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The Austin City Council Monday night approved a bid for ash tree and stump removal regarding trees affected by emerald ash borer.

Council members unanimously approved awarding the bid to Carr’s Tree Service, Inc, out of Ottertail, Minnesota to remove 325 ash trees and that also includes grinding the stumps and ground restoration.

Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2025 according to Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Jason Sehon.

Total cost of the bid amount comes to $183,428.14 and will be paid for using a grant from the Hormel Foundation of $91,714.07 and required matching funds from the city that will come from the Capital Improvement Revolving Fund.

Officials were happy with the 15 bids that were received by the city which provided plenty of options to choose from.

“We’re very pleased with this outcome,” Sehon told the council.

The majority of the 325 trees that will be removed by Carr’s will be boulevard trees or trees that are easier to reach.

The city has embarked on a “treat first” mentality with a large number of trees deemed healthy enough, but Sehon said that around 1,600 trees will ultimately need to be cut down because of the EAB infestation in Austin.