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Emerald Ash Borer

Help us protect and treat our community’s trees from invasive species!

The Emerald Ash Borer is a small, invasive insect that infects ash trees and spreads quickly, typically killing a majority of ash trees in its path. Many Minnesota communities have seen the effect of the ash borer as it spreads.

Brooklyn Park encourages residents to consider treating large, well-placed, healthy ash trees on private property as part of an EAB treatment program. Treating an ash tree is more cost-effective than removal and replacement. It also maintains the tree benefits and value of a mature tree to your property.

Determine if you have an ash tree

First determine if you have an ash tree. Given that ash trees are very common in the Twin Cities, there is a good chance you (or a neighbor) has one. They are also very common in city common areas, parks, and boulevards. This video shares what to look for:

Brooklyn Park’s EAB treatment program

A tree that has been treated (left) versus an untreated tree (right)

Brooklyn Park has contracted with Rainbow Treecare to treat public ash trees growing along streets and in the parks. This agreement includes a discount for homeowners in Brooklyn Park to have their ash trees treated as a discount.

View the flier (PDF) >

For more information about the discount program or to schedule a free consultation, contact Rainbow Treecare.

Visit the Rainbow Treecare website
952-767-6920
Email Rainbow Treecare

Identifying Emerald Ash Borer

An untreated ash tree

While difficult to recognize in early stages, there are telltale signs that EAB has infected a tree. Look for leaves on the top or one part of the tree starting to die, as well as sprouts growing from the roots or the base of the tree with small D-shaped exit holes left by adult beetles. Also note increased woodpecker activity around trees–woodpeckers feed on EAB and often locate a colony before the experts can.

To be certain of EAB status in a tree, call a private tree contractor.

Read steps to identify if your tree has Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer has been identified in the area: what’s next?

Develop a plan

Because EAB spreads so rapidly, it’s important to develop a plan of action as soon as the invasive species has been confirmed in the area. There are basically two options for property owners with ash trees–begin a course of treatment immediately (see Treatment above), or plan for the tree to be removed.

Removal

It is recommended that tree removal should occur during the inactive season for EAB (October to May). This will reduce the threat of a colony relocating.

Transporting removed trees

It is illegal to transport ash wood outside the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s quarantine area, which includes Hennepin, Ramsey and other metro counties. Observing the quarantine is crucial to stemming the spread of EAB.

Brooklyn Park residents may dispose of brush up to ten inches in diameter at the Maple Grove Yardwaste Site. The site does not accept material from contractors for free.

City of Brooklyn Park’s role

It is the property owner’s responsibility to remove infested and hazardous trees on his/her property. The City is responsible for trees on all public property including boulevard trees.

The City encourages homeowners to replant with different species of trees. Each spring we hold a tree sale where residents can buy a variety of trees at reduced prices.

More information

Additional EAB information and resources can also be found at:

Hennepin County

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Purdue University