Battle Against Tree Killing Insect Is Costly

An insect has been wreaking havoc on tress in central Ohio.
 
Big and beautiful trees that once lined the streets of Gahanna are now crumbling and dying because of emerald ash borers, 10TV's Danielle Elias reported.
 
The destructive bug has attacked about 1,600 trees in Gahanna.
 
"It bores into the bark and, if infested long enough, will kill the ash trees," said Tony Collins, Director of Gahanna Parks and Recreation.
 
To get rid of the emerald ash borer, homeowners must remove the tree, grind the stump and plant a new one. The process costs about $400, Elias reported.
 
Some homeowners wanted to know if the city of Gahanna would help pay for the tree removal process.
 
"The homeowner can foot the bill for the tree, but at least removal would be nice," said Rich Miller, a Gahanna resident. 
 
"We would be happy to take it down, but if they could help us with a new one, it would be a good gesture," said resident Karen Rice.
 
Collins said he would ask the city to pay for the removal of 100 of the most hazardous trees around Gahanna.
 
"Eventually the tree rots out and becomes a hazard," said Collins.  "What we're concerned about is the property and safety of our residents."
 
Collins hoped the process will help revitalize Gahanna's trees.
 
"We know they're important to our community, we know they're important to our residents," Collins said.
 
Several central Ohio cities pay for the entire removal and replanting process, including Worthington, Upper Arlington, Dublin and Westerville.
 
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