Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation in Our Neighborhood

On Tuesday, March 1, the St. Paul Department of Parks folks were out to talk about upcoming Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) work in the Eastview neighborhood (and north into District 2).

Work is set to begin on March 7 with trees being removed on the boulevards of 5th Street between Kennard and Flandrau and on White Bear between 3rd and 6th. Unlike last year, they will not be removing all ash trees in this area, but only declining trees that have been identified as having potential problems with dropping branches, poor canopy and so on. These trees have NOT been identified as being infested with EAB -- the infestation in the city is still apparently confined to Saint Anthony Park and the western parts of the Midway area. The removal of trees in our area is designed to help with systematic replacement of trees that will eventually fall victim to this invasive pest.

The City's plan for dealing with EAB will spread the cost out over many years and will help to diversify the types and ages of trees in the city. Unlike in previous years, a variety of replacement trees will be planted on each block to help prevent the kind of species devastation that some of us have seen with the loss of the elms, and (in some places) oaks.

If trees are removed from your boulevard (city right-of-way), the stumps will be ground out after the snow melts and new trees will be planted in May through June. Properties where replacement trees are located will receive instructions on how to help the trees thrive.

If you have questions about EAB on public or private property, you can check out the info on the city's website, or call Rachel Coyle in the Forestry Division 651.632.2431.