Emerald Ash Borer

What is the City's Removal Plan?

The City of River Falls is implementing a two-year plan (2025-2026) to remove approximately 1,100 diseased and dying ash trees from boulevards and public spaces. For more information, the full EAB Preparedness plan is linked in the resources below. 

In 2026, the city will: 

• Hire a contractor to remove 200 remaining ash trees
• Have City staff will remove 108 remaining ash trees

What to Expect if Your Tree is Marked for Removal

If a tree near your property is scheduled for removal, you will receive a doorhanger notification in advance. A white or pink dot will be marked on the trunk of the tree to identify it for removal. 

After the notification: 

• The tree will be removed by City staff or a contracted tree service.
• The stump will be ground, and the area will be cleaned up and restored with soil and grass seed.
• The City will assess the boulevard space and plan for a future tree replacement if appropriate.

Please note: Due to the high number of ash trees being removed, replacement planting may take up to five years. 

Homeowner Replanting Options 

The City has a five-year replanting strategy to replace the ash trees that are being removed. Each year, approximately 200-250 new trees will be planted in strategic locations to maximize species diversity and minimize conflicts with utilities and view obstructions such as signs, mailboxes and streetlights. If a homeowner does not want to wait for the City to replant a tree, they can request to plant a tree themselves in the boulevard. Options for replanting are outlined below.

Tree Replanting Plan

The City has a five-year replanting strategy to replace the ash trees that are being removed. Each year, approximately 240 new trees will be planted in strategic locations using diverse species. Supporting tree diversity helps ensure we have a resilient urban forest and mitigate the risk of future pest or disease outbreaks. The City is also strategic in replanting to make sure that the trees are clear of obstacles like signs, streetlights, and mailboxes (see municipal code 8.12.070 - Tree species and spacing). A replacement tree may not be replanted in the exact location the ash tree was removed from.  

If you'd prefer not to wait for the City to replant, homeowners are allowed to plant a new boulevard tree at their own expense — but prior approval is required. To request permission to plant a tree yourself in the boulevard, follow these steps. 

1. Submit the Homeowner Boulevard Tree Planting Form (PDF) to City Hall or email it to bostendorf@rfcity.org
2. Call Diggers Hotline at least 72 hours before digging:To contact Diggers hotline, Dial 811 or 800-242-8511 or submit a request online here.

Replanting a Tree on Your Own Property

Planting trees can help shade your home which can reduce your energy bill. River Falls Municipal Utilities (RFMU) offers a rebate of $25-50 for each tree you plant. Simply plant a tree, take a picture, and follow these Application Instructions (PDF).  

Treating Boulevard Trees

The City is not treating boulevard trees infected with EAB. This is cost prohibitive and the City has chosen to remove public ash trees and replant them with diverse tree species. If you desire to treat an ash tree in the boulevard to retain the tree you are able. However, you must notify the City that the tree has been treated annually or biannually by a certified arborist to prevent accidental removal.

Emerald Ash Information

• Homeowner Boulevard Tree Planting Form (PDF)
• Approved Boulevard Tree Planting List (PDF)
• Emerald Ash Borer Info 
• EAB Homeowners Guide (PDF)
• Homeowners Guide EAB Treatments: UW-Extension (PDF)
• 2019 Emerald Ash Borer Community Preparedness Plan (PDF)
• Emerald Ash Borer Plan Recommendations (PDF)