Tree preservation ordinance adopted

More than a year’s work wrapped up July 15, 2026 with adoption of St. Paul’s long-awaited tree preservation ordinance. City Council and advocates from throughout the city applauded the measure.

It takes effect for the 2027 construction in the city right-of-way, for all city-sponsored projects on city streets, trails, bikeways and sidewalks that are bid out after October 2026.

While there has been much focus on tree preservation in the context of the controversial Summit Avenue reconstruction project, other neighborhoods have had their share of contentious tree removal projects. Como residents bemoaned the loss of dozens of trees to a city street reconstruction project recently.

St. Anthony Park residents objected a few years ago when many trees came down for a Ramsey County street project there.

Another issue raised throughout the discussion is in neighborhoods with fewer mature trees and gaps in the tree canopy, including parts of Frogtown. Vulnerable areas throughout the city were called out during the many months of ordinance discussion. Neighborhoods that lack tree canopy are vulnerable to higher urban heat island impacts.

The recent onset of emerald ash borer affected some neighborhoods more than others.

The ordinance drew dozens of public comments from advocacy groups and residents. Four people testified at a July 8 public hearing, all in support of the ordinance.

The ordinance was praised by many people and groups for providing clarity for project teams, contractors, and city departments, and for steps to be taken to improve documentation, monitoring, and accountability throughout projects.

The ordinance has detailed guidelines that require preserving trees whenever possible, and replanting guidelines when preservation isn’t an option.

The departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation/Forestry will work with consultants to implement the ordinance. One key point called out for forestry staff is to practice biodiversity to ensure that streets are not planted with a single species of tree.

Michael-Jon Pease, president of the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy, said that while the ordinance isn’t perfect, it represents a “huge paradigm shift” in the way the city thinks about trees on public property.

One focus for the speakers was tree preservation, rather than replacement.

“Replanting is not preservation,” said Gary Todd, chair of the Save Our Street group. The group has been active in advocating for tree preservation in the face of upcoming Summit Avenue reconstruction.

“Mature trees, once gone, will not be replaced for decades and decades,” said Tom Darling, a member of the city’s tree advisory committee and a member of the Summit Avenue Residential Preservation Association.

All thanked council members and Megan Jekot, Ward Two legislative aide, for their work on the ordinance. Jekot staffed the advisory committee and led community outreach.

The approved ordinance was passed with operating procedures, which isn’t typical. More often, ordinances are passed and operating procedures implemented later. The ordinance establishes requirements for tree preservation planning before construction begins and requires protection measures for trees located near active construction areas. It also establishes standards for tree replacement when removal is unavoidable.