Brampton’s Ash Trees Under Attack

Brampton: Are there ash trees on your property? The City is advising all property owners to monitor their ash trees for signs of the Emerald Ash Borer. Infestation of this insect has taken hold in Brampton, and trees are now dying.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive species of beetle which feeds exclusively on ash trees. The larvae burrow under the bark to feed, causing extensive damage which leads to the death of the tree within a few years. In 2008, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of EAB in Brampton and neighbouring municipalities.

EAB poses no risk to humans or animals, and does not harm other species of trees. It is, however, very deadly to all varieties of ash trees (except Mountain Ash).

Some City street trees will be removed in 2012, with more to follow over the next few years. City-owned ash trees of good structure, height and health may be suitable for a chemical injection of TreAzin. The City’s certified arborists will evaluate eligible trees, with injections completed in several areas this summer before trees prepare for winter dormancy. The TreAzin program will continue into 2013.

“City staff continues to carefully monitor the Emerald Ash Borer in Brampton. At this time we will only remove trees on City property that are showing signs of significant crown loss,” said Jamie Lowery, Commissioner of Community Services. “There is no immediate need for people to cut down ash trees on private property unless the tree’s structure poses a hazard.”

If land owners suspect an ash tree on their property is infested, they are encouraged to contact a certified arborist to confirm. Property owners are required to arrange for the safe removal of dead or dying trees on their land, and must notify the City of these intents, with confirmation that the tree is an ash. Tree removal permits, usually required by the City’s Tree Preservation By-law, will not be needed for ash trees.

Residents and business owners will be informed when trees are being removed from City property in their neighbourhoods. The City will replace trees on City property that have been removed due to EAB infestation.

Visit www.brampton.ca for more information about TreAzin, how to identify an infested tree, and the City’s tree replacement plans.

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