Tree removal and replacement program update

07 Nov 2024

The tree removal and replacement program will be accepting applications on Friday, November 22 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A random lottery will be used to select 50 applicants for this round of tree removals. Notifications of application status will be sent via email on Wednesday, December 3. See this article for details.

October application update

The tree removal and replacement program opened for applications on Tuesday, October 22. A limited number of applications were accepted to provide time for tree inspectors and forestry staff to process submissions and conduct inspections. The application limit was reached approximately two hours after applications opened.

We have experienced high demand for this program, so we are working to develop an approach for accepting applications that increases equity. Future opening dates and approach will be announced soon.

Get notified when applications open

Notifications about the application opening in October were posted on this page and sent via email to those who have provided email addresses via the “Stay informed” widget on this page. We want to ensure all who are interested in applying for this program are notified when applications reopen.

If you did not receive an email notification when applications opened in October, please provide your email via this form(External link) to be included in future notification emails.

Application access

The application process is 100% online and available in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. In the coming months we will be piloting different strategies to increase access to the program. Please contact us directly at treehelp@hennepin.us(External link) to share feedback on the process or to request a printed application.

Minneapolis residents

Homeowners with low incomes in Minneapolis with a condemned tree that needs to be removed should refer to the City of Minneapolis Condemned tree assistance website.(External link) Minneapolis residents who have not received a condemnation letter but do have an ash tree or significantly diseased tree should contact the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Forestry Department at forestry@minneapolisparks.org(External link) or by calling 612-313-7710 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Removals in Minneapolis are being handled by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board or by the City’s Regulatory Services department. If residents have had a tree condemned and submit a Hennepin County form, their address will be shared with Minneapolis, and they will be in touch with next steps.

Program requirements and benefits

To qualify for the program, your tree(s) must be ash, diseased oak or diseased elm. This program requires that each tree removed be replaced with at least one tree. Properties with the space will be asked to accept multiple trees. We will be planting two trees for every tree removed in the areas surrounding removals. 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.

Applicants must be homeowners in Hennepin County living at their property and meet income requirements.

Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions. Submit additional questions to treehelp@hennepin.us(External link) or call the program hotline at 612-541-1949.

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(External link).

Hennepin County is an equal opportunity provider.

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

<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en-US.projects.blog_posts.show.load_comment_text">Load Comment Text</span>