Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Wednesday, May 21
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»City of Eden Prairie»Big jump in number of ash trees infested by EAB
    City of Eden Prairie

    Big jump in number of ash trees infested by EAB

    Mark WeberBy Mark WeberJanuary 28, 20212 Mins Read
    Emerald Ash Borer is a small, green beetle that is invasive and highly destructive to ash trees in North America. Its presence in Eden Prairie is growing.

    There’s a sharp increase in the number of Eden Prairie trees infested with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive beetle known to damage ash trees and spread quickly.

    The numbers are adding urgency to the City of Eden Prairie’s response: ask property owners to treat undamaged ash trees and remove the infested trees that have been marked with an orange ring of paint.

    The city is still working on its annual winter survey and marking of infested ash trees in Eden Prairie, but already the number is around 900, said Matt Bourne, parks and natural resources manager for the city. That compares to about 130 infested ash trees documented a year ago, and about 20 the year before that.

    The annual survey is done in winter so that city tree inspectors can see into the leafless crown of the tree, where tell-tale signs of the borer can be found.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    While many property owners are treating ash trees to protect them from EAB, 99 percent of the trees left untreated will die from the pest and need to be removed, according to the city.

    The infested ash trees have been marked with orange rings in recent weeks and property owners are being notified by mail about the need to remove the trees. Property owners must pay removal costs, but the city will haul away the downed tree if left at the curb.

    City code also provides for enforcement. If a property owner ignores the removal notice and deadline, the city can remove the tree on its own and assess the cost to the property owner.

    “The big thing is we need to get the tree down” and disposed of by April to slow EAB’s spread, Bourne said. First detected in Eden Prairie in about 2015, EAB appears to be spreading to pockets beyond the eastern side of the community where treatment and removal efforts have been focused.

    A lot is at stake. Bourne said that a survey of Eden Prairie performed a few years ago by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources estimated the community has about 50,000 ash trees, mostly on private property.

    Treating trees or removing them before they are infested is often less expensive than removing infested trees. Information about treatment options and the city’s EAB management plan are on the City of Eden Prairie website at www.edenprairie.org/EAB.

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleJan. 26 COVID Update: Eden Prairie Schools, Eden Prairie, Hennepin County, Chanhassen, Chaska
    Next Article Later EPHS and CMS start times set for the 2021-22 school year

    More to READ

    10 Mins Read

    Getting where you need to go – with less driving

    May 8, 2025
    6 Mins Read

    Eden Prairie Schools’ centennial bash wins heritage honor

    May 8, 2025
    6 Mins Read

    Where does the recycling go?

    April 30, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Giant beaver is one signature away from becoming Minnesota’s state fossil

    May 21, 2025

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025

    Minnesota legislative session ends, still with a long to-do list

    May 20, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.