City Council Meeting Date: March 10, 2026
To: Mayor and Members of Council
City Administrator
From: David Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Shelley Evanson, Horticulturist
Title
Discussion on Tree Related Policies and Information.
Body
Action Requested:
Staff to discuss with City Council on Emerald Ash Borer Update, tree maintenance and replacement policy, Land Development Code requirements, and general updates.
Summary Report:
This agenda item is coming forward related to a request from Councilor Beumer and Mayor Zweifel related to discussing tree related policies. The discussion initially started related to a question on a street project and our replacement policy. That interest expanded to cover other tree policies more broadly when the issue was raised and requested to be scheduled.
The tree canopy in Northfield (Attachment 1) is extremely important in providing health, ecological, and economic benefits. With the discovery of Emerald Ash Borer in 2023, the City of Northfield is currently dealing with the loss of a large portion of the tree canopy. Some of these ash trees are being replaced through grants and during street construction projects. Grants will continue to be sought to help with removing and replacing the declining ash trees and improving the tree canopy.
The tree species being planted are chosen to help improve the diversity and for their climate resilience following the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the University of Minnesota’s recommendations. Currently there is a high population of maple trees in Northfield, so it is best to not plant them until there is a better species balance. This will help prevent major canopy loss due to insects or disease. The City of Northfield’s Acceptable Tree and Shrub list will need to be monitored and updated based on the changing climate and species levels.
The Northfield tree canopy currently has a healthy sustainable tree diameter distribution (mix of multi-aged trees) which helps create a stable ecosystem. Continuing to plant a diverse selection of species each year will help to improve the community environment.
While the natural lands of the Northfield parks only have a small percentage of ash trees, they are also being pressured by invasive species. These species are competing with the native flora, reducing biodiversity, and disrupting the ecosystem. The City of Northfield is beginning a pilot program this year through a contract with a group coordinator to organize volunteer events to help eradicate invasives and plant replacement native species in Hauberg Woods. It is vital to continue to manage and protect the ecosystem in Northfield as it is critical to all forms of life.
Councilors are welcome to share any questions or topics of interest in advance of the meeting if doing so would assist staff in preparing for the discussion. If helpful, please feel free to email Public Works Director/City Engineer Dave Bennett and Horticulturist Shelley Evanson with any specific questions or areas you would like addressed, copying City Administrator Ben Martig, and Lynette Peterson, City Clerk. Advance input can help staff prepare the most relevant information to support the Council’s discussion.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
5.03 Infrastructure Tree Replacement Policy (Attachment 2)
6.07 Boulevard Tree Maintenance Policy (Attachment 3)
City Code Chapter 34, Article 3, 3.5 Landscape, Screening, and Buffering Standards (Attachment 4)
Alternative Options:
As this agenda item is primarily informational, no formal action is required at this time. However, staff welcome any direction from the City Council regarding potential policy amendments to explore, additional information that would be helpful, or broader policy considerations related to tree management, replacement practices, or related land development standards. Staff can return with additional analysis or proposed amendments if directed by the Council.
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA