City marking infected ash trees for removal

The City of Eden Prairie will mark ash trees infected with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) with orange rings this winter.

According to a city news release sent to residents on Thursday, trees on public and private property will be marked. 

Property owners will be notified by mail about the need to remove any marked trees on their property. The city may provide free hauling and disposal if tree removal is required. Criteria to qualify for this service is included in the written notice.

Due to the prevalence of EAB in the metro area, the city recommends treating healthy ash trees to prevent infestation. Treating or removing trees before they are infested is often less expensive than removing them.

Information about treatment options and the city’s EAB management plan is available on the city’s website.

According to the city website, EAB is a non-native, invasive insect that attacks and kills ash trees. Ash Borer is native to eastern Asia, where it does not cause an issue. It was brought over to Detroit via infested pallet wood in 2002. The first confirmed case of EAB in Minnesota was found in St. Paul in 2009, and it has since spread throughout multiple Minnesota counties.