Mandan considers updating tree ordinance

The Mandan City Commission is considering an updated tree ordinance.

It emphasizes that homeowners are responsible for the trees on the boulevard, bans planting bushes and shrubs there, and cleans up language for existing bans on planting ash and elm trees to control the spread of insects and disease.

The city arborist says Dutch elm disease is already around, but Emerald ash borers aren't here yet.

"The circle is getting smaller every year. In late 2017, it was found in Winnipeg, Canada. Then last spring, it was found in Sioux Falls, S.D., and just a couple months ago, it was found in Sauk Center, Minn. So it is getting closer. It's not a matter of if it gets here, but a matter of when," said Katie Nagel, Mandan arborist.

The ordinances also ban planting Cottonwoods because the seeds are considered a nuisance.