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Lake Elmo staff propose $50,000 tree fund and optional boulevard tree program
Summary
City staff recommended creating a dedicated tree fund — initially seeded with a $50,000 payment from the school district — and piloting a boulevard tree program to replace dead street trees and support future plantings; council supported the concept and asked staff to return with program details.
City staff asked the Lake Elmo City Council Thursday to consider creating a dedicated tree fund and a boulevard tree program to use a $50,000 mitigation payment from the school district and to accept future donations for tree preservation and replacement.
A staff presenter explained the city currently lacks a separate tree fund and that fee‑in‑lieu payments have been placed in other accounts. Staff proposed adding a section to the tree-preservation code to allow a tree fund to receive donations and to finance boulevard tree plantings, larger street trees in parks, and a one‑time pilot program. The proposal would fund tree planting by a nursery or landscape contractor, provide a watering bag and mulch ring, and require the resident who receives a boulevard tree to agree to basic maintenance; staff said the city would inspect installation but that ongoing watering and longer-term care would be the homeowner’s responsibility.
Council members expressed broad support for creating an ongoing tree fund rather than spending the $50,000 as a one-off. Council member Jakesic said the program “makes a lot of sense” and suggested the city continue it beyond the initial payment. Council member Holt asked that any adoption agreement explicitly state “there is no warranty period” for the city after installation; staff agreed. Members discussed prioritization (first-come/first-served), spacing and utility constraints in the right of way, limits per property (corner lots, large acreage), and whether homeowners associations (HOAs) could apply; staff said program rules would address eligibility and that applicants must identify a responsible individual who will care for the tree.
Staff said the pilot delivery cost (administration, inspection, contractor coordination) would likely be $5,000–$10,000 annually, covered initially by the $50,000 payment and donations. The program concept included an annual planting (likely in May) with pre-registration and a wait list for eligible locations. Staff noted examples from nearby cities (Oakdale and Columbia Heights) and landscape consultant HKGI assisted in design of the program logistics.
Council members suggested program design elements to encourage sustainability: an optional donor contribution at the time of planting, and an optional short warranty or paid warranty add‑on. Staff said they would return with a council-ready ordinance and program details that would specify eligibility, spacing, utility clearances, HOA participation rules, and a proposed pilot budget.
