Thursday, March 20, 2025 – The City will be removing four Western Hemlock and two Alder trees at Harris Road Park on Friday, March 21, 2025. This work is scheduled now to take advantage of contractor availability and rainy weather conditions, helping to minimize disruption to the park.
The trees are being removed due to safety concerns. The Hemlocks have experienced significant decline due to infestations of western hemlock looper moths and the effects of climate change. The Alder trees have been assessed as structurally unsound and do not meet safety standards given their location in a high-use area. Removing these trees now will help protect park visitors and maintain the health of the surrounding forest.
Why is removal necessary?
The western hemlock looper moth (Lambdina fiscellaria lugubrosa) is an insect that feeds on Hemlock needles, stripping the trees of their foliage. This weakens the trees and makes them more vulnerable to disease, pests, and environmental stress. When trees lose their needles repeatedly, they decline quickly and eventually die. Climate change has worsened these outbreaks, accelerating tree deterioration. Removing these weakened trees now reduces safety risks and supports the long-term health of the park’s forest.
Commitment to replanting and forest resilience
The City remains committed to maintaining a healthy and sustainable urban forest. While tree removal is sometimes necessary, it also creates an opportunity for renewal. A diverse selection of new trees will be planted to enhance biodiversity and improve the overall resilience of the park’s ecosystem.
For the safety of workers and park visitors, some areas of the park may be temporarily closed during the work.
If you have further questions, please email parksandrec@pittmeadows.ca.
