1.1. Discussion on Emerald Ash Borer Tree Management
Public Works Department
Memorandum
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Jay Strachota, Streets & Parks Superintendent
DATE: October 14, 2014
SUBJECT: Diseased Tree Management
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an introduced pest that is killing ash trees in
Minnesota, and as close to us as southwest Minneapolis. Since its discovery in Detroit,
Michigan in 2002, the borer has spread, killing virtually all ash trees in its path.
Bur Oak Blight (BOB) was previously found mainly in Iowa and southern Minnesota, but
BOB has recently been detected in Hennepin County and Ramsey County, with one of
the first discoveries in Minnetonka. It’s unclear if this is a new fungal disease, an
introduced disease to the region, or a native disease that has proliferated due to heavy
wet rains in the spring and dry hot summers experienced over the past few decades.
Although BOB doesn’t kill an infected tree, successive years of severely infected
leaves weaken the tree’s defenses, allowing for secondary pests and diseases to kill
oak trees.
At the October 14, 2014 work session staff will give an overview of the key components
of the Public Works EAB Management Plan, inform the council of Bur Oak Blight
activity in Hopkins, and discuss the challenges Public Works will have to meet when
the EAB infestation arrives.