Departments


Parks & Rec Dept.
200 South Hamilton
Gahanna, OH 43230

(614) 342-4250
(614) 342-4100 Fax

Hours of Operation
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM M-F

Emerald Ash Borer

What is the Emerald Ash Borer?
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that was first discovered in Detroit, Michigan in 2002. The insect has spread to Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Ontario, Canada. It attacks all varieties of ash trees. EAB has been found in 40 counties in Ohio, all of which are under quarantine to help prevent its spread. EAB has recently been found in, and is spreading throughout The City of Gahanna. Once infested, trees may show little sign of the pest for the first year or two. The larval stage of EAB feeds under the bark of trees, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. They emerge as an adult the following year leaving a D-shaped exit hole. Adults are dark metallic green, ½” in length and 1/8” wide. The EAB flies from early May until September. Ash trees that become infested with EAB typically die within five years.
What is the City of Gahanna is doing about EAB-infected street trees?
The City of Gahanna has budgeted money for the removal of hazardous street trees for 2012. Approximately 300 trees will be removed throughout the year and the remainder of the trees will be monitored. To see the status of your ash tree, please click here.

TIMELINE UPDATE: August 17, 2012
August 17th: All Ash Trees have been evaluated and the database is current. Homeowners who are having ash, street trees removed have been mailed a letter. Local tree removal companies have been contracted and have been asked to submit pricing by August 24th. A contractor will be selected and tree removals will be scheduled.
 
What is a Street Tree?
A street tree is defined as any tree located between the street’s curb and the sidewalk. This area is commonly referred to as the “tree lawn.”

Street trees are the responsibility of the property owner. Maintenance, planting and ultimately, removal of street trees are the property owner’s responsibility. Damage incurred by a street tree is the responsibility of the homeowner. It is important to maintain healthy street trees for safety, environmental and aesthetic purposes.

Although street trees may have been required during the development of a subdivision, the City does not require street trees to be replaced if they are removed. However, homeowners association may have street tree requirements – contact your home owners association for their requirements. Please read the “Replacing Street Trees” section for additional information.

Replacing Street Trees
The City does not require homeowners to replace street trees; however, your homeowner’s association may require they be replaced. Please check with your association about replacement requirements.

If you choose to replace your street tree, it must be replaced according to current City code. There are location requirements and recommended trees for each street based on the Parks & Recreation Landscape Board’s Comprehensive Landscape Plan. Please call Gahanna Parks & Recreation for details on acceptable tree locations and types in your area. Please call Gahanna Parks & Recreation if you have questions or concerns about this process or about tree selections available in your area.

For more information or if you have questions, please call the City of Gahanna Department of Parks & Recreation at 614-342-4250.

How can I find out if my street tree is an Ash tree?
There are over 1,400 street trees that are ash trees throughout our community.
The City’s Information Technology has mapped all the street trees in Gahanna, and their species is included on our GIS system.

To find out if your street tree is an Ash tree;
• Visit the our interactive map of tree information by clicking here;
• Zoom in to your property’s address; 
• Click the Tree Icon on your property – this will give you detail on your Street Tree.