Dying ash trees along Lexington streets are being removed

The city of Lexington is removing 78 dying ash trees along Harrodsburg Road and Man o’ War Boulevard.

The trees are victims of the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that feeds on and kills ash trees. The trees have to be removed so they won’t become a safety hazard, city officials said.

The areas where contractors hired by the city will be working over the next 30 days include Harrodsburg Road between Cave Hill Lane and Man o’ War. Thirty-four trees will be removed in that area. The trees were planted by the city’s corridors commission 20 years ago. The other 44 trees are along Man o’ War between Alumni Drive and Clays Mill Road. The trees were planted by the city when Man o’ War was built.

The emerald ash borer has killed hundreds of ash trees in Lexington and across the state.

City officials said replacement trees will be planted.

People with questions about the tree removal may contact LexCall at 311 or 859-425-2255. People who have questions about ash trees on their property may go to the University of Kentucky’s emerald ash borer website, Pest.ca.uky.edu/EXT/EAB/welcomeeab.html, or contact a certified arborist.

This story was originally published March 25, 2016 at 4:21 PM with the headline "Dying ash trees along Lexington streets are being removed."