Ash tree treated with Arborjet for protection against Emerald Ash Borer

Tim Back is among Ohio arborists selling an alternative, which could save ash trees.

His company, Back Tree Service, injected an Arborjet pesticide into the trunks of more than 250 healthy trees in Springdale in July.

“That whole subdivision is lined with ash,” Back said as the plane piloted by Eric Adams of Flamingo Air flew over green treetops. “They’re healthy. They’ve all been treated.”

Springdale paid nearly $10,000, or about $40 a tree. “The process must be repeated in two years, but keeping trees alive through injections can be more affordable than cutting down dead ones,” Back said.

Jeff Agricola, superintendent of public works said Springdale property values would suffer if the city were to “just sit back and wait for the inevitable.”

Springdale's treatments will help avoid costly loss of ash trees like this street in Michigan.

The city of Springdale has approximately 500 ash trees along city streets and near its municipal building. Municipalities plan to treat the remaining ones next year, Argicola said.

In regards to homeowners, Back said they would be charged $150 to treat a single tree of  15-inch diameter.   He continues saying that Arborjet treatments are effective in guarding a tree from the emerald ash borer, and he offers a money back guarantee.

In comparison to treatment, it is estimated it would cost at least $600 just  to remove a single 15-inch diameter tree.   Back claims that trees could be treated annually drenching the soil with insecticide , but won’t protect larger ones or those already infested.  In regards to soil drenching, Back says it “might cost $90 a year, but you can’t  guarantee is effectiveness.  You’re really throwing your money away, and it poses an enviromental hazard.”

Original publication at news.cincinnati.com

Chicago and Milwaukee are using Arborjet to protect over 100,000 ash trees.

Arborjet Service Providers

Milwaukee uses Arborjet

Chicago uses Arborjet