Emerald Ash Borer in Ottawa: Invasive Species Spotlight

Spring seems to really be here now, and with the return of green leaves, we’re reminded of the ongoing threat to our ash trees: the Emerald Ash Borer.

MEET THE BORER

The Emerald Ash Borer.
source: ottawa.ca

From the Ottawa.ca website: “Emerald Ash Borer is a non-native, highly destructive wood-boring beetle that feeds under the bark of ash trees. It was confirmed in Ottawa in 2008 and its impacts can be clearly seen spreading from the St. Laurent area. Since the insect spends most of its lifecycle under the bark of trees, it can be easily moved with firewood or other tree materials such as nursery stock, logs, brush and larger wood chips. This insect is able to fly, but since its spread has been primarily along major highways and transport routes, it is clear that humans are the main vector of dispersal.”

BEETLE BUSTING: A DIFFICULT BATTLE

Telltale signs of the beetle.
source: ottawa.ca

What does this mean for Ottawa residents? Over the last two years, it has meant that we’ve had to remove many dead or dying ash trees. The Borer’s effect on trees is first noticeable at the crown (top) of the tree, which means that often, it may seem as if the City of Ottawa Forestry Services is removing a viable tree; unfortunately, many of these trees only look healthy from ground level when in fact, they are destroyed internally by the beetle. Some residents have been reluctant to remove their ash trees, thinking that the tree looks relatively healthy; but because the beetle works on the insides of the tree, the result is a solid-looking tree that is actually a serious safety hazard and may fall to the ground, crushing cars, wires, rooftops, or even people.

Forestry has been experimenting with a naturally-derived pesticide that shows promise in preventing the spread of the beetle’s larva. However, treatment with the pesticide can cost between $300-$500 per tree, and must be done every 12-24 months. Removal and quarantine of the dead wood are the only other option at present...another costly process, with a full removal costing upwards of $2,000 per tree. This cost is covered by the City when the tree is on City of Ottawa property, but residents with ash trees on their own property are responsible for the cost of treatment or removal.

Ash leaves always grow in
opposite directions like this.
source: ottawa.ca

This beetle has already had a hefty impact on the number of trees in our city and most definitely within the Alta Vista ward. Forestry is interplanting, which means they are attempting to replace dead trees with new trees of different species as they go along; unfortunately, there’s an introduced plant species called Buckthorn that is complicating the process. Buckthorn strangles out other plants, and if we do not effectively remove it before planting in some areas, it will kill the saplings that are planted.

WHAT CAN RESIDENTS DO?

Residents can take some important steps toward helping with the Emerald Ash Borer problem:

1. Learn more about the Borer beetle on the city website here.

Mature ash bark.
source: ottawa.ca

2. Report any suspected outbreaks by contacting the CFIA at 1-866-463-6017 or emailing 311@ottawa.ca

3. Don’t wait too long to seek treatment for your own ash trees! Contact the City by dialing 3-1-1 to learn what your options are. Consider working with neighbours to take care of a shared tree.

4. Attend a public Open House meeting about the EAB. Two meetings are coming up: April 12 – Ben Franklin Place, and April 23 – Jim Durrell Recreation Centre. More information about the time and room will be posted here on the blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, and at Ottawa.ca.

Young ash bark.
source: ottawa.ca

5. Be sure to have your ash trees disposed of properly: the beetle won’t die just because the tree has been removed from the ground.

A NECESSARY STEP

Some parts of our ward, and the city overall, are saturated with ash trees. You may live in a neighbourhood that has already experienced some heavy tree removal, and it is indeed upsetting to see mature trees dying in this way. However, our best hope for controlling this tree-killing beetle is to remain vigilant, take action with infected trees, and keep educated. It is only through coordinated effort that we may manage to stop the spread of this insidious little insect.

UPDATE: INFO SESSION DETAILS

The following information has been gathered regarding the EAB info sessions:

EMERALD ASH BORER

PUBLIC INFO SESSIONS

APRIL 12 4-8pm

BEN FRANKLIN PLACE

and

APRIL 23 4-8pm

JIM DURRELL CENTRE

(ELLWOOD HALL)