February 25, 2025 3:09 PM
Emerald Ash Borer / Ash Tree Removal
City Of Le Mars Street Dept.
Emerald Ash Borer/ Ash Tree Removal
Emerald Ash Borer Emerald (EAB), Agrilus Planipennis Fairmaire, is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. Unlike other trees, which remain relatively stable after they die, ash trees lose moisture internally very quickly and begin to fall apart soon after they die, creating public nuisance or hazard situations.
Since its discovery, EAB has:
• Been confirmed in all 99 counties in Iowa.
• Killed tens of millions of ash trees across the United States.
• Cost municipalities, property owners, nursery operators, and
forest products industries tens of millions of dollars.
• Been positively identified in Le Mars, Iowa and is now considered to be in the
Urban area.
The City of Le Mars is in the process of removing all ash trees in the City’s right-of-way. Homeowners have the following options available to them:
• Removal - No property owner action is required. Ash trees will be removed
proactively or reactively as determined by the City at the City's expense. The
stump will be ground and the area backfilled and seeded. It will be up to the
homeowner if they would like to replace the tree.
• Select a company of your choice to treat your tree at your expense - Inform the
City of treatment by emailing skneip@lemarsiowa.com. Include the property
owner's first and last name, phone number, email address, property address,
number of City ash trees being treated only in the City’s right-of-way (between
sidewalk and street curb) and the name of the company providing treatment.
Treatment must be continued for the life of the tree and may not guarantee a tree's survival.
Trees with storm damage or other safety concerns need to be removed, regardless of treatment.
Please call the Le Mars Street Dept. if you have an ash tree that is in the City’s right-of-way (between the sidewalk and curb) at 712-546-5314, leave your name, property address, and phone number and someone will get back in touch with you.
