The downtown core will soon have less foliage.
Starting today, the City of Moose Jaw will be removing 18 city-owned trees in the downtown area.
The city says the trees are being removed because they have either died or are severely declining because of "environmental stress" and attacks from cottony ash psyllids. The city previously acknowledged an infestation of the insect, which is considered an invasive species. It affects Manchurian and black ash trees.
Each tree that will be removed will be marked with an orange "X."
The trees will be removed during the period March 21st to April 5th, weather permitting. The work will be done outside of peak business hours, limiting inconvenience to business owners and shoppers.
The city will chop the trees down to stumps that will be about five feet tall. The stumps will be removed later. The first trees that will be cut down are located on River Street.
Trees will be replaced "as deemed appropriate" with species that are not susceptible to cottony ash psyllids. The first trees to be replaced will be on River Street. Planting will take place sometime this spring. The rest of the trees should be replaced by the end of the summer.
Homeowners should take precautions to protect their trees. Parks supervisor Daily Lennox says early spring is the best time to defend yourself against the pest.
"By the time you know you've got them, it's too late," said Lennox.
She recommends homeowners spray trees with insecticidal soap.
