The Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a non-native, invasive, insect that kills ash trees. In Eagan, trees are a top priority because a beautiful healthy tree canopy is part of what makes Eagan special. Community feedback continually tells us that you place a strong value on protecting and preserving our green spaces.
Cities across the region continue the battle against Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) — and we are no different.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a battle we can win. The infestation of Eagan ash trees is advancing rapidly. In the next five to six years, the Eagan Forestry Team and Public Works Team will have to remove more than 2,000 ash trees — at least twelve to fifteen percent of the tree canopy located in public spaces, parks, and street rights-of-way.
City Forester Adam Schnaible shared, “We know that we have to remove ash trees quickly and limit the danger posed by EAB-infested ash trees. Dead and dying ash trees can be hazardous. Falling tree limbs and branches could cause property damage or personal injury. In partnership with residents, we hope that ash trees are replaced with more sustainable and less vulnerable trees to preserve our robust and beautiful urban forest canopy.”
What the City of Eagan Forestry Team is Doing
In 2023, we continue our seven-year plan to proactively remove EAB-infested and susceptible ash trees from public spaces, parks, and boulevard/right-of-way areas to maintain public safety. The Emerald Ash Borer Emergency Management plan provides relief from the hazards of rapidly declining ash trees by assessing tree conditions, identifying hazards, and scheduling trees for removal and restoration. Residents with impacted trees are notified of the pending removals, and trees marked for removal are identified with a yellow ribbon.
What Residents Should Do
We encourage residents to begin proactive management of ash trees on private property. Residents should:
- Identify ash trees on your property, and learn to recognize the signs of infestation
- Decide how to manage ash trees potentially infested with EAB
- Enlist a licensed tree contractor to help with the management or removal
- Learn how and where to plant replacement trees; and
- Read on for more information about the City’s EAB management plans.
Do not move firewood or infested tree debris!
The City of Eagan and Dakota County are located within the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, EAB, quarantine area, which prohibits the movement of all ash logs, lumber, waste, chips, mulch, firewood, etc., beyond quarantine borders. Residents are strongly encouraged to hire a licensed tree care contractor to ensure the proper disposal of all ash debris. See the link for details regarding the quarantine area Minnesota Department of Agriculture. For additional information, dontmovefirewood.org
Additional Resources:
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
University of Minnesota
Questions about Emerald Ash Borer? Contact the City of Eagan,
