The City of Annandale was awarded grant funds in the amount of $147,063 through the Minnesota DNR’s Shade Tree Program. The primary focus of this project is to remove ash and other problematic trees from the City's parks and public spaces. For every tree that is removed, a replacement tree of a variety of species will be planted to improve the overall tree canopy cover. These replacement trees are anticipated to include linden, birch, oak, and hackberry.
Physical labor for the project, including removal of trees, site preparation for planting new trees including stump grinding and restoration, and the planting of new trees, will be contracted out and covered by the grant. The City's Public Works Department will be maintaining the trees by mulching, watering, and pruning as necessary.
Proactively removing ash trees is important as emerald ash borer threatens the future of ash trees in the community and beyond. Emerald ash borer, known as EAB, bores into ash trees and cuts off food and water supply, ultimately causing decay of the trees. These trees can become safety hazards, and should be removed promptly. To maintain a green canopy in our community, we recommend replanting any trees that are removed.
For more information, please find the following link and other helpful documents: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialanimals/eab/index.html.