The City of Sioux Falls is introducing a new five-year tree planning initiative that begins next year.
The “CommuniTree” program will plant over 2,500 new trees between the curb and sidewalk across Sioux Falls to target areas in the city most affected by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer, or EAB.
The EAB is an invasive insect that kills ash trees. It was first found in Sioux Falls city limits in 2018, and the city said EAB has continued to infest and kill trees.
Infected trees can become unstable, fall altogether or drop branches, which create potential safety hazards.
The city plans to contact owners in qualified areas to determine the location and type of street tree they wish to plant near properties.
City leaders say funding for the initiative comes from a $3 million grant from the US Department of Agriculture. Included in program costs are the tree, planting and first year of watering.
