Adult EAB - Image from Sun-Times Media
There was a good article in the Naperville, (IL) Sun Times on the treatment of Emerald Ash Borer that provides hope for residents fearful of losing their ash trees.
According to the article, The 15,200 parkway ash trees lining Naperville streets are under threat by the invasive pest, Emerald Ash Borer. EAB larvae bore within the transport tissue of ash trees disrupting water and nutrient uptake and in turn, kill the tree. In total, ash trees make up about 11 percent of trees in Illinois forest and 20 percent of trees in the urban forest. EAB was introduced to the U.S. in 2002 in the state of Michigan via wood packing material from Asia. According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, since the beetle’s introduction, more than 25 million ash trees have already fallen victim to the exotic pest.
“All is not lost”
Despite the prognosis that EAB infestations will continue to spread, National Sales Director at Arborjet, Inc, Rob Gorden says, “All is not lost. There’s a lot we can do. There are reasons why we need to share this message. We want people to know if they treat their trees, they can save them. This is contrary to what they have heard.” Gorden is referring to the notion that treatments are inconsistent and removals are the only option. Arborjet, a Massachusetts based company, manufactures trunk-injected systemic insecticides proven to be the most effective treatment options, providing very effective control of EAB for two years, with a single application.
Tree Injection vs. Other Options
An Arborjet injection system. The TREE I.V.
Gorden says trunk injection is actually more cost effective than cutting a tree down, citing a typical municipality pays $700 – $1000 to remove and replace a tree. Generally, these figures are higher for private residences. Another option, soil-drenching, can be applied by homeowners, but results have been inconsistent. However, injection treatments, which are administered every two years by certified professionals, continue to be successful. The pay off of saving trees is big Gorden said. “Trees help clean air, curb storm water runoff, cut energy costs, sequester carbon and raise property values.”
Full story by By Kathy Millen kmillen@stmedianetwork.com
“All is not lost” in emerald ash borer fight
Originial date of publish: May 28, 2010
