Contacts
The City coordinates a tree planting program that focuses on adding street trees and trees in parks, especially in and around children's play areas. Staff also work to establish planting partnerships with local businesses and community partners.
Unfortunately, we have reason to believe that the Lymantria Dispar Dispar moth (formerly known as gypsy moth) infestation is likely to occur again this summer. Monthly updates and details will be shared below.
Lymantria Dispar Dispar (LDD)
Lymantria Dispar Dispar (LDD) moth is a non-native invasive insect, found to be present in Pickering. It was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s and first detected in Ontario in 1969. This invasive insect is well established in North America and likely will never be completely eradicated.
Caterpillars grow up to 6 centimetres in length, are dark and hairy with five pairs of blue dots and six pairs of red dots on the back. These pests are destructive and are a concern because the larvae feed on the leaves of trees. During the larvae stage, a single moth caterpillar can eat an average of one square metre of leaves. They prefer Oaks as their primary host and can be found both in rural and urban forests; however, LDD, also feeds on Aspen, Birch, Maple, Poplar, Willow and even conifers, like Spruce and Pine.
While most healthy trees can withstand several years of severe defoliation, trees that are already in poor health may have a harder time recovering. Additional stressors such as other pest/diseases or hot, dry weather may result in tree decline or mortality.
Monthly Update for September 2022 |
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The LDD moth is now in the egg stage of their lifecycle. This is the dormant stage and will last from now until early May. The next several months are the easiest time to manage this invasive pest and help control the population. Egg masses should be removed to prevent the hatching of more caterpillars next spring. Egg masses range in size from 2 to 8 cm long and can contain between 100 to 1,000 eggs. They are oval shaped, beige/light brown in colour and can be found on just about any surface, such as the underside of tree branches, the crevices of fences, patio furniture, and landscaping rocks. Once you locate an egg mass or group of egg masses use a scraper tool to remove the egg mass from the surface, ensuring that all eggs are scraped off. Place the egg masses into the bucket of soapy water and leave them there for 2 days and then dispose of them. Be sure to wear gloves and take care when removing egg masses that are higher in your tree. Now is also the time to remove burlap bands/traps from your trees. These can be put away for use again next year. |
Monthly Update for August 2022 |
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This month, the LDD moth caterpillar will enter the pupa (cocoon) stage of their life cycle. In ten (10) to fourteen (14) days, the adult moth will emerge from the cocoon to begin the mating cycle. The LDD moth stage lasts approximately ten (10) days and the adult moth’s only function during this time is to reproduce, after which it will die. Unlike other butterfly/moth species, the LDD moths do not feed during this stage. Male LDD moths are brown and are attracted to the pheromones produced by the female moths. The female LDD moth is larger than the male, white in colour and cannot fly. The females will begin laying egg masses on just about any surface, such as the underside of tree branches, the crevices of fences, patio furniture, and landscaping rocks. Destroying egg masses after they are laid, can be an effective way to control the LDD moth population for the next year. Removing egg masses can potentially prevent the hatching of up to 1,000 caterpillars per egg mass and will lower the impact on your tree’s defoliation. To remove the egg masses, you will need gloves, a flat object such as a butter knife or paint scraper, a container to collect the egg masses filled with soapy water. Once you locate an egg mass or group of egg masses use the scraper tool to remove the egg mass from the surface, ensuring that all eggs are scraped off. Place the egg masses into the bucket of soapy water and leave them there for 2 days and then dispose of them. Be sure to wear gloves and take care when removing egg masses that are higher in your tree. |
Monthly Update for July 2022 |
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Pickering is currently coming to the end of the caterpillar stage of the LDD lifecycle. Most caterpillars are now quite large, dark coloured and hairy with a double row of five (5) pairs of blue spots followed by a double row of six (6) pairs of red spots, down the back. Caterpillars can still be found feeding on the leaves of trees until mid/end of July. Burlap bands still remain the easiest and most environmentally friendly way for residents to assist in reducing the number of feeding caterpillars. Wrap burlap around the tree’s trunk at chest height, secure with a string or rope in the centre and fold the top half over the bottom half. The caterpillars will seek refuge under the burlap bands, which can be checked regularly. The caterpillars can then be removed and disposed of by placing them in a bucket of soapy water for a few days. Always wear gloves when removing the egg masses or caterpillars as they may cause skin irritation or a rash. By the end of this month, the LDD moth caterpillar will enter the cocoon stage of their life cycle, which will last for ten (10) to fourteen (14) days. The adult moth will then emerge from the cocoon to begin the mating cycle. At this stage, feeding off trees will cease and the majority of affected trees will regain their foliage. You can continue to help your trees that have been affected by LDD by keeping them well watered. These trees are under a significant amount of stress from the feeding, and watering them will help them regenerate their leaves. |
