Diseased ash trees removed with Minnesota Department Natural Resources bonding grant

In 2023, Hennepin County forestry was awarded a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Shade Tree Program Bonding Grant to remove and replace dead and diseased ash trees along county roadways. The grant helps Hennepin County to make roads safe for residents. Tree removal and planting work began in 2025.

So far 84 trees have been removed and 165 have been replanted in Bloomington, Champlin, Dayton, Edina, Hanover, Independence, Long Lake, Maple Grove, Maple Plain, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, Mound, New Hope, Orono, Plymouth, Shorewood, Saint Anthony, and Spring Park.

Plantings include 12 different species of Midwest native trees to increase forest resiliency to threats from pests and climate change. Additional removals are planned through the end of 2025 and into 2026.