SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Serious tree planting kicks off in Sioux Falls this year to start replacing all the Ash Trees that are being removed.
Parks Official Kelby Mearas says they hope for a big volunteer effort in the spring.
“In which we can get the community to help us plant 500 trees, hopefully, all in one day..”
Mearas has briefed City Council on the latest in the ongoing battle against the Emerald Ash Borer.
“..Under 80,000 Ash Trees left in Sioux Falls and we are targeting about 2,900 every year, between public trees and street trees.”
More than 3,000 Ash Trees have been removed in Sioux Falls since the ugly bug was discovered in the spring of 2018.
During the briefing, councilors learned that the Sioux Falls tornadoes in September were good for something. Mearas says they took down some ash trees, especially along the bike trails, so the city didn’t have to do it.


