Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a nonnative, invasive beetle responsible for the death of tens of millions of Ash trees in 30 states. EAB is now present throughout Erie and populations will exponentially increase until all Ash trees are either dead or protected with a pesticide. Now is the appropriate time for residents to act.
Step 1 – Inventory your trees
Do you have Ash trees? Emerald Ash Borer only kills Ash trees. Survey the tree species on your property and in the public right-of-way adjacent to your property. ROW trees are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, that might be you!
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 reapplies 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, treating Ash trees prior to obvious infestation is considered the best approach.
Step 4 – Plan for removal
Untreated Ash trees will be killed by Emerald Ash Borer. Get tree removal estimates from local licensed arborists and budget for this future expense. Remember: ROW trees are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.
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.
Get more information and resources on Emerald Ash Borer at www.erieco.gov/EAB.
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