Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an exotic insect pest from Asia. This highly destructive insect has decimated populations of Ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) all over southern Ontario, and has been positively identified as an active resident of the Ash trees at Keele Campus.  The Campus Services and Business Operations team consisting of Helen Psathas, Senior Manager of Environmental Design and Sustainability, Tim Haagsma, Grounds Fleet and Waste Manager, John Wilson, Construction Liaison Coordinator, and graduate researchers, have put together a management plan.

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York’s Strategic EAB Management Plan includes conservation measures such as tree bioinsecticide injections, as well as extensive tree removal and replanting over the next 5 years.  Injections of larger diameter, higher valued Ash trees began in the summer of 2012 and will continue throughout summer of 2013.  During the summer of 2013, Davey Tree, which has the required professional licenses, experience and qualified staff to perform this type of work, is assisting York by executing the injections.