The following trees could be considered the 5 most high-maintenance trees (and costly) in Minnesota. Consider these points when developing tree maintenance and planting decisions:

Top 5 Most Costly Trees

#1 Crabapple 

  • Why? = Apple scab disease requires yearly applications and generally require frequent tree pruning).  

  • Plant disease-resistant varieties or other ornamental trees.

       

        #2 Colorado Spruce 

  • Why? = Multiple disease issues resulting in pruning, removals, Plant Health Care and replacement costs.

  • Utilize fir, pine, cedar or other evergreen varieties.

    #3 Ash 

  • Why? = Emerald ash borer resulting in high costs for chemical treatment, tree removal and replacement.

  • Understand the financial impact of EAB planning. Sorry, not much to save money here.

         

       #4 Autumn Blaze maple 

  • Why? = Overplanted tree with poor structure and root issues requiring a large amount of pruning and root work.

  • Plant other maple types or tree varieties such as oak, honeylocust, hackberry or birch.

       

#5 Linden

  • Why? = Favorite tree for Japanese beetles often developing stem girding roots leading to tree failure.

  • Minimize the number planted and install other varieties such as oak, honeylocust, hackberry or birch.