As the temperature starts to warm and trees begin to leaf out, you may notice that a large number of ash trees in Fort Wayne aren’t following suit, or maybe they look a little haggard. You might even discover an infested ash tree in your own yard. A tiny invasive, non-native insect is to blame.
By the end of this year, the City will lose close to 3,000 ash trees to the Emerald Ash Borer. This small Asian beetle arrived in Allen County in 2006. The insect literally sucks the life out of the trees — destroying the tree from under the bark. Most trees die within three to five years of infestation.
The infected trees can be a safety hazard. They can fall damage property or even injure someone. A certified arborist can inspect your trees, determine if a chemical treatment is practical or recommend removal.
If your ash tree is within the City’s right-of-way the City will remove the tree if it’s dead and considered a safety hazard. Residential right-of-way is generally the park strip between the curb and the sidewalk, or if you don’t have a sidewalk, if the tree is within the first 10-12 feet from the edge of the road.
The City will replace some of the trees removed but budget constraints will not allow the City to replace all of the trees. Residents can help by participating in a cost-sharing program where they will pay $75 and the City will pay the rest.
For more information about the process and the 2011 Street Tree Application, visit:
http://www.fortwayneparks.org/images/stories/ParksMaintenance/Street_Tree_Application_2011.pdf
To see photos of the affected trees visit: www.fortwayneparks.org.
Information contributed by Natalie Eggeman, Public Information Officer, Parks and Recreation
Where and/or whom may I contact in order remove an Ash tree that had been affected by the Emerald Ash Borer.
Kobi,
If the tree is on City property, please call Parks and Recreation at 427-6000