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Isanti council weighs ash-tree removal grant, replanting costs and possible policy for right-of-way trees
Summary
Staff reported the council applied for a park-only relief grant to remove ash trees and discussed replanting costs, homeowner reimbursement options, and whether to adopt a policy allowing the city to remove dangerous right-of-way trees when owners do not act.
Council members discussed plans for addressing the emerald ash borer'related removals and the city's grant application strategy.
Staff said the current grant application is limited to park trees, not right-of-way trees; staff reported about 81 park trees were on the list and gave an approximate broader count of several hundred total affected trees. One staff estimate mentioned roughly 477 total trees; council members noted replanting could cost roughly $450 per tree if the grant requires replanting.
Councilmembers explored options including a homeowner reimbursement voucher for right-of-way removals of a few hundred dollars, targeted removals of imminently dangerous trees, or phasing work if the grant is received. Staff said the grant results would likely be known in early 2026 and that the city could remove and assess property owners for dangerous trees under current city code but that a full policy review would be appropriate.
No formal policy vote was taken; councilmembers agreed to bring the issue to a full-council discussion and asked staff to monitor high-risk park trees in the meantime.
