Forestry
In the news:
Emerald Ash Borer found in metro area
What does this mean for Bloomington?
The City is working on putting in place a program to deal with this tree disease.
Bloomington was one of only eight cities in Minnesota to be awarded the 2005 Tree City USA
Growth Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation. The award is given to cities that have
made substantial improvements or changes in their forestry programs. Bloomington was recognized
for improving response in the removal of diseased trees and increasing funding for the City's
tree program. The National Arbor Day Foundation honored Bloomington with a "Tree City USA"
designation for the 18th consecutive year.
Boulevard trees
Trimming
Street Maintenance crews trim boulevard trees that interfere with the operation of snowplows
and street sweepers. This is done on a time available basis. Bloomington ordinance provides
that the care and maintenance of boulevard trees is the responsibility of the abutting property
owner. No permit is required for this care.
Tree health
In the boulevards, dead and dying trees with Dutch elm disease or oak wilt are removed under
the City's Tree Disease Management program. Storm-damaged boulevard trees are trimmed or
removed depending on the damage severity. Broken branches are removed to prevent damage to the
street or walk when they fall. Stumps of removed trees are ground and the site is restored and
seeded. No charge is made to the abutting property owner for these services.
New boulevard trees prohibited
Bloomington ordinance, Sec. 18.06, prohibits trees from being planted on the boulevard area
between curb/street and property line. It further restricts yard trees from being planted
within the first three feet of the private property. In general, trees should be planted more
than fifteen feet from the curb.
Disease management
Bloomington has had a program to manage Dutch elm disease and oak wilt for over twenty-five
years. In 1999, two-lined chestnut borer infested oaks were added to the program. The City
marks trees requiring removal. Property owners can choose to use a contractor hired by the City
or handle the removal themselves. Every spring the contract is bid so the removal price can be
given at the time of marking.
Signs of Dutch elm disease
The City removed 850 diseased trees in 2003. Prompt diagnosis and removal of diseased trees are
the keys to help control the spread of Dutch elm disease. Dead or dying elm trees can become a
breeding ground for thousands of beetles that will move about and spread the disease.
Visible signs of Dutch elm disease include leaves on the upper branches that turn from green to
yellow, curl, and become brown and brittle. These symptoms are common signs of a diseased tree
and could signal Dutch elm disease. If more than a few branches are affected, then the entire
tree must be removed. If only small portions of the tree show symptoms, quick and proper action
might prolong the life of the tree.
Chemical fungicides are available that are designed to protect the tree, but there is no
guarantee that a treated tree won't become infected with Dutch elm disease. Chemical treatments
have a greater success rate with healthy trees.
Mowing, trimming or altering vegetation not allowed on City
property
The land between residential property and adjacent ponds,wetlands, lakes and waterways is often
owned by the City. In these areas, the City works to preserve native vegetation as a means of
protecting environmental and water quality, and creating wildlife habitats. City land is held
for the enjoyment of all residents and cannot be reserved for exclusive private use. It is the
obligation of property owners to know their boundary lines so as not to disturb City property.
The City Code prohibits the following in public areas:
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Damaging, cutting, carving, killing or injuring the bark of any tree or plant.
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Disturbing or mowing grass areas.
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Impairing its natural beauty or usefulness.
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Placement of playground or recreational equipment.
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Planting.
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Dumping lawn wastes or other refuse.
To preserve City property for the long-term benefit of all residents, the City will prosecute
violations that are subject to misdemeanor penalties of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail.
For more information, contact:
Paul Edwardson, Assistant Maintenance Superintendent/City Forester
1700 W. 98th Street
PH: 952-563-8762
E-mail: pedwardson@ci.bloomington.mn.us
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