Ash Tree Relics
Product Design
A majority of all ash trees in Southern-Ontario have been infected or killed by the Emerald Ash Borer beetle and results in all trees having to be cut down eventually for safety. From observing the arborists around Toronto that were cutting down these trees, the left-over wood is turned into mulch or processed to be firewood. Their current system is wasteful and neglects the value for this salvaged wood which can be used for salvaged wood products to help spread awareness of the Emerald Ash Borer.
The Problem
Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive species that has decimated the ash tree population all around Southern-Ontario and in various parts of the United States. These beetles chocking the tree by starve the tree of their nutrients resulting in the tree dying and having to be cut down for safety. This wood is tossed aside as useless but can be salvaged and turned into works of art which could be resold through small Toronto based kiosks or to the home that a ash tree had cut down.
Inspiration Board
Process
The process involved salvaging sections of a recently cut down ash tree and utilizing a wood, plastic, and metal shop to complete each piece.
Final Product
