Trees and Community Forestry

The City of Fridley is offering reduced-cost trees and native plants to enhance our urban ecosystem. Help our community forest become more resilient by planting a tree in your yard. Trees improve air and water quality, increase property values, lower energy bills and provide valuable wildlife habitat. Trees are available on a first come basis, there is limited availability.  Limit two trees of each species per household. Native plant kits and seed mixes are being offered in partnership with Minnesota Native Landscapes as part of our goal to be a Pollinator Friendly Fridley. 

Ordering is run through the City's recreation software Perfect Mind, please see information below. Purchased items will be delivered to your home September 9-12. Items are dependent on nursery availability. In the event that a tree or native plant kit becomes no longer available, you will be contacted and your purchase refunded.

Please note: You must have an account and be logged in to Perfect Mind to view the tree sale. After logging in, navigate to the tree sale via the Products button. More information on the registration process is listed on this page. 

Shop the tree sale

Available Trees

A link is provided with each species to learn about its habitat requirements and characteristics, additional information is available on the ordering website. There is a limit of two trees per species per household. 

Available Native Plant Kits and Seed Mixes

Plant kits include six plants of six species, species depend on nursery availability. All plant kits cost $54 plus sales tax. Click on the name to find more product details. There is no limit for native plant kits and seed mixes. 

How to Order

The Tree Sale is run through the City's Recreation Program software "Perfect Mind". To purchase a tree:

1. Click Shop Online below to be directed to "Perfect Mind".
2. Login to your Perfect Mind account or create a new account.
3. Click on "Products"- you must be logged in to see the "Products" tab. 

4. Select your trees, plant kits, or seed mixes- there is a limit of two trees per species per household. If you order more than two tree species your order will be refunded.
5. Purchased trees will be delivered September 9-12 to your home. More information will be provided closer to the delivery date.
6. No refunds or warranties are given. 
7. Please call 763-572-3594 or email rachel.workin@fridleymn.gov with questions. 

Tree Tips

• It’s the law to call Gopher State One Call (651-454-0002) or submit a ticket online at least three days before digging (not including weekends or holidays). They will mark buried utility lines for your safety.
• Large trees should be planted at least 15 feet away from nearby power lines and/or buildings.
• Save money on energy by planting large shade trees on the west or east side of your home.
• You will receive a brochure containing information about planting, it is also recommended that you watch this video on proper tree planting.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect pest that aggressively spreads and kills green ash trees. EAB was confirmed in Fridley in 2019, and since then outbreaks have been confirmed throughout the city. The larvae of EAB tunnel under tree bark, which interrupts the flow of water through the tree. Once symptoms are present, the ash tree typically dies within one to three years. If you have an ash tree on your property, act now to treat or remove it before the tree becomes a safety hazard. The City is offering an income-qualified ash tree removal and replacement program for a limited time, please see information about the program within the "Income-Qualified Ash Tree Removal Program" section.

Learn more about how EAB kills ash trees(PDF, 920KB)

Ash Tree ID

Ash trees are one of the most common shade trees in Fridley. An estimated 30% of the City's publicly owned trees are ash with thousands more located on private property. To tell if you have an ash tree, look for:

• Diamond- patterned bark on mature trees
• Leaves and branches that are opposite each other
• Leaves comprised of small leaflets

What to Do About EAB?

If you have an ash tree in your yard, assume that it will become infested with EAB and die without intervention. Due to the ubiquity of ash trees throughout the city, the impact of EAB in Fridley will be devastating without resident help. If you have an ash tree, you may choose to:

1. Treat your ash tree.
2. Remove (and replace) your ash tree.

Due to the shade, air quality, and water quality benefits provided by mature trees, the City recommends treating ash trees that are:

• Over 10 inches diameter
• In a good location
• Not exhibiting advanced EAB symptoms (>30% canopy loss)

Although trees must be treated every 2-3 years, it is usually more cost efficient to treat the tree long-term than remove it.

Treating Your Ash Tree

You can protect your tree against EAB infestation using chemical treatment. Chemical treatment must be reapplied every two to three years. Do not wait until the tree is exhibiting symptoms of EAB to start treatment as the damage may be irreparable and the tree too far gone. Treat the tree using a systemic chemical injected by a Fridley-licensed tree company. Some chemicals used to treat EAB can be harmful to beneficial insects such as pollinators if applied improperly. Systemic injections are the most effective form of treatment and are the least likely to adversely impact pollinators. Avoid using treatments that are applied as soil drenches, which can leach into water or drift to pollinator habitat. The City will be contracting with Birch Tree Care to treat high-quality ash trees in City-owned parks and right-of-ways between 2024-2026. As part of this program, Birch Tree Care will be extending a bulk treatment price to Fridley residents of $6 per inch based on the trees diameter at breast height. Learn more about Birch Tree Care's Bulk Treatment Program.

Applications for 2025 Boulevard Trees are now closed. To be placed on a notification list for when 2026 Boulevard Trees are available, please email Environmental Planner, Rachel Workin.

Help grow Fridley's urban canopy by requesting a FREE tree to be planted in the boulevard area in front of your property. The public boulevard is the section of your property adjacent to the roadway that typically extends 15 feet behind the curb. The City’s forester will visit all sites to determine that there is adequate growing space for the tree. The property owner is responsible for watering the tree to ensure its survival. The City will provide a 20-gallon watering bag and tree care instructions.

Tree Planting

Consider your site's availability of sunlight and soil type when selecting a tree. Other recommendations include:

• Tree Species Recommendations from Hennepin County(PDF, 75KB)
• Tree Species Recommendations from the University of Minnesota

Planting the tree correctly and watering it consistently will help ensure its survival.

• How to Plant a Tree
• How to Water Your Tree

Tree Tips

• It’s the law to call Gopher State One Call (651-454-0002) at least three days before digging. They will mark buried utility lines for your safety.
  Plant trees at least fifteen feet away from underground and overhead utilities
• Save money on energy by planting large shade trees on the west or east side of your home.
• Large trees should be planted at least 15 feet away from nearby power lines and/or buildings.

Fridley City Code requires the removal of trees that are diseased or that have a structural condition that poses a safety risk. If you notice a damaged or diseased street or park tree or are concerned about a tree on private property with a structural defect, please fill out an online Tree Concern Report or contact Fridley Public Works at 763-572-3566.

If you plan to prune or remove a tree, hire a reliable, insured, arborist/tree service company that is licensed with the City of Fridley. Anyone offering tree services in Fridley must go complete a police background check and obtain a City-issued Tree Management license.

Find a list of currently licensed tree management companies