Street Department in the City of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Forestry

The City of Detroit Lakes has an active forestry program with an Arbor Day celebration and Tree Give Away. The City has received the Tree City U.S.A. award for the last several years.

The Dutch Elm Disease control program is on going with a City tree inspector making a survey of the City for Dutch Elm Disease. The prompt removal and sanitation of disease elm trees has greatly reduced the spread of Dutch Elm Disease in our community. Please visit ElmCare.com to learn more about Dutch Elm Disease.

Trees located on private property are the responsibility of the property owner for removal and disposal. Boulevard trees are maintained by the City of Detroit Lakes.

Recommended trees to plant on boulevards:

Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Green Ash, Hackberry, American Linden, Oak (Red or Bur), Ohio Buckeye, Ironwood, Munchurian Ash, and Black Ash.

Do not plant the following trees on boulevards:

Silver Maple, any Poplar, any Willow, Cottonwood, Boxelder, Siberian "Chinese" Elm, Birch.

Recommended spacing of trees from overhead utility lines:

Large trees: Over 70 ft. (Oak, Linden [Basswood], Hackberry), 30 feet.
Medium trees: 30-70 ft. (Maple, Ash, Ohio Buckeye, Ironwood), 20 feet.
Small trees: To 25 ft. (Crabapple, Jap. Tree Lilac) 15 feet.

Plant Size	Min. From Corners (1 story bldg.)	Distance From Walls	Distance Apart	Min. From Overhead Lines
Small Tree	8 feet	12 feet	6-12 feet	15 feet
Medium Tree	12 feet	16 feet	15-20 feet	35 feet
Large Tree	16 tree	20 feet	25-30 feet	45 feet

Detroit Lakes City Guidelines

Trees must be planted in the middle of the boulevard or not closer than 5 feet from the back of the curb.
Trees must not obstruct traffic signs.
Minimum distance from corner is 25 feet.
Minimum distance from city underground utility lines is 2-1/2 feet.
Minimum distance from connection of service lines to main is 6 feet.
Minimum distance from fire hydrant is 10 feet.
Minimum distance from street signs is 15 feet.

CLICK HERE BEFORE YOU DIG!

For further information on trees contact the Detroit Lakes Public Works Department or the Department of Natural Resources - Division of Forestry at 218-847-1579.

Flower Beds

The City of Detroit Lakes has 24 flowerbeds that are available for adoption by local residents or organizations. These beds are located throughout the community and individuals or groups may contact the City Public Works Department as to the availability of flowerbeds to be adopted. A sign is placed at each flowerbed indicating who has adopted it. The City plants the flowers and the people who adopt the beds perform the necessary weeding activities.

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