In 2013, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture declared the City of Roseville to be within the emerald ash borer infestation zone and placed a quarantine on ash trees in Ramsey and Hennepin counties. This means that all ash trees within the city are considered to be infested with emerald ash borer, or will become infested with emerald ash borer. 

In 2021, the City enlisted the services of Tree Trust to implement a multi-pronged, proactive approach to managing public ash trees. This plan includes removing diseased trees on public rights of way that have shown significant signs of decay, planting trees of different species to replace ash, and treating select ash trees. 

The process has been moving along well in Roseville, says Karen Zumach, Director of Community Forestry with Tree Trust. “But we need more community members to help us this fall and in the coming months to help with repopulating the tree population.

While the city has begun the process to remove 914 trees as part of the accelerated management program, the City will be replanting a total of 1,152 trees across the City in the next three years in accordance to the city of Roseville’s urban forest master plan. On August 15, the City began its fall tree sale in which 150 trees were offered to residents. Those trees will be available for pickup in October. 

"Planting a tree on your private property is a great way to improve your community, increase property values, and lower your energy costs,” says Zumach.