contractor to remove tree(s) and discard wood following Minnesota Department of Agriculture guidelines

(f)   Have MPRB hire a contractor to remove tree(s) ($80 administration fee)

  • More information on contracting and determining costs for tree removal is on the FAQ
  • Go to Stage 5

(g)   No response from property owner within 60 days (notice period for EAB-infested trees) or 30 days (diseased Dutch Elm trees): MPRB hires a contractor for removal ($80 administration fee)

  • Go to Stage 5

Stage 4 - Treatment for infested ash trees on private property

(h)   Property owner notifies MPRB of decision to treat the tree; MPRB extends the removal deadline; periodic tree inspections continue until the treatment is no longer effective.

Go back to Stage 3 – remove tree, hire a contractor, or have MPRB hire a contractor

Treating Private Ash Trees: Pertinent Facts & Information to Consider [PDF]

Stage 5 - Tree removal billing and payment, when contracted by MPRB

Following the tree removal, MPRB’s Finance Department sends property owner a billing notice and information on payment options.

(i)   Full payment within 45 days the billing notice date to avoid interest charges

(j)   Partial payment(s) to pay in full before the assessment is levied or to reduce the amount; remainder of bill is levied as a special assessment and added to annual property taxes

(k)   Do nothing: Entire bill is levied as a special assessment and added to annual property taxes

Go to Stage 6

Financial hardship payment options for homestead property owners

(l)   Entire bill is levied (billed) as a special assessment and added to annual property taxes, paid over 10 or 20 years

Go to Stage 6

(m)  Defer payment, for qualified homestead property owners

Homestead property owners can view and select these financial hardship payment options online

Go to Stage 6

Stage 6 - Payment options through levied special assessments

MPRB levies special assessments once a year, in the fall. Property owners receive a second billing notice for the total amount to be levied: tree removal cost, sales tax, administration fee, and accrued interest from date of removal.

Property owners also receive notice of public hearing and financial hardship options for homestead property owners.

Levied special assessments are added to annual property taxes and collected by Hennepin County for a set number of years. They are paid in annual installments, with interest added to each installment. (The City of Minneapolis sets annual interest rates based on its special assessment bonds. The 2023 interest rate is 3.87%). See payment examples below.

Note: Property owners have the right to appeal the tree removal special assessment. For details, see FAQ, Stage 6: “How do I object to or appeal the assessment for removing a tree on my property?

5-year payment period – Default for Homestead and Non-Homestead property owners

Example: A $5,000 special assessment costs $5,580.50 total with interest
Annual payments of $1,039-$1,194 ($93/month average)

Options for Homestead property owners experiencing financial hardship

10- or 20-year payment periods

10-year example: A $5,000 special assessment costs $6,064.25 total with interest
Annual payments: $519 – $694 ($51/month average)

20-year example: A $5,000 special assessment costs $6,499.63 total with interest
Annual payments: $444-$260 ($27/month average)

Deferred payment – for Homestead property owners are:

    • Aged 65 or older
    • Retired due to a permanent and total disability
    • On active duty as a military reservist

The assessment is levied and interest accrues until paid.
Full payment, including interest, is required when the property is either sold, is no longer “homestead” status, or the hardship disappears

Questions?

Contact  MPRB Finance Department: assessments@minneapolisparks.org | 612-230-6400

Financial Hardship

MPRB recognizes that paying for tree removal can cause financial hardship for some property owners. If a property owner’s tree removal cost can’t be paid in full, part or all of the cost is added to the owner’s annual property taxes as a special assessment over a 5-year period.

Additional payment options are available for Homestead property owners experiencing financial hardship. Click the links below, or see the FAQ, under “Payment for tree removal and financial hardship options.”

Financial Hardship Options – 2024 [PDF]
Financial Hardship Programs- Hmong [PDF]
Financial Hardship Programs- Somali [PDF]
Financial Hardship Programs- Spanish [PDF]

Tree Pruning

Sometimes MPRB needs to prune trees on private property that hang over the public right-of-way. Before pruning, we will ask for your permission. We will prune from the public right-of-way and will not enter your private property. If pruning is necessary and you do not grant permission, we may need to send a notice to the Division of Regulatory Services for enforcement.

Reasons to Prune

Protect people

  • Remove limbs that may fall and hurt people
  • Provide clearance for signs, signals or street lights

Protect property

  • Remove limbs that may fall and damage property
  • Remove limbs that rub against buildings

Maintain traffic flow

  • Provide clearance for signs, signals, street lights, and pedestrians