2025 Emerald Ash Borer Treatment is underway. The City of Owatonna has proactively treated ash trees for Emerald Ash Borer for the past 5 years. There are approximately 1,200 boulevard ash trees, and the City treats approximately 1/3 each year, resulting in a three-year treatment rotation. The treatment of the boulevard trees benefits private trees as well. As the bugs travel from tree to tree, they die when they eat from a treated tree. Not all trees need to be treated for the program to be effective.
Treatment Process: The Street Department begins by measuring the diameter of the tree to determine how much product and how many injection needles are necessary for the treatment. Then holes are drilled, and needles are inserted into the tree, this pressurizes the container that holds the product. Typically, it takes about ten minutes for the ash tree to absorb the product into the trunk of the tree.
Unfortunately, it is expected that due to the spread of EAB, many boulevard ash trees will be marked for removal this year. Properties adjacent to boulevard trees subject to removal will receive notice via a door hanger placed at the front door. Property owners may request a replacement boulevard tree by completing this form: Boulevard Tree Order.