Emerald Ash Borer

The decision to treat private trees rests with the property owner per City Ordinance 40002, Monday through P. However, it is important to know, that if you find signs of EAB, you need to contact the Public Works Department. The City of Belle Plaine is required to contact state agencies regarding the number of cases of EAB we have within our city limits and the location where found.

There may be many thousands of large and small ash trees on private property within our city limits. No reliable inventory exists, and ash density varies by neighborhood. Property owners are urged to monitor their trees for EAB.

Residents should consider many variables when evaluating options, including: Emerald Ash Borer

• Tree size, location, and condition
• Access to the tree
• Potential targets should the tree fail
• Property value
• Shade, heating, and cooling values
• Treatment technique efficiency and costs
• Proximity of EAB infestation
• Intangible values

The City encourages residents to replace trees lost with recommended species appropriate for the site, or to remove and replace ash trees in advance of EAB infestation as a way of preserving the tree canopy. If you need assistance evaluating your trees, please call 952-873-6742.

Trees cannot be planted in the boulevard and must be planted entirely on their private property at least 3 feet from the property line. It is the responsibility of the property owner to find their own property lines - the City does not locate property lines.

Code Relating to Infested Trees

400.02 Public Nuisances Affecting Health

M. Fallen trees, fallen tree limbs, dead trees, and dead tree limbs which in the opinion of the Superintendent of Public Works or Designee constitute a health, safety, or fire hazard or threaten the public welfare.

N. Trees on public or private property which the Superintendent of Public Works or Designee finds to have structural defects in the roots, trunk, stem, or branches that may cause the tree or a part of the tree to fail, and such failure may cause property damage or personal injury.

O. Any diseased or unsound trees growing, standing, or stored upon any lot or parcel of land in the City.

P. Transporting of diseased-bearing wood without having obtained permission from the Superintendent of Public Works or Designee, unless the disease-bearing wood is being transported directly to a sanitary landfill or other lawful place of disposition. This condition may be subject to immediate abatement as defined in this Section.

Tree Removal Treatment Companies Must Be Licensed Through the City Per Code 315.01

315.01 License Required. It shall be unlawful for any individual, partnership or corporation to conduct as a business the cutting, trimming, pruning, removal, spraying or otherwise treating of trees in the city without having first secured a license from the city to conduct such a business. Licenses issued under this section shall expire on December 31 of each year.