Pre-Emptive Removal of Ash Trees Begins in South Superior
Mayor Hagen personally thanks Tribute Tree donors In June of 2015
Explore Superior has learned of the City’s plan for removal of ash trees in South Superior. Tree removal began by City crews on Thursday, July 30, with an expected 400 ash trees to be taken down in the South End neighborhood by the time the project is completed.
Tree removal a safety issue
It has been the City’s policy to pre-emptively remove the ash trees before they fail and become a hazard.
Only trees located in the public right-of-way are being removed. Residents have been notified that they may treat an ash at their own expense with a free permit from the park Department.
Thirty three trees rescued in South End!
Thankfully, thirty-three trees have been rescued for treatment in South Superior! Park crews will remove infected trees and chip them on site. They will return at a later date to grind the tree stumps and then return again to perform turf restoration.
Submitted photo. Taken in North End of Superior, August 2013
The Park Department has removed approximately 1500 of the 3000 ash the City manages to date. The South Superior neighborhood and the Billings Park neighborhood are the only areas with ash trees remaining in the public right-of-way.
Replanting of neighborhoods will take place two to three years after the ash have been removed. The City is selecting diverse tree species for the replanting including linden, disease-resistant elm, honey locust, Japanese Tree Lilacs, and Kentucky Coffee trees among others.
If residents don’t want to wait that long, they may replant at their own expense with a free permit from the Park Department or they may donate a tree through the Tribute Tree Program.
Tribute trees are planted by the City at a site chosen by the donor (your boulevard, for example) at a cost of $150 and are guaranteed for one year. A certificate of appreciation signed by the Mayor is given to each donor.
Additional Resources regarding the Emerald Ash Borer and tree removal/replacement
- More info about the City’s response to the infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer can be found HERE,
- For more info on Emerald Ash Borer, the Tribute Tree Program or Tree Permits, call (715) 395-7270.
- Get a Tribute Tree application here: http://www.ci.superior.wi.us/DocumentCenter/View/5522
- Get a free tree permit here: http://www.ci.superior.wi.us/DocumentCenter/View/5847
