Diseased Ash Trees Along 1500 South in Woods Cross to Be Removed

A row of eight aging ash trees along 1500 South in Woods Cross is expected to come down after the City Council agreed that the diseased trees should be removed rather than nursed along. The discussion is recorded in the Aug. 18 council minutes, which the council approved on Sept. 1.

Why the trees are coming down

The city’s parks superintendent told the council that several arborists have inspected and pruned the trees over time. Their findings, as summarized in the minutes, include:

• Heavy, overextended branches on the south side and dense sucker growth on the north side, tied to years of utility line pruning
• A history of branch failures
• Dieback and deadwood in the canopies
• Infestation by borers

Pruning enough to make the trees safe would remove more than the 25 to 30 percent of living branches that industry guidance recommends in one season. Treatment could reduce borers but cannot reverse the damage already done. Construction of the new City Hall would add more stress to the roots.

What the council decided

Staff laid out ongoing costs of roughly $1,000 a year for pruning plus borer treatments, compared with a one-time estimate of about $3,000 for removal and stump grinding. Council members reached a consensus to remove all of the diseased trees so new, better-suited trees can be planted and start growing. Staff also suggested treating four ash trees on the south end of Hogan Park for borers.

One proposal would let the Utah Community Forest Council take down two of the trees during an October 2026 chainsaw training class. The minutes do not list a removal date.

A farewell and a second life for the wood

Council members talked about a community farewell, such as a day for families to take photos before removal, and about saving the best wood for use in the new City Hall under a “Roots of Our Community” theme. Council members also asked staff to make clear the trees are being removed because they are sick, not to make room for the building.

Why it matters

The trees are a familiar sight on a busy corridor, and falling limbs are a safety concern. Watch the city’s channels for a schedule and any farewell event.

More on our Woods Cross page and in local news.

Dates, times and details are set by the city and can change. Please confirm on the official city website before you go.