Income-Qualified Ash Tree Removal and Tree Planting Program Application

Only properties located in the DNR's Priority Tree Area are eligible for this grant. Check if your property is eligible by searching for your property on the City's interactive map and scrolling to the bottom of the pop-up window.

Disclaimer: Applications will be received on a first-come-first-served basis until funds are gone. Three trees per property can be removed and/or planted per calendar year. Please read all program conditions prior to signing. The application must be completed by the property owner or their legal representative. Funding for this program is provided through the DNR’s ReLeaf program.

Questions? Please call 763-572-3594 or email Rachel.Workin@FridleyMN.gov.

Please note: Only properties located in the DNR's Priority Tree Area are eligible for this grant program. Check if your property is eligible by searching for your property on the City's interactive map and scrolling to the bottom of the pop-up window.

Please note: Private utilities must be marked prior to stump grinding. Any landscaping at the base of the tree must be removed prior to tree removal. Landscaping left at the base of the tree that is damaged will not be replaced. The presence of rock or blocks at the base of the tree may preclude stump grinding.

A new tree will be planted by the City’s Tree Planting Contractor to replace any removed ash trees or as a standalone project. The City’s Tree Planting Contractor will coordinate with you regarding the location of the new tree. If you have a tree removed, you must be willing to have at least one replacement tree planted for every tree removed to participate in the program. If the Tree Planting Contractor can’t reach you to plant the new tree, the City will attempt to plant a tree in the boulevard in front of your home. If boulevard space is not available, you will be required to repay the costs for removal of the ash tree paid by the City.

The City’s Tree Planting Contractor will plant a tree on your property. It will be your responsibility to maintain the tree according to the maintenance schedule included in the USFS Tree Owner’s Manual (to be provided).

Maintenance responsibilities include:

• Watering the tree on the following watering schedule:
• Week 1: water daily
• Week 2-12: water every three days
• Year 1, Week 13+: water weekly until the ground freezes
• Years 2 and 3: water the tree at least once a week from May to October unless it has rained more than one inch per week

• Replenishing mulch as necessary
• You will remove the provided tree guard when the tree outgrows it
• Calling the City at 763-572-3566 if the tree is showing signs of poor health

Participants are required to provide a photo of their tree(s) between May 1-30, 2027. If a tree is dead, participants must advise the City and replace it with a live tree by May 30, 2027.

1. City staff, the Department of Natural Resources and contractors working on behalf of the City are allowed to access the applicant’s property for the purpose of removing an ash tree, planting new trees, monitoring the health of planted trees and grant monitoring by the Department of Natural Resources.
2. The City will provide an approximate date for the tree removal and planting. Depending on timing of tree removal, stump grinding and site restoration may not occur until the following spring.
3. Following stump grinding, the Tree Removal Contractor will place grass seed over the disturbed area. The applicant is responsible for watering the grass seed at the tree removal site. The City and its Tree Removal Contractor do not assume any responsibility for the success of the grass seed placed at the restored site. No additional plant material will be provided if the grass seed does not survive.
4. A replacement tree will be planted by the City’s Tree Planting Contractor on the applicant’s property. City staff or the City’s Tree Planting Contractor will coordinate with the applicant or their representative to select a suitable site location subject to the presence of utilities. If the Tree Planting Contractor is not able to reach the applicant, a tree will be planted in the boulevard. If the Tree Planting Contractor is not able to plant the tree, the City will require repayment of the funds used to remove the original ash tree.
5. The applicant will advise the Tree Removal Contractor or mark any private utility lines including irrigation lines. Damage to unmarked lines will be the responsibility of the property owner.
6. The applicant is responsible for removing all material including rocks and landscaping from the base of the tree to be removed. Failure to do so may result in the tree not being removed or the stump not being ground.
7. The applicant will avoid watering the grass for one week prior to the tree’s removal, pick up pet waste and keep pets inside during work and follow other directions provided by the City or its Tree Removal Contractor. Failure to do so may result in the tree not being removed or the stump not being ground.
8. The applicant shall advise the City of any damages or unsatisfactory work within 24 hours of completion by the Tree Removal Contractor or the Tree Planting Contractor. Failure to do so may result in the work being accepted without remediation.
9. The City is not responsible for any maintenance of the tree planted by the Tree Planting Contractor. If the tree exhibits poor condition or dies prior to May 30, 2027, the applicant shall advise the City as soon as possible and replace the tree. The applicant must receive City approval for the species to be replanted; oaks and maples are not allowed.
10. The applicant must submit a photo between May 1, 2027- May 30, 2027 of the new tree showing that it is alive. If a photo of a living tree at the site is not provided or if the tree is not living, the City may require repayment of the funds used to remove the original ash tree.
11. The applicant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officials, employees and agents from all liability, loss or damage they may suffer as a result of claims, demands, judgments or costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, arising out of or related to completion of work under this program.
12. The State of Minnesota is released from any liability associated with work completed on private property.
13. Income is based on annual gross income of the previous year. Supporting documentation must be provided upon request. Failure to provide this documentation may require repayment of funds to the City.
14. Applicant misrepresentation of information on the application may require repayment of funds to the City.
15. The City may reject any application with or without cause.
16. Submission of the application does not guarantee that the tree will be removed.
17. The City cannot guarantee the timing of tree removal. The City is not responsible for damage from hazardous trees that may occur while waiting for removal.
18. No partnership, joint venture, or other relationship is established between the parties under this agreement.
19. This application is considered public records and subject to applicable data practice rules.

Declaration:

I have read and accept the terms and conditions of this agreement and acknowledge that the information contained in this application is truthful and correct to the best of my knowledge. I hereby certify that I am authorizing the City of Fridley and its representatives to access my property for the purposes of tree removal and/or tree planting as well as to monitor the health of the replanted tree.