Ash trees to be cut down throughout the city

CINCINNATI - Ash trees all over Cincinnati are set to be cut down after being infected with Emerald Ash Borer.

"You always like a nice strong tree in front of your house," said Mary Lou Fede, a Hyde Park resident.

Fede, and many other people in Hyde Park, have an ash tree marked with a yellow "x" in front of their homes. The mark was put on trees to signal which ones are infected with Emerald Ash Borer, a wood-eating beetle. Once a tree is infected it will die within a few years.

The city hopes to cut down the infected trees before they become a hazard.

Dave Gamstetter, Natural Resource Manager for the Cincinnati Park Board, says there are 7,000 ash trees along the streets of Cincinnati and thousands more in city parks.

Gamstetter says Emerald Ash Borer has been spreading west from Anderson Township since it was first found there in 2007.

"There will be no shade trees for decades I suppose," said Hyde Park resident Alisa Strauss.

Emerald Ash Borer has infected trees in all parts of Cincinnati, but Gamstetter says Hyde Park and Clifton are the hardest hit areas at this point.

If you have an ash tree that you don't want to be cut down you will need to have it treated. Treatment costs vary depending on the size of the tree.

Residents are urged to contact a certified arborist if they're interested in saving your tree. You'll also need a waiver from the city that you can get for free by calling (513) 861-9070.