Tree / Weed Inspections

Tree and Weed Inspections

The City of Champlin provides the service of a certified tree inspector who will inspect all public and private places within the City for diseased trees. If the tree inspector finds a diseased tree, he/she will notify the property owner by mail that the diseased tree(s) must be removed. The notice will provide information on the tree and a removal date. If the diseased tree(s) is not removed, the tree inspector shall order the tree(s) to be removed at the expense of the property owner. For more information, contact the Parks and Public Works Department at 763-421-2820.

Tree Pests: Emerald Ash Borer and Two-Lined Chestnut Borer

Two significant tree pests affecting our community:

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that targets ash trees. Once infested, trees typically die within one to three years. Early signs include canopy dieback, D-shaped exit holes, and woodpecker activity.
- Emerald Ash Borer Fact Sheet (PDF)
Two-Lined Chestnut Borer (TLCB) is a native beetle that attacks stressed oak trees, especially during or after drought. Symptoms include sparse or discolored leaves, canopy dieback, and D-shaped exit holes.
- Two-Lined Chestnut Borer Fact Sheet (PDF)

The City has partnered with Rainbow Treecare to treat both ash and chestnut trees throughout our park system.

Weed Notice

Property owners shall not permit grass and/or weeds to exceed a height of 8" in platted areas of the City, as per Ordinance 8-106.

It is the duty of every property owner to keep weeds, grass, brush, or plants in a healthy condition and appearance so as not to be harmful to the general public. The Weed Inspector will inspect and issue notices to those in violation of this ordinance, requiring the said owner to eradicate the nuisance within a 10-day period. In the event of non-compliance, the City shall order the work done, and all labor and administrative costs will be charged to the property owner.

This notice is to inform all Champlin property owners of their responsibilities under state law to control noxious weeds and weed nuisances as per City Ordinance. For more information, contact the Parks and Public Works Department at 763-421-2820.

Minnesota Noxious Weed Law

The Minnesota Noxious Weed Law was enacted to protect the residents of Minnesota from the injurious effects of noxious weeds. This law and related statutes are under the general administration of the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The day-to-day administration of the state's noxious weed control program is carried out by the director of the Agronomy Services Division through the supervisor of the weed control section. Several regulatory investigators located throughout the state have implemented the noxious weed law. One of their primary duties is to see that local governments fulfill their responsibilities in the actual enforcement of the law. Local governments carry out the actual enforcement through local weed inspectors in townships and cities, and County Agricultural Inspectors in every Minnesota County.

A noxious weed, as defined in Minnesota Law, is an annual, biennial, or perennial deemed by the Commissioner of Agriculture to be injurious to public health, public roads, the environment, crops, livestock, and other property.

Prohibited Noxious Weeds / Restricted Noxious Weeds

Field bindweed Buckthorn, common or European
Hemp Buckthorn, glossy, including all cultivars
Loosestrife, purple
Mustard, Garlic
Poison Ivy
Spurge, leafy
Sowthistle, perennial
Thistle, bull
Thistle, Canada
Thistle, musk
Thistle, plumeless

FAQs

Construction Damage- What Is It?

Any wound to the root system, the stem or main branches of a tree caused during construction could be considered construction damage. These wounds occur during or as the result of site clearing, building site preparation, soil grading, paving, building activities using heavy equipment and stock piling soil or building materials. Construction damage can occur on projects as small as paving a patio or can occur on grander scale projects such as creating a shopping mall.

Why is construction work so hard on trees?

Trees get into trouble when they become low on energy reserves, when their roots can’t get enough oxygen or water, or when more than 40% of their root system is lost. Most construction damage happens to the root system. Developing a site is seldom possible without hurting tree roots to some extent. Roots are one of the most vital parts of the tree, responsible for nutrient, oxygen and water uptake and anchoring the tree in the soil. In addition, energy-rich chemicals are stored in the roots. Trees draw on these energy reserves to get them through emergencies like drought, defoliation, insect attack or construction damage.

Why is prevention key?

Nearly everyone recognizes the value of trees in providing shade, or ornamentation and protection. All too frequently, the trees that make a site attractive are damaged or killed during construction by inadequate protection or carelessness. Sometimes it is possible to remedy the situation, but it is always better and more economical to prevent damage than to remedy it.

What should my plan include and what should I prevent?

Formulate a plan. Select which trees can be saved and which trees should be removed. Try to save islands of trees rather than individuals. Talk about your plans with contractors/workers. Make a map so plans are clear to everyone. Fence off areas to be protected. Post signs that say “off-limits”. Water trees regularly before, during, and after construction activities. Monitor the site for signs of tree damage. Timing: Cut trees down during the fall and winter because the “saved” trees are extremely vulnerable to wounding during the spring. Use chain saws to fall trees near the trees you want to be saved. Avoid felling trees INTO the trees you want to be saved. Avoid pushing trees over with bulldozers, because it rips up neighboring trees’ roots.

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