EAB Information and EAB Tree Removal Assistance Program

2023-2024 EMERALD ASH BORER TREE REMOVAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

In Fall 2022, the Richfield City Council directed the Public Works Department to develop a program to assist eligible homeowners with costs associated with the removal of Ash trees that are dead or dying from Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The EAB Tree Removal Assistance Program (the “Program”) will provide single-family homeowners in Richfield with financial assistance to defray costs associated with the removal of EAB infested Ash trees on their private property. The Program will be available to qualifying Richfield homeowners on a first-come first-served basis while Program funds are available. Learn about the program and see if you are eligible by reviewing the program guidelines below. If you believe you are eligible, please complete the application at the link below and the program coordinator will review your application and contact you regarding the program.

Questions? Please contact the program coordinator at 612-861-9172 or via email at eabprogram@richfieldmn.gov.

PROGRAMA DE ASISTENCIA 2023-2024 PARA LA REMOCIÓN DE ÁRBOLES ENFERMOS CON BARRENADOR ESMERALDA DEL FRESNO

En el otoño de 2022, el municipio de la ciudad de Richfield encomendó al Departamento de Obras Públicas que desarrolle un programa para ayudar a propietarios elegibles con los costos asociados a la remoción de fresnos muertos o moribundos por infección con barrenador esmeralda del fresno (EAB). El Programa de Asistencia para la remoción de árboles enfermos con EAB (el “Programa”) proporcionará ayuda financiera a los dueños de viviendas unifamiliares en Richfield para afrontar los costos asociados con la remoción de fresnos infectados con EAB en su propiedad privada. El Programa estará disponible para propietarios de Richfield que califiquen por orden de llegada mientras haya fondos disponibles para el Programa. Para saber más sobre el programa y si Ud. es elegible, lea los lineamientos a continuación. Si piensa que Ud. es elegible, por favor complete el formulario de solicitud en el enlace a continuación y el coordinador del programa revisará su solicitud y se pondrá en contacto con Ud. en cuanto al programa.

¿Preguntas? Por favor comuníquese con el coordinador del programa al 612-861-9172 o por email a eabprogram@richfieldmn.gov.

EMERALD ASH BORER IN RICHFIELD

In May 2009, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture enacted an emergency quarantine in Hennepin County after the Emerald Ash Border (EAB) was discovered in the area. Since this quarantine, Richfield has been proactively preparing for the potential discovery of the beetle in the city limits. In March 2016, EAB was discovered in Richfield. As of 2022, EAB is considered widespread throughout the area. Use this page to learn more about the Emerald Ash Borer and what you can do.

635971709160070000WHAT IS EMERALD ASH BORER?

The Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic beetle that was imported accidentally into the United States on packing material that originated in Asia. EAB larvae feeds on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. EAB has already killed tens of millions of trees in the states where it has been detected. Other than Minnesota, the beetle has been detected in 34 other states and Canada (Ontario, Quebec, & Manitoba).

TREES ON THE BOULEVARD (PUBLIC)

Public trees, including those on the boulevard and city parks, are under the care and responsibility of the City. The City's Forestry Division has been preparing for EAB since Hennepin County was quarantined. The Forestry Division adopted an EAB Management Policy that includes:

  • Chemical injection of certain trees
  • Removal of boulevard ash trees
  • Planting replacement trees of different varieties

This plan was created to prevent a large number of removals if and when EAB was found in Richfield. Between 2010 and 2021, Richfield decreased its boulevard ash tree population from over 3,000 to less than 1,000, while maintaining the overall public tree population.

If you suspect your boulevard ash tree is infested with EAB, please contact the City of Richfield Forestry Division at 612-861-9190.

TREES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. Read the Q&A below to learn how to identify an ash tree, determine if it is infested, and what to do if you suspect you have an infested or diseased tree on your private property.

How do I identify if I have an ash tree?

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How do I know if my ash tree is infested?


Signs of an EAB infestation include:

  • Canopy dieback
  • Increased woodpecker activity/damage
  • Epicormic shoots
  • Bark splitting

What do I do if my ash tree on private property is infested?

If you suspect you have an infested tree on your property, we recommend you contact a private tree contractor to inspect your tree; a list of contractors is located here. Contractors will typically inspect your tree for free and offer a quote for treatment or removal if deemed necessary. The City does not recommend one contractor over another and suggests residents use these criteria when selecting a contractor:

  • Contractor should be International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified
  • Contractor should be insured
  • If work is recommended, contact at least three (3) companies for quotes

Removing an EAB infested tree: 

City Code requires infested or diseased tree(s) be removed before it becomes hazardous. You have three options for removal:

  • Remove the tree yourself;
  • Hire and pay for your own contractor; or,
  • Hire a contractor and request the cost of the tree removal be assessed against your property taxes. To learn more about having your tree removal expenses assessed on your property taxes, please contact Richfield Public Works

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