3.3D Street Trees
Introduction
Street trees are a critical part of the public right of way with many benefits. The Transportation Action Plan includes Design Action 4.5: Increase the tree canopy and urban forest coverage by 2040 by working with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to preserve and enhance trees in the City’s right of way. Prioritize coverage where it least exists and in areas of concentrated poverty with majority people of color.
Figure 3.3D.1:
Tree planting guidelines
Boulevard width
| Boulevard Width | Tree size |
|---|---|
| 5' or wider | Large tree |
| From 4' to 5' | Small tree |
| Less than 4' | No room for a tree |
Minimum distance from tree (on center) to existing element
| Element | Minimum Distance | Element | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cross street (approaching corner) | 40' | Cross street (non-approaching corner) | 20' |
| Stop sign, traffic signal | 20' | Street light base | 12' |
| Pedestrian level light base, utility pole, fire hydrant | 10' | Crosswalk | 7' |
| Alleys, driveway, pedestrian walkway (width) | 6' | Bike rack, news rack, trash can, utility box, transit shelter, parking meter | 5' |
| Building facade | 4' | Street curb, building entrance or doorway | 2' |
| Loading zone, bus stop | Clear zone |
Design Considerations
|
Prioritize street trees |
Designers should make every effort to provide space for street trees on both sides of the street whenever feasible balancing other demands for the street. See greening guidance for strategies to consider for constrained corridors. |
|
Space needed for street trees |
5’ or wider of unpaved boulevard is needed for large tree species and 4’-4.9’ is needed for small tree species. See Figure 3.3D.1 for additional details on distance requirements for street trees. |
|
Tree trenches |
A tree trench is a bioretention facility that includes a tree planted within engineered soil that is designed to store stormwater runoff and allow water to flow through the system and irrigate the tree. Tree trenches should be encouraged and can work with all types of street trees used in Minneapolis. See green stormwater infrastructure guidance for more details. |
|
Tree grates discouraged |
Tree trenches or other greening should be used around street trees whenever possible. Tree grates should be discouraged because they reduce tree health, require significant maintenance, and cannot serve as accessible pedestrian space. Tree grates may be necessary in some constrained environments with need for pedestrian space. |
|
Tree species |
The MPRB Forestry Preservation Coordinator determines tree species. If questions, contact: forestry@minneapolisparks.org. |
|
MPRB Forestry |
Additional guidance for is available by contacting the MPRB Forestry Preservation Coordinator. MPRB is responsible for the installation and maintenance of all street trees. |
|
Additional guidance |
Additional guidance, policy, and standards are available:
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