(Tim Connolly) I'm certain some have asked these questions but do people know how much it costs the city to bring down one of these trees and replace it with another?
I am told the chemical treatment for the diease cost $300 per yearly application. I am not certain how many years that would be necessary, if it be in perpetuity or if it might not have a cumulative effect that would mean, for instance, after four years you could stop treatment. The number I recall being taken down this summer is 300 trees. At $300/tree that would come to $90k for one year. (Kris Musser) What I have heard from talking with others dealing with elms on their blvd in Minneapolis is that some have organized in their neighborhood to pay the (approx) $300/tree for the injections that prevent the dutch elm disease. The injections last three years. The way I understand it, the city doesn't pay for the injections for prevention (not even for boulevard elms), nor from my personal experience will the city inform you of the treatment if you don't already know to ask. (probably where the comment in the editorial about residents "seem to not have noticed" an infestation on their corner.) They probably don't know the other trees are being infected. I paid about $600 to have a 27'' diameter diseased elm removed from my yard. A boulevard elm of the same size may cost less to remove due to an easier location for equipment, etc. Using this limited information, I would imagine the city would save money on prevention rather than waiting and paying more for removal. The city might have a hard time paying for something that they aren't paying for now, however. I think the city's prevention program right now entails removing diseased elms as quickly as possible and does not include information on how you can help your other trees (only going from personal experience). The city's forestry division was so helpful when I called to ask them questions, but I wish that they would be able to include a flyer or even a sentence or two in the letter that goes out warning of further spread to your other elms and prevention resources. If you have elms in your yard or boulevard with diseased elms nearby, they are in immediate danger. To save nearby elms you need to act quickly with prevention that may include injection and small trenches that separate the roots to prevent spreading in that manner. (Believe me, the trench part costs a bit more!) To me, it was worth it, but thats a decision each person/neighborhood needs to make. If anyone wants any information regarding the company I used, etc. I would be happy to share off List. Kris Musser Linden Hills _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
