Applications are now open for tree removal and replacement

We are excited to announce that the tree removal and replacement program is now accepting applications. The program prioritizes applications from property owners who live at their property and whose household income is under $94,650 (for households from 1 to 4 people). See this chart for households of 5 or more people. The application will not accept submissions from households making above these income limits.

The application process is 100% online and available in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. Proof of income is required.

June 26 update: due to an overwhelming response, the county is temporarily pausing the tree removal and replacement application. Check back here for updates when the application is open again.

Removing hazardous trees increases the safety of people and property. Trees that qualify for removal are significantly diseased or otherwise hazardous. This program also saves property owners the costs of removal and replacement.

This program requires that each tree removed be replaced with another tree. The newly planted trees provide many benefits, including:

• Providing shade and cooling your neighborhood
• Increasing property values
• Improving air quality
• Capturing and filtering stormwater
• Providing habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife.

Program participants will work with foresters to select replacement trees.

Interpreter assistance

If you require interpretation assistance to complete the application, call Monica at 612-596-0992 and state the language you need assistance in. Monica will then add an interpreter to the call to assist.

Updates and questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions. Subscribe to the urban and community forestry newsletter to receive email updates. Submit questions to treehelp@hennepin.us.

Background on funding source

Hennepin County was recently awarded a $10 million Urban and Community Forestry grant from the U.S. Forest Service to remove diseased trees, plant trees, educate residents, and support businesses and workforce development. The project will improve resilience to climate change, pests, storms, and extreme heat events.

This grant is part of more than $1 billion awarded to 385 projects nationwide and $33 million in Minnesota. This historic funding from the Inflation Reduction Act will support projects that increase tree cover in disadvantaged communities, as identified in the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool.

Prioritizing homeowners with low incomes

This funding addresses a significant need identified by community members as the emerald ash borer has swept through the county. County foresters have heard from residents about the overwhelming financial burden of removing a diseased tree and/or not be able to replace the removed tree.

With the grant funding, Hennepin County forestry will help homeowners with low incomes get trees removed and replaced from their properties. County foresters will also educate residents about tree care and the benefits of trees.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

Hennepin County is an equal opportunity provider.

Funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and USDA Forest Service.