Tree removal and replacement program update

The tree removal and replacement application opened on Monday, June 24. The response was overwhelming, with more than 200 inquiry applications received in two days.

On Wednesday, June 26, we closed the application to process this first set of applicants, conduct tree inspections, and prioritize tree removals. The decision to work through applications in batches was made to ensure we can be responsive to current and future applicants.

The program is not out of money, and we will be able to help more residents with tree removals and replacements in the future.

We anticipate that applications will not reopen until late fall 2024. Subscribe to the urban and community forestry newsletter to receive email updates.

Status of your application

If you submitted an intake form between June 24 and 26, you should have received email communication from treehelp@hennepin.us. We are currently processing the information you shared with us. If you meet our initial qualifications, you will receive an email with a link to complete the second part of the application. If you don’t meet the initial qualifications, we will let you know via email. Not all applicants will qualify for removal.

Due to the high level of interest in this program, there may be significant time between completing the initial intake and the ultimate removal of qualifying trees. If you are concerned that your tree cannot wait to be removed, consider contacting a private tree removal service and removing the tree at your cost. After final determinations on applications are completed, scheduling of removals will be prioritized based on the condition of the tree(s). We will keep in touch with you via email throughout the process. Direct any questions to treehelp@hennepin.us.

Questions

Check out the FAQs to find answers to commonly asked questions. 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

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. 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. Without help, some residents could be at risk of losing their home to tax forfeiture if the property is assessed for the removal of a tree. Many others aren’t likely to be able to afford to replace the removed tree, which furthers the disparities in the urban tree canopy.

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.