Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer has been identified in Steele County and since 2019 all Ash trees located on city boulevards have been treated in a three-year rotation. The Park Maintenance and Street Divisions removed approximately 125 ash trees over the last year and expect to remove more this spring as inspections take place. The removal of the trees in poor health and treatment of approximately 350 ash trees per year has helped slow the spread of the invasive insect. Slowing the spread allows for additional time for crews to handle the workload of removing and replacing diseased trees. 

2024 Emerald Ash Borer Treatment is expected to begin in mid- to late May. Once treatment begins it is likely that a number of trees will be identified for removal due to poor health. 

The City does not treat EAB, perform maintenance or inspections on private property. Homeowners who suspect they have an affected ash tree should contact a licensed arborist. 

Tree Trimming

The Streets and Parks Divisions perform the trimming of all public trees. Tree trimming takes place for a variety of reasons:

• Remove limbs that could fall and cause damage or injuries.
• Remove limbs that could obstruct large vehicle traffic such as street sweepers, emergency or delivery vehicles. 
• Establish good structure and maintain a tree’s shape. Storm-damaged boulevard trees are trimmed or removed depending on the severity of damage.

The City of Owatonna asks that residents do not perform tree maintenance on public trees. To request boulevard or park tree maintenance visit owatonna.gov/concern.

Tree City USA

Since 1991, the City of Owatonna has been recognized as a Tree City USA community by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Through cooperation with members of the Shade Tree Commission Board and the Public Works Department, the quality of Owatonna’s urban forest has been continually beautified and enhanced. The City currently maintains approximately 4,900 boulevard trees that provide shade, aesthetics, stormwater benefits and character to neighborhoods, streets and parks.

The national Tree City USA program provides the framework for community forestry management for cities and towns across America. Participating communities have demonstrated a commitment to caring for and managing their public trees. Together, the more than 3,600 Tree City USA communities serve as home to more than 135 million Americans. Communities achieve Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management:

• Maintain a tree board or department
• Commit at least $2 per capita annually on urban forestry
• Celebrate Arbor Day 
• Have a tree ordinance

Learn more about the Tree City USA Program by visiting: arborday.org/TreeCity. Owatonna is proud to have received this designation!