Ramsey Resident - 2025 - January/February

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Winter is the Perfect Time to Check Your Trees Emerald Ash Borer(EAB ,an invasive insect from Asia,was confirmed in Ramsey in December 2019 and blew up in 2022.This invasive pest is wreaking havoc on our native ash species (white,green and black ash ,with more and more ash trees being impacted each year.If a property owner wants to save their ash tree(s),they should begin treating their tree(s) soon after it has fully leafed out next summer.Follow this link for more information on insecticide products at www.mda.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/inline-files/EAB_ Home owner_Guide_web.pdf.In the meantime,while there are no leaves on the trees,now is a great time to inspect them for signs of EAB.The most telling sign is excessive woodpecker EAB galleries under bark activity on the tree.Other, albeit less noticeable,signs of EAB include S-shaped galleries under the bark and D-shaped exit holes in the bark. Property owners can help slow the spread of EAB by limiting the movement of ash wood during the insects'active period,generally from May 1 through September 30.If pruning or removing an ash tree is necessary during the active period, the material can be brought to Anoka County's Bunker Hills Compost Site,where it will be quickly processed.If the wood must be transported during EAB's active period,either chip the wood first or place it within an enclosed vehicle and/or trailer to prevent the potential of any adult EAB insects emerging k during transport and finding new ash trees to lay eggs. Emerald Ash Borer size The other threat to our trees in Ramsey is oak wilt.Unfortunately,oak wilt is a fungal r disease that can be lethal to all species of oak found here.Trees in the red oak family(red F oak,pin oak and northern pin oak ,the oaks with pointed tips,can die from oak wilt in as little as four to six weeks.Trees in the white oak family(white oak,bur oak and swamp white oak ,the oaks with more rounded leaf tips,have a bit more resistance and may take an entire growing season or even multiple years before dying. t w The beginning of April generally marks the transition from the no-risk to the high-risk time frame.Property owners should avoid any tree work involving oak trees unless it is essential for 40'1 safety.If that is the case,paint any wounds (cuts)with shellac or a water-based paint within 15 minutes of a cut. Symptoms of oak wilt include leaves turning to an olive or faded green D-shaped exit hole color,then beginning to wilt from the top of the tree down and from the outer margins of a leaf toward the stem.Trees in the red oak family do have the potential to create spore pads the following spring.So,to help limit/minimize the spread of oak wilt,any infected tree in the red oak family should be removed and properly disposed of or stored by the end of the following March. More information on these shade tree concerns can be found on the City's website at www.cityoframsey.com/256.If you have concerns or questions,please contact Senior Planner Chris Anderson at cnderson@cityoframsey.com or 763-433-9817. Oak Wilt Annual Boards and Commissions Recruitment The City of Ramsey is accepting applications for its Boards and Commissions,which include the Economic Development Authority,Environmental Policy Board,Parks and Recreation Commission and Planning Commission. Boards and Commissions make specific recommendations to the City Council on current issues facing the City. Online applications and additional information are available on the City's website at www.cityoframsey.com/boards. For additional information,you may also contact Administrative Services Director Colleen Lasher at 763-433-9867 or clasher@cityoframsey.com. Board and Commission seats are open until filled.However,the first review of applications is scheduled for February 28,2025,followed by interviews and the start of new terms.To be considered for a seat on the Board or Commission of your choice,please submit an online application by February 28,2025. 130