New Hampton Continue Push to Remove Ash Trees

Progress continues to bring down some 200 ash trees in New Hampton killed by or are dying because of the emerald ash borer.

Mayor Bobby Schwickerath says Wilson Custom Tree Service of Cresco resumed efforts last week to cut down trees, slowly but surely. 

Schwickerath adds that Wilson’s has been alerting residents which area they are working in next to take down the ash trees. When they do come to your neighborhood, he advises being prepared to move your car, just in case.

Charles City has some 900 ash trees either on City-owned property or in the right-of-way to come down. Last month, the City Council approved borrowing about $550,000 to get trees removed at a quicker pace, after spending $40,000 a year for about a dozen years to barely put a dent in their progress. 

GDB & Sons of Charles City has been awarded a contract for just over $200,000 for the first phase of bringing between 200 and 300 ash trees down in the 2023-24 fiscal year.