Oro-Medonte Township is getting ready to remove a number of trees due to the risk of the Emerald Ash Borer.

Crews have started to mark select trees on Township property along Lakeshore Drive, between Line 5 and Line 9.

Beginning the week of May 30, the township will be removing trees marked with a white “X” in an effort to address the potential public safety hazards. 

The Emerald Ash Borer has killed millions of trees in Ontario since 2002.

The township says the Emerald Ash Borer was first discovered in Simcoe County in 2013 and in Oro-Medonte in 2014.

In a press release, the township said the infestation is inevitable and it poses a major economic and environmental threat with the Township now feeling its effects.

Since 2015, the township has taken proactive measures to protect its roadways and community from damage due to fallen and potentially infected trees.

Residents and businesses are reminded that it is their responsibility to manage or remove trees on their own properties.