Lake Elmo launches Boulevard Tree Program after $50,000 mitigation donation

City parks staff told the Parks Commission that the city has created a Boulevard Tree Program and a new tree fund after receiving a $50,000 mitigation payment from a local school project.

"This started because we received a $50,000 payment from the Greater [redacted] for the new ... school for tree mitigation," the presenter said, describing the fund that will pay for boulevard tree replacements in established subdivisions once developer warranties expire.

Under the proposed program, residents will apply through an online form, select a preferred species from a list, provide contact information and agree to water and care for the tree. The city will provide a watering bag and mulch ring; HKGI, the landscape architect, will inspect the plantings and the tree will be planted in May if funding and site eligibility allow. If demand exceeds supply, the city will use a wait list; staff said there is no mandatory resident fee and the program will be supported by donations to the tree fund.

Staff said eligibility requires the tree location to be in the boulevard right-of-way, outside the two-year developer warranty period, and meet spacing and utility-clearance engineering requirements. HKGI and Public Works will evaluate site eligibility with planting done by a contracted nursery/landscape company and monitored by HKGI.

Next steps: staff will finalize the process with HKGI, create marketing materials and a web page, open requests in February and close the request window in March to prepare for May planting.