Dead and Dying Ash Trees A Safety Concern in Mississauga

The City advises residents that dead and dying Ash trees infested with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) pose a safety concern. As winter approaches, with the potential for wind, snow and ice storms, the danger of falling branches and trees increases throughout Mississauga.

“Once infested with EAB, an Ash tree will die quickly,” said Gavin Longmuir, Manager of Forestry. “If an EAB infested ash tree is located in a yard, along a street or a fence, it could pose a safety risk and should be removed. Safety is the most important issue when determining when to remove your dead or dying ash tree.”

Mississauga City Council approved the EAB Active Management Plan in 2012. Under this plan, the City has taken the following action:

• inspected all city-owned Ash trees on streets and in parks
• inspecting Ash trees in woodlots
• treating sustainable Ash trees on streets and in parks with TreeAzin™
• removing street trees and trees in parks and woodlots city-wide; tree removal focuses on high risk areas next to roadways, trails and paths, homes, schools and buildings/facilities
• replanting city-owned street and park trees removed due to EAB within the community

“It is the property owner’s responsibility to treat or remove dead or dying Ash trees on their property,” added Longmuir. “The City needs our resident’s help to manage the impact of EAB and keep our community safe from falling branches and trees.”

If you think you have a tree on your property that is infested with EAB, contact an ISA certified arborist for advice. Visit mississauga.ca/eab for more information on EAB and what you can do.

Background:

EAB is an insect that kills all species of Ash trees native to North America and has infested and destroyed many Ash trees in Ontario, Quebec and the North Eastern United States. EAB was first discovered in Mississauga in 2008 and since that time has spread throughout the city.