Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs add beauty and thousands of dollars to the curb appeal of your home. With a little planning and care you can have a great looking yard that will only get better over time.  

Homeowners are expected to actively maintain the trees and shrubs on their properties as a shared responsibility for upholding the aesthetic appeal and quality of life within our community. The information listed below contains Williamsburg Village Policies and Guidelines regarding planting, maintenance, and tree removal. It also includes various tips and resources. Should you have questions please email them to contactus@williamsburgvillage.net  

  • Community Aesthetics:  Well-maintained trees and shrubs contribute significantly to the visual attractiveness of a neighborhood. They can enhance curb appeal, create a pleasant atmosphere, and foster a sense of pride in the community. 
  • Home Values:  Proper landscaping and healthy trees can boost property values, benefiting everyone in the community. At the same time, unkept trees and shrubs can detract from your home’s value as well as those of your neighbors.  
  • Safety and Health:  Proper care of trees and shrubs also encompasses ensuring their health and removing hazards. Diseased or overgrown trees can pose risks to people and property.  

Trees

Selecting a Tree 

Before planting a new tree in your yard there are several things you should consider. There are several beautiful species that thrive in our climate. There are also some that don’t. Make sure you take the time to plan your selection. You won’t regret it. 

  • Hardiness Zone & Climate: Cold Hardiness: Choose a tree species that can withstand Minnesota’s cold winters. Minnesota falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 3-5, depending on the location. 
  • Coniferous or Deciduous: Selecting between coniferous and deciduous is one of the first decisions you should consider. Simply put, coniferous trees stay green all year while deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall. If you’re planting more than one tree a mix of both types can be beautiful. 
  • Space Requirements: How big will the tree grow? This needs to be considered when choosing where to plant it. You’ll want to envision how your mature tree will fit into your yard and the impact it will have on your house and yard when fully grown. Take your neighbors into consideration when planting a tree near a lot line. 
  • Maintenance: Some trees require more pruning, watering, fertilization, and pest control. Some species drop thousands of seeds in the Spring. 
  • Sunlight: Consider the amount of sunlight your yard receives and choose a tree that matches its light requirements (full sun, partial shade, etc.).  
  • Soil Conditions & Drainage: Different trees have different soil preferences (e.g., sandy, clay, well-drained, etc.) 
  • Local Regulations: It is unlawful to plant the following trees within Bloomington city limits. 
Common Name Genus Species 
Ginkgo (maidenhair tree female only) Ginkgo biloba 
Boxelder (ash-leaved maple) Acer negundo 
Eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides 
Lombardy poplar Populus nigra italica 
Buckthorn (common or European) Rhamnus Cathartica 
Buckthorn (glossy, including all cultivars) Rhamnus Frangula 
Ash (all species, varieties, and cultivars) Fraxinus All 

Planting Trees 

Once you’ve completed the steps recommended in the selection process it’s time to plant. Before planting there are a few important laws and codes you need to be aware of.  

  • Call Before You Dig:  Minnesota law requires you to contact Gopher State One to mark your utilities before you dig. You’ll need to allow a few days for them to mark your property. 
  • Location: In Bloomington, the standard location for yard trees shall be three feet or more inside the property for all property lines abutting a city street or sidewalk. Trees cannot be planted in the Williamsburg Village boulevards. 
  • Trees shall not be planted in public street rights-of-way, or in the clear view triangle at corners.  

Removing & Trimming Trees 

Williamsburg Village now has trees that were planted more than forty years ago, and some are at the end of their lifecycle. We are also facing the emerald ash borer epidemic which has infected several dozen of our ash trees that need to be removed and replaced. 

Trimming & Maintenance 

  • Trimming: Trees need to be maintained. Branches need to be trimmed from time to time to promote healthy growth and appearance. Failure to do so often leads to misshapen, ugly trees that detract from a property’s appearance and value. 
  • Fertilizing: Fertilizing and pest control need to be done annually. Doing so helps maintain the health and appearance of your trees.  

Removing Trees 

When choosing a Tree Removal Service consider the following: 

  • Certification and Credentials:  Look for certified arborists, preferably with ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification. 
  • Insurance:  Ensure the company is insured with general liability and worker’s compensation insurance to protect your property and themselves in case of accidents. 
  • Experience and Reputation:  Check online reviews and ask for references to assess the company’s experience and customer satisfaction. 
  • Written Contract:  Always get a detailed written contract outlining the scope of work, costs, and terms before work begins.  

By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions and ensure a safe and efficient tree removal process. Tree removal should only be done by a licensed and insured professional tree service.  

Stumps 

Stumps are part of the tree and also need to be removed. Discuss this with the company you hire to remove your tree. Often companies that remove trees have a relationship with companies that specialize in stump removal. If you have previously removed a tree and did not remove the stump, you need to have it removed.  

Shrubs

Shrubs play a crucial role in enhancing your home’s curb appeal, adding beauty, structure, and a welcoming feel to your landscape. As with trees, there are many species and with a little research and planning you can compliment the other aspects of your landscape. 

  • Trimming: When selecting the shrubs you want to plant be aware that many will need to be trimmed once or twice a year. This is not difficult, but it is necessary. Unkept shrubs can detract from your home’s appearance. If you are unable to trim your own shrubs there are many services available that can do it for you. See Flagship Landscapes under Useful Links. 

Useful Links

  • Flagship Landscapes 
    https://flagshiplandscapesmn.com/ Flagship Landscapes services the lawncare needs of Williamsburg Village. They are in our development weekly and offer residential services. You can find Flagship’s contact information under Lawncare and Landscaping on the Resources page.