In 2023, the city received a $500,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Shade Tree program, finalized in March 2024. This funding aims to address public safety issues caused by declining boulevard ash trees and to create a more resilient urban forest by replanting diverse tree species.
The first phase will involve removing 329 ash trees (including stumps), shown in the following Shade Tree Bond Grant Tree Removals Map (PDF). Please give the contractor working in this area ample space.
The City Council has hired Castle Rock Contracting and Tree for the removal, starting the week of October 28. For inquiries, contact them at 651-463-2268 or castlerockcontractingllc@gmail.com.
After the removal, planting planning will begin this winter, with the first 200 trees expected to be planted in 2025 under a separate contract. This will include selecting tree species and sourcing them from a trusted nursery.
