Revised June 14, 2024
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been a concern in Minnesota since the late 2000s. EAB was confirmed in Ramsey County in 2009. The EAB guarantees the certain demise of the tree within 3-5 years of infection.
- Saint Paul has taken an aggressive stance with a “structured removal” program, starting in 2010. Learn more about structured removal here.
- In Southeastern Minnesota, LaCrescent saw its first EAB in 2013. LaCrescent set an example by being proactive with resident education and a management plan for the infected tree population.
- Sioux Falls, SD did extensive ash tree inventory and developed a comprehensive management plan.
As of this writing, Shorewood’s only plan for dealing with the EAB is through treatment of approximately 28 trees considered to be valuable for shade and aesthetics in Cathcart, Freeman and Manor parks. See the Council discussion here. There is no formalized identification or inventory of diseased trees, nor is there a plan for systematic removal from public property.
Wendy Johnson is managing a prairie restoration on her property near Red Wing. In the video below, she explains her close-up observations of an infected ash–one of many she will be removing.
Everything you need to know to identify an ash tree, treating for EAB, or diagnosing a sick tree is here Hennepin County or here.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture infestation map.
What you can do:
- Get familiar with the symptoms.
- Remove sick trees immediately.
- Plan for the future, be deliberate when choosing replacement trees that fit with your space and local climate change.
