Urban trees provide numerous benefits, including stormwater management, air filtration, oxygen production, providing shade while reducing energy costs and increased property values. For these reasons, trees play a vital role in our urban environment. However, New Hope is experiencing a significant decline in its aging tree population due to diseases, insect infestations, road construction projects and storm damage. It is essential to replenish our urban forest with a healthy and diverse tree population. You can contribute by planting a tree!

The City of New Hope is proactive in planting trees on public right-of-way areas and City-owned properties to replace those that have been removed due to disease, construction projects or safety concerns. City staff prioritizes tree replacement based on several factors: recent losses of boulevard trees, resident requests, future plans for potential planting sites and utility or safety considerations.

A full-time city forester is responsible for determining suitable tree-planting locations. Whenever possible, replacement trees will be planted according to the resident's preferences. However, the primary concern during the installation of replacement trees is the proximity to existing utilities. Trees cannot be planted directly on top of or near any existing utilities, which may limit the available planting locations in residents' front yards.

A healthy urban forest starts with careful planning between the city forester and homeowners. When selecting a new tree, residents should consider both the characteristics of their neighborhood and the desired features of the new tree. Here are several important factors to keep in mind:

Height: How tall will the tree grow at maturity? Will it interfere with other trees as it grows? Are there any overhead utilities that may cause conflicts in the future?

Canopy Spread: How wide will the tree become when fully grown? Consider how the growth may impact surrounding trees and landscaping. Will the tree's growth obstruct visibility for vehicles on the roadway or create access issues for pedestrians on the sidewalk?

Deciduous or Conifer: Assess the long-term maintenance requirements of the tree. Do your current landscaping and yard conditions allow for easy leaf clean-up each year?

Form and Shape: Columnar trees occupy less space as they grow, while round or V-shaped trees take up more space and provide more shade. Decide whether you want your tree to provide shade, privacy, aesthetic appeal, or help block wind noise.

Growth Rate: How long will it take for the new tree to reach maturity? Keep in mind that slower-growing trees often live longer than fast-growing varieties.

Soil, Sun and Moisture: New Hope typically has heavy clay soil, which may not be suitable for all tree types. Some trees may have specific watering needs based on this soil type. Fruit: Fruit trees can be a wonderful addition to a back or side yard. However, consider the maintenance needed for fallen fruit on your property's roadway, sidewalk, or driveway before planting a fruit tree in the front yard.

Hardiness Zone: New Hope falls within Zone 5A, so any trees planted here must be hardy enough to survive harsh winter conditions.

Supplier: Purchase trees only from reputable nurseries. Verify whether your supplier is a member of professional organizations such as the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association, the Mail Order Association of Nurseries or the American Association of Nurserymen. If the nursery is local, consult knowledgeable staff to help you choose the right tree for your situation.

For information on trees recommended by the city forester, please visit the Tree Selection page. Details about prohibited trees can also be found there, as certain species are not allowed in New Hope due to common issues or diseases that can threaten the health of the urban forest.

Installation Planting a new tree too deeply is one of the leading causes of tree mortality. The top of the root ball should typically be level with the ground surface of your yard. In areas like New Hope, where heavy clay soils can hinder tree growth, it's advisable to raise the root ball so that up to one-third of it is above ground level. This practice encourages the spread of lateral roots. Watering Newly planted trees require regular watering. Generally, a tree needs 5 to 7 gallons of water applied directly to the root ball each week. The best method for watering a new tree is to leave a garden hose dripping at the root ball for several hours, promoting deep root growth. Conversely, applying large amounts of water at once directly to the root ball encourages the development of shallow roots. In the fall, it's important to monitor watering closely to ensure that the tree can go dormant at the appropriate time. Mulching Maintaining a 5-inch layer of mulch around the base of newly planted trees is essential for their care. Mulching helps with water infiltration, retains soil moisture, limits weed and grass growth, and protects against damage from lawn mowers or weed whips. Ensure that the mulch is kept away from the trunk. A porous landscape fabric that allows for water and gas exchange can help prevent weed growth; however, plastic landscape materials are not recommended, as they can suffocate roots. Fertilization Newly planted trees can be fertilized every 2 to 3 years. Fertilizers can be applied either in the fall after the leaves have fallen or in early spring before new growth begins. Fertilizers should be spread on the ground surface surrounding the tree or placed in holes around it. Keep in mind that fertilizers used on turf grass nearby may damage the grass, and surface applications typically need to be watered in. Avoid applying nitrogen fertilizers in late summer, as they can promote new growth that will not properly harden for winter. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be used in the fall, as they enhance the tree’s winter acclimation. Staking Contrary to popular belief, most young trees do better without staking. Trees that are allowed to stand independently tend to develop stronger trunks and root systems. However, if a tree cannot stand alone, staking may be necessary, but it must be done correctly. A common issue with staked trees is damage to the bark where it is tied, which can lead to serious harm. Using soft nylon webbing or carpet strips attached to grommets can minimize damage to the trunk. If staking is required, remove the stakes and ties once the tree is established. Winter Care Proper winter care begins in the summer. Watering should be reduced in early fall to prevent new growth and increased in late fall to ensure the tree has sufficient moisture to survive winter. Avoid encouraging late growth by overwatering or using nitrogen fertilizers in early fall. In late fall, thoroughly water the plants until the first freeze of the soil.For new trees or trees with bark damage, wrap the trunk from the base to the first branch with a commercial tree wrap. This helps prevent sunscald, which causes sunken, dried-out, and cracked bark due to winter sunlight heating the tree’s bark. Animal damage can be significant during Minnesota winters. Protect new trees from rabbits and mice by installing an animal barrier. A cylinder made of 1/4-inch mesh hardware cloth or a plastic drain tile pipe can provide adequate protection. The material should be black and extend at least 2 feet above the expected snow level. Additionally, chemicals can be applied directly to the trunk for added protection. Pruning After planting a new tree, only prune critical branches. Focus on removing broken or dead branches, or addressing competing leaders. Minimize pruning during the initial planting period, as trees need as many leaves as possible to recover from transplant shock.

The City of New Hope does not regulate which tree contractors you may hire for work on private trees. To help you find the right contractor for your job, the City offers the following tips. Choosing a tree contractor should be given the same care and consideration as hiring a doctor or a home builder, as mistakes can be costly and have long-lasting effects.

• Seek Recommendations: Ask friends or neighbors for any recommendations they may have.
• Avoid Door-to-Door Solicitors: Be cautious of contractors who go door-to-door. Reputable companies usually have enough work that they do not need to solicit clients in this manner.
• Verify Insurance: Request certificates of insurance that prove liability coverage for personal and property damage, as well as worker's compensation. It’s a good idea to contact the insurance company directly to verify that the policy is current. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you could be held financially responsible.
• Check References: Ask for references and speak with former clients. Look for signs of a good arborist, such as experience, education, and a positive reputation.
• Get Multiple Estimates: Invite more than one contractor to assess your job and provide estimates. Prices can vary significantly, and it’s worth paying for estimates if required. Aim for at least three cost estimates.
• Inquire About Climbing Spikes: Ask the contractor whether they plan to use climbing spikes. A reputable contractor will avoid using climbing spikes if the tree is to remain in place.

By following these tips, you can make an informed decision when hiring a tree contractor.

To learn more about trees and the law please read the following links.

• 2004 Minnesota Shade Tree Advocate article "Boundary Trees and the Law"
• 2002 Bench & Bar's "In the Shade of a Tree: Analyzing the Tree Related Legal Problem"
• 2008 University of Minnesota Extension Service's My Minnesota Woods article "Minnesota Law and Trees"