Boulevard Tree Planting
How, when, and where we plant Boulevard Trees
Forestry utilizes contractors to plant trees in boulevards during the spring (April - June) and fall (October - November) planting seasons. Trees are planted during these seasons because the cool, moist weather gives newly planted trees the best chance at establishing in the boulevard. Boulevard tree planting locations are determined based on planting criteria that can be found in the Street and Park Tree Master Plan.
Requesting to have a Boulevard Tree Planted
- Occasionally, Forestry may have extra funding or remaining planting stock after routine planting has occurred. Property owners may request that a tree be planted on the boulevard adjacent to their property during the spring (April - June) and fall (October - November) planting seasons. Typically, there are very limited funds or available trees to fill these requests.
- In the event that a property owner requests a boulevard tree and extra funding or available trees exist, Forestry staff will inspect the boulevard to determine whether or not the planting spot meets the minimum planting criteria.
- Forestry encourages homeowners to apply for a planting permit (see Planting a Tree on the Boulevard Adjacent to Your Property below) as an alternative to waiting for routine planting.
Forestry Planting Process
- Residents will be notified up to a month prior to planting that a tree will be planted in the boulevard with a door hanger that gives general care instructions.
- A white mark will be painted on the curb at the approximate planting location and underground utilities will be located and marked with colored paint.
- Underground utilities and spacing restrictions may prevent a tree from being planted in front of your property or residence.
- Shortly before planting, a white "+" will be painted on the boulevard to signify the exact planting location of the tree.
- A city-hired contractor will plant, water, and mulch the new tree.
- We urge residents to water and care for new trees after planting. Gator bags are available for free to residents with newly planted boulevard trees. Contact Forestry if you would like to have a gator bag put on your newly planted tree.
Planting a Tree on the Boulevard Adjacent to Your Property
Property owners are encouraged to plant trees to help beautify Saint Paul. If you apply for a permit to plant a tree, forestry staff will provide tree species and planting location recommendations. A list of suggested tree species is Click this link for a PDF list of recommended species. Please follow these steps if you would like to plant a tree in the boulevard:
- Apply for a free permit and submit the permit to Forestry via email, fax, or mail.
- Consult Forestry: Forestry staff will review the permit, assess the boulevard, and contact you with the planting location and tree species selection information. Requests will be denied if the boulevard does not meet the minimum planting criteria.
- Locate Utilities before Planting: Contact Gopher State One Call before you dig so that underground utilities can be located. There is no cost for this service.
If you plant a tree on the boulevard without an approved permit and Forestry determines that the tree does not meet location and/or species criteria, Forestry will require that the tree be removed or replanted to a suitable location. If the tree is not removed or replanted by the deadline given, Forestry will either remove or replant the tree in a suitable boulevard location.
