City seeks to remove ash trees as proactive approach
With the invasion of emerald ash borer in cities in the region, the city of Tea looks to remove ash trees as a proactive approach to keeping the pest out of the city.
City administrator Justin Weiland noted that the city has not yet discovered the insect in the city limits.
However, the borer is present in Lennox, Sioux Falls and Canton.
“The city would like to take a proactive approach to deal with these trees before they become infected,” Weiland said. “These trees get very expensive and dangerous to deal with once they’re infected so we’re trying to be proactive about getting rid of them in advance and encouraging the planting of trees as we take them down.”
The city plans to address any trees on city property and in the right of way. If a property owner wants to keep a tree in the boulevard they will have to treat it and provide proof from a certified arborist and would be the responsibility of the property owner for the life of the tree. If a tree is not treated and the property owner does not communicate the intent to treat, the city will have the tree removed from the boulevard.
They sent letters to property owners south of First Street. They plan to work through this in chunks, so for now they will concentrate on the area south of First Street. They have identified approximately 40 trees in the public right of way.
They will also grind out the stump and place black dirt in the ground stump area.
They are working on establishing a tree rebate program to encourage planting trees within the boulevards and throughout private properties. Weiland said more information on this will be coming.
The city is only addressing public trees with this project, however, they encourage property owners to make a plan to take action on ash trees that are on private property. They have a list of trees that have proper root systems that will not cause problems on sidewalks, curbs and underground utility lines.
They plan to continue moving through neighborhoods in the city in the coming years.