Ash borer threatening trees in King, York

May 7, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons

Ash trees in and around York region are in immediate danger from the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The infestation has killed millions of ash trees across North America.
According to King Mayor Steve Pellegrini, our municipality has removed 12 trees in our parks so far because of the bug.
The invasive EAB is a dark green, metallic-looking beetle whose larvae feed on wood under the bark of ash trees, creating S-shaped tunnels and result in the death of the tree within two to five years. The signs of infestation, which may not be visible until the tree is too damaged to be saved, include yellowing or dying leaves at the top of the tree, cracked bark, stem shoots and D-shaped holes on the bark.
Ash trees not yet infested with EAB will succumb to the insect if insecticide treatments are not administered every two years. The York Region Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan includes removing and replacing ash trees on Regional roads and protecting some healthy trees with insecticide. Residents are asked to help slow the spread of EAB and other insects whose larvae travel in firewood by buying and burning firewood locally. If you have an ash tree in your property that has become infected, you may want to find a company similar to this Roanoke tree removal firm who could come and safely remove the tree.
York Region has partnered with Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) to educate residents through the EAB Ambassador Program and to provide a subsidized backyard tree-planting service. York also supports tree planting programs for rural property owners delivered by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
There will be an Emerald Ash Borer information session and workshops to inform residents about EAB and how their properties may be affected. It will be held Tuesday, June 3 at the Nobleton arena from 7-9 p.m.
For more information on EAB in York Region, visit www.york.ca/EAB
Tens of millions of ash trees have been killed by the EAB in Canada and the eastern United States. It poses no risk to human health.
After being sighted in York Region in 2008, it can now be found throughout York Region and much of southern Ontario. The focus now is on managing the impact and slowing the spread of the insect.
This plan involves monitoring the spread and working with municipal, provincial and national partners; replacing dead or dying Region-owned ash trees on Regional roads with different species not susceptible to EAB.
The larvae of Emerald Ash Borer and other insects can travel in firewood, nursery stock and wood waste like cut-up branches and stumps.
Avoid moving firewood and wood waste to slow the spread of EAB and prevent the introduction of other invasive insects to new areas.
Dispose of ash wood waste at any of York Region’s public waste drop-off depots.
If you have an ash tree on your property, contact an ISA certified arborist to assess your trees health and determine your options.