By Kaylee Kruschke
Murphy News Service

Fall is a good time to prune ash trees since the Emerald ash borers are dormant until spring.

The beetle remains dormant between Labor Day and May 1 most years, according to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

The Emerald ash borer killed millions of ash trees in 15 states and about 20 percent of the tree canopy in Minneapolis consists of this type of tree, making the beetle a major concern.

To hinder the spread of the beetle, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has issued a state quarantine on firewood, ash trees, and ash tree products in four counties — Hennepin, Ramsey, Houston and Winona.

Minneapolis yard and boulevard trees need care as well. The Park Board recommends the trees get an inch of water each week in the fall.

Young and old trees not receiving the proper amount of water are more susceptible to disease and permanent damage, the release said.

Residents and businesses near the trees are urged to water the trees when weekly rainfall does not reach 1 inch.

To minimize evaporation, the release said the city recommends watering trees during the evening by turning on a slow stream of water for a few hours.

For more information about licensed tree servicers, go to www.minneapolismn.gov/licensing/business-licensing_treeservice