Trees and Forestry
Town Tree
The Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is the official town tree, selected because it is native to the area and a Carolinian species. The Tulip Tree is noteworthy for its large tulip shaped leaves and fragrant tulip-like flowers that appear in mid-spring. The Town tree grows 80 to 100 feet tall and maintains a fairly narrow oval crown, even as it grows older. Contact your local garden centre for more information.
Click here for the Town's Tree Preservation By-law 60-04
Emerald Ash Borer
Communities in Ontario are dealing with an invasive pest known as the Emerald Ash Borer, first discovered in Canada in 2002. This metallic green-coloured beetle has destroyed more than 20 million Ash trees in North American, and poses a major economic and environmental threat to urban and forested areas across the country.
The Emerald Ash Borer larvae destroy the layer under the bark that is responsible for transporting nutrients and water throughout the tree. With this transport system blocked, an otherwise healthy tree may die in 2 to 5 years, depending on its age and the extent of infestation.
The Emerald Ash Borer has been identified in Fort Erie.
How many trees are infested with EAB in Fort Erie?
Ash trees make up approximately 60-75% of all trees located in Fort Erie. Town staff estimate that there are about 16,500 ash trees infested with EAB in Fort Erie; with approx. 80% of them located on private property.
What Does an Ash Tree Look Like?
EAB only attacks true ash trees. In the Niagara Region green and white ash are most common with blue and black ash being less common. Mountain ash and prickly ash are not from the same species and are not susceptible to EAB. Click Identifying Ash Trees for more information on Ash trees and the signs of infestation.
How much damage can the EAB cause to ash trees?
Trees infested with EAB, which do not receive proper treatment within a specific period of time, will die. Unlike other tree species, ash trees killed by EAB have full tree failures significantly sooner after they are dead. Additionally, they are more likely to fall down at the base, increasing the risk of injury or damage to town and private property. The mortality rate of EAB infested trees can happen as fast as one year; however, it typically occurs within 2-3 years.
What will happen to the Town-owned ash tree near my property?
Town-owned ash trees will be identified, tagged and marked with white paint by the Town Arborist to indicate the action to be taken. Trees marked with an “X” or “X & H” have been tagged for removal. Trees marked with a white “dot” identify the tree is in healthy condition and require maintenance trimming to ensure continued health.
What should I do if I have a privately-owned ash tree on my property?
If you have an ash tree on your property, contact a certified arborist to assess your tree’s health. If your tree is healthy, insecticides are available that can protect it from EAB. If your tree is infested, a tree care professional can remove it before it becomes a hazard to your safety or property.
What is the Town doing to battle the EAB infestation?
In 2016, the Town will be spending $468,000 for the trimming and removal of trees on Town property; a significant increase over last year’s budget. Over the past few months, the Town completed a tree removal program in South Fort Erie. Staff will continue assessing the EAB impact in the Crescent Park area for the remainder of the year. Due to this year’s drastic increase in tree removals, additional funding (approx. $65,000) will be allocated to a re-planting program scheduled to begin in Fall 2016.
What can you do if you think a tree is infested with an EAB infestation?
Please contact the Town Hall at 905-871-1600 and speak with one of our customer service representatives. Your concern will be added to our list of trees to inspect but due to the current volume, please be paitent as we work to clear the backlog.
Additional Information for Residents
- Don’t move infested wood material to new areas.
- Firewood should be obtained locally, burned on-site, and not left behind
- Refer to Canadian Food Inspection Agency or the Ministry of Natural Resources on how to slow the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, how to deal with Emerald Ash Borer on your property, and trees to plant instead of Ash.
