Ward D residents warned boulevard ash trees will be removed unless owners request treatment extension

Councilman Allen, representing Ward D, told the Aug. 4 council meeting that the city will proceed with removing ash trees from public boulevards as part of an emerald ash borer mitigation program unless property owners request an extension by Sept. 1 to treat the trees during the next treatment window. Allen said the city is coordinating removals and that property owners with ash trees in private yards are responsible for removal or treatment themselves; parks and rec staff were exploring staggering removals across wards to avoid removing many trees in a single neighborhood at once. He advised residents to seek multiple bids if they plan private removals and said the parks department may schedule removals ward-by-ward. The announcement was framed as preparation to protect the urban canopy and limit ash-borer spread; no ordinance or vote was reported on Aug. 4.