Tree Management and Care

Eden Prairie is committed to reducing tree loss through management of tree pests and diseases.

Not all tree problems require aggressive removal to help control their spread; Dutch elm disease (DED) and oak wilt currently do. The City enforces tree removal where applicable.

City Tree Inspections

City tree inspectors regularly inspect trees on public and private property, sometimes requiring the removal of trees to prevent the spread of disease or infestation. City code allows inspectors to enter private property to further assess suspect diseased/infested trees and require removal if positively identified.

If a tree on private property is identified as diseased, it is marked with paint and the property owner is notified in writing. Diseased/infested trees must be removed by the date specified in the notification at the property owner’s expense.

Diagnosing DED and Oak Wilt

DED and oak wilt are non-native fungal pathogens which affect the tree's vascular system. Tree inspectors first look for wilted leaves or branches. If those are identified, inspectors may take a leaf or branch sample to confirm the disease presence. Residents are encouraged to submit samples of declining oak trees to the University of Minnesota Plant Disease Clinic for oak wilt confirmation.

If you are concerned about the health of your tree, contact the Parks and Natural Resources Division

Dutch Elm Disease (DED)

DED is caused by an aggressive pathogenic fungus (Ophiostoma-ulmi).

It can infect and kill all native elms that grow in Minnesota, but fortunately does not infect other species of trees.

Many local tree nurseries carry elm varieties that are resistant to or tolerant of DED. Disease-resistant and disease-tolerant elm trees are cultivated and tested by research, including at the University of Minnesota.

Resources

University of Minnesota DED Information

Minnesota Department of Agriculture DED Information

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

Oak Wilt

Oak wilt is caused by a pathogenic systemic fungus (Bretziella fagacearum).

This fungus can infect all oak species in Minnesota, but is particularly deadly to the red oak group of species.

Tree inspectors mark trees to be removed by the property owner, this is to decrease the spread of fungal spores that can spread to nearby oak trees. White oaks are monitored for oak wilt and are marked for removal on a case-by-case basis.

Resources

Oak Wilt Risk Status

Protect Your Oaks from Oak Wilt

Tree Management FAQ
- Can the City force removal of a tree or branches on my neighbor’s property that may be hazardous to my property?
  No. The City only marks trees that are deemed hazardous to the public by the City forester.
  
  Additional Tree Disputes Information
- How do I report a tree issue in a park or on public property?
  Report tree issues in parks or on public property at edenprairie.org/EPSeeClickFix.
  
  If a tree has fallen on a road or sidewalk, call 911.
- If branches or a tree falls from a tree on City property will the City clean it up?
  In accordance with the City of Eden Prairie fallen tree policy, any tree debris that falls from a healthy and sound tree (as determined by a certified/qualified arborist) shall be cleaned up by the property owner/manager of the land on which it falls.
- Is the City responsible for trees in the right of way?
  Trees located in the right of way (ROW) are a shared responsibility with the City and property owner.
  - Planting any vegetation, particularly trees or shrubs within the ROW is usually not allowed, however the City will consider special circumstances and grant permission through a Vegetation Management Plan Application.
  - The property owner is responsible for maintaining trees in the ROW. The City only removes or trims ROW trees to manage the safe passage of a road or sidewalk.
  - All other tree care and management is the responsibility of the property owner adjacent to the ROW.
  - The City does not take requests for ROW tree removal if there is little to no risk of safe passage along a road or sidewalk.
- Will the City trim branches, or am I allowed to trim branches that encroach on my property?
  The City of Eden Prairie does not carry out encroachment pruning of trees overhanging private property.
  
  Any vegetation overhanging a private property boundary can be pruned by the property owner in accordance with MN property law. Further detail about this allowance can be found in Trees and Minnesota Law: A Layperson’s Guide.

Tree Management Resources

Hiring a Tree Service

Recommended Trees for Minnesota

Tree Disputes

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Word Viewer

Eden Prairie is committed to reducing tree loss through management of tree pests and diseases.

City Tree Inspections

Diagnosing DED and Oak Wilt

Tree Management FAQ

Can the City force removal of a tree or branches on my neighbor’s property that may be hazardous to my property?

How do I report a tree issue in a park or on public property?

If branches or a tree falls from a tree on City property will the City clean it up?

Is the City responsible for trees in the right of way?

Will the City trim branches, or am I allowed to trim branches that encroach on my property?

Tree Management Resources