Woodbury is tackling a growing environmental and safety problem with a creative financing solution. The Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect, is destroying ash trees across the region. As the trees die, they become brittle and unstable, posing serious safety hazards to homes and neighborhoods.

To address this issue, the city created the Private Ash Tree Removal Assessment Program. Here's how it works: The city pays the upfront cost of removing ash trees from private property. That cost is then added to the homeowner's property tax bill, similar to how the city finances road repair projects. The repayment amount also includes bond interest rates set for that year.

The program has specific eligibility requirements. Only owner-occupied homes qualify. Rental properties, homeowner associations, and commercial properties are excluded because the financing mechanism is tied to individual property taxes.

Homeowners interested in the program will need to provide their 2024 property tax statement, available from the Washington County Taxpayer website. The application process involves receiving a conditional approval letter, then signing and having notarized an assessment agreement and waiver document. Once all paperwork is complete, the city issues an authorization letter allowing homeowners to begin tree removal work.

The program represents an effort by city officials to help residents manage a costly problem while protecting their properties and neighborhoods from hazardous dead trees.