Ash Tree Management Plan

Multi-Year Phased Removals of Infested, Dying Ash Trees

As of 2017, the City of Newport managed around 120 ash trees on public land (mostly along streets), many of which are in severe decline from the Emerald ash borer (EAB). Many of these are infested removals must be managed to maintain public safety.

For budget reasons and to avoid dramatic losses of canopy, the City will not remove all the dying ash at once. It will instead be done in phases over a number years. The largest concentration of these trees is in the East Row neighborhood, mostly along Washington Avenue (a reminder of why it is a poor practice to plant only one species along street segments).

In 2018, the 35-plus ash trees in the worst condition or causing the highest risk to public safety were removed.

All remaining ash will be re-evaluated in 2019 for the next round of removals.

Thankfully we have a number of trees that are not showing signs of any infestation, as well as some trees that are being treated by the adjacent property owner on an ongoing basis. Please note that no healthy ash trees will be removed.

Figure 1: Location of All Ash Trees in Newport Under Public Management as of 2017