Urban Ash Borer

What is the Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness Plan?

The Town of Cobourg will begin removing and replacing infected Ash trees (Fraxinus spp) as part of its ongoing Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness Plan beginning this spring and summer. 

Over the past year there has been an increase in the amount of infected Ash trees in Cobourg 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. 

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. 

As part of the Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness Plan the Town of Cobourg will continue to assess and track infected Ash trees. 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. 

Trees that have been removed will be replaced on a one-to-one basis with a variety of tree species native to the area in order to minimize any invasive species-related risks to the tree population overall.