EAB was found in Erie in 2021. As of 2022, EAB is presumed present in low levels throughout Erie. EAB populations will exponentially increase in Erie until all Ash trees are either dead or protected with a pesticide.
Now is the appropriate time for residents to MAKE A PLAN for their Ash trees.
- Step 1 - Inventory your trees. Survey the tree species on your property and in the public Right-of-Way adjacent to your property. Do you have any Ash trees? Emerald Ash Borer only kills Ash trees.
- Step 2 - Evaluate your Ash trees. Mature, healthy Ash trees growing in a good location with plenty of room to grow are good candidates for preservation. Unhealthy Ash trees growing in confined areas without room to mature are not good candidates for preservation.
- Step 3 - Chemical Treatment. Pesticides can prevent EAB from killing valuable ash trees. EAB pesticides must be reapplied every 1-3 years based on specific manufacturer’s recommendations. The most effective pesticides must be applied by licensed pesticide applicators and are most effective when applied prior to a particular tree becoming infested. As early EAB detection can be difficult, now is the appropriate time to begin preventative EAB treatments in the Town of Erie.
- Step 4 - Plan for Removal. Untreated Ash trees will be killed by EAB. Get tree removal estimates from local licensed Arborists and budget for this future expense.
- Step 5 - Plant diversity! Species and age diversity are the keys to a resilient urban forest. Please consider replacing unhealthy Ash trees with diverse species to ensure the health of Erie’s future tree canopy.