Trees and Community Forestry

The City has received grant funding from the DNR to support residents in planting trees on their own property for no cost. Participants can choose to have up to two trees delivered to their home to plant themselves in mid-September, or there is a limited number of spots to have the City's contractor plant the trees for residents who need planting assistance. Contractor planting would be in either Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. More exact dates will be provided closer to.

This program is only available to residents in the DNR’s Priority Tree Planting Area. You can search if you qualify by typing your address in the Property + Zoning map and scrolling to the bottom of the pop-up window.  

All trees will be 10-gallon containerized trees and come with a watering bag. Participants in the program will be the owners of the tree and responsible for all maintenance. Sign up online or by calling 763-572-3594. 

The current round of applications for the Income-Qualified Ash Tree Removal and Replacement Program is accepting applications for tree removal this fall and next spring. This program is supported through a DNR ReLEF grant and includes ash tree removal/stump grinding and planting of a replacement tree. For this round, funding is limited to properties in the DNR's Priority Planting Area. You can search if you qualify by typing your address in the Property + Zoning map and scrolling to the bottom of the pop-up window. If you meet the income-qualifications, but do not live in the priority area, you can sign up to be notified if future funding becomes available. Income qualifications to participate in the program (based on 2025 Annual gross Income) are :

Please fill out the online form to request tree removal and replacement or call 763-572-3594. Applications will be considered in the order they are received.  Some trees may not be considered if they require specialized equipment.  

The 2026 Boulevard Trees is now full. Residents who live in the DNR Priority Planting Area(PDF, 329KB)  are still eligible to request trees through the Community Planting Program. To receive early notification for available boulevard trees next year, please add your name to the waitlist. 

Tree Sale and Native Plant Sale

The  2026 Tree and Native Plant Sale is now closed. Check back in July for the 2027 tree sale

- Purchased trees and native plants will be delivered September 17-18 to your home. More information will be provided one week prior. 
- No refunds or warranties are given. 
- 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.

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