Ash Trees to Be Removed in Wellington Neighbourhood Due to Emerald Ash Borer
Date: March 11, 2023
Residents in parts of Wellington will notice tree removal work taking place along First Avenue and Harbourview Crescent between March 13 and March 17 as efforts continue to manage the spread of the emerald ash borer.
During this period, intermittent lane restrictions will be in place on both streets from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. While traffic may be slowed at times, access to the area will remain open.
The work is being carried out by Parkside Landscaping, which has been contracted to remove ash trees confirmed to be affected by the invasive pest. The emerald ash borer poses a serious threat to ash trees, as its larvae burrow beneath the bark and disrupt the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, ultimately leading to tree death.
According to Ontario’s Invasive Species Awareness Program, the emerald ash borer attacks both healthy and weakened ash trees. Once a tree becomes infested, the likelihood of survival is extremely low, with nearly all affected trees eventually dying. There are currently no natural predators capable of effectively controlling the insect’s spread.
Although the emerald ash borer typically spreads only a few kilometres per year on its own, human activity greatly accelerates its movement. Transporting infested firewood, logs, lumber, or wood chips can unintentionally introduce the pest to new areas.
Adult emerald ash borers are metallic green in colour and emerge from distinctive D-shaped holes in the bark between mid-May and late June. The insects measure approximately 8.5 to 14 millimetres in length, while their larvae appear creamy white with brown heads.
The County has indicated that replacement trees will be planted gradually, with priority given to properties enrolled in the Adopt a Tree program, as part of long-term efforts to restore the urban canopy.
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