Laserfiche WebLink
$80,000 into tree replacements annually since 2022. In order to ensure the viability and success <br />of the trees, large amounts of watering is required. These trees require Public Works staff to fill <br />watering bags in order for the trees to thrive throughout the spring, summer and fall months in a <br />very tough environment for growth along a highway boulevard. This effort of maintenance is <br />solely dependent on daily workload and staff availability. Safety is also a concern with this <br />effort, as well. The amount of time staff works along live traffic out of their vehicles should be <br />minimized as much as possible along the corridor of Highway 96, one of the busiest roadways in <br />Arden Hills and posted speed limit of 55 mph. This work is often performed by seasonal staff <br />with little field experience. Staff is interested in gauging the Council's interest in permanently <br />installing an irrigation system to limit the amount of exposure staff has along live traffic, as well <br />as consistently helping the longevity and viability of the trees that we have invested in and <br />replaced in the corridor recently and give them the best chance to survive. <br />Replacement of existing trees in decline along Highway 96 - Recently, Public Works staff <br />inspected the existing condition of the remaining trees along TH-96. Approximately 30 more <br />trees are in major decline. A good portion of the trees have been identified with Emerald Ash <br />Borer (EAB) disease and have been treated over the years, but treatment is no longer a viable <br />option and the trees need to be removed and possibly replaced. Staff would propose replacing <br />these trees in the same fashion, consistent with the annual projects since 2022 using the Tree <br />Replacement Fund, which has an approximate balance of $34,000 that could be utilized for this <br />work. <br />Discussion <br />• Council's vision for the overall corridor of Highway 96 and Highway 10 in regard to <br />longevity and success of the newly replaced trees, and additional trees and shrubbery that <br />are in decline. <br />Budget Impact <br />• Irrigation and replacement of —17 shrubs: estimated $25,000 <br />• Irrigation to existing trees locations along 96: estimated $100,000-$200,000 <br />• Replacement of existing —30 trees in decline along 96: estimated $35,000 <br />Attachments <br />Attachment A — Lakeshore Place retaining wall landscaping maintenance agreement <br />Page 2 of 2 <br />