Bismarck Removes Ash Trees to Combat Invasive Beetle

The city is removing half of its boulevard ash trees to slow the spread of the invasive emerald ash borer.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Botany

Bismarck Removes Ash Trees to Combat Invasive Beetle

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Do you support your local government's strategy for managing invasive species affecting public trees?

Bismarck's Forestry Division has initiated a plan to remove approximately 50 percent of ash trees located along public boulevards. The project aims to mitigate the impact of the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle species discovered in the city in August 2026.

Why it matters

The systematic removal of vulnerable trees is a strategic effort to contain the emerald ash borer infestation. By thinning the population, officials hope to protect the remaining canopy and preserve local arboricultural health.

The city will conduct the removal of designated trees over a four to five-year period. Remaining ash trees will be managed through a three-year insecticide application cycle to prevent infestation.

The players

Bismarck Forestry Division

This municipal department is responsible for managing public trees and maintaining the city's urban canopy.

The details

Trees prioritized for removal currently exhibit poor condition or significant structural defects. The city also intends to establish a long-term plan for replacing the removed vegetation.

2002: Emerald ash borer was first identified in North America.
August 2026: Emerald ash borer was discovered in Bismarck.
Next 4-5 years: Scheduled timeline for the removal of half of the city's boulevard ash trees.

The Big Picture

The city's management strategy follows the precedent of the 2002 North American emerald ash borer invasion. This intervention marks a formal local adoption of aggressive arboricultural containment measures.

Residents can contact the Forestry Division at 701-335-1700 for inquiries regarding specific boulevard trees near their property. Property owners may see changes to street aesthetics as the city removes prioritized trees over the next five years.

The takeaway

Proactive management through tree removal and targeted insecticide treatments is essential for slowing invasive species spread in urban environments. Homeowners should consult official forestry resources to understand how these policies affect local landscaping and tree maintenance.