Board readies outreach and treatments as Emerald ash borer spreads; volunteers credited for invasive-species work

City tree program staff told the advisory board June 5 that Emerald ash borer is exacting new losses across city streets and parks and that the program is stepping up outreach and treatment coordination.

Sean said the board is planning a fall “twilight tour” in October and is meeting with volunteers to design the route. He said TruGreen, the vendor that treats trees, has proposed a press event at a city park and that any formal press coordination would go through Danielle in the mayor’s office. Sean said many residents still have not treated ash trees and that trees treated earlier are usually saved only if the work began before visible infestation.

Board members described large numbers of ash dying along corridors between the Lloyd Expressway and Linebach and said many 20–25‑year‑old ash will require heavy equipment to remove. Members emphasized the difficulty of convincing homeowners to treat trees before symptoms are obvious.

Separately, the board recognized volunteer work and media coverage: Tucker Publishing ran two articles about tree maintenance and replacement, and the Soil and Water Conservation District newsletter highlighted volunteer invasive-species removal in North Park Woods. Members praised the steady work of volunteer groups that have prevented invasive species from dominating that woodlot, noting wintercreeper and bamboo as problematic invasives in the area.

No formal motions were recorded in the transcript on treatment policy; staff described planned outreach and coordination steps.