Monthly Update for June 2022 |
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Pickering is currently in the caterpillar stage of the LDD lifecycle. Newly hatched caterpillars are about half a centimetre long and dark in colour. As they grow, they change colour becoming dark coloured and hairy with a double row of five (5) pairs of blue spots followed by a double row of six (6) pairs of red spots, down the back. Caterpillars can be found feeding on the leaves of trees since this is their main food source. The easiest and most environmentally friendly way for residents to assist in reducing the number of caterpillars is by using a burlap “trap”. Wrap burlap around the tree’s trunk at chest height, secure with a string or rope in the centre and fold the top half over the bottom half. The caterpillars will seek refuge under the burlap bands, which can be checked regularly. The caterpillars can then be removed and disposed of by placing them in a bucket of soapy water for a few days. Always wear gloves when removing the egg masses or caterpillars as they may cause skin irritation or a rash. FREE burlap kits and information sheets are available for pick up by residents at the George Ashe Community Centre & Library, every Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 7 pm, and Saturday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The Community Centre & Library is located at 470 Kingston Road. One kit per household and available only while supplies last. |
Monthly Update for May 2022 |
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Pickering is currently entering the caterpillar stage of the LDD lifecycle. Newly hatched caterpillars are about half a centimetre long and dark in colour. As they grow, they change colour becoming dark coloured and hairy with a double row of five (5) pairs of blue spots followed by a double row of six (6) pairs of red spots, down the back. Caterpillars can be found feeding on the leaves of trees since this is their main food source. The City has engaged the services of a licensed contractor to administer TreeAzin® to trees that were the most heavily infested in 2021. TreeAzin® is an effective way to manage invasive pests and the risk of exposure is far less than ground spraying. The pesticide is injected into the base of the tree by a licensed operator and degrades naturally within the tree. Treatment is only required once per growing season and occurs just after the trees leaf out, killing caterpillars as they eat the leaves. The easiest and most environmentally friendly way for residents to assist in reducing the number of caterpillars is by using a burlap “trap”. Wrap burlap around the tree’s trunk at chest height, secure with a string or rope in the centre and fold the top half over the bottom half. The caterpillars will seek refuge under the burlap bands, which can be checked regularly. The caterpillars can then be removed and disposed of by placing them in a bucket of soapy water for a few days. Always wear gloves when removing the egg masses or caterpillars as they may cause skin irritation or a rash. |
Monthly Update for April 2022 |
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Pickering is currently at the end of the egg mass stage of the LDD lifecycle. This month, the City has engaged the services of a contractor to “vacuum” egg masses off tree trunks in areas identified with excessive egg masses before the eggs begin to hatch in the next several weeks. Residents can assist in reducing the number of caterpillars that will hatch in the spring by scraping the egg masses off their trees and placing them in a bucket of soapy water for a few days. Always wear gloves when removing the egg masses or caterpillars as they may cause skin irritation or a rash. |
Monthly Update for March 2022 |
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Pickering is currently in the egg mass stage of the LDD lifecycle. The City has identified street trees that show evidence of LDD moth and City staff are currently scraping egg masses off tree trunks in areas identified with excessive egg masses. This will reduce the number of eggs that will hatch in the spring. Residents can assist in reducing the number of caterpillars that will hatch in the spring by scraping the egg masses off their trees and placing them in a bucket of soapy water for a few days. Always wear gloves when removing the egg masses or caterpillars as they may cause skin irritation or a rash. |
Life Cycle of the LDD Moth |
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The lifecycle of the LDD Moth has four distinct stages – egg, caterpillar, pupa, moth. Currently they are in the egg mass stage and come spring the egg masses will hatch and caterpillars will start to feed on the tree’s foliage. To help prevent damage to your trees, now is the time to try and reduce the impact of their numbers by scraping the egg masses into hot soapy water. Scrape off the egg masses with a knife and drop them into a bucket filled with soapy water, and leave them for up to two days. These egg masses are fairly easy to identify… they are a tan or beige colour and have a spongy appearance. You’ll find them on trees but also on outdoor items like picnic tables or patio furniture. Always wear gloves when removing the egg masses or caterpillars as they may cause skin irritation or a rash.
