Springfield Launches Ash Tree Removal Grant Program

The City of Springfield is offering a new grant opportunity to help residents remove boulevard ash trees affected by the Emerald Ash Borer. This program is funded through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is designed to improve safety and support long-term tree management in the community.

Eligible residents may receive assistance with the cost of removing ash trees located in the boulevard area (between the sidewalk and street). These trees are increasingly at risk due to Emerald Ash Borer damage, which can lead to falling limbs and hazardous conditions.

Residents interested in participating are encouraged to apply using the link below.

Application Process

Applicants must own residential property in the City of Springfield. Boulevard tree removals for approved applicants will be reimbursed with receipt from a licensed tree removal service, and a copy of the approved application returned to city hall.

Trees may require a cost share depending on the cost of the removal. Priority will go to low-income applicants at or below 80% of the 2024 Brown County Annual Median Income adjusted for the number of household occupants and trees which are the most diseased.

***APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A QUOTE FROM AN ISA/TCIA certified TREE SERVICE***

Area Tree Services

Carr’s Tree Service
Courtland, MN
Phone: 888 470-3355

Ahrens Arbor Care
St. James, MN
Phone: 507-840-0601

Mankato Landshapes, Inc.
Eagle Lake, MN
Phone: 507-625-6044

Thate’s Tree Service
Fairmont, MN
Phone: 800-225-8733

**Quotes from any ISA/TCIA certified arborists are acceptable. This is a requirement of the DNR per the terms of the Centering Communities in Canopy Grant – tree removal services which are not certified arborists will not be reimbursed. A listing of ISA certified arborists can be found at Treesaregood.org.

Tree Replanting

Replacement trees are included with the grant and may be replanted in the boulevard or on private property within the lot they were removed. Per the DNR, the city may plant no more than 10% of any one tree type and Ash, Maple, and Hackberry cannot be planted.

If approved for a grant, you will be given a stake to mark the replacement tree’s placement for a Gopher one call. Replacement trees will be purchased and delivered by the city and planted by the owner or during a volunteer tree planting event to be coordinated by the city.

Questions?

Please contact Assistant Public Works Supervisor, Adam Hesse by email: adam.hesse@springfieldmn.org or Public Works Shop Phone: 507-723-3513 (leave a voicemail)

Boulevard Ash Tree Resident Application

Name(Required)
Property Address(Required)
Location of Tree(s) for Replanting
Annual Household Income
Please select your top three preferred replacement tree types from the list below:
Trees marked with * not allowed in the boulevard
Max. file size: 300 MB.
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