City marking emerald ash borer infested trees for removal
Guelph, ON, July 9, 2015 – The City is marking public ash trees affected by the emerald ash borer (EAB) in preparation for tree removal.
As part of the City’s EAB Plan, infested, dead or dying ash trees are marked with an orange “X”. The marking signifies that the tree is destined for removal. These trees include individual City owned ash trees fronting residential properties and trees found along roadways and in parks.
“Residents may see trees painted with an orange X in their neighbourhood or local park,” says Timea Filer, urban forestry field technologist. “These marked trees are dead or have been infested by the emerald ash borer and have the potential to become a hazard as their health declines so they must be removed. The City is marking infested trees in the summer with tree removal planned for early winter.”
Tree marking activities will focus on the city’s west end, Pine Ridge Park, University Village Park and the Pine Ridge East and West Greenways/Stormwater Management Facilities.
The City reminds property owners they are responsible for managing an EAB infestation on private property. Ash trees can be managed either through treatment or removal.
About the Emerald Ash Borer
The EAB is a highly destructive, non-native, wood-boring beetle that feeds under the bark of ash trees. The City has been monitoring its presence since it was first discovered in Canada in 2002. The EAB was confirmed in the south end of Guelph in the fall of 2011 and in 2013 testing confirmed that the EAB was present throughout the city. Now established, it is expected that close to 100 per cent of Guelph’s untreated ash trees will be killed over the next 10 years.