Toronto Begins Summer Treatment Program to Protect Ash Trees from Destructive Beetle

TORONTO – The City of Toronto will begin a critical treatment program on Sunday, June 1 to protect its remaining ash trees from the devastating impact of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) — an invasive beetle that has already wiped out more than 800,000 ash trees across the city since its arrival in 2007.

This summer, more than 5,300 City-owned ash trees will be injected with TreeAzin, a biopesticide designed to protect the trees by targeting the beetle’s larvae. The treatment program will continue through Sunday, August 31.

🌳 About the Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a metallic green beetle native to Asia that attacks and kills all species of ash trees. The larvae burrow beneath the bark, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients — often leading to tree death within a few years of infestation.

🧪 How TreeAzin Works

TreeAzin is:

• A systemic insecticide injected directly into the tree’s base

• Approved for organic use by the Organic Materials Review Institute

• Permitted under Ontario’s cosmetic pesticide ban

• Registered by Health Canada for Emerald Ash Borer control

The insecticide disrupts the beetle’s life cycle during the spring and summer months when larvae are active.

📍 Where the City Is Treating Trees

The City maintains a map of treatment areas, accessible on its Emerald Ash Borer webpage. Trees selected for treatment are assessed based on health, location, and potential to survive.

Residents are encouraged to report suspected EAB infestations on private property and to learn more about Toronto’s Urban Forestry Strategy for preserving tree canopy coverage.

For updates on urban forestry, climate resilience, and environmental efforts in your neighbourhood, follow GTA Today.