The Ministry of Natural Resources is offering further explanation on the removal of trees in downwtown Fort Frances.
The town has said those trees were the reason for damage caused to infrastructure in the area.
Speaking to council this week, the MNR’s Partnership Specialist, Diana McGhee puts the blame on the type of tree planted.
“If you every look up anything about tree roots getting into sewer, what they are going to tell you is don’t plant silver maples,” says McGhee.
She says the trees grow really fast and any tree that grows really fast wants to take up a lot of water.
It’s roots will often become attracted to aged sewer pipe, a source of water and nutrients.
McGhee says the trees also have a tendency to grow upward, buckling sideways.
She’s offered her assistance to the town if it wants to re-plant trees in the downtown area at a later date.
McGhee also identified damage to trees along Kings Highway in the town’s west end.
Those trees were planted in 1945 in memory of area soldiers killed during World War II.
McGhee says some are showing signs and symptoms of what she believes to be dutch elm disease.
She recommends cutting them down to prevent spread of the disease.
