2025 community forestry progress report

Creating a community forestry program in the Environment and Energy Department was part of the county’s expanded role in natural resource conservation. The forestry program focuses on protecting the county’s tree canopy to increase the benefits that trees provide. Trees improve air quality by absorbing fine particulate matter and other pollutants and protect water by slowing down and infiltrating stormwater runoff. They also provide shade, reduce the urban heat island effect, lower stress, and increase property values.

Hennepin County foresters were busy throughout 2025. Some highlights of the work that was accomplished include:

• Planted 1,889 gravel bed trees and shrubs throughout the county.
• Planted 19,914 seedlings.
• Removed 590 trees on private property of homeowners with low incomes.
• Planted 217 trees on private property of homeowners who have had trees removed through the county.
• Held a tree giveaway where residents received nearly 10,125 seedlings.
• Funded 26 Healthy Tree Canopy grant projects totaling $500,000. The grants include nine cities, two affordable housing providers, fifteen schools and nonprofits. More than 930 trees will be planted or treated through grant projects.
• Planted 86 different species of trees to maximize tree canopy diversity and resilience.

Learn more in the 2025 community forestry annual report (PDF).