Woodbury launches program to help homeowners remove infected ash trees
The Woodbury City Council introduced a new financing program to help homeowners pay for removing ash trees infected by the Emerald Ash Borer, a destructive pest. The city will cover upfront removal costs, with homeowners repaying through their property taxes over time.
The Private Ash Tree Removal Assessment Program represents the city's effort to address the spread of Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect that kills ash trees. Under the program, Woodbury will pay for tree removal upfront, then add the cost plus bond interest to homeowners' property tax bills for repayment.
The program is available only to homeowners with privately owned properties. Rental properties, homes in homeowners associations, and commercial properties are excluded from the program. Applicants must provide their 2024 property tax statement from Washington County as part of the application process.
The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a set yearly budget. The city has committed funding for three years, meaning homeowners should apply early to secure a spot. Once approved, homeowners receive a conditional approval letter, then must sign and have notarized an assessment agreement and waiver document. After that, they receive an authorization letter permitting them to begin removal work. Once the work is complete, homeowners submit a final invoice to the city, which then pays the contractor.
Homeowners interested in the program should contact the city's Public Works Department, which handles the return of notarized documents and manages the application process. The city has not announced specific dollar limits per property or total program funding amounts.
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