Shakopee Snapshot: Spring 2025

PUBLIC WORKS

Protecting our city’s trees Learn how the city is handling Emerald Ash Borer If you have an ash tree in your yard, chances are you’ve wondered what you’re supposed to do about it, especially if it’s been infected with or already killed by emerald ash borer. Emerald ash borer is an insect that kills ash trees. The adults are small, iridescent green beetles that live outside of trees during the summer months. The larvae are worm-like and live underneath the bark of ash trees, slowly killing the tree by tunneling below the bark. Residents can help slow the spread of emerald ash borer by not trans porting firewood and by disposing of trees locally at a licensed facility. To avoid transporting emerging beetles to non-infesting areas, it is best practice to avoid pruning and removing ash trees in emerald ash borer infested areas during the flight season (May–September). There are also chemical options that can protect ash trees against emerald ash borer. The City recommends consulting with an arborist to determine if treatment is a viable option. If treatment is not viable, the City recommends residents begin the process of removing the tree. It is best practice to get comparable quotes for tree removal to ensure the best value. The State of Minnesota’s Tree Registry List is a good place to start search ing for a contractor, as all tree contractors in the state must be licensed. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/tree-care-registry to view the list. WHAT IS THE CITY DOING ABOUT EMERALD ASH BORER? The City is treating approximately 550 ash trees along streets and in parks. The remaining ash trees that are not being treated are being removed and replaced, a process the City has nearly completed. Approximately 1,300 infected ash trees have already been removed by the City, and approximately 100 more ash trees are scheduled for future removal. Residents will receive notification of the removal of a nearby public tree at least 48 hours before the removal takes place.

The City removes ash trees during the winter months and then grinds the stumps and plants new trees in the spring.

A healthy ash tree, pictured here, will have a full canopy of leaves, symmetrical growth, smooth bark that’s free of unusual markings and strong branch attachments. Annual tree sale pre-orders open Pre-orders for the city’s annual Arbor Day Tree Sale will open Monday, March 17, to all Shakopee residents. Sales will close Friday, April 18. Trees can be picked up between 1–3 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at the Public Works Building, 400 Gorman St. To learn more about the tree sale guidelines or to order a tree, visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/treesale .

Lawn Clippings As the spring season approaches, it might be handy to know your options for yard waste disposal. Here are three services to help keep your green spaces tidy: Seasonal Yard Waste Service from DSI, the city’s garbage hauler: ■ Includes a 65-gallon cart (must weigh less than 100 pounds), plus five brown compostable bags or bundles per week (bags not supplied by DSI). ■ Seasonal service runs from mid-April to mid-November, weather permitting. On-Call Yard Waste Service from DSI: ■ Priced per compostable bag, with a limit of up to five bags per week.

■ On-call yard waste service is available from mid-April to mid-November, weather permitting. ■ To request this service, contact DSI at least 48 hours in advance of your service day at 952-469-2239 or email shakopee@dickssanitation.com . SMSC Organics Recycling Facility: ■ Scott County residents can dispose of yard waste and organic food waste at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux

■ Acceptable waste includes leaves, grass clippings, brush, branches, logs (less than 10 feet in length), stumps, and other compostable material. ■ Facility Address: The facility is moving

to a location near the intersection of Highway 169 and County Road 41. For more information, visit www.smscorf.com .

Community (SMSC) Organics Recycling Facility, typically for a fee. This facility is in the process of moving to a new location, so be sure to check the website for details before hauling your waste.

10 Shakopee Snapshot