If you have had property damage related to a public tree please report that damage to 507-328-2515.  We will get the tree or tree part cleaned up and an accident/incident report can be filled out.  Please report any damage to your insurance company.

Storm damage clean up can and often does create a prioritization of work load. Storm work takes priority over most other forestry work.  This storm damage clean up can take anywhere from days to weeks for cleanup to be completed.  Debris piles will be the last item to be addressed so long as they are not impacting use of a roadway.

City staff will assist with private trees if they are blocking the street. In this case we would open the street, place the debris aside and the homeowner would be responsible for cleanup.

City crews do not pick up or haul material from private property trees. Wood waste can be taken to an approved wood waste facility. 

Requirements for to be a Licensed tree care company can be found in Rochester Code of Ordinances Chapter 5-17.

As a reminder for your protection only licensed tree care companies should be hired to perform work within city limits.  The city has ensured these companies have the proper liability insurance in place. (Link)

Keep In Mind The Following When Selecting A Tree Care Company:

1. Does the company employ certified arborists? The International Society of Arboriculture certifies arborists and this certification usually indicates a high degree of knowledge. Remember that an individual, not a company, is certified and that the retention of certified arborists by a company does not always guarantee competency.

2. Does the company belong to professional organizations such as the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) or the Minnesota Arborist Association? Membership in professional organizations does not always guarantee quality, but it does indicate a commitment to professionalism.

3. Beware of tree care companies that advertise tree topping as a service. Topping is not a good tree maintenance practice and should not be offered as a service by trained tree care professionals.

4. Reputable tree care companies usually have more than enough work that they don’t need to solicit business door to door. Beware of persons who seek your business this way.

5. Request a written summary for the tree work that is going to be performed and understand fully what work is to be completed, how much it will cost and when payment will be due. As a safe measure, avoid paying for a job until it has been completed.