(Issued April 12, 2021 at 9 a.m. EST) – The Town of Cobourg will be removing dead Ash trees (Fraxinus spp) as part of its ongoing Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Plan beginning today along the north and east edges of the North section of Cobourg’s Conservation Area off of Elgin Street West.
As part of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Plan the Town of Cobourg continues to monitor potentially infected Ash trees due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle that feeds on the inner bark and disrupts the flow of nutrients and water throughout the tree. There is no known method to eradicate this invasive species. Any home owners that are adjacent to Town owned Ash trees found to be infected will be notified by letter and informed of the scheduled removal and replacement dates.
“We continue to identify public Ash trees within town boundaries and actively monitor these trees for signs of these invasive tree pests,” said Rory Quigley, Parks Manager for The Town of Cobourg. “We want to remove these dead or declining trees before they become more of a risk to the public.”
The Emerald Ash Borer originated in Asia. It is believed to have spread via untreated-wood shipping packaging. It has caused the decline and death of many ash trees throughout southern Ontario, and its presence in Northumberland County was confirmed in June 2013.
Residents are asked to avoid the north section of the Cobourg Conservation Area while Town contractors remove the dead Ash trees. We thank you for your cooperation.
Is Your Town Ash Tree Infected?
If you believe the Town Ash tree in the boulevard next to your property is infected with the Emerald Ash Borer beetle, please contact Rory Quigley, Parks Manager for the Town of Cobourg by emailing rquigley@cobourg.ca or by calling 905-372-8641 x 4370.
For more information about Ash tree removal and the Town of Cobourg’s Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Plan, visit www.cobourg.ca/EAB or email trees@cobourg.ca.