Inspection
Elm trees in the city are inspected in early spring by licensed tree inspectors. Later in the growing season trees are inspected again. Samples are taken from suspect trees and diagnosed for possible Dutch Elm Disease infection. Firewood piles are also inspected for elm wood that may be a breeding zone for the elm bark beetles that carry the fungus.
Removal
If a tree is infected with the Dutch Elm Disease fungus, it is measured and marked for removal. Property owners are notified by certified mail and are given 20 days from receipt of notice to have the diseased tree taken down and removed.
For a current list of tree contractors licensed in the City of Coon Rapids, contact our Public Works Office at 763-755-2880 or City Forester at 763-767-6455. You may also view or download the list of Tree Contractors (PDF).
Re-planting
Trees removed on public property due to disease or other damage are replaced by forestry personnel on an annual basis. If you have recently lost a boulevard tree, please notify the City Forester or Public Works Office.
Sanitation
It is unlawful in Coon Rapids to have elm wood (with bark intact) on your property for firewood or any other use. Insects carrying the Dutch Elm Fungus regenerate beneath the bark of elm wood. If you eliminate the bark, the chance of the beetle reproducing and further spreading the disease is removed.
Elm wood may be disposed of at the Bunker Hills Compost and Wood Disposal Site located at the intersection of Hanson Boulevard and 133rd Avenue. Call 763-767-7964 for more information.
It is unlawful for anyone to prune or trim any elm tree from April 1 through August 31 since the beetle needs an open wound or cut to enter the tree, and this is the time frame that the beetle is active.
