Diseased Trees Removed from Harrison Park


CATEGORY: Mayor's Office, News, Parks Department

Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott has announced that due to the impact of the Emerald Ash Borer insect that is devastating ash trees throughout the country, the City of Hammond Parks and Recreation Department has started on tree removal of the dead and dying ash trees at Harrison Park (Hohman Ave. and Waltham St.).

This insect will have a large impact as the trees, once infected will die over a three year period. Over 100 mature trees at Harrison Park are in the process of being removed to combat this bug and its damage. Not only is the City removing the trees but it has also undertaken work to reforest the park. Two years ago the City already planted over 60 trees in Harrison Park knowing that this large scale removal was inevitable.

In 2019, the Hammond Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with the Student Conservation Association to plant another 100 trees as part of a grant. Volunteers from the community are welcome to attend on Saturday, April 6th and Saturday, April 27th from 9:00am – Noon to help plant new trees at Harrison Park. Devin Wick, Director of Parks-Forestry, for the City added, “While it’s sad to see what were once large majestic trees getting removed, we are being stewards now to make sure we plant replacements so future generations have such a grand park site to visit”.