Forestry
Forestry is responsible for the city’s shade tree disease control and reforestation programs. Forestry also coordinates the annual Arbor Day celebration and Tree City USA designation.
Tree Protection Ordinance (Sec. 300.28, subsec. 19, code of ordinances)
Minnetonka’s tree planting program
Shade tree disease control program
Hiring tree care professionals
Tree Care
- Buying a tree
- Watering your trees
- How to plant a tree: TreesAreGood.com—International Society of Arboriculture
- Minnesota Society of Arboriculture
- Protecting trees during construction
- Tree Maintenance Calendar
Tree Trimming
The city has a four person tree crew in the street department of Public Works. They are out year around trimming city trees along the street. They have received training in proper pruning and tree removal techniques. Their primary goal is to maintain safety for traffic and pedestrians along public roadways and parks. The crew trims and/or removes trees and shrubs in order to accomplish this goal. Learn more about Minnetonka’s tree trimming guidelines (PDF).
To report trimming needs or other tree related questions call 952.988.8400 or contact Minnetonka Mike.
Invasive Species
- Buckthorn: Common and Glossy
- Buckthorn: Control it
- Buckthorn: MN DNR resources
- MN DNR Invasive Plant Species
Community Forestry Resources
- Tap into Expertise: MNtrees.org
- U of M Forest Resources Extension
- U of M Soil Testing Lab
- MN DNR Community Forestry web site
- US Forest Service, St. Paul office
- Woodland stewardship advice
Trees and Legal Issues
There are resources if you feel a neighbor’s tree conflicts with the use of your property, but the first step should always be to talk to your neighbor. If a reasonable agreement cannot be made, learn more about your options in the 2004 MN Shade Tree Advocate article “Boundary Trees and the Law“ or the 2002 Bench & Bar’s “In the Shade of a Tree: Analyzing the Tree Related Legal Problem’ You may also consider using mediation services to work through the conflict with your neighbor. Finally, here are a new set of fact sheets on Minnesota law and trees by Lorrie Stromme.
Tree City USA
For the 13th year, Minnetonka has been named a Tree City USA community by The National Arbor Day Foundation, honoring the city’s commitment to community forestry. Minnetonka has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community, including having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance, held Tuesday, May 8, this year.
