Loveland to Start Removing Nearly 1,000 Ash Trees Throughout the City

Soon, the Parks and Recreation Department of Loveland will be seen taking down a lot of ash trees, as there’s an insect within the region that has it out for them.

It’s Beetlemania in Loveland! The Emerald ash Borer beetle has already killed 70 million ash trees in 22 states, and has now made its way to the Boulder area. With that, the City of Loveland has decided to remove 800 ash trees within the city. The premise being—“We can spend a little money now by selectively removing these trees, or spend a lot more down the line when we have to remove the damaged/killed trees.”

The Emerald Ash Borer comes from Asia. It seems it may have found its way here by way of a lumber shipment. The beetles lay their eggs in the ash trees’ bark. The larvae then begin destroying the arteries that supply nutrients through the trees; then the trees die.

Here are the signs of the damage the Emerald Ash Borers do-

There’s isn’t much that they can do to prevent the infestation of the beetle, so the best bet is to beat it to the punch. So, Loveland will be going around and removing a lot the ash trees in town.

Trees up for removal:

Old trees. They don’t stand a chance against the Emerald Ash Borer!

Young trees. They haven’t started contributing to the landscape yet. Beat it, kid!

Trees that are flawed structurally or aesthetically. You’re ugly ash tree has got to go!

Trees that are in the way of park uses and maintenance. Get out of here, you nuisance ash!

Learn more about the EAB--

On the bright side, by removing these trees, the city can plant different trees that are resistant to the Emerald Ash Borer, and diversify Loveland’s tree population.

[Source: City Of Loveland]

What trees should they plant to replace the ash trees?