Overview

Trees around your home can increase it’s value up to 15% or more. The trees you plant remove CO2  from the air, produce oxygen, and give songbirds a home. Trees provide many other benefits:

• A windbreak can lower heating bills 10-20%.
• Many flowering trees also produce food for wildlife.
• Shade trees planted east and west of your home can cut cooling costs 15-35%.
• Street trees shade the concrete and help cool the entire neighborhood.
• A backyard orchard lets you grow your own fruit.

City Tree Policy

The City of Chanhassen adopted a public tree policy for the community in May of 2022. This policy aims to establish safe guidelines for the allocation of responsibility and cost regarding clean-up and removal of trees, visibility requirements for streets and driveways, permitted access across or through public property (including easements), and the protection and risk assessment of public trees in the city in order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Click here to view the policy.

10-20-30 Rule for Sustainable Landscape

Follow the 10-20-30 rule. Diversity, even on a residential lot, is the key to a healthy, sustainable landscape. Planting too many trees of one kind leaves a property owner vulnerable to the expense and work associated with pest and disease problems. The 10-20-30 rule helps to keep diversity high and vulnerability low. 

• Plant no more than 10% of any one species. Inventory your yard to see what you have. You don’t want to find that there is only one species of tree in your yard – all green ash or Autumn Blaze maple.
• Plant no more than 20% of any one genus. Perhaps you have different kinds of trees in your yard, but upon closer inspection, you find that they are an Autumn Blaze maple, a sugar maple, and a silver maple. These are all from the same genus – maple. Your yard is at risk from too many trees from one genus.
• Plant no more than 30% from any one family. To determine this, you may have to do a little research. Also, if you avoid over-planting in a genus, you can be pretty sure you’re also avoiding over-planting within a family. 

Drainage and Utility Easement

Every residential property contains a drainage and utility easement around the perimeter of the lot. The homeowner owns the property within this easement; however, the city and utility companies are permitted to use the easement for drainage swales, storm sewers, water lines, or any other utility such as telephone, cable TV, gas and electric lines. Generally, the easement runs along the property line and is 5 feet wide on the sides and 10 feet wide in the front and rear. The city recommends landscaping outside the easement. Remember that your plantings could be damaged or removed if work needs to be done in the easement. Additionally, unless suited to wet conditions, trees and shrubs usually don’t do well in drainage swales and could create drainage problems if they impede the natural water flow. Other easements could be located on your property. If unsure, call the City Engineering Department at 952-227-1160 before planting a tree or shrub or grading your yard.

On corner lots, plantings are limited to 30 inches in height within the sight triangle. As the diagram below illustrates, the sight triangle is located by measuring 30 feet in each direction from the intersection of the two curb lines. This area must be kept clear for good visibility for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Street Right-of-Way for Your Property

The street right-of-way runs parallel to the front of your property. This area is owned by the public but maintained by the homeowner. The right-of-way on most properties covers the first 10-15 feet from the curb. Planting outside this area will save your plants from snowplow damage, salt and sand buildup, and generally harsh conditions along a boulevard.

Right Tree, Right Place

A well-landscaped yard should focus on the aesthetics of the plantings and sustainability. Trees are long-lived and the most significant investment you’ll make in home plantings. Good planning at the beginning can save time and trouble over the years.

• Research the mature height and spread of your choices before purchasing. Constantly trimming a tree to contain its size isn’t suitable for your workload or the tree. When planting, place the tree where it has room to reach its mature size.
• Don’t plant too close to your home. Damage can be caused by branches rubbing against your house or roots interfering with your foundation or utility lines.
• Know where your utilities are located, including the water line to your home. Always call before you dig—Gopher State One Call, 651-454-0002. Also, look up! Don’t plant a tree that will be tall under or close to a power line.
• Trees planted in certain locations can save you money. For reduced heating and cooling costs – west is best. Trees planted on the west side of the home shade the home from the hot afternoon sun and the bitter winter winds. Planting trees on the north and east sides is also good for your pocketbook. Leave the south side of your home open to the sun to take advantage of passive solar heating in the winter.

Soil Testing

Testing your soil can provide information on its health and fertility. The test provides information on nutrient levels and pH. It can also note problems due to excessive salts or fertilizer materials (soluble salt test). Testing is provided by the University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory for a fee. Instructions are on the lab's website: soil sample information sheet and sample collection instructions.