City of Oshawa yesterday said the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) continues to have an impact on our community tree canopy.
Forestry staff have been removing dead ash trees throughout the city that are impacted by the insect, resulting in the tree no longer being viable and potentially creating a risk to the public and/or the surrounding property. Inspected ash trees that have not lost more than 30% of their live canopy will continue to be maintained and monitored by the city, it said.
Once an infested ash tree in a park or on a city boulevard is removed, the stump will be replaced by a new species of tree in the next calendar year. Since 2011, more than 1,000 ash trees have been replaced. Community members with ash trees on their property are responsible for managing their trees and if concerned should consider hiring a certified arborist to discuss options.
First confirmed in Oshawa in 2011, EAB is an invasive insect that attacks and kills ash trees. Throughout Southern Ontario, ash trees have been an important part of the tree canopy because they grow quickly and adapt well to various growing conditions. They make up a major component of woodlots, street trees, parks and natural areas.
Once infested with EAB, the tree quickly becomes brittle and hazardous to public safety. “The city has treated its parks and boulevard ash trees with TreeAzin since 2012 but unfortunately, this does not guarantee survival of each tree, although we have had success in many areas such as Lakeview Park. Some areas have experienced major loss on streets, in green spaces and on our trail system,” said a city statement.