The City is continuing to implement its Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan to protect our local Ash tree population. While the Emerald Ash Borer has yet to be confirmed within City limits, it is known to have infected Ash trees in neighbouring municipalities.

Residents may notice workers performing these Ash tree inoculations over the next few weeks (see Image 1). Residents are asked to refrain from tampering with these traps and inoculation treatments if encountered.

Selected Ash trees are treated with a bio-pesticide that has proven effective in preventing infestation of healthy trees, and eliminating the pest in trees that have already suffered mild to moderate damage from the invasive beetle (see Image 2). The pesticide is injected directly into the tree so there is no potential harm to residents.

Using the 2015 City tree inventory, 70 trees have been identified for repeat (bi-annual) or first treatment. Unable to treat all trees, the plan will focus on inoculating more prominent trees in parks, along streets, and where there is a large ash tree population.

Signs of infection include crown defoliation, and D shaped entry holes in the tree trunk.