Tree care · Midwest
Minnesota has long, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, and the far north is much colder than the south. Maples, oaks, elms, aspen, birch and basswood fill its yards and woods. Many ash trees have been lost or are being managed because of the emerald ash borer.
Trees that commonly grow or are often planted here. The storm risk is our plain rating for the species as a whole, not an inspection of your tree.
Acer saccharum
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesAcer saccharinum
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesAcer negundo
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesQuercus rubra
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesQuercus macrocarpa
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesFraxinus pennsylvanica
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesUlmus americana
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesTilia americana
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPopulus tremuloides
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesBetula papyrifera
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPinus strobus
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPinus resinosa
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesSee every species in the tree library.
Widely known concerns in this part of the country. If you see signs, ask a certified arborist or your state extension office. Ranges change, so check your state's official maps.
More in tree pests and diseases.
Severe thunderstorms with hail and strong wind are most common from about May to August, and tornadoes are possible. Heavy wet snow and ice can break limbs from fall into spring.
Main storm months: May to August for severe storms; October to April for snow and ice
After a storm, stay away from downed lines and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Read what to do after a storm and our storm guides.
Winter is a common time to prune and remove trees. Oaks are usually not pruned in spring and early summer because of oak wilt. Ask an arborist or your extension office about timing for your species.
Each species page lists its own best and worst times. See the month-by-month tree care calendar and when to prune.
Cities and townships set most tree rules in Minnesota, and some protect boulevard trees or large trees. Check your city's rules before removal. Short explanation, not legal advice.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Read our plain guide to tree permits.
City rules we checked in Minnesota, with links to the official sources. Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; short explanation, not legal advice.
See tree removal permits by city for every city we checked.
For homeowners
State registration required
Minnesota requires a state registration for at least some tree work. Ask the company for its registration. See the Minnesota state rules page for details and official links.
Get two or three written quotes. To find local pros, search Google Maps and read their reviews. Full steps in how to hire a tree service and the hiring checklist.
Own a tree service in Minnesota?
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for tree companies.
For tree service owners
Severe storms with hail and strong wind are most common from about May to August, and tornadoes are possible. Heavy wet snow and ice can bring limbs down from fall into spring.
Winter is a common time for pruning and removals in Minnesota. Oaks are usually not pruned in spring and early summer because of oak wilt. Ask an arborist or your extension office for your species.
There is no one rule that covers everything. Many cities and towns have their own tree ordinances, so check with your city or town before you cut anything large, especially a street tree or a protected tree. Short explanation, not legal advice.
Ask to see the company's state tree care registration, since Minnesota requires tree care companies to register with the Department of Agriculture. Also ask for proof of insurance, read Google reviews and get two or three written quotes.
A good written quote names the work for each tree, says who handles cleanup and hauling, and shows proof of insurance. Get two or three written quotes and compare what each one includes, not only the bottom line.
Stay away from any tree touching a power line and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. If the tree is only on the ground and the area is safe, take photos for your insurance and call a local insured tree pro. Do not cut storm-loaded wood yourself.
Minnesota requires a state registration for at least some tree work. Ask the company for its registration. Our Minnesota state rules page has the details and links to official sources. Short explanation, not legal advice.
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies. We do not do tree work and we do not list or rank tree companies. To find a local insured pro, search Google Maps, read their reviews and get two or three written quotes.