Invasive Beetle Irreparably Damages Reading Trees

READING, MA — An invasive beetle species permanently damaged several trees at Parker Middle School in Reading.

The Department of Public Works will remove seven ash trees at the property's entrance that are in various stages of disease from the emerald ash borer. Other diseased trees will be removed along King Street.

The emerald ash borer is an invasive pest first detected in Massachusetts in 2012. Since its initial find in Dalton, the beetle has been detected in 169 communities in 11 counties. The state is part of a national quarantined zone, limiting the movement of all hardwood firewood, green wood products, nursery stock and any plant materials from any ash species in an effort to stop the pest's spread.

Town officials said tree and stump removal is expected to be finished by the start of the school year. Later this fall, the town will plant disease-resistant trees in their place.

Several other ash trees around Reading will have to be taken down over the next few years due to disease, according to the town's tree warden.