Ash tree removal in Decorah is resuming

City Forester Robin Sailor says her program has inventoried 425 trees in the boulevard Right of Way that will need to be removed over the next four years.  She estimates 1200 ash trees are located on private landowner property.
 
In Right of Way (ROW), the City of Decorah will be responsible for the evaluation, and removal of all ash trees.  A complete ROW tree inventory, and EAB management plan are being used by the City Forester to address Decorah's tree canopy needs.  The City pledges to: safely remove tree/trees, grind stumps as soon as possible, and backfill stump area with soil/seed. 

Homeowners will be required to notify the City Forester before any treatment of ash trees located in ROW. If treatment is determined feasible, all treatment fees are the responsibility of the adjacent property owners.  Homeowners will receive notification prior to removal via a door hanger, and they may also look for trees painted with an orange band around the trunk base.

On private property ash trees are no exception to the infestation of EAB.  Homeowners will need to develop a strategy on how they will manage their ash trees, either through removal or treatments. Treatments however would be necessary for the life of the tree, and research is still being evaluated on the toxicity of these chemicals, as they are water-soluble.

Homeowners should have trees evaluated for health and condition by a professional, and hire a licensed certified applicator.  On private property homeowners are encouraged to replant a diverse selection of trees.  When selecting trees, consider mature canopy cover, proximity to structures, growth rates and insect and disease resistance. This will ensure a healthy urban forest for years to come.
 
Contact Decorah's' City Forester Robin Sailor at: Email:cityforester@decorahia.org Phone: 563-277-5153.