What is the Tree Care Registry? The Tree Care Registry is a result of the 2002 gypsy moth outbreak near Lake Harriet in Minneapolis. At that time, there was no effective way to contact tree care providers about the outbreak: where gypsy moths were being found, what tree care providers should look for, how to report a possible gypsy moth find, or communicating regulations governing the movement of tree trimmings. The result was that the legislature created this registry as part of the Plant Protection and Export Certification Law, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 18G.07, and directed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to maintain it. See statutory language at the end of this brochure. Who must register? Companies and people that provide tree care or tree trimming services and/or who remove trees, limbs, branches, brush or shrubs for hire. This includes public, private, and governmental entities. Only one registration is required for each company: multiple company locations can be listed on the registration.
 Why must tree care providers register? Minnesota Statutes Chapter 18G.07 requires companies and persons conducting tree care activities to be registered with the commissioner. Not registering may subject you to penalty.
By registering, the MDA can quickly notify them of new tree pests and disease information as well as regulations that may impact the way one does business. Providers are part of the “Green Industry” which historically has been among the first to find exotic tree pests. Serious exotic forest pests such as gypsy moth, emerald ash borer, and Asian long-horned beetles are inadvertently spread by movement of infested wood, branches, logs and brush across the United States, sometimes unknowingly by tree care companies. What information must be provided? Minnesota Statutes Chapter 18G.07 requires the following minimal information and requires it be kept current: - Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- A complete list of counties in which services are, or may be, provided
How is registration accomplished?- Print, complete and mail the Tree Care Registry Application (PDF: 85 KB / 1 page) or,
- Register online, choose the Tree Care Registry license type and follow the instructions
Important: Providing an email address ensures timely delivery of information and helps the Tree Care Registry reach its goal of being 100% paperless. Does registration cost anything? As of January 1, 2011, registration costs $25 to offset administrative and printing costs. The registration is effective for a calendar year or any portion thereof. How is the registration information used? Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, states in part that data supplied will be used to process the registration and become public record after the registration is granted. The MDA will use the information only for contact purposes in the event of existing or potential regulated forest pest infestations and to mail educational materials. Minimal information will be posted on the internet. What does the registrant get in return?On the MDA website the registrant will be identified to the public, and potential customers, as an officially registered tree care firm. The registrant will receive direct and timely information about real and suspected exotic tree pest introductions in Minnesota and instruction as to what their role will be. The registrant will also receive occasional mailings of educational materials related to invasive species. How do I know if a tree care provider is registered?Search for registered companies. Follow checklist for hiring a tree care company | 
