New York. Connecticut. New Jersey. Sooner than expected, the emerald ash borer is here.
After cutting a devastating swath through the Great Lakes states and western New York, the emerald ash borer (EAB) has reached our area. In a little over a decade, these small insects have invaded and killed millions of trees. In areas where ash trees are common, the mortality rate is close to 100%. There is a very real likelihood that ash trees will disappear from our landscape as the American chestnut did over a century ago.
Given these grim statistics, is there any hope for our local ash trees? Yes. There is strong evidence that, through the application of systemic controls, individual ash trees can be inoculated against this pest. Other areas have been following this program with positive results.
The time for you to decide is now - before the EAB attacks your ash tree. The chances of survival crash after an emerald ash borer has laid its eggs in your tree.
We understand that maintaining an ash tree under these conditions is a commitment. Inoculation will be necessary for at least a few years; sadly, it will only be safe to stop after the EAB has killed off most of our local ash trees, and disappeared as a threat.
Do you think you have an ash tree? One of our arborists will be happy to examine it free of charge. If you have a healthy, mature ash, you have an opportunity to preserve a magnificent, iconic tree for future generations. Our arborist will discuss your options for preserving it, or removing it, if that is more appropriate.
We urge you to contact us. As arborists, we hate to contemplate the disappearance of ash trees from our area. We ask you, just as we ask our friends and family who are custodians of these trees, to consider whether it is possible for you to help save just a few ash trees for the future. To request an ash tree inventory, follow the link above or call our office.
