Private Tree Removal Relief

Policy 

Managing trees on private property is the property owner’s responsibility. This includes removing hazardous and diseased trees before they become a safety issue. The City of Maplewood recognizes that this may cause a financial hardship for property owners and has created the Private Tree Relief policy to help finance removal costs through a special assessment.

Forms:

Application

Completion Form

All Maplewood commercial or residential property owners who owe no delinquent taxes are eligible to apply.

Eligible Work:

Not Eligible Work:

  • Cutting down of an existing diseased or hazard tree
  • Removal of fallen tree debris, trunk, branches, etc.
  • Stump grinding/removal
  • Replanting
  • Restoration

What you need to do: 

    1. Apply for the Private Tree Relief Program. This program is first come, first served as funds are available
    2. Property owners chosen must obtain at least three quotes from City-licensed tree contractors
      1. Property owners may finance a maximum of $3,000 via special assessment
      2. The City will not cover costs beyond the maximum of $3,000
    3. Complete and submit online assessment application
      1. Attach copies of three quotes
      2. Must be signed by the property owner
    4. Once approved, have your chosen contractor complete removal.  
      1. Property owner(s) have 60 days to remove tree(s) once the application is approved
    5. Once removal work is finished, complete, sign, and submit the online completion form
      1. Must be signed by the property owner(s)
      2. Attach final invoice billed to the City of Maplewood
      3. Once approved, the City pays the contractor and the special assessment process begins

Choosing a Tree Contractor:

  • The property owner chooses their City-licensed tree contractor
  • A list of City licensed tree contractors are available through the Public Works Department or on the City website
  • If your preferred contractor is not City-licensed, they must apply to become a licensed tree contractor with the Public Works Department
  • City Licensed Tree Contractors

Paying the Tree Contractor:

    • The City-licensed tree contractor bills the City when the work is finished for eligible work up to the maximum of $3,000
    • Public Works reviews the completion form and invoice
    • Once approved, the invoice is submitted to the Finance Department for payment directly to the contractor
    • The property owner is responsible for all costs above the approved eligible costs of $3,000

The Legal Property Owner repays the City by Special Assessment: 

    • Finance processes a special assessment for the payment made to the contractor by the City
    • Special assessment ratification by City Council occurs in November
    • Ratified special assessment sent to Ramsey County, which adds it to the legal property owner(s) real estate taxes the following year

Assessment subject to interest:

    • Interest based on True Interest Cost of the most recent G.O. Bond issue plus 2%
    • Interest starts accruing the year after Ramsey County certifies the special assessment
    • Payments will be collected with your real estate property taxes
    • Payments spread over 5 year period plus interest
    • Full payment without penalty may be made at any time to Ramsey County