The City has two certified tree inspectors on its Parks/Public Service staff who can assist you with diseased trees, noxious weeds, and buckthorn. Ken LaCasse, the City’s Park Supervisor, is your contact. Ken can be reached by email at kenneth.lacasse or by phone at 651.204.6053.
Controlling the spread of Dutch Elm Disease, Oak Wilt Disease, and the Emerald Ash Borer are of particular concern in protecting our urban trees.
For more information on Oak Wilt Disease, please visit the University of MN extension service web site.
Information on Dutch Elm Disease may be obtained here.
If you suspect you may have a tree with an Emerald Ash Borer infestation visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website at www.mda.state.mn.us and click on the "Do I have Emerald Ash Borer" link for a helpful checklist to assist you in determining if you have an infested tree. If after following the checklist, you feel your tree is infested you should contact the University of Minnesota’s Forest Resources Extension to find an EAB First Detector near you. You may contact them via email at treeinfo@umn.edu or call 612.624.3020.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has issued an emergency quarantine for Ramsey, Hennepin and Houston counties which means that sales and/or movement of nursery stock within quarantined counties is prohibited as is the transport of firewood from ash trees. Check your destination before taking firewood with you on a trip. Plan to purchase local firewood upon arrival and use it all at your destination. Do not bring it home with you.
What can you do to help?
Please do not import materials that could harbor EAB such as ash firewood. Become knowledgeable about recognizing EAB and remain vigilant to the condition of your ash trees. The Minnesota EAB Science Advisory Group has prepared a document describing the pros and cons of planting ash trees, pre-emptive removal and insecticide use. It can be found at: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/news/publications/pestsplants/pestmanagement/eab-recommends.pdf