Resources for Tree Owners

Tree Care

Tree Care by Season: Wondering when’s the best time to do tree work? Check out this simple chart for Tree, Evergreen & Shrub Care by Season (PDF).
Newly Planted Tree Care: How you care for your new tree can help it survive and thrive. Read about Caring for Newly Planted Trees from the Minnesota DNR.
Pruning: Proper pruning is essential to tree health. Learn proper techniques in the How to Prune Guide (PDF) from the US Forest Service.
Planting: How you plant your tree can impact it’s health. Learn How to Properly Plant Trees from the Minnesota DNR.
Fertilizing: Before you fertilize, test the soil to see if nutrients are needed. You may harm or "burn" your tree if you apply fertilizer when it’s not needed. Soil testing kits are available at garden centers. Another option is to send a sample to the University of Minnesota – Soil Testing Laboratory, which offers a wide range of tests including fertility, pH, organic matter and soluble salts.

University of Minnesota Extension – Trees, Shrubs & Vines: The Extension website is a good place to start to identify or care for trees or to help identify an insect pest or disease. If you’re looking for information about what to tree to plant, check out: Tough trees and shrubs for tough sites (PDF) or Recommended trees for southeast Minnesota.
Ask-a-Master-Gardener website: Submit questions online or call the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Yard and Garden help line at 612-301-7590.
Forest Resources Outreach Line: Managed by the University of Minnesota and staffed with volunteer Tree Care Advisors, questions can be submitted by phone at 612-64-3020 or by email.
Contact a Tree Care Professional (PDF): Want to hire someone to do tree work or perform a tree evaluation? Contact a professional from the List of Licensed Tree Companies (PDF). These companies have met City requirements for liability insurance and training. Be wary of companies going door-to-door looking for work -- they may lack proper training and insurance. For-hire tree workers must by licensed by the City to do tree work.

Consult with City-licensed Certified Arborist (PDF): The City maintains a list of licensed tree contractors with on-staff arborists. An arborist can examine your tree and diagnose issues.
University of Minnesota – Plant Disease Clinic: Does your tree show signs of a disease? You can send samples to the U of M Plant Disease Clinic, a multi-disciplinary diagnostic lab that provides testing services for fungal, bacterial, viral and other plant health conditions.