HomeMy WebLinkAboutArbor DayContact: Debbie Townsend, Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0346 • dtownsend@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Arbor Day Tree Planting Set for Fred Richards Park
Edina, Minn., April 21, 2021 – The City’s annual Arbor Day celebration returns this year with a special tree planting along the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail segment in Fred Richard
Park.
City Forester Luther Overholt will lead in the planting of 10 trees starting at 10 a.m. Friday, April 30. Five of the trees are pollinators and the other five are species that cope well
with the changing climate.
The trees are pre-emptive replacements of ash trees in that section of the park. Emerald ash borer is rapidly spreading in Edina, killing any untreated ash trees in the pests’ wake.
Overholt urges anyone with an untreated ash tree in their yard to have it checked immediately and begin treatment if they want to save it. Some trees he’s seen recently are already
too damaged by the invasive pest to save.
“I’m finding ones where if people don’t take it down immediately, it could fall into their driveway or house,” he said.
Attendees at the Arbor Day celebration should bring gloves and must wear a mask. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as are clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. The event
is limited to 50 people and social distancing is required. Park in the lot of the former Fred Richards clubhouse, 7640 Parklawn Ave., and walk into the park toward the trail where you’ll
see the Park Maintenance staff preparing.
In addition to learning about proper tree-planting techniques, attendees can ask questions about emerald ash borer or any other tree topics.
If you have an ash tree in your yard, Overholt will examine it and give you a recommendation on either treatment or removal. Property owners must arrange the treatment or removal on
their own. Learn more about emerald ash borer at bit.ly/UMEashborer.
For more information on the event or to request Overholt check your ash tree, contact him at LOverholt@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0308.
-30-