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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-2012 Emerald Ash Borer to Cause Removal of City Trees SOU TR 8F � G z s 1865 CITY OF SOUTH BEND PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR OFFICE OF THE MAYOR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 22, 2012 Contact: Debra Johnson, Director of Communications Phone: 574-235-5853 EMERALD ASH BORER TO CAUSE REMOVAL OF CITY TREES Dozens of Trees in Downtown South Bend to be Affected SOUTH BEND—The City of South Bend will need to remove dozens of ash trees due to a local infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle. The Emerald Ash Borer beetle is a highly destructive invasive species that infects ash trees. It has been affecting communities throughout the United States. The highest concentration of ash trees are located within downtown South Bend and will be the most impacted area for tree removal. The impacted area includes the removal of trees around the Century Center, DoubleTree hotel,U.S. Federal Building, Trinity Tower, Pro Health, U.S. Post Office, Salvation Army, and other locations in and around downtown South Bend. Downtown area ash trees total 108 in the public right of way and ash trees make up roughly 6 percent of the trees in the city. The City of South Bend's Forestry Division detected the Emerald Ash Borer beetle last fall near Keller Park, which started the removal of some ash trees. The City has continued the removal of ash trees throughout all city parks and crews are currently working to remove trees from Howard Park. The removal process takes up to an hour and a half for each tree. Once a tree has been infected, the canopy will begin to thin above infested portions of the bunk and major branches because the beetle destroys the water and nutrient conducting tissues under the bark. One-third to one-half of the branches may die in one year. Most of the canopy will be dead within two years of when symptoms are first observed. At times, ash trees push out sprouts from the trunk after the upper portions of the tree die. Research is being conducted at universities to understand the beetle's life cycle and find ways to detect new infestations, control EAB adults and larvae, and contain the infestation. Quarantines are in place to prevent infested ash firewood, logs or nursery 1400 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING•227 W.JEFFERSON BOULEVARD•SOUTH BEND,INDIANA 46601 PHONE 574/235-9261• FAx 574/235-9892 SpU TH 8F � G z s 1865 CITY OF SOUTH BEND PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR OFFICE OF THE MAYOR trees from being transported and starting new infestations. Business owners have the responsibility to have any tree lawn trees removed on their own or a licensed arborist after the city forester issues a permit. Any business owner who wishes to trim or remove dead or dangerous tree lawn trees must request a permit from City Forester Brent Thompson. He can be reached at 574-299-4766. 1400 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING•227 W.JEFFERSON BOULEVARD•SOUTH BEND,INDIANA 46601 PHONE 574/235-9261• FAx 574/235-9892