Emerald Ash Borer

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Contracted Tree Removal:

Mequon staff is currently directing a contract with Wallace Tree and Landscape and Choice Cuts Tree Service to remove approximately (200) Ash trees from two primary locations.  The primary objective was to impact trees that were both the largest and most difficult for city staff to complete, while also taking in to account the trees that presented the largest public safety concerns.  The areas chosen for this year’s removal efforts were North Lake Shore Dr. and West Chester Lakes neighborhoods.

Residents that will be impacted by removals have already been sent a postcard indicating the painted pink lines indicate the tree/s will be removed.  Work should be completed by mid-September.  The city crews will complete the stem and stump removal as secondary operations.   Tree replacement will be offered in the area in the spring or fall of 2021. 

Tree Assessments: 

The City crews will be out identifying new trees for the winter removal efforts in 2021, starting in late August and early September.  You may notice pink or green paint dots on trees in your neighborhood, the pink dots signify a tree marked for removal by the city staff, and the green dots signify a removal to be done by a City subcontractor.  The dots indicate the City’s intent to remove the tree/s and also indicate that the tree falls within the City right-of-way.  The typical removal time frame for the city is within the winter months (December and May), however with the Emerald Ash Borer crisis, it is likely that removal processes will be extended beyond that time frame.   

Over the past year the City has seen a dramatic escalation in the Ash trees that are showing signs of the EAB disease.  City staff and subcontracted crews will continue efforts to efficiently remove affected trees, as outlined in the EAB policy.      

This fall the City will be identifying neighborhoods that have had all city obligated Ash trees removed.  Maps further identifying the areas that are complete will be available on the City of Mequon website.  Letters will be sent to residents in those neighborhoods indicating that the Ash trees that remain have been inspected and the trees are outside of the registered city right of way and are on private property; making them a private homeowner obligation.   

City and Contracted Tree Planting:

As many Mequon residents are aware, Emerald Ash Borer has had a devastating effect in many neighborhoods.  To combat the impact of removals that were done within city right of way, both city crews and a subcontractor (TBD) working for the city will be working to replant trees.  The replanting program is offered through the cities Forestry Division and offers residents whose trees were removed within the right of way last year, the opportunity to have a tree replanted for the cost of $125.  Letters offering replanting will be sent out the first week in August.  Planting will start in September and continue through October, with an anticipated completion in early November.  The planting operation includes a standard 2” nursery tree, planting, fertilizing, and watering at the time of planting.  Please contact the Forestry Division at 262-236-2913, with any comments or questions.