Mason City Removes Final Ash Tree From City Right-of-Way, Closing Six-Year Emerald Ash Borer Effort

MASON CITY — City crews have removed the final ash tree from Mason City’s public rights-of-way, marking the end of a six-year effort to combat the emerald ash borer, city officials said.

The emerald ash borer, known as EAB, was first confirmed in Mason City in June 2020, when larvae were discovered in a public ash tree along Willow Creek, according to the city. The invasive insect attacks ash trees beneath the bark and typically kills infested trees within two to four years.

Since 2020, City crews have removed 2,816 ash trees from streets and other public rights-of-way, addressing hazardous trees while managing what officials described as a significant change to Mason City’s urban forest.

During the removal effort, the city also planted more than 900 trees and said it will continue planting additional trees each year to help restore and diversify the community’s tree canopy.

City officials said reaching the final right-of-way removal caps six years of planning and work by city staff. Ash trees remain in some city parks and alleys, according to the city.