Trees

Tree Disease Control Program

Dutch Elm Disease (DED) and Oak Wilt are an immediate threat to Hopkins’ trees. We now face a new threat as Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been found in several Hopkins neighborhoods and surrounding communities. 

In an effort to fight and control the spread of these diseases, the City has taken steps to expand its tree disease control program. Assistance will be offered to property owners in the detection of trees with DED, Oak Wilt and EAB.

Tree Inspections

The Forestry Department, in partnership with a local contractor, inspects public and private trees in Hopkins for diseases and/or damage. Trees in front yards and right-of-ways will be checked beginning in mid-late July. Checks of entire properties will be conducted in September. 

If unable to enter a backyard or a tree on your property is marked, information will be mailed to the property owner. Call 952-292-4414 with questions.

Consultation Detection

A Forester is available to offer assistance to residents in the detection of suspected diseased trees. For information or to report suspicious trees, call 952-939-1382.

Your Diseased Tree

Once a tree is confirmed as having DED, Oak Wilt or EAB Disease, it must be removed. Diseased trees must be cut down to the ground line in order to control the spread of the disease.

  • Diseased Elm: Trees must be removed within 20 days of notification. The forestry department will mark the specific date on your diseased tree removal disposition card. 
  • Diseased Oak: Trees are best removed in late fall to early spring to help prevent disease spread. In some instances you can remove the tree earlier. Check with your contractor to see what best suits your needs. 
  • Diseased Ash: You have 60 days to inform the City of your intentions regarding the diseased tree(s). Check with your contractor to see if tree treatment is an option. 

If the City tags one of your private trees for removal due to disease, you will be provided with the following information:

The homeowner should take competitive bids for tree removal services. The competitive bid process ensures owners that they are receiving reliable services at the lowest possible cost. The City does not license tree contractors. Always ask to see a copy of the contractor’s bonding and insurance. View a list of tree contractors. 

If the homeowner fails to take any tree removal actions, the City will contract to remove and dispose of the diseased tree. The owner will be billed for the entire portion of the removal cost. Homeowners wishing to make their own tree removal arrangements must notify the City Forestry Department of their removal plans prior to actual tree removal. A diseased tree removal disposition card should be returned to ensure that the City receives all of the information required for your diseased tree removal.

Diseased Tree Disposal Assistance

To help property owners defray the cost of the disposal of a diseased tree, the City will pick up and dispose of your diseased tree. Preparation instructions are included in the Diseased Tree Removal Information (PDF). These arrangements must be confirmed in advance by calling the Forestry Department at 952-292-4414.

Reforestation: Replacement Trees Available (for boulevard trees, in most cases)

Trees are a priceless asset to your property, neighborhood and community. Residents are urged to maintain and plant trees, especially those lost due to Dutch Elm Disease, Oak Wilt or Emerald Ash Borer. To encourage a community-wide reforestation effort, the City plants trees for homeowners on boulevards and other City property (some restrictions apply). 

Trees include Crab Apple, Elm, Hackberry, Honey Locust, Ironwood, Japanese Lilac, Kentucky Coffee, Linden, Maacki, Maple and Swamp White Oak. Tree availability may vary. 

If you have lost trees to DED, Oak Wilt or EAB or desire a new tree on your boulevard, call the Forestry Department at 952-939-1382. Final discretion on boulevard trees is up to the Forestry Department. 

Trees are also available from your local tree nurseries/farms.