Destructive insect found in Simcoe County

barrie.ctvnews.ca
Sept. 30, 2014
By Mike Walker

The Emerald Ash Borer is infesting and killing ash trees in Barrie, Bradford, Essa, New Tecumseth, Oro Medonte, Midland and Tay.

The County of Simcoe found the insects after checking traps that were set this summer to find out how far north the Ash Borer has travelled.

Simcoe County forester Graeme Murray explains that although the trees are currently infected, people might not see the damage yet.

“It kills the tree by cutting off nutrients and moisture,” explained Murray. “We're not seeing mass mortality yet. People are not going to see the trees die for another year or two yet.”

Ash trees make up 10% of our region’s trees.

The County is hoping to harvest the trees before more become infected.

Officials estimate it will cost $700,000 to remove ash trees that are either infected or at risk of becoming infected.

Officials are suggesting homeowners should have ash trees on their property inspected for the Emerald Ash Borer.