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Borough shade tree sentinels issue recommendations
The emerald ash borer has been plaguing trees in Prince George's County, Md., putting the county under quarantine. "It's bad news," said Commission member Bud Marshall. "To our knowledge it's not here yet. But once there is an infestation, every ash tree within a 10- mile radius must be removed." He and fellow members Nancy Dunn and Doris Burdick want the public to keep an eye on their trees. The borer, a beetle native to Asia, first appeared in Michigan in 2002. "It came from shipping timbers in the port of Detroit," said Marshall. Michigan has since lost 7 million ash trees. Marshall's son lost hundreds of trees on a 10- acre plot, and thousands on an acreage. The green bug has been detected in Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, Maryland and Ontario, Canada. It is transported in infested firewood, timber, and nursery stock, as well as spreading by natural means. Symptoms included dieback in the upper crown, excessive branching on the tree trunk, vertical bark slits and woodpecker damage. Marshall said anyone sighting a borer should contact a member of the Shade Tree Commission or the Franklin County Extension Office, and they will take action quickly. Topping trees - don't The three also discourage anyone from topping their trees. Dunn said topping weakens trees and makes them susceptible to insects and disease. The Penn State Department of Agricultural Sciences reports that the practice can cause trees to die. In addition, they become unsafe, ugly, and lose value. Penn State recommends planting trees in the right place with quality stock. The trees should be pruned in the first five to ten years of life, and trimmed with correct methods whenever done. The Shade Tree Commission regulates the planting and care of any shade tree within the public right-of-way in the borough of Greencastle. Those trees are pruned according to certified arborist standards. "Property owners outside the right-of-way can kill their trees any way they want," said Marshall, who opposes the cheaper route of topping. Commission duties Burdick, Dunn and Marshall have a budget of $4,000 each year to plant trees in the borough and make sure they are properly maintained. When they notice a bare spot on a boulevard they contact the property owner and offer to purchase a tree for them. The commission selects trees, either flowering or maple, from a list of varieties appropriate for this area. Once planted, the trees become the responsibility of the property owner. A borough-approved arborist must do the pruning or any removal. The owner must also get a permit, free of charge, from the borough. Penalties may be applied if the rules are not followed. While all three members were appointed to their five-year terms, Burdick accepted the position in October because she believes people should be involved in the community. "I'm concerned about the environment," she said. "Trees are extremely important." Dunn, on board since January, also wanted to do something for the community. When she worked for Allegheny Power, she oversaw the forester who trimmed trees encroaching on power lines. She met with customers who were upset with the process. "I'm a masochist," said Marshall, who is in his eighth year of service. "I love the borough. I'm very interested in trees and landscaping." His skills as a Master Gardener also complement his duties. The Commission is in the middle of a phased removal of all Bradford pear trees in Greencastle, which they acknowledge the citizens have loved. The most notable site is around Center Square. "It created quite a furor," said Marshall. However, the replacement Cleveland select pears withstand ice and wind damage better, do not grow so rapidly, and bear no fruit. The Shade Tree Commission meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. in the borough hall. |
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