Ginko Biloba, Honeylocust, Elm

New trees to replace dead Ash on Aylmer streets

Young trees are being planted across Gatineau because of damages wrought by the Emerald Ash Borer. This small exotic insect attacks ash trees without mercy. It is barely visible, measuring between 7.5 and 15 mm in length and approximately 3 mm wide.

To date, some 36,000 municipal trees have been cut down in Gatineau. Most (69%) were ash trees infested by the ash borer, and 12% were elms infected with Dutch Elm Disease. According to Gatineau, 40,000 more dead trees will have to be cut down, with this work underway until the end of 2020.

For 2018 to 2020, Gatineau has earmarked an annual budget of $185,000 for its trees and woodlots management plan, with Serviforêt Inc. contracted for arboriculture and forestry services. Serviforêt will focus its work across the city to remove the trees that are threatening residents and/or buildings.

New look for the Aylmer sector

Aylmer’s silhouette is changing as ash trees have been replaced by other species. Since 2013, about 1,000 ash trees have been cut down in residential areas and replaced by 917 saplings. Specifically, 168 trees were planted along streets, 708 in parks and 41 in public areas.

Rue Principale in Old Aylmer has new types of trees since last spring, preserving its charm and beauty – one common hackberry, four Ginko bilobas, three thornless honeylocusts and three homestead elms. A total of 50 varieties have been planted across Aylmer.

Planting differing species increases the urban forest’s biodiversity and improves its resistance to insects and various diseases.

Ginko bilobas are notable among the new plantings. This ancient species is gorgeous and can reach a height of 15 to 25 metres. It needs no trimming and takes on a brilliant yellow colour in the fall. The leaves are said by herbalists to have memory-enhancing properties.
(Transl: CB)