Tree Vandalism In Burnsville: Police Open Investigation

BURNSVILLE, MN — In the last week, City of Burnsville Natural Resources staff have discovered at least four black cherry trees that have been vandalized in Burnsville’s Terrace Oaks. The trees, some up to 37 inches in diameter, were “girdled” – meaning rings of bark were stripped from around the entire tree. Girdling kills trees by severing the tissues in the bark that transport sugar and water. Once a tree has been girdled, it can take a year or more to die.

While the damage was just discovered recently, it’s likely that it could have happened months ago, according to authorities. The damage was not done as a part of any invasive species control or savanna restoration taking place in the park.

The Burnsville Police Department has opened an investigation of the incident. At this time, it is unclear whether this was a random act of vandalism or if the perpetrator(s) had a specific motive. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Minnesota Patch, click here to find your local Minnesota Patch. Also, follow us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan experienced similar damage to black cherry trees last winter.
Anyone with information regarding this incident, or who observes similar tree damage should contact the Burnsville Police Department at (952) 895-4609.

Related: $5,000 Reward Offered For Info On Eagan Tree Vandals

Image via City of Burnsville