Hazardous trees and ash trees on city property will soon be removed in the City of Washington.

At the recent Washington City Council meeting Nick Duvall explained an inventory of the city’s trees was done recently and mapped out all of the trees including those that are dead, dying, or hazardous. The estimated cost for all of the work is $280,000. Duvall explained they’re looking to remove 20 trees per year over the next few years; for ash trees, “We have 242 on city property. And then there are 55 condition one trees, those are the trees that are in need of immediate attention. We are working on those trees this year, with the intention of being able to get through all of those and then concentrate on ash trees going forward.”

Due to the emerald ash borer destroying ash trees from the inside out, crews are keeping a close eye on those in the area. City Administrator Brent Hinson said they won’t remove healthy ash trees, they’ll only do so when they show signs of decay.

The council approved a bid by Kalonial Tree Service to remove 10 trees for $6,775.The council allocated $50,000 for tree removal in fiscal year 2018, this is for trees in the right of way or on city property. The council is also considering the purchase of a grapple bucket, chainsaws, and safety equipment so city crews can remove more of the trees and cut down on the cost of hiring contractors.