Trees and Community Forestry

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect pest that aggressively spreads and kills green ash trees. EAB was confirmed in Fridley in 2019, and since then outbreaks have been confirmed throughout the city. The larvae of EAB tunnel under tree bark, which interrupts the flow of water through the tree. Once symptoms are present, the ash tree typically dies within one to three years. If you have an ash tree on your property, act now to treat or remove it before the tree becomes a safety hazard. The City is offering an income-qualified ash tree removal and replacement program for a limited time, please see information about the program within the "Income-Qualified Ash Tree Removal Program" section.

Learn more about how EAB kills ash trees(PDF, 920KB)

Ash Tree ID

Ash trees are one of the most common shade trees in Fridley. An estimated 30% of the City's publicly owned trees are ash with thousands more located on private property. To tell if you have an ash tree, look for:

• Diamond- patterned bark on mature trees
• Leaves and branches that are opposite each other
• Leaves comprised of small leaflets

What to Do About EAB?

If you have an ash tree in your yard, assume that it will become infested with EAB and die without intervention. Due to the ubiquity of ash trees throughout the city, the impact of EAB in Fridley will be devastating without resident help. If you have an ash tree, you may choose to:

1. Treat your ash tree.
2. Remove (and replace) your ash tree.

Due to the shade, air quality, and water quality benefits provided by mature trees, the City recommends treating ash trees that are:

• Over 10 inches diameter
• In a good location
• Not exhibiting advanced EAB symptoms (>30% canopy loss)

Although trees must be treated every 2-3 years, it is usually more cost efficient to treat the tree long-term than remove it.

Treating Your Ash Tree

You can protect your tree against EAB infestation using chemical treatment. Chemical treatment must be reapplied every two to three years. Do not wait until the tree is exhibiting symptoms of EAB to start treatment as the damage may be irreparable and the tree too far gone. Treat the tree using a systemic chemical injected by a Fridley-licensed tree company. Some chemicals used to treat EAB can be harmful to beneficial insects such as pollinators if applied improperly. Systemic injections are the most effective form of treatment and are the least likely to adversely impact pollinators. Avoid using treatments that are applied as soil drenches, which can leach into water or drift to pollinator habitat. The City will be contracting with Birch Tree Care to treat high-quality ash trees in City-owned parks and right-of-ways between 2024-2026. As part of this program, Birch Tree Care will be extending a bulk treatment price to Fridley residents of $6 per inch based on the trees diameter at breast height. Learn more about Birch Tree Care's Bulk Treatment Program.

More information

• EAB Flier- English(PDF, 5MB)
• EAB Flier- Hmong(PDF, 5MB)
• EAB Flier- Somali(PDF, 5MB)
• EAB Flier- Spanish(PDF, 3MB)

The City of Fridley received funding through the DNR ReLEAF grant program to improve our community forest by supporting tree planting and ash tree removal on properties owned by income-qualified residents. Grant funds can be used to:

1. Remove and replace ash trees impacted by emerald ash borer
2. Plant new trees

Up to three trees can be removed and/or planted on a property. Grant funds are limited and available on a first come-first serve basis. Participants are responsible for keeping their trees alive by following the maintenance schedule(PDF, 4MB). Applications are currently full, please email Rachel Workin for an application to be put on the waitlist. Backyard trees will be reviewed on a case-by-case as funding allows due to access restrictions.

2025 Income Qualifications

The income-qualified ash tree replacement program is only available to property owners meeting one of the following qualifications:

2025 Annual Household Income at or below 80% Area Median Income

Questions

For questions or to request an application, please email rachel.workin@fridleymn.gov or call 763-572-3594.

Applications for 2025 Boulevard Trees are now closed. To be placed on a notification list for when 2026 Boulevard Trees are available, please email Environmental Planner, Rachel Workin.

Help grow Fridley's urban canopy by requesting a FREE tree to be planted in the boulevard area in front of your property. The public boulevard is the section of your property adjacent to the roadway that typically extends 15 feet behind the curb. The City’s forester will visit all sites to determine that there is adequate growing space for the tree. The property owner is responsible for watering the tree to ensure its survival. The City will provide a 20-gallon watering bag and tree care instructions.

The 2025 Tree and Native Plant Sale will open July 1. To request a tree to be planted for free in the boulevard area in front of your property, please complete the online request form. Free trees and tree planting are also available for income-qualified residents. Please see more information under the Income-Qualified Ash Tree Removal and Planting Programs tab.

Tree Tips

• It’s the law to call Gopher State One Call (651-454-0002) at least three days before digging. They will mark buried utility lines for your safety.
• Plant trees at least fifteen feet away from underground and overhead utilities.
• Large trees should be planted at least 15 feet away from nearby power lines and/or buildings.
• Save money on energy by planting large shade trees on the west or east side of your home.
• You will receive a brochure containing information about planting, it is also recommended that you watch this video on proper tree planting.

Tree Planting

Consider your site's availability of sunlight and soil type when selecting a tree. Other recommendations include:

• Tree Species Recommendations from Hennepin County(PDF, 75KB)
• Tree Species Recommendations from the University of Minnesota

Planting the tree correctly and watering it consistently will help ensure its survival.

• How to Plant a Tree
• How to Water Your Tree

Tree Tips

• It’s the law to call Gopher State One Call (651-454-0002) at least three days before digging. They will mark buried utility lines for your safety.
  Plant trees at least fifteen feet away from underground and overhead utilities
• Save money on energy by planting large shade trees on the west or east side of your home.
• Large trees should be planted at least 15 feet away from nearby power lines and/or buildings.

Fridley City Code requires the removal of trees that are diseased or that have a structural condition that poses a safety risk. If you notice a damaged or diseased street or park tree or are concerned about a tree on private property with a structural defect, please fill out an online Tree Concern Report or contact Fridley Public Works at 763-572-3566.

If you plan to prune or remove a tree, hire a reliable, insured, arborist/tree service company that is licensed with the City of Fridley. Anyone offering tree services in Fridley must go complete a police background check and obtain a City-issued Tree Management license.

Find a list of currently licensed tree management companies