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Urban Forestry

Brooklyn Park’s Urban Forestry strives to give residents basic information about tree risk assessment, what services the city can give residents for your trees in the city right-of-way, in our parks and trails, tree care and maintenance, Emerald ash borer, Tree City U.S.A. and more.

City Forestry Department

What can the city forestry department do for you as residents? Each individual neighborhood has what is known as the city right-of-way (ROW).  It can be anywhere from 4 feet to 24 feet depending on a lot of different variables. If you are wondering if you have a boulevard tree we can help verify that. We can only perform tree work on the city ROW, city property, parks, and trails.

We offer tree trimming, tree removal and in some cases treatment of some trees in the city ROW or on city property.  Unfortunately, we do not offer any tree work of any kind on private property other than an assessment of your tree(s).

We can provide some guidance, possibly a diagnosis of what is happening with your tree or if you should contact your local Arborist.  So, if your tree is in your yard and not in the right-of-way it is your responsibility.

Trees and law in Minnesota

My Minnesota Woods provides information on working with you neighbors and ownership of trees, who is responsible for what and how-to self-help guides with tree situations.

Learn about Minnesota laws relating to trees >

Diseases and pests

Emerald ash borer (EAB)

Check out our emerald ash borer page for more information.

Oak Wilt

Please DO NOT PRUNE oak trees in APRIL, MAY, JUNE or JULY. Oaks are highly susceptible to a fungal disease known as oak wilt.  Transferred through tree-to-tree from root graphs, which are roots that have grown together. It also can be transferred overland by sap beetles.

If you are not sure if you have an oak tree on your property we can help!  Get in touch with us and we can ID your trees.  Also if you see someone pruning oaks in the high risk period please let us know, or let the people know about the risk.  If you think you have an oak tree infected by the oak wilt fungus please contact your local arborist or the city of Brooklyn Park’s forestry department right away.

Oak wilt in Minnesota information >

Dutch elm disease (DED)

If you sees signs of DED please get a hold of your local arborist or the city of Brooklyn Park’s forestry department.

Dutch elm disease information >

Arbor Day Foundation

The City of Brooklyn Park has been partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation and has been known as a Tree City USA partner since 2002. 

It is our responsibility as a community to maintain the canopy we have and regenerate a new canopy for generations to come.  The benefits of planting trees can be very significant to our community, our property, and our health.  Trees add value and aesthetics to any landscape and can bring a community together.  Trees also help with storm water run-off, keep the air we breathe clean and keep our lakes, rivers and streams free from pollution.  Amongst many more benefits.  The Arbor Day Foundation helps us do just that, please visit the link for more information     Tree city USA, 

Time for Trees: Stronger communities >

Time for Trees: Restoring forests >

Tree care tips and techniques >

Tree Trek

What’s in your community Forest? Discover the many tree species of Central Park.

Cultivate the Arborist in you by taking a stroll on Central Park’s Tree Trek! The Tree Trek is a self-guided tour that leads you on a path visiting 12 different tree species.

Tree Trek posts will help you learn:

  • Tree’s common name, Ojibwe name, Dakota name, & scientific name
  • Size of tree at maturity
  • Common traits the species exhibits
  • Interesting facts

Each post has a unique QR code to scan, linking to detailed descriptions and pictures of the tree species. Will some of these trees stump you?

Other Resources

Recognizing Tree Risk (PDF) >