The emerald ash borer is creating havoc with parks and municipally-owned properties.
Another 25 trees at the North Bay waterfront will be cut down. The work began today and is expected to continue over the next few weeks. The remaining ash trees at the waterfront will be removed next year.
In 2019 a number of trees were removed from Lee Park,
See: North Bay battles emerald ash borer
First detected in Ontario in 2002, the emerald ash borer is an invasive insect from Asia that feeds on all species of the ash tree. It attacks both healthy and stressed Ash trees when its larvae tunnel through the tree’s vascular system which delivers water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the tree.
There is no known method to eradicate the wood-boring insect.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has prohibited the movement of firewood and any material made from Ash trees outside of designated areas under an Infested Places Order.
"Work to identify and inventory infected trees throughout areas of the city began several years ago when it was first identified that the emerald ash borer was causing significant damage to the local ash trees," says a news release. "Infected trees, including some at Lee Park, have already been removed."
In preparation for the removal of infected trees, the City’s Parks Department began planting trees about five years ago at the waterfront and other park areas. The infected ash trees are being replaced with a variety of species in order to minimize any future invasive species-related risks. To date, more than 350 trees have been planted.
You may have an infected tree on your property. If so contact a qualified arborist who is familiar with this type of infestation.
How to Identify Emerald Ash Borer
- Trees appear to be thinning at the crown, dead branches and yellowing of leaves.
- Adults emerge from a D-shaped exit hole between mid-May and late June.
- Adults are metallic blue-green.
- Bodies are narrow and 8.5 to 14 mm long.
- Larvae are a creamy white colour with a light brown head.
For more information on the Emerald Ash Borer, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.
