Cloquet Continues Culling Ash Trees Amid Emerald Ash Borer Invasion

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In the fourth year since the invasive emerald ash borer insects were discovered in Cloquet, Minnesota, the city is continuing its efforts to combat the infestation. City crews have been cutting down severely infected ash trees on public property, while also treating some trees with protective chemicals. The city plans to plant 100-150 replacement trees of various species this year, while removing another 65 ash trees.

Why it matters

The emerald ash borer is a destructive pest that can kill healthy ash trees within 2-5 years. As the infestation spreads, Cloquet must act quickly to remove infected trees and replant new ones to maintain the city's urban forest and prevent further damage. This ongoing effort is part of a broader community forestry grant program to address the emerald ash borer threat.

The details

City crews have been spotted cutting down infected ash trees in Veterans Park, while nearby healthy ash trees have been treated with protective chemicals and marked with pink ribbons. The telltale signs of emerald ash borer infestation include 'blonding' on the trunk and limbs, where woodpeckers have removed the bark to get at the insects, as well as shoots growing off the trunk as the dying tree fights to survive. Cutting down infested trees is best done while the larvae are dormant, generally outside the warmer months when the insects are more likely to spread to new areas.

• In 2022, the first confirmed sighting of emerald ash borer was reported in Cloquet, Minnesota.
• Over the past 4 years, the infestation has spread throughout the city.
• This week, city crews were spotted cutting down infected ash trees in Veterans Park.
• The city plans to remove 65 more ash trees and plant 100-150 replacement trees this year.

What’s next

The city plans to continue its efforts to remove infected ash trees and plant new trees as part of its ongoing battle against the emerald ash borer infestation.