Grimsby approves ash borer policy

Niagarathisweek.com
Nov. 12, 2015
By Luke Edwards

A little bug is causing a big problem in Ontario, and Grimsby’s not immune.

The town has approved a policy to deal with trees infected by the emerald ash borer, an invasive species native to Asia that has been spreading to municipalities throughout Ontario since it was first detected in the province in 2002. The town’s policy comes with an anticipated price tag of $125,000 a year over the next 10-plus years. That money will come out of the public works department’s budget.

“We’re looking at removing 110 trees on average in a given year, over the next 13 years,” said Ald. and public works chair Steve Berry.

While Ald. Nick DiFlavio said the news was better than earlier thought, Berry cautioned there could be some significant tree loss in certain neighbourhoods.

“The concern is some surveys have all ash trees. We could be losing some major trees in a given area,” he said.

The policy developed by the town will see staff head out on tours every July to inspect trees. Any tree with less than 20 per cent canopy remaining will be noted and a letter sent to nearby homeowners, informing them of the proposed removal.

Trees will then be removed in October or November of the same year, with stumping to follow either that year or the following spring.

Doing it this way allows the town to send out a single tender each year, which should keep money in the town coffers.

“It makes me feel better both about preservation of tree and the money,” DiFlavio said about the 20-per-cent canopy aspect.

Since the ash borer makes trees it affects brittle the town faces liability issues. Berry said the 20 per cent canopy is a good benchmark, but some trees may have to be removed before that number is reached.

Town staff have identified 1,400 ash trees along town road allowances. A report to the public works committee said “it can be assumed the majority will get infected over the next five to 10 years and die in the following one to three years.

Berry said there is a possibility that homeowners can elect to pay for special injections in an effort to save the trees, but the cost of the injections will have to be borne by the homeowner and it’s not clear how well it works.

Injections cost, on average, $200 per tree, and repeated injections are typically needed.