It's emerald ash borer season, but what do you do if the Sioux Falls storm took your ash tree down?
Trees all around Sioux Falls were damaged on Tuesday evening when a derecho blew through the state, bringing with it winds up to 99 mph.
The city has announced several sites to drop off storm debris, including the landfill, where tipping fees have been waived through July. But those downed trees bring up another question, regarding a local pest the same shade as the murky green skies that fell over Sioux Falls on Tuesday.
The emerald ash borer, first found in South Dakota in 2018, is an invasive insect that has decimated ash trees across the country.
With an estimated 85,000 ash trees in the city, the city has a long-term plan to fight against the insect, part of which is a ban on the movement of ash wood between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when adult beetles emerge from the wood and could spread the infestation.
More: City waiving landfill fees through July for storm debris
However, said Park Operations Manager Kelby Mieras, storm damage is exempt from that ban. So by all means, get that tree limb out of your backyard.
Mieras said the fight against the insect is going well, noting the city's 10-year plan to remove thousands of ash trees is going well in its fourth year, with 2,284 trees removed on average each year.
Residents have been doing well in the effort, too, Mieras said, either treating their trees or having them removed.
More information on the emerald ash borer can be found on the city's website.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: What can Sioux Falls residents do if derecho downed your ash tree?
