Public works: Minnetrista removed 19 trees at Turtle Creek islands, replanted and is finalizing maintenance agreement

Gary Peters, Minnetrista’s director of public works, updated the council at the June 3 work session on recent tree removals and plantings across city parks and rights of way.

Peters said crews removed 19 trees at the Turtle Creek center islands and replanted 12; the city ordered trees and shrubs for Jean Lanier Park and Perennial Park and installed boulevard replacements in Hunter’s Crest. He said the city planted about 80 lilacs near a playground to provide screening and that two trees were planted by a picnic area where none had existed before.

Peters also said the city is seeing a wave of diseased and dying ash and elm trees across neighborhoods and received multiple calls the prior week about dead or failing trees. He recounted specific removals and neighborhoods affected, and said the city is finalizing a maintenance agreement with the Turtle Creek association so ongoing care there will be the association’s responsibility.

Why it matters: The update covers public-safety and street/tree maintenance work that affects neighborhood character and right-of-way safety. Peters said the city’s work saved homeowners money by removing trees the association otherwise would have contracted out.

What happens next: Staff will finalize and present the Turtle Creek maintenance agreement to the council for approval and continue addressing ash and elm removals as needed. Peters noted he expects additional calls on dying ash trees for the near term.

Actions recorded: Staff reported completed removal and replanting work and said a maintenance agreement will be finalized; no council vote took place during the work session on these items.