Ash Tree Removal Assistance
Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District is launching a Private Ash Tree Assistance Program to remove and replant ash trees for limited-resource residents in Two Harbors and Silver Bay. This was made possible by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ ReLeaf Grant program.
Interested residents must fill out an application and meet the necessary criteria to be eligible for ash tree removal and replanting. Ash tree removals will be completed by a hired contractor with all required insurance and certifications, outlined by ReLeaf Grant standards.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The ash tree must be within Two Harbors or Silver Bay city limits.
- The ash tree must be located on property you own and occupy.
- You must meet the income requirement outlined below and in the application.
- The ash tree must be a yard tree. Woodland trees will not be considered for this program.
- Apply by August 31st at 5PM.
You must be at or below the area median income for Lake County, listed below:
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual house- hold income (pre-tax) | $56,650 | $64,750 | $72,850 | $80,900 | $87,400 | $93,850 | $100,350 | $106,800 |
In addition, you will be required to:
- Allow Lake SWCD staff to access your property to view the tree requested for removal. Lake SWCD will do our best to provide 24 hours notice before looking at the tree.
- Allow contracted tree care companies access to the requested tree for bidding and removal purposes.
Limit one tree per residential landowner. Funds will only be paid to the program’s awarded contractor. Landowners cannot complete this work for reimbursement.
The applicant will be notified upon approval, tree removal, and tree planting by Lake SWCD. All applications are subject to approval by Lake SWCD.
Alternatively, you can print the this Private Ash Assistance Application and drop it off or mail it to:
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re not sure your property is within city limits, reach out to Jenna Kaiser at Jenna.Kaiser@co.lake.mn.us.
This page on the Minnesota DNR website can help you identify whether your tree is an ash tree.
Here is a resource from the Wisconsin DNR for identifying emerald ash borer damage.
Applicants will be notified in fall 2026 of their application’s status.
Lake SWCD will look at your tree sometime in fall 2026. In many cases we will not need to enter your property to look at the tree, but if the tree cannot be seen from public sidewalks or streets, we may need to enter the yard.
Ash trees will be removed by a hired contractor during the emerald ash borer dormant season, from October 2026 to April 2027.
New trees will be planted from May to June 2027.
Yes, you can select a preferred species when filling out the application. We will do our best to source your preferred species, but you may receive an alternative depending on seedling availability.
Lake SWCD will provide guidance on seedling care, according to the USDA Tree Owner’s Manual.
For any additional questions about this program, please contact:
This program was made possible by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ ReLeaf Grant program.