Some Cresco residents to remove dead trees

CRESCO - Cresco City residents may have received or may yet receive a letter in regards to dead or dying trees on their property.

The City has been proactive in taking down ash trees before they are infected by Emerald Ash Borer. The first confirmed EAB in City limits was in June 2016. The insect can quickly kill a tree, which is then a possible nuisance or safety hazard when branches or the entire tree falls down.

The letter states Rod Freidhof, Public Works Director of Cresco, is empowered to enforce the city ordinance as they apply to nuisance properties. This means anyone with a dead or dying ash or other tree on personal property will be asked to have it removed. 

The letter states, “Upon receipt of the notice, you have 45 days to bring the property into compliance to meet the requirements of the ordinance.” If not a simple misdemeanor citation will be issued and a court date set.

Freidhof added, “If that fails, we will then seek a court order from the Magistrate to remove the nuisance and attach the cost for removal to the property taxes.” 

So far, two letters have been sent, with one property owner already complying. The second recipient will be getting another letter from the City’s lawyer.