How are diseased trees identified?
If a tree has been identified as having Dutch elm disease or oak wilt, the city paints an orange ring around the tree and staples a pink work order tag on the tree. The work order tag is used to track the location and number of trees throughout the city. Each property owner is notified by a notice on the door the day the tree is marked, then with a mailed follow-up letter. Both diseases have different management strategies, so be sure to read the letter carefully. When a tree is marked in a person’s yard, it is the property owner’s responsibility to hire and pay for the costs associated with tree removal. If it is along the road edge, the city will pay for half the tree removal. When grinding is appropriate, the city also will pay for half of stump removal. When the tree is in a park or other municipally owned property, the city of Minnetonka will pay for the full removal costs. The notification on the door and mailed letter will explain how you should take action.
