The Town of Irondequoit is taking preemptive action after the Emerald Ash Borer beetle was found in multiple locations in the town.
That according to Supervisor Dave Seeley, who says it's not a surprise since the invasive insect has spread throughout Upstate New York.
He says the town will begin to manage the infestation and remove infected trees in the public right-of-way, replanting new trees in their place. Seeley says one of Ironequoit's best assets is its tree canopy, and officials are hoping to "help save the thousands of ash trees that make our town so beautiful."
Irondequoit will soon provide notification to homeowners who have ash trees in the public right-of-way near their properties. The town will begin cutting down those trees already dying or showing significant signs of infection. All trees cut down will be replaced.
Officials say anyone with ash trees on their private property can contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension office on St. Paul Blvd. in Irondequoit at 753-2550. The extension is able to conduct field visits to help homeowners identify the ash borer and officials say there are a number of local landscaping companies that can help homeowners manage the insect.