Bismarck to remove half of boulevard ash trees over four to five years

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 29 Oct, 21:09 · Archive

Bismarck's Forestry Division has begun a long-term plan to remove around half of the city's boulevard ash trees following discovery of the emerald ash borer in August.

Following discovery of the emerald ash borer in Bismarck in August, the city's Forestry Division has launched a long-term management plan to limit the pest's impact on boulevard trees. Over the next four to five years, approximately half of the boulevard ash population will be removed based on tree condition, structural concerns and public safety considerations.

The remaining ash trees will be treated with insecticide to help stagger future losses rather than allow widespread invasion. Bismarck City Forester Christy Ames-Davis emphasised that spreading the work over several years will reduce immediate neighbourhood impact whilst maintaining steady progress. She said: 'We know how important boulevard trees are to our neighborhoods. This plan allows us to manage EAB responsibly by combining treatment with phased removals so impacts are gradual, not sudden.'

The city approved $500,000 from its general fund reserve to cover removal costs, staff, chemicals, equipment and tree replacements. Infected wood will be transported to the landfill and processed through a tub grinder that crushes organic waste into chips or mulch. Despite the large-scale removals, the city remains committed to replanting trees, though a detailed replanting plan is still being finalised.

Bismarck to remove half of boulevard ash trees over four to five years — Image: Kfyrtv

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How it is being reported

City of Bismarck sets aside 500k for ash tree removalsThe city of Bismarck is preparing to remove half of the ash trees in the city’s boulevards.Kfyrtv · 29 Oct, 20:55
Bismarck reveals plans to reduce and replace trees with Emerald Ash BorerFollowing the discovery of the emerald ash borer (EAB) within the city of Bismarck in August, the Bismarck Forestry Division will start a long‑term EAB Management Plan aimed at reducing the impacts of EAB on boulevard trees.Kfyrtv · 28 Oct, 21:02
City of Bismarck to remove boulevard trees to limit emerald ash borerBismarck's Forestry Division is implementing a new long-term strategy to get rid of the emerald ash borer found in the city in August.KXNET · 28 Oct, 18:52

In this story: Bismarck · Bismarck Forestry Division · Christy Ames-Davis

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