Appleton to remove 800 trees from parks due to emerald ash borer infestation

APPLETON (WLUK) – More than 800 trees are being removed from two Appleton parks due to emerald ash borer.

Last week, the city council approved a $375,000 contract with Foley’s Tree Service to remove 870 ash trees, city records show.

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According to a memo by Public Works staff, work includes:

• Removal of dead, dying or affected trees by the emerald ash borer.
• The tree management section selected has the highest concentrations of ash trees and logistically one of the more challenging sections for city staff. This area is south of Calumet Street and east of S. Oneida St, extending to the city borders.
• Majority of trees to be removed are street trees in the street right of way.
• Includes the removal of ash trees in two city parks within this section (Hoover and Green Meadows).
• Stump grinding and terrace restoration will also follow the removal of the above ground portions of the Trees

The work is the latest example of a municipality removing trees due to the pest, which is originally native to eastern Asia, according to USDA.