Happy news for one person who was worried about a tree being removed in Cobourg.
A sign taped to a tree on Chipping Park Boulevard said, “please do not cut down this tree – thank you.”
Town of Cobourg Arborist, Rory Quigliy told Today’s Northumberland the tree was safe and would not be removed.
The tree is a Sugar Maple, but other trees along Chipping Park Boulevard were removed as they were Ash trees.
A total of 32 Ash trees were removed in Cobourg during 2018.
A number of the trees from Chipping Park Boulevard and Sutherland Crescent were removed were Ash trees.
“Residents that had a town ash tree removed from the Boulevard in front of their house were provided with a letter regarding the removal and stump grinding,” said Quigley.
“As part of all removals, (including Ash trees) replanting will occur at the next available opportunity, which will be spring of 2019.”
The trees in the Chipping Park area had been planted in 1999.
In 2002 Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in the Windsor area of Essex County, Ontario. In 2003 we removed ash from are planting list. The EAB only feeds on Ash so tree like Maples, Oak and all others are not affected by the insect.
“This pest has been making its way across the province and is currently in Cobourg and Northumberland County area.”
Quigley said Cobourg has been taking steps over the years to reduce the impact of EAB.
“We have been completing regular Ash tree inspections of town trees and removal of poor specimens as well as trees suspected of having EAB has been taking place for several years now.”
“These inspections and removals will continue to be a priority while Ash trees continue to be affected by EAB.”
But Quigley added, “replanting is extremely important to us.”
“We will be working hard to get new and more diverse tree selection into neighbourhoods that have seen the loss of ash trees as well as expanding planting and looking for new locations to help expand Cobourg’s overall canopy cover.”
If you have any question regarding ash trees, please feel free to contact the Town of Cobourg, Forestry section at trees@cobourg.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
