Milton’s Emerald Ash Borer program carrying on in 2017

The Town of Milton is continuing with the treatment, removal and replacement of trees infected by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Work in 2017 will focus on Beaty, Clarke, Dempsey and Coates Neighbourhoods as well as follow-up work in older Milton neighbourhoods.

Residents may notice Town crews working on tree assessments and markings until the end of April. Green markings indicate continuing treatment for the tree; white markings designate trees that have been slated for removal and replacement. Town staff are expecting 1,500 infected ash trees to be removed from mid-May to the end of August, with replacement trees to be planted from September to November, and potentially minor plantings continuing into spring 2018, depending on species availability and optimum planting time for different species.

The assessment work is continuing in older areas of Milton that require replacement trees for infected trees that were removed last spring. Replanting for these areas will take place in the fall. Approximately 300 ash trees in this area continue to be treated with the insecticide TreeAzin, which is slowing the decline of the trees and helping to preserve the tree canopy until the trees eventually have to be removed and replaced over the next two to three years.

When replacing trees, a blend of tree species is being replanted in order to diversify the range of tree species types. This includes approximately 30 types of primarily Carolinian species, which are indigenous to this region. In addition, non-native, non-invasive species will be planted to further diversify the mix of trees. The Town will continue this approach to help make the urban forest more resilient to any possible future infestations that may target specific species of plants.

Residents on streets with affected ash trees on public property will receive a door hanger notice alerting them to upcoming tree removal and replanting work. Affected trees that are not on Town property are the responsibility of the property owner. Residents who are unsure about whether an affected tree is on their property or Town property can call 905-878-7252 ext. 2500.

The work that is currently underway is part of Milton’s multi-year strategy to proactively address the EAB infestation in Milton. EAB has affected the majority of ash trees in the community, and it is estimated that the EAB will destroy all of the ash trees in Milton in the next few years. The assessment and planting work is funded through the allocation of proceeds from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) operations at Mohawk Racetrack, which are used in the Town’s capital program in the year following the receipt of funds.

For more information on the Town’s EAB Strategy, visit www.milton.ca/EAB.