(a) Certified tree inspectors identify and mark diseased or infested trees: green ring = Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation; orange ring = Dutch Elm disease
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Private Property Tree Removal - Retroactive Relief Program
With the spread of Emerald Ash Borer throughout the City and the loss of thousands of Ash trees, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) acknowledges the inequitable impact and financial hardship this has caused on communities. Through the efforts of impacted homeowners, advocates, Board, staff, and funders, the MPRB is able to offer this retroactive relief program. This program is funded through generous contributions from the Margaret A. Cargill Fund of the Saint Paul Minnesota Foundation, fundholders of the Minneapolis Foundation, Mortenson Family Foundation, and Black Visions.
Participation in this program is available until all property owners who qualify have received the retroactive relief. Once verified and approved, the MPRB will first clear the assessments with Hennepin County, since the remaining balances must be paid in full. The property owner will then receive a full rebate on the amount already paid
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
- Residential homestead property is located within a census tract that is designated as disadvantaged through the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST). MPRB will confirm
- Resided and owned the residential homestead property when the tree was removed and currently resides and owns the residential homestead property where the tree was removed
- The MPRB levied private property tree removal against the property to Hennepin County between January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2022 AND the levy has not yet been paid in full
- The levying of the private property tree/s removal caused financial hardship for the homeowner
To be considered for this program, contact MPRB Finance Department at assessments@minneapolisparks.org or 612-230-6400.
Private Tree Inspection Process
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.
Click to Enlarge
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.
Tree Removal Process
See the flow chart graphic for an overview of the process
(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.
(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 23 days (diseased Dutch Elm trees): MPRB hires a contractor for removal ($80 administration fee).
- Go to Stage 5
(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]
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
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:
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- 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
Special Assessment – 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 – 2026 [PDF]
Financial Hardship Programs- Hmong [PDF]
Financial Hardship Programs- Somali [PDF]
Financial Hardship Programs- Spanish [PDF]
Condemned Tree Assistance Program – Qualifying Minneapolis property owners with a condemned private tree may apply for the income-based assistance program to remove and replace the condemned tree. The application is online at minneapolismn.gov/condemned-tree-assistance. If you need assistance or would like a paper copy, please contact TreeHealth@minneapolismn.gov, 612-673-2606.
The program is funded by the USDA’s Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program.
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.
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
Park Board Announcements
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