Emerald Ash Borer Found in Minneapolis

The Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive beetle that attacks and destroys ash trees, was discovered in the Prospect Park area of Minneapolis in February 2010. You can help slow the spread of this invasive species by taking the following actions:

• Don’t transport firewood. Purchase firewood at the point it will be burned and don’t bring the extra wood home.
• Watch your ash trees for signs of infestation. If you notice a major thinning of the tree’s canopy, splitting bark or significant woodpecker activity, contact the Minnesota Department of www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/311. Also, the Ward One office staff is 311-trained, so you may always call our office at 612-673-2201 for assistance. Agriculture’s “Arrest the Pest” Hotline at 651-201-6684.
• Start making tree planting plans. The City of Minneapolis has partnered with Tree Trust to provide more than 1,000 trees to Minneapolis residents at a reduced cost. The available trees include Fat Albert Spruce, Pagoda Dogwood, Kentucky Coffeetree, Blue Beech, Redmond Linden and more. Visit www.treetrust.org before April 23, 2010 to place your order. You may order one tree per residence at a cost of $25. Quantities are limited to first-come first-served. Trees will be available for pickup beginning in early May.

The Minneapolis urban forest includes more than 200,000 ash trees on boulevards and on private property. That’s 21 percent of all Minneapolis trees. If you have space in your yard to plant a tree, now is a good time to start one. If you have an ash tree in your yard, planting its replacement now will give it a chance to start providing shade. Research has proven that trees are a valuable investment and improve urban quality of life. Healthy trees are beautiful, increase property values, help improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gases by absorbing carbon dioxide, save energy, keep the city cooler, provide homes for wildlife and help manage stormwater.