Tree Board Recommends Extended Removal Timeline for Diseased Trees
The Oakdale Tree Board recommended extending the timeline for private property owners to remove diseased trees and establishing payment assistance options during their March 18 meeting.
The board reviewed proposed changes to the city's tree disease control ordinance, which currently gives property owners 20 days to remove trees identified as diseased by the city forester. Acting Chair Marge Sagsteter and other board members expressed concern that the timeline was too restrictive, particularly given the busy schedules of reputable tree removal companies dealing with widespread emerald ash borer infestations.
"I think most of them are pretty well booked up," said Commissioner Mike Bender, referencing tree removal companies. The board recommended allowing property owners an additional 20 days if they provide documentation of a signed contract with a removal service, extending the total timeline to 40 days.
The board also supported establishing a special assessment process similar to street reconstruction projects, allowing property owners to spread removal costs over several years. City staff estimates show removal costs ranging from approximately $2,400 for front yard trees to $3,200 for backyard trees with obstacles.
The board maintained support for the current complaint-based inspection system rather than mandatory citywide inspections. Their recommendations will be forwarded to the city council for consideration. The board also approved their 2025 work plan and received updates on the upcoming Pete Grassy Arbor Day tree giveaway, which will be held April 26 at the North Fire Station.
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Areas of Interest (5)
- Rising financial burden on private property owners due to mandatory Emerald Ash Borer tree removal.
- Potential legislative push to allow deferred payments or special assessments for tree abatement.
- Conflict between current 20-day removal mandates and the actual availability of reputable arborists.
- Review of whether Oakdale should adopt a financial assistance model similar to Woodbury's $500,000 subsidy program.
- Discrepancies in enforcement: Should the city move to a proactive inspection model or stick to complaint-driven removal?
Votes (3)
Approve the agenda as presented
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified
Accept the minutes from the January 21st, 2025, regular meeting
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified
Adopt the 2025 treeboard work plan
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Mike Bender
Notable Quotes (3)
Seeking just approval to adopt as presented.
If the property owner fails to pay within 30 days then we could special assessment under Minnesota statutes.
Would it be possible if if you're notified by the city forester and you call up a tree company and they say 'Yeah... it'll be a month and a half.' If they've got that on record would that be acceptable?
People (4)
Marge SagsteterActing ChairManaging proceedings, roll call, and opening discussion on the work plan and ordinance changes.
Managing proceedings, roll call, and opening discussion on the work plan and ordinance changes.
CoreyCity StaffProviding background on EAB policy, comparative city data, and legislative requirements.
Providing background on EAB policy, comparative city data, and legislative requirements.
Mike BenderCommissionerParticipated in previous tree trek events and raised concerns regarding tree removal timelines.
1 quote
Participated in previous tree trek events and raised concerns regarding tree removal timelines.
“20 days might be a little tight... if I can understand certainly making arrangements within the 20 days.”
Questioning the feasibility of the 20-day removal deadline given industry backlogs.
MelhornCity ForesterResponsible for inspecting nuisance trees and identifying disease.
Responsible for inspecting nuisance trees and identifying disease.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (3)
- October 3rd, 1:00-3:00 PM: Prairie plants class at Discovery Center
- January 21, 2025: Previous regular meeting
- February 25, 2025: Council meeting where work plan was reviewed
Ordinances & Resolutions (1)
Disease control and tree trimming regulations for private property trees.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Approval of January 21, 2025, regular meeting minutes
2025 Treeboard Work Plan adoption
Discussion of Chapter 22, Article 6: Disease control and tree trimming
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) mitigation on private property
Review of city ordinances regarding nuisance tree removal
Assessment of tree removal costs and property owner financial hardship
Discussion of complaint-based versus proactive inspection policies
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