City Works with Volunteers to Replace Ash Trees

Earlier this month, the City of Owen Sound held a tree planting event at the Kiwanis Soccer Complex to begin to replace a wooded area that was dominated by ash trees.  The trees were removed because they were infected with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). 

The City removed 160 mature ash trees, which eliminated a prime source of shade and shelter for soccer complex users adjacent to the Soccer Field House.  Along with the City’s Arborist and Staff, approximately 25 volunteers from NeighbourWood North supported the planting of 112 trees and 200 shrubs at the Kiwanis Soccer Complex. 

The presence of EAB was first confirmed in Owen Sound in 2018. In response to the infestation, the City developed an Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan in 2014 to project the impacts of emerald ash borer in Owen Sound and provide direction for a ten-year period. 

Residents who are concerned about the condition of a tree on City property are asked to use the City’s Report a Tree Concern form to request an inspection. Upon receipt of a form, the City will inspect a tree and follow up with inspection results within 15 business days.   

For more information, please contact Eckhard Pastrik, Manager of Parks and Open Space at 519-376-4440 ext. 1221 or email epastrik@owensound.ca. 

Quick Facts: 

• The City’s Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan details the impacts of and strategic options for managing infestation. 
• City Council approved $75,000 annually in the City’s operating budget for the removal of infested ash trees over the next ten years. 
• 20 to 30 per cent of forests in Grey County are made up of ash species susceptible to the emerald ash borer. 
• The City is seeking grant opportunities to fund replacement trees for these locations.  

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