The Emerald Ash Borer is here!

Do you have an Ash tree that is dying or dead?

If your dead or near dying tree is located in a yard or along a street, it will likely pose a hazard over time and should be removed if showing any signs of Emerald Ash Borer. However, if one of your ash trees is within a woodlot, it is much less likely to pose a danger to you or your family. If left standing, these trees can provide valuable habitat for wildlife. Standing dead trees are an integral component of a healthy ecosystem, creating nesting sites for birds, sheltered cavities for mammals and structure for a variety of other organisms.

Safety, however, should be your top priority — if you think that the tree could be a hazard for you or others, be safe and remove it. If you plan to remove your tree, hire a reliable, insured, licensed arborist/tree service company. You may wish to hire a tree removal company on your own. Joining with your neighbors to hire a single company for a large group of local tree removals may also allow you to benefit from bulk purchasing prices. Don’t wait until ash tree is dead, tree contractors do not want to work on dead or near dead ash trees, these trees are unpredictable trees during the cutting process and become a hazard to personal contractor safety and public safety. Before hiring a company, be sure to obtain: • Estimates from multiple companies. • Proof of insurance. • Written estimates of cost. • Written agreement on disposal/site cleanup requirements. • References.

For a list of local arborists or for tips on how to select a tree service company, please contact your yellow pages, the internet, or www.huronkinloss.com business listings. More information can also be found at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/emerald-ash-borer