FAQ

Who can buy trees in this sale?

  • Only Minnetonka property owners may participate.

 

How many trees can I buy?

  • You can buy up to two trees for up to two Minnetonka parcels you own. There is no limit on the purchase of tree guards and tree watering bags.

 

Why can the ‘Pre-Sale’ area purchase trees early?

  • The goal is to target areas that experience higher summer surface temperatures and have few trees. 

 

What if my property is located in the Pre-Sale area but I didn’t order trees during the May 5-11th timeline? 

  • The general tree sale is open to the entire city starting on May 12th  

 

Can I buy trees for other Minnetonka property owners?

  • Each buyer needs their own account – please do not order for other property owners through your account. Contact us to learn about options.

 

What if I own or manage multiple properties, or I represent an association?

  • Contact us before the sale begins to discuss options. Please do not buy for multi-family housing (HOAs, apartment complexes, etc.) or larger businesses through the main sale.

 

How much do the trees cost?

  • In 2025, each containerized tree unit will sell for $50. Fruit tree duos will sell for $100. Shrub trios will sell for $50.  Plastic tree guards are available at $3 each, and tree watering bags are $21 each.

 

How do I pay for the trees?

  • Click the Account tab (top-right of the page on a computer, or use the Menu bars on a mobile device). Create an account or login to your existing account.
  • Use the View Available Items tab to learn about trees and (once the sale goes live) add items to your cart.
  • Use the cart icon (top right) to review your choices and check out. You will receive a confirmation email from the city.
  • If you more than one Minnetonka property, you must log out and log back in to purchase for the additional address. Do not buy for properties you do not own. 

 

When can I pick up my trees?

  • The pick-up event takes place on Sept. 19th and 20th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Shady Oak Beach, 5200 Shady Oak Road, Minnetonka, MN 55345 (More details will be emailed to you on time and location after the sale closes.

 

Can I get a refund?

  • Contact us to request a refund during the online sale.
  • Refunds are not available after the online sale is complete.

 

What if I don’t pick up my tree?

  • There will be no refunds for trees that are not picked up or do not survive after being removed from the pick-up location.

 

Where can I plant my tree?

  • These trees are intended to be planted on your property in Minnetonka, outside of right-of-way areas. To get an idea of where the right-of-way may be located on your property, use the Hennepin County Interactive Property Map.
  • Plan for the mature size of the tree. Plant large varieties away from power lines and property lines.
  • Broadleaf trees should be 15 feet or more behind the curb; place conifers at least 20 feet back.
  • Remember to contact Gopher State One Call at least 3 days before you dig, to have underground utilities marked. Call 811 to file a request, or create a ticket online.

 

How can I help my new tree thrive?

  • Placement matters! Choose the right tree for the soil, lighting and other conditions in your yard. You’ll find these details on each profile in the preview/sale site.
  • Proper planting is important to your tree’s health! Check out this planting demo created by Minnetonka staff and this flyer from MNDNR on properly planting containerized trees.
  • Maintenance matters! The Resources section provides information about taking care of young trees – from mulching and watering to pruning and winter protection.

 

Why does Minnetonka offer an annual tree sale?

  • Our community forest is healthier when it includes many tree species of different ages. The annual tree sale promotes this goal by offering young trees to Minnetonka property owners at a reduced cost. The stock is selected for qualities such as aesthetic appeal, wildlife and pollinator habitat, climate resilience, and ash or buckthorn replacement value. We do our best to ensure the program is fair and reaches many households citywide.