Why Trees Matter To The City Of Eagan

EAGAN, MN— In the midst of the current tree epidemic caused by the Emerald Ash Borer, maintaining a variety of trees is more important than ever.

Thousands of trees have been lost to the pest known as "EAB" in Dakota County, Eagan Forestry Maintenance Supervisor Adam Schnaible said.

“We are at a tipping point with EAB,” Schnaible told Patch. “We are at a point where we are realizing that this is a battle we can’t necessarily win.”

Although many trees are on public property and the loss of them may not be noticed as quickly, many trees that are affected are on private property, leaving yards empty after the tree dies, Schnaible said.

“There’s going to be quite a need for a while of folks replacing trees that will be dying,” Schnaible said.

Because there isn’t yet a way to truly “win” the battle against EAB, Schnaible said the city has put a focus on trying to replant a diversity of trees.

To that extent, the city gets residents involved in replanting trees through its biennial Tree Sale, which is on its 26th sale, Schnaible said.

It is common for trees to sell out during these sales, meaning 400-500 trees get planted every two years, Schnaible said.

But the city could always be selling more trees, especially with EAB destroying the ones already growing, he said.

Recently with the pandemic, residents have valued wildlife more, Schnaible said.

“There’s a lot of research that shows a strong connection between trees and health and wellness,” Schnaible said. “We’ve seen that become increasingly important, especially now with the pandemic. Parks, backyards, and woodlands have become peaceful refuges for people looking to recharge.”

Schnaible said a benefit of the Tree Sale is getting residents involved in creating diversity in trees.

“At our Tree Sale, we are offering citizens the opportunity to partner with us to increase the diversity of our urban canopy,” Schnaible said.

Schnaible also said that planting different types of trees will make Eagan less susceptible to future tree epidemics.

“The more trees and more diversity we can get started now, we won’t be putting all our eggs in one basket in the future like we had done with the ash and elm trees,” Schnaible said.

This spring, the city of Eagan will plant nearly 100 trees at Woodhaven Park, an all-inclusive play area project that began in the fall, Schnaible said.

Read more about the Tree Sale.

Read about a potential cure for EAB.