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Learn how to protect trees on your property. Residents with a heavily infected tree should contact a certified arborist for proper removal.
Not sure what type of trees you have? Check out Forests Ontario to find out.
Visit the Province of Ontario website for more information.
General information about programs, tree care, and tree protection is shared below
Backyard Tree Planting Program |
| Beautify your property and help grow our urban forest! The City of Pickering partnered with LEAF and the Region of Durham to bring residents a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting program. Experts will help you select the right trees and planting locations, while also providing the option of full-service tree planting to help ensure long-term survival. Native shrubs are also available! Homeowners, multi-units and businesses with adequate planting space may apply. Quantities are limited. Learn more at yourleaf.org |
Outdoor Learning |
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Visit Pickering's outdoor classrooms to learn more about the trees you see throughout your neighbourhood, or to help you decide which tree species would be most suitable for your yard! Maple Ridge ParkStaff and students from Maple Ridge Public School planted native trees and shrubs along the creek, and created the artwork and poems that are featured on the interpretive signage. Visit Maple Ridge Park. Amberlea Park38 different native coniferous and deciduous trees were planted as a circuit around Amberlea Park, each labelled with their common and botanical names. View our interactive park map. Visit Amberlea Park. Bicentennial ArboretumThe Bicentennial Arboretum was constructed in 2011, in commemoration of the City's 200th anniversary and features 28 different native coniferous and deciduous trees as well as shrubs. Locate the arboretum in Google Maps. |
Commemorative Tree Program |
| Residents and friends of the City of Pickering have the opportunity to commemorate individuals through the donation of a public tree in one of the City's parks or open spaces. View our Commemorative Programs page for details. |
Emerald Ash Borer |
What is Emerald Ash Borer?The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive pest that attacks and kills ash trees in North America. It was first identified in Pickering in 2008 and has since spread city-wide. Infestation and ash mortality is expected to expand to the city's approximately 3,500 ash trees. Ash Tree Management Program
Large ash trees on private property are also at risk - see below Trees on Private Property. TreatmentIf EAB is detected early enough, or if the ash tree appears healthy, the tree may be treated with TreeAzin (a naturally occurring bio insecticide), which has shown to be effective in controlling EAB and keeping ash trees alive and healthy. To date over 1,000 trees have been treated. If a tree is heavily infested (more than a third of the crown has died off), the City recommends removal for safety reasons and to prevent the continued EAB spread. Tree Removal/ReplacementThe City prioritized the removal of ash trees and replaced them with various suitable species throughout 2015. To date, over 1,000 trees have been removed and replaced.
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The City's ash tree management program focuses on municipal boulevards and parks and consists of two parts 1) Treating ash trees where EAB has been detected early enough, and 2) Removing and replacing ash trees with other suitable species.
Working Together to Maintain Pickering's Newly Planted Trees
Tree Protection |
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The City's Tree Protection By-law 6108/03 prevents the destruction of healthy trees in the specified tree protection areas, in an effort to protect and preserve the environment. What you should know?A permit is required to remove any tree in a protected area in the City. Protected areas usually run through and adjacent to watercourses and green spaces. View Pickering's tree protected areas This By-law is actively enforced at all times by the Durham Regional Police Service, the City's Municipal Law Enforcement Services, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Cutting down a tree in a protected area without a permit can result in fines of $1,000 per tree or $10,000 whichever is greater. You can report any damage to trees in a protected area to our Customer Care Centre. A General Guide
Exemptions
Resources
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