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-age...
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