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2023 is the first year of a ten-year phased removal plan for trees infested with the emerald ash borer.

This year 90 infested ash trees are scheduled for removal across the city, beginning Wednesday, June 28, in the general vicinity of the Owen Sound Visitor Centre on 1st Avenue West.

Of the 90 trees to be removed this year, 39 are located in the Inner Harbour area.

In response to the emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation, the City developed an Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan in 2014.

The City’s Emerald Ash Borer Plan attempted to project the impacts of emerald ash borer in Owen Sound, and the plan provided direction for a ten-year period of time,  inoculating 165 significant ash trees in 2016, 2018, and 2020 against emerald ash borers.

The presence of EAB was confirmed in Owen Sound in 2018.  

In total, 1,092 ash trees are currently identified for removal over the next ten years, starting with trees in public areas presenting with the most advanced EAB infestation symptoms.

City Council approved $75,000 annually in the City’s operating budget for the removal of infested ash trees over the next ten years. The City is seeking grant opportunities to fund replacement trees for these locations. 

20 to 30 per cent of forests in Grey County are made up of ash species susceptible to the emerald ash borer. 

Members of the public are asked to stay clear of tree work sites for their safety and the safety of tree workers.  

Residents who are concerned about the condition of a tree on City property are asked to use the City’s Report a Tree Concern form to request an inspection. Upon receipt of a form, the City will inspect a tree and follow up with inspection results within 15 business days.

More information from the University of Waterloo about the impact of climate on this invasive species here.

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source: media release, City of Owen Sound

photo: Dan Laurier Beaulieu