City To Remove 18 Downtown Trees

They say X marks the spot but when it comes to some Downtown trees it is not the best of news.

From March 21 to April 5 the City will be removing a total of 18 City-owned trees located on the 0 block of River Street West and the 100 to 300 blocks of Main Street North.

The reason for removing the trees is they are either dead or in serious decline due to Cotton Ash Psyllid attacks.

The Cotton Ash Psyllid is a tiny insect native to southern Europe and it is seen as an invasive species in the North American environment. The Common Ash Psyllid belongs in what is commonly known family of insects called jumping plant lice.

One of the trees slated for removal on the 0 Blck of River Street West - MJ Independent Photo

Each tree set for removal will be marked with an orange “X”. Crews will avoid working during peak business hours to minimize any inconvenience.

Trees will be replaced as deemed appropriate with species that are not susceptible to Cottony Ash Psyllid.