Charles City, New Hampton Continue Push to Remove Ash Trees

Like many communities, Charles City and New Hampton are dealing with the removal of hundreds of ash trees killed by or are dying because of the emerald ash borer.

Some 900 ash trees in Charles City, either on City-owned property or in the right-of-way, need to come down. City Administrator Steve Diers says the City has spent around $40,000 a year for about a dozen years to bring the trees down, but that’s barely put a dent in their progress. So, the City will borrow over $500,000 to speed up the process.

A public hearing on borrowing the money for the tree removal is set for the June 5th City Council meeting.

In New Hampton, Mayor Bobby Schwickerath says Wilson Custom Tree Service of Cresco continues their efforts to bring down some 200 ash trees in the City, slowly but surely.

Schwickerath adds that Wilson’s has done a good job of alerting residents which area they are working in next to take down the ash trees. He adds that when they do come to your neighborhood, be prepared to move your car, just in case.