There are many benefits of a thriving urban forest, including higher quality of life, better air quality, promotion of wildlife habitats, lower heating and air conditioning costs, and reduced stormwater runoff and erosion. Planting trees is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to promote a healthy ecosystem in your community.
Tree Care
Trees in urban environments face unique stressors, and newly planted trees require special care to encourage healthy growth. Prune, protect, and mulch young yard trees.
- Pruning is vital when trees are young to ensure stronger branch attachments and better structure, which reduces the risk of storm damage.
- Protect trees by preventing potential nesting habitats like tall grasses, brush piles, tarps, or water bags directly around trees. Proactive measures in late fall help protect young yard trees against harsh winter weather conditions and wildlife. Wildlife like deer, rodents, and rabbits frequently consume trees and shrubs, and in winter, tree bark is often an easy target for food.
- Mulching provides many benefits, including keeping roots cool and moist in the summer and preventing the roots from freezing in the winter. Mulch also adds nutrients and organic matter to the soil, reducing competition with weeds.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) & 2024 Spring Tree Sale
More than one million ash trees across Hennepin County—about 15 percent of the tree canopy—are susceptible to emerald ash borer (EAB), a non-native invasive insect that has killed millions of ash trees throughout the eastern half of the U.S. and southeastern Canada.
The loss of trees in the community and the impact on climate change resiliency prompted the Golden Valley Environmental Commission to develop a work plan addressing the effects of EAB and establishing ways to help the community plant new trees.
As part of this effort, the Environmental Commission recommended partnering with non-profit Tree Trust to sell discounted trees to the community through a lottery system with an equitable pricing structure. Lottery registration for the 2024 Spring Tree Sale is open to all Golden Valley residents and closes on April 10.
Resources for Tree Planting & Management