Trees | Savage, MN

The City of Savage is a proud member of Tree City USA for over 30 consecutive years.

Emerald Ash Borer

What You Need to Know About Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an Asian beetle first discovered near Detroit in the summer of 2002. Adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk.

EAB is a destructive, invasive pest that is currently affecting all ash species in several states. Minnesota is highly susceptible to the destruction of EAB since there are approximately one billion ash trees, the most of any state.

Recently, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) confirmed EAB is here in Savage. As a homeowner it is important for you to:

Identify if you have ash trees on your property. This is an important first step since EAB only feeds on ash trees. Ashes have opposite branching – meaning branches come off the trunk directly across from each other. On older trees, the bark is in a tight, diamond-shaped pattern. Younger trees have a relatively smooth bark.
Look for signs of EAB. When trees begin to leaf out is the perfect time to look for signs of EAB. Woodpeckers like EAB larvae so woodpecker holes may indicate the presence of EAB. Also check for cracks in the bark; EAB larvae tunnel under the bark which can cause the bark to split open, revealing the s-shaped tunnels underneath.
Contact a professional. If you think your ash tree may be infested with EAB it is recommended to have a certified arborist inspect the tree and evaluate the tree's health and condition. When hiring a professional, ask to see their licensure as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator for category "E: Turf and Ornamentals" and verify they are a Savage registered tree contractor.

EAB Treatment Discount Program

The City of Savage has contracted with Rainbow Treecare, a professional tree care service, to provide EAB treatment for ash trees on public property for 2021-2022. Special homeowner pricing is also available through Rainbow Treecare for treatment of ash trees on private property. A citywide bulk discount of $6.70 per inch of trunk diameter (measured 4.5 feet from the ground) will be offered to Savage homeowners through 2022. To take advantage of this EAB Treatment Discount Program:

Contact Rainbow Treecare at 952-767-6920
Schedule an appointment with their ISA Certified Arborist for a comprehensive ash tree health evaluation.
Receive a quote for any recommended treatment options.
Schedule recommended ash injection treatments between June 1 and September 30.

Homeowners are responsible for the full cost and scheduling of any private treatments.

How to dispose of infected trees

Residents of Savage can dispose of infested trees at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Organic Recycling Facility at 1905 Mystic Lake Drive South in Shakopee. There is a nominal fee. Removal and disposal of infected ash trees on private property are the sole responsibility of the property owner.

What is the City of Savage doing about EAB on public property?

Since 2010, the City has been developing a tree inventory of public property trees. It is estimated that between 20-25% of all trees in Savage are ash trees. The City performs monitoring of ash trees on public property for signs of EAB infestation and based on budgetary allowances, protective pesticide treatments will be given to trees that are in good condition, provide the most public benefit, and whose loss would be most detrimental to the landscape. Public ash trees will be removed if they pose a risk to people or property, and replaced by another tree as funding allows.

How to keep EAB from spreading

The biggest risk of spreading EAB comes from people unknowingly moving firewood.

Don’t transport firewood. Buy firewood locally from approved vendors and burn it where you buy it.
Be aware of the quarantine restrictions. Scott County has been designated as a quarantined area, which means that there are restrictions on movement of products such as ash trees, wood chips, and firewood. For more information about quarantine and regulatory information, visit the MN Department of Agriculture website;
Watch your ash trees for infestation. If you think your ash tree is infested, contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Arrest the Pest hotline at 888-545-6684 or arrest.the.pest@state.mn.us. Note the exact location of the tree and take a digital photo if possible.

Early detection, proactive and active removal and proper disposal of infested trees will be crucial to minimizing the impacts of EAB. And remember to plant a variety of trees and use proper plan. More information on EAB is available at MN Department of Agriculture.

Emerald Ash Borer tree

Tree Contractors

In accordance with Savage City Code, all professional contractors hired to perform tree maintenance services within the City must first submit a Tree Contractors Registration Form to the City. Upon successful completion and approval, the company name will be added to the Registered Tree Contractors list below.

2026 Registered Tree Contractors

* Indicates Arborist on staff

* Aspenwall Tree Service, Inc.
11656 E 280th St
Webster, MN 55088
651-463-8337
baspenwall@gmail.com

* Birch Tree Care
4343 White Bear Pkwy
Vadnais Heights, MN 55110
651-317-4080
office@birchtreecare.com

* Bratt Tree Company
5612 Corvallis Ave N
Crystal, MN 55429
612-721-4153
info@bratttree.com

* Carr's Tree Service, Inc.
PO Box 250
Ottertail, MN 56571
218-367-3355
carrsts@carrstreeservice.com

* Collins Tree
7377 154th St W
Prior Lake, MN 55372
952-447-7316
collinstree@collinstreecare.com

* The Davey Tree Expert Company
7085 Shady Oak Rd
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
612-392-2405
ryan.gustafson@davey.com

* Discount Tree Care
10629 Little Ave
Waconia, MN 55387
952-217-2281
wicktree1@yahoo.com

Feringa Companies, Inc.
27540 Natchez Ave
Elko, MN 55020
651-746-4084
feringacompaniesinc@yahoo.com

* Hiawatha Tree Services, Inc.
5840 205th Street E
Prior Lake, MN 55372
952-447-8774
hiawathatree@gmail.com

* Huston's Tree Service
12800 Whitewater Dr Ste 100-3311
Minnetonka, MN 55343
952-953-4859
info@hustonstreeservice.com

* Jeff Hoheisel Professional Tree Care, Inc.
34214 Highway 27
Hillman, MN 56338-2524
612-968-7240
jhptreecare@gmail.com

* Perfect Landscape Tree & Services, Inc.
241 Carriage Ln
Burnsville, MN 55306
612-499-3938
Dr.perfectlts.gmail.com

Priority Tree Experts LLC
17992 Riverwood Dr
Little Falls, MN 56345
612-865-2459
prioritytreeexperts@gmail.com

Shadywood Tree Experts & Landscaping
402 11th Ave. S
Hopkins, MN 55343
952-933-0614
tree.care@shadywoodtreeexperts.com

Trees Cut Right, LLC
3841 200th St E
Prior Lake, MN 55372
612-366-8405
treescutright.mc@gmail.com

* Twin City Tree Authority
7816 Credit River Blvd.
Prior Lake, MN 55372
612-834-8917
TCTA365@gmail.com

These contractors are not endorsed by the City of Savage.

