What is a Certified Tree Inspector?
Certified tree inspectors are people trained and certified to conduct local shade tree management programs. The program was implemented in 1974 in response to Dutch elm disease and oak wilt. There are now more than 700 certified tree inspectors in Minnesota. 

Why is this Work Important?
Tree inspectors survey community tree populations to identify and manage disease and insect problems. They also provide recommendations for tree health and care. Tree inspectors monitor for new exotic insect and disease problems such as emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, and sudden oak death.
 
Minnesota Statute 89.63 CERTIFICATION OF TREE INSPECTORS.
(a) The governing body of a municipality may appoint a qualified tree inspector. Two or more municipalities may jointly appoint a tree inspector for the purpose of administering their respective pest control programs.
(b) Upon a determination by the commissioner that a candidate for the position of tree inspector is qualified, the commissioner shall issue a certificate of qualification to the tree inspector. The certificate is valid for one year. A person certified as a tree inspector by the commissioner may enter and inspect any public or private property that might harbor forest pests or shade tree pests. The commissioner shall offer an annual tree inspector certification workshop, upon completion of which participants are qualified as tree inspectors.
(c) The commissioner may suspend and, upon notice and hearing, decertify a tree inspector if the tree inspector fails to act competently or in the public interest in the performance of duties.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How do I become certified? Attend a certification workshop and pass the exam with at least 70%. There is an online course and exam option.
  • How do I maintain my certification? Once you have passed the exam, you will be certified through the current and following calendar year. In order to maintain that certification, you must attend a continuing education workshop every year. It can either be one 6-hour session or two 4-hour sessions.
  • When can I expect to receive my Tree Inspector Card? New Tree Inspector Cards are typically sent out within a month of passing the exam. Recertification Cards are sent out mid-December.
  • What should I do if I haven’t received my card? If the above timeline has passed by, please call or email Tami Brue at the DNR: 651-259-5300 or MNTreeInspect.DNR@state.mn.us.
  • Who should I contact with questions about the workshops? The DNR partners with the University of Minnesota and they coordinate all of the continuing education workshops. If you have questions about these workshops, email Ryan Murphy at treesins@umn.edu. 

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