Minnesota Awards Millions for Tree Planting Grants

Fifty communities will use new state grant funding for tree planting and maintenance to combat forest health risks.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Landscaping

Screen-print poster illustration of a young sapling tree in a forest clearing, evoking the environmental restoration of Minnesota communities. — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources awarded $7 million in ReLeaf grants to 50 communities to combat emerald ash borer damage. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should government environmental grants prioritize funding for tree maintenance on private residential properties?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has awarded $7 million in ReLeaf grants to 50 communities across the state. This funding supports projects on public land and low-income residential properties to improve forest health and replace ash trees affected by the emerald ash borer.

Why it matters

These grants help local municipalities and organizations manage tree canopy loss caused by the emerald ash borer, which threatens both property values and environmental resilience. By diversifying tree species, these efforts protect communities against future pest and disease outbreaks that could devastate local landscapes.

The program provided $65,673 to the Cottonwood Soil and Water Conservation District and $38,500 to the City of Pipestone. Funding was distributed to 34 cities, 5 county organizations, 4 schools, 6 nonprofits, and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.

The players

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The state agency responsible for managing natural resources and leading forest health initiatives.

Minnesota State Legislature

The state government body that funds environmental and conservation programs for public benefit.

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

One of the 50 community recipients awarded funding for tree management and planting projects.

The details

Projects funded by the ReLeaf program utilize resources for comprehensive management tasks including inventory, planting, and pruning. The grants aim to mitigate forest health risks by prioritizing the replacement of ash trees with diverse species that are resistant to common regional pests. Activities are restricted to public lands and low-income residential areas.

October 16, 2026: Official announcement of the grant recipients.

The Home Front

This program reflects a growing shift in state-funded conservation aimed at proactively addressing the impact of invasive species on residential property values. It marks an update to tree management strategies by replacing vulnerable ash populations with more resilient, long-term species.

Residents in the 50 recipient communities should check with their local city or county offices to see if tree planting or maintenance initiatives are planned for their neighborhood. Homeowners in these areas may also qualify for assistance if they reside in low-income zones targeted by these projects.

The takeaway

Proactive forest management helps protect your neighborhood's canopy from future disease and pest threats. Reach out to your local planning department to verify if your street is slated for new tree plantings or professional pruning through these newly funded grant programs.