Trees affected by emerald ash borer on Milton's chopping block

YorkRegion.com
Aug. 7, 2015

The Town of Milton is taking a proactive approach to combating the ever-growing emerald ash borer (EAB) problem, which has plagued a majority of the ash trees in the municipal tree inventory.

In a release issued Aug. 5, the town announced it was moving forward with plans to remove and replace a number of infected trees located in three local parks, including Laurier, Sam Sherrat and Trudeau.

Due to the large size and number of infected trees in Laurier Park, located at 756 Laurier Ave., the park will be closed August 11-13 to allow crews to complete the work quickly and efficiently, while protecting the public from potential safety hazards.

Work in Sam Sherratt Park, located at 655 Laurier Ave., is slated for August 14-15. On August 16, crews will move to Trudeau Park (475 Trudeau Dr.) to complete the necessary work.

Both Same Sherratt and Trudeau parks will remain open to the community during the tree-removal process. However, residents are advised to exercise caution when frequenting the area.

The work is weather permitting and tree removal dates are subject to change.

Pending budget approval, Town officials plan to replace the ash trees and hope to do so by the end of 2016. A blend of tree species will be planted in order to diversify the range of tree species types. This approach will also help make the municipality’s tree inventory more resilient to possible future infestations that may target specific species of plants.

The Town’s removal and replacement of ash trees in local parks fall in line with its blended approach to the EAB issue.

While all ash trees on town property in good to excellent condition are being treated with a systemic insecticide, those with a diametre that is less than 20 centimetres at breast height and those deemed to be in fair or poor condition will be axed.

Residents should note that the Town is not responsible for affected trees on private property. Property owners unsure about whether an affected tree is located on their property or that of the town’s can contact municipal officials through the Damaged Tree Reporting Form, which is available online at www.milton.ca or by calling 905-878-7252, ext. 2500.