Diseased ash trees removed with Minnesota Department of 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 in 2026, 160 trees have been removed and 229 have been replanted in Hennepin County. Trees have been removed and/or planted in the communities of Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Hanover, Independence, Long Lake, Maple Grove, Maple Plain, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista, Mound, New Hope, Orono, Plymouth, Rogers, Shorewood, Saint Anthony, Saint Bonifacius, and Spring Park.

In total, we will have removed 255 diseased and hazard trees across Hennepin County and have planted 394 trees. Plantings include 29 different species of Midwest native and climate resilient trees to increase forest hardiness to threats from pests and climate change. Additional removals are planned through the end of 2026 and into 2027.