What is a certified arborist?

An arborist is a professional who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining trees and other woody plants. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) provides an arborist certification once individuals have worked a minimum of three years in arboriculture or a combination of education and experience and pass an exam. A good arborist will offer a wide range of services such as pruning, removal, disease and insect diagnosis, integrated pest management, etc. There are many experienced tree services that do not employ certified arborists but will do a fine job removing a diseased or infested tree.


What is a MN Certified Tree Inspector?

MN Certified Tree Inspectors are individuals who have received training and certification to manage tree pests and diseases and are qualified to offer tree health and care recommendations. They monitor communities for new tree pests and diseases. This program was founded in 1974 as a result of Dutch Elm Disease and the emergence of oak wilt.

What is a boulevard?

Boulevards are the city owned portion of the street right of way between the curb and the private property line. Most property lines do not go all the way to the back of the street curb. There does not necessarily have to be a sidewalk or trail along the road to make an area a boulevard.

Why does the city trim boulevard trees?

Boulevard trees are routinely trimmed by the city to remove broken or dead limbs, to maintain structure and for pedestrian and vehicle clearance.

Why does the city remove boulevard trees?

The city removes boulevard trees that are dead, dying and/or hazardous. Attempts are made to notify property owners on the adjoining lot in advance of this action.

Will the city replace my removed boulevard tree?

The city does not replace boulevard trees. Replanting will be at the discretion of the property owner. Trees planted in the boulevards that are in addition to the existing boulevard trees, must receive prior approval from Natural Resources to ensure that the trees planted are an allowable species.

Does the city inspect trees on private property for insects or disease?

The city does not currently inspect trees on private property. Residents may contact a certified arborist for proper diagnosis of private trees at Trees are Good.

What is the grass height standard for the city?

All weeds or growing grasses upon any platted lot in the city, which are in excess of one foot (1'), or have gone or about to go to seed, are hereby declared to be a nuisance, with some exceptions, and must be removed.

What does the Natural Area / Conservation Area / Wetland Buffer sign at the rear of my property mean?

For the majority of properties in Farmington, these signs delineate a boundary between private property and city owned property. This city owned land is kept as native as possible to provide habitat for wildlife, soil stabilization, and water filtering capabilities. The area should be kept in a natural state with no clearing, mowing or vehicular traffic.

Can I mow down the vegetation adjacent to a stormwater pond / wetland?

A buffer is an undisturbed or reestablished vegetated area adjacent to a stormwater pond / wetland that is an integral part of protecting the wetland ecosystem through filtering pollutants and providing adjacent habitat.

The clearing and removal of vegetation in the buffer area is prohibited, except for selective clearing and pruning of individual trees and shrubs which are dead, diseased, noxious weeds, or hazards.

Can we put a dock in the stormwater pond behind our home?

No. Structures are prohibited within drainage and utility easements and city owned outlots, which is where the vast majority of stormwater ponds are located.

Why is the pond behind my home green?

If there is a green mat on top of the water that moves frequently with winds and rain, it is probably a healthy population of duckweed. Duckweed is a food for water fowl and helps with the water quality of the pond by removing nutrients. It is unadvisable to remove duckweed since this plant provides food and habitat for several different species.

Another reason your pond may be green is due to filamentous algae. Filamentous algae forms in clumps and has a hair like appearance. By practicing environmentally safe lawn care practices, you should be able to cut back on the nutrients entering the water and eliminate the food source for the algae, which should decrease the algae problem. Resources for lawn care practices to reduce algae on the city’s Lawn & Garden page.