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