Healthy trees add to the beauty and value of your property. They increase privacy, absorb noise, improve air quality, reduce energy costs, capture stormwater runoff, attract pollinators and wildlife and more. Greater tree species diversity reduces the risk of diseases and pests and increases resilience in our community forest.

Tree maintenance tips 

• Plant trees properly to give them a good start.
  • A short, informative tree planting video
• Water throughout the growing season and until the ground freezes.
  • Most species need less than one inch of water per week.
  • If you need to supplement rainfall, use a low-flow or soaker hose. Wet the entire root zone, from the trunk to the farthest branch tips.
  • Keep in mind that overwatering can promote diseases, pests and fungi.
• Mulch in a donut shape around the trunk to hold moisture in the soil and prevent the spread of weeds.
• Prune periodically to remove deadwood and improve airflow through the branches. 
  • Check the risk status of emerald ash borer (EAB) and oak wilt before pruning or removing ash and oak trees. Ideally, this work should be done in winter.
  • Proper tree pruning
• Inject larger, healthy ash and elm trees to prevent emerald ash borer (EAB) and Dutch elm disease.
• Remove diseased, infested or at-risk trees on your property as required by the city’s plant pest program.

Hiring a tree professional

• 2024 City of Minnetonka tree care contractor list

Well-planted and carefully maintained trees are worth maintaining and preserving. A good arborist or tree care professional:

• Offers a wide range of services beyond tree removal: pruning, removal, fertilizing, cabling / bracing, pest control and more.
• Never uses climbing spikes on a healthy tree unless it is being removed from the landscape.
• Never recommends topping a tree. They will only recommend corrective pruning, such as drop-crotch pruning, after severe damage to the crown.
• Is never eager to remove a healthy, living tree. Removal should be the last resort.

Essential tips about hiring a tree care professional:

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture's "Checklist for Hiring a Tree Care Company"
• Minnesota Society of Arboriculture
• Why hire a professional tree care contractor to maintain trees

Additional resources

• Tips for maintaining young trees
• Seasonal tree care guides by life stage
• Additional resources for selecting, planting and maintaining trees
• The restorative power of trees
• Protecting our trees from emerald ash borer
• MyMinnesotaWoods: Check before you prune or remove ash and oak trees for updates on seasonal risk for EAB and oak wilt.
• What’s wrong with my plant?
• Trees and Minnesota Law: A Layperson's Guide: Risk trees on private property are regulated under state law rather than Minnetonka city ordinance.
• Hennepin County property info search: Look at property lines, plats/surveys and more

• Less Lawn for a Healthier Minnetonka