Vegetation Management

The City of Savage routinely prunes trees and shrubs located within the right of way at no cost to property owners.

Each fall, Public Works inspects various streets and walkways to identify which trees may be obstructing sight lines, signs, light poles, or could be damaged by snow removal and street sweeping equipment. Some of these trees are in the right of way and some may be on private property.

The City will notify property owners by mail if tree clearance issues have been identified on their private property. At that time, property owners will have 30 days to trim the trees themselves. After that, City crews will trim the trees as time and weather allows throughout the winter months. In order for the City to trim trees on private property, property owners must fill out and return a Right of Entry License and Waiver Form. Property owners who have concerns regarding tree trimming or would like to meet with a Public Works staff member to discuss the issue, can contact Public Works Superintendent Andy Weldon at 952-224-3422.

Types of Trees to Plant

The following is a list of trees that are recommended for planting:

Deciduous:

Hackberry (native)
Sugar Maple (native)
Hickory (native)
Oak (native)
Kentucky Coffee Tree (native)
American Elm-dutch elm disease resistant varieties (native)
Gingko (deciduous)

Evergreens:

White Spruce (native)
Black spruce (native)
Jack Pine (native)
White Fir
Austrian Pine
Serbian Spruce

For a complete list of recommended species, please visit the University of Minnesota Extension.

The following is a list of trees to avoid planting or to remove:

Amur Corktree
Amur & Tatarian Maple
Black Locust
Callery Pear
Norway Maple
Russian Olive
Siberian Elm
Willow Species
Ash species
‘Autumn Blaze’ Maple (do not need to remove)

For a complete list of invasive species, please visit the MN DNR.

How to Plant a Bare Root Tree

FAQs

Do I need to stake my tree?

If you are planting a bare root, container grown, or balled and burlapped (B&B) tree it is a good practice to stake the tree for the first growing season. There are several conditions that justify staking a tree to ensure solid root establishment such as settling soils, high winds and animals. It is recommended that the staking be done using 3 posts, a wide, flexible tying material (not rope), and positioned in a triangular orientation to stabilize the tree properly. It is recommended to remove the staking material at the beginning of the second growing season to allow the tree to develop lateral strength.
Does my irrigation system provide sufficient water for my tree?

Irrigation systems are typically designed to water turfgrass plants which are the majority of plants found in lawns. In order to establish a tree properly, it is best to hand water or use a water bag for at least the first growing season depending on the soil conditions and rainfall. Watering guidelines for newly planted trees can be found here: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden
How can I choose a reputable tree care company?

In accordance with Savage City Code, all professional contractors hired to perform tree maintenance services within the City must first submit a Tree Contractors Registration Form to the City. Upon successful completion and approval, the company name will be added to the "Registered Tree Contractors List."
How deep should I plant my tree?

The proper planting depth is dictated by the root flare, the area where the first larger root and the trunk meet. The root flare should be exposed and visible at the existing soil level. Planting a tree at the proper depth will mitigate any future problems caused by stem girdling roots. For more detailed information on tree planting guidelines please visit: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden
How much maintenance do established trees require?

Trees are living plants, and all living plants require maintenance. The species or type of tree will largely determine how much or how little maintenance is required for optimal health. The most basic needs of trees are water, sunlight, and space. Maintenance practices will improve the conditions of the trees as well as the environments surrounding them to promote the availability of these basic needs. Those needs can fluctuate with the environmental conditions that are present either at the time or for the duration of a season.
What are common tree pests/diseases that will impact my trees?
There are several tree pests/diseases that have been posing significant issues with our urban forest. The following list and affected tree species are just a guide, scouting your trees and monitoring your tree’s health is the best way to identify any issues. Environmental conditions have a significant role in the types of pest and disease issues so be aware of seasonal changes. Contact a certified arborist or tree inspector to properly diagnose any issues you may see.
- Ash-Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
- Oaks-Two-lined Chestnut Borer (TLCB), Oak Wilt
- Elms-Dutch Elm Disease (DED)
- Conifers-Conifer Sawflies
What is the difference between an arborist and a tree contractor?

Arborists are trained to provide proper care; help maintain healthy trees and provide management when necessary. Their expertise may include planting, transplanting, fertilizing, pruning, tree removal and pest management, especially proper diagnosis of problems and pesticide application (Courtesy U of M Extension).
Why is pruning an important maintenance practice?

There are several reasons why pruning is not only important but is necessary for optimal tree health. Pruning trees at a young age can establish the proper structure and form, costs less, and is less labor intensive. Pruning mature trees is usually necessary to remove dead, dying, or diseased branches to reduce the potential for tree health decline and hazards such as falling limbs. Trees can also be pruned to reduce canopy density which can minimize unnecessary branch breakage and/or allow sunlight to penetrate other parts of the tree or ground. The City of Savage routinely prunes trees in public areas for public safety at no cost to property owners.

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