Boulevard Trees

Trees create an attractive environment, protect people from sun in the summer and wind in the winter and provide habitat for birds and other desirable wildlife. Tree covers benefit the people who live in and visit the Red Wing area. Red Wing is recognized as a Tree City U.S.A. by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Public Works crews need help from residents to protect this precious resource. By planting the right new trees in the right places and caring for trees already planted, everyone can participate in ensuring a green Red Wing in the decades to come while enjoying the benefits to the community today.

The Public Works Department plants trees late in the fall on boulevards needing trees. If a resident would like to request a tree for their boulevard, give the Public Works Department a call at 651-385-3674.

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an insect that kills ash trees.  It is not know to be in REd Wing, but is on its way.  The City values its trees and must prepare for the arrival of this highly distructive insect.  Taking action now will better position it to slow the spread and impact of EAB within Red Wing and in neighboring communities.  Click here for more information on Emerald Ash Borer.

Care and Watering of Your Boulevard Tree

• Newly planted trees need a COMPLETE soaking every ten (10) days for the first year. Later years will require soaking monthly until the tree has established its own growth pattern.
• During extremely hot dry weather, more watering may be required for trees planted within the past five years.
• Even though the end of the growing season may be approaching, it is important to water new trees until the ground freezes
• Never use a weed-whip trimmer around trees. Nylon cords cause permanent damage if allowed to come into contact with young trees.
• Keep a black collar around the base of a tree to protect it for at least the first five years of its life.
• Lawn chemicals should not be applied within a four-foot radius of a new tree. Chemicals applied within this area could cause damage through absorption into the tree's roots.
• Caution children not to damage trees. Even minor damage to the bark can cause severe tree damage.
• Public trees cannot be used to advertise for garage sales. This includes trees placed in boulevards, along streets and in parks. This invasiveness can cause permanent damage to trees.

To find out more about tree care, planting tips and identification, visit MNtrees.org

Trees and Hedges on Private Property

Trees and Hedges on private property can also obstruct visibility and safe use of streets, alleys and/or sidewalks if left untrimmed. Property owners are responsible to make sure their trees and hedges are trimmed back to avoid these obstructions.

For additional information on the types of obstructions trees and hedges can cause, and what the property owner can do to avoid or eliminate these obstructions, click on the link below

Tree and Hedge Trimming

In an effort to provide safe passage and use of city streets, alleys and sidewalks, Red Wing's City Code prohibits obstructions on, over, across or under any street or public sidewalk without first having obtained a written permit from the City Council. Additionally, City Code holds property owners responsible for the maintenance of their property. With regard to trees and shrubs, property owners are required to trim the trees and hedges on their property to avoid obstruction to the street, alley or sidewalk. Please check your property for the following violations and correct them immediately:

• An obstructed view of the street when exiting a driveway, alley or when crossing traffic. Trim trees and hedges to provide an unobstructed view of traffic. Remember to consider the view from neighboring driveways as well as your own.
• Low hanging branches or hedges obstructing the sidewalk. Trim hedges back to allow all pedestrians, including those using wheelchairs and scooters, use of the full width of the sidewalk. Trim trees with low hanging branches to allow pedestrians clear safe use of the sidewalk without the need to duck.
• Low hanging branches or hedges obstructing streets, alleys or road signs. Trim hedges and trees back to allow clear, safe use of the full width of the street or alley, to prevent damage to vehicles and equipment using these right-of-ways, and to allow a clear view of road signs.

The Public Works Department is responsible for the trimming of trees located in the boulevards. Residents are encouraged to contact the Public Works Department at 385.3674 to report any boulevard trees that need trimming.