Emerald Ash Borer Update from Rainbow TreeCare

The Time to Act is Now

Emerald ash borer infestations have been discovered early this spring across the Mississippi River, in the eastern, and southern areas of Minneapolis. And it has recently been discovered  in small pockets of St. Paul as well.  Chicago and all eastern cities have experienced complete infestation within 5-10 years in all their metro areas. and we anticipate the Twin Cities will follow that pattern.

The MDA, cities, and commercial tree companies are continuing to watch for the beetle. Infested trees are being removed as soon as they are detected to reduce the spread to unaffected ash trees. Some communities are removing ash preventively, and some are using insecticides to protect valuable trees.  Most communities have or are developing a plan to minimize the impact of the beetle.

Recently there have been releases of  non-stinging Asian wasps for control of the emerald ash borer. This may eventually lower the beetle population, but this will not eliminate Emerald Ash Borer or save urban ash trees.  Untreated ash are very susceptible and without treatment will die.

What Can I Do For My Trees?

If you do nothing, your tree will eventually die. Rainbow Treecare will come out to look at your ash tree and help you determine what your best option is: treatment, removal, or replacement.

Treatment

There are products that will save your tree. Treatment costs over 10 years can be less than the cost to remove your tree. There are two good options available to treat preventively.

• Yearly Soil injections with XytectTM
• Bi-yearly trunk injections with Tree-ageTM

The fully-leafed ash tree in the foreground has been treated with Xytect to protect against Emerald Ash Borer.  The ash trees in the background have not been treated and are dead or dying.

If you are interested in ash borer treatment options, contact Rainbow Treecare and ask to meet with an arborist about your tree.

Removal & Replacement

Removing your tree before infestation will prevent an unsightly or potentially hazardous situation. A smaller tree is more easily removed and the costs will be lower. To maintain the heating, cooling and aesthetic values a tree offers, replanting of a different species is recommended.

If you would like to remove and replant a tree, the best time to do so is fall or spring. Southview crews will be removing and replacing ash trees this fall. For information contact customer service: 651-455-8238.