How do I know if my ash tree is a candidate for treatment?

Residents should consider the following when determining if a particular ash tree is a good candidate for long term preservation utilizing pesticides:

  1. Is the tree healthy?
    • Systemic EAB pesticides depend on a healthy vascular system to ensure effective distribution though out the tree’s canopy. Large dead branches, trunk wounds, and sucker growth are all signs of an unhealthy vascular system. Work with a local arborist to determine if your ash tree is healthy enough for pesticide treatment.
  2. Is the tree growing in a good location?
    • Ash trees can live for over 100 years and grow to a height of 60 feet or more. Ash trees also have large crown spreads and have potential to grow as wide as they grow tall. As such, it is important to consider if an individual ash tree has room to grow to maturity. Ash in tight spaces may not be ideal candidates for long term preservation. Proximity to powerlines, sidewalks, fences, buildings and other infrastructure should be considered.
  3. Does the tree add significant energy savings to a particular property?
    • Trees provide many eco-benefits to our community. Deciduous trees growing on the south and east sides of buildings can greatly reduce energy consumption by providing shade during summer months. These same trees lose their leaves in the winter, allowing the sun to warm buildings and further reduce energy consumption.
  4. Is removal of the tree cost prohibitive?
    • Large ash trees can be extremely expensive to remove safely. Some property managers may choose to utilize pesticides to preserve ash trees to avoid the prohibitive cost of removal. Contact a local arborist do determine the potential cost of ash tree removal.
  5. Does the tree have significant sentimental or historical value?
    • Healthy, historically significant ash trees should be considered for preservation. Likewise, many trees are planted as memorials or to honor a special life event. Residents may choose to preserve trees with high sentimental value.

Show All Answers

1. What is EAB and what does it do?
2. Why should I care about EAB?
3. What does EAB look like?
4. How does EAB spread?
5. What is being done in Colorado to mitigate the effects of EAB?
6. What is being done in the Town of Erie to manage EAB?
7. What does pesticide treatment for EAB entail?
8. How do I know if my ash tree is a candidate for treatment?
9. How do I know if my ash tree should be removed?
10. How do I know if I have an ash tree on my property?