Somerville Prepares For Invasive Beetle

SOMERVILLE, MA -- The emerald ash borer may be a tiny green bug, but it's capable of killing significant numbers of ash trees, which is why city officials are taking measures to prevent its spread to Somerville. There are currently over 12,000 public trees in Somerville including about 900 ash trees, officials said. This spring, 750 healthy ash trees will be given a preventive treatment to ward off the ash borer, which has been spotted as close as Boston. The city arborist has advised to remove roughly 150 sickly ash trees, which are more vulnerable to the pest, and replace them with other varieties. Once the ash borer makes its home in sick trees, it can build its numbers and is more likely to spread to healthy trees.

The hearing for the designated ash trees will be held Wednesday, May 25, at 5:30 p.m., at the Water Dept., 17 Franey Rd.