EAB was first detected in Ontario in 2002 and has since spread rapidly across the province. It is commonly spread through the movement of infested firewood, logs, or untreated wood products.
Ash Tree Removal on Trails
Project Overview
The Municipality is removing ash trees affected by emerald ash borer (EAB) along municipal trails. The work is being completed in phases to address safety concerns and maintain safe trail systems. To date, approximately 500 ash trees have been removed.
Why are Ash Trees being removed?
Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect that attacks and kills ash trees. As affected trees decline, they become increasingly unstable and can pose a safety risk, particularly along public trails. Removing these trees helps maintain safe trail areas for residents and visitors.
Current Work: Blue Trail – Davidson Centre
Ash tree removal will begin September 8, 2026, along the Blue Trail behind the Davidson Centre, between trail markers B36 and B1.
- The entire section of Blue Trail behind the Davidson Centre will be closed during the work.
- Access points will be physically barricaded.
- The trail will not be accessible to users while work is underway.
- The closure is expected to last approximately 3–4 weeks, depending on the progress of the work.
Ash Tree Removal Project: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do we know which trees are infested?
Municipal staff and qualified arborists identify infested ash trees by looking for signs such as canopy thinning, bark splitting, epicormic shoots (sprouts), D-shaped exit holes, and the presence of the beetles or larvae under the bark.
Why can't we treat or save the trees?
In many cases, once symptoms are visible, the tree is already severely compromised. While there are insecticide treatments available, they are expensive, require repeated applications, and are typically only used in high-value urban areas. These treatments are not practical or cost-effective for large, naturalized trail systems.
Are other types of trees at risk?
No. EAB specifically targets ash trees. However, the removal of infected ash trees opens up the forest canopy and allows other native species to regenerate and fill the space.
Will the felled trees be removed from the site?
In most cases, no.
- Trees within 10 metres of the trail will be felled or topped to minimize damage to nearby trees. Brush will be chipped away from the trail, and larger timber will be cut and neatly stacked away from the trail.
- Trees 10 to 30 metres from the trail will be felled and left in place to decompose naturally, supporting ecological integrity and forest regeneration.
Why are the felled trees not being removed?
Leaving the wood on site promotes the natural decomposition process, which enriches the soil, encourages understorey growth, and contributes to overall forest regeneration and biodiversity. Removing large volumes of wood could also disturb the forest floor and increase erosion. The topography of the work site also poses significant challenges for timber removal as part of this project.
Not as part of this project. Instead, natural light exposure will encourage the regrowth of native vegetation and support the health of the understorey.
Contact the Project Team
Mike Di Giovanni
Manager, Parks and Facilities
Municipality of Kincardine
mdigiovanni@kincardine.ca
519-396-3491 x 7315
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