Minneapolis says goodbye to 40,000 ash trees, hello to 100 different varieties

Despite a harrowing winter for the emerald ash borer, Minneapolis is planning to remove 40,000 ash trees.

On The Daily Circuit, University of Minnesota Entomologist Jeff Hahn said the brutal winter didn't decimate the ash borer.

"These insects are more able to tolerate the cold than what we assume they can," he said. "And that's not to say that some didn't die; certainly some did. We are going to see a small decline, it's something they are going to be able to rebound from."

Ralph Sievert, director of forestry for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, said the city is aiming for 2 or 3 types of trees on every block.

This year they are using about 100 different species and cultivar including:

• •Kentucky coffee trees

• •River birch

• •Autumn splendor buckeyes

• •Bi-color oaks

• •Hackberries

• •Gingkoes

• •Honey locusts

• •Lindens