Removal of Dead or Diseased Ash Trees Begins This Week in the City of Cortland

The removal of dead or diseased ash trees begins this week in the City of Cortland by Carter’s Tree Service of Cortland. Tree removal will begin along streets in the City’s right of way and in Yaman Park.

Infected by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer, a species of beetles that came to the US via infested crates and pallets from Asia. The beetles are responsible for the widespread death of ash trees in New York State as there are no natural predators to keep the beetles’ population in check. Millions of ash trees have been lost since the beetle’s arrival, with billions of dollars accumulated in damage and loss.

The City of Cortland was awarded $65,000 from the New York State Urban forestry grant to remove the affected trees and replace them with as many as healthy trees as possible. The replacement trees will not be ash trees. The City is also working with an outside consultant to develop a management plan for Cortland’s urban forest, which includes an inventory of all city street trees and park trees.