Watertown continues fight against Emerald Ash Borer

WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – The City of Watertown is continuing its fight against the invasive Emerald Ash Borer.

The city is continuing work this week in trying to curb the spread of the insect. The beetle was found in the city in October 2019. It is an invasive beetle that targets and kills ash trees by feeding on and destroying the vascular tissue of host trees, ultimately limiting the movement and availability of water and nutrients throughout the tree. If not preventatively treated, infested ash trees will become brittle and hazardous as they decline and die within a few years after initial infestation.

Watertown is chemically treating and help protect 60 ash trees growing in various locations throughout the city, including street trees, neighborhood park trees, and ash trees growing in Thompson Park. Work started this week run through tomorrow. Treatment will be conducted through a contained application known as root flare injection. Citizens can expect to see an ISA Certified Arborist and state-licensed Pesticide Applicator wearing high visibility clothing as they conduct this work at the base of trees.

To limit future risks associated with EAB, the city will also continue the strategic and proactive removal of ash trees that are outside of our treatment population. As in years past, planning department staff will communicate removal and replacement efforts directly with property owners living adjacent to city-owned ash trees. If there is adequate room for tree replacement, a site appropriate tree species will be planted as part of the City’s annual tree planting program.

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