Why should I treat for the emerald ash borer immediately?
What are signs of the Emerald Ash Borer?
Will the injection treatment plan work?
Is it more cost-effective to treat or remove my tree?
What is the long term treatment plan for treating the trees?
Can you guarantee that my tree will not die?
Why should I treat for the emerald ash borer immediately?
It is important to not wait too long to treat your ash if your community has been affected.
“It can take several years or more for emerald ash borer to kill a tree. The insect generally has a one-year life cycle, adults flying during the early summer, eggs in summer with larvae from summer till spring followed by a short pupa resting stage in mid-spring. Once the adults emerge, they feed on leaves for a bit before laying eggs on a suitable host.”
– John Ball, Forest Health Specialist SD Department of Agriculture, Extension Forester SD Cooperative Extension
When a ‘mom’ emerald ash borer emerges, she considers the tree to be the most suitable host and trees are repeatedly infested until declining to the point that the emerging adults must seek a new home. Meaning, generally, the next the closest ash tree. Due to this process, once an infestation has been discovered in a community, it will move quickly from ash tree to ash tree. Once we start to see some of the die back on the tree, the tree will never be able to heal its self in those areas so its best to keep the trees the healthiest we can keep them. Treating early is the best solution to avoid loss or damage to the ash tree.
What are signs of the Emerald Ash Borer?
It is difficult to actually spot these bugs. Initial damage appears as thinning in the upper canopy of the tree and branches can die over time. This is called die back. It can be difficult to see these symptoms in the tree because it can take one or two years to actually see the effect on the trees. To be sure it is not another reason however, it is best to have a licensed arborist help to identify if your tree has been infected.
A few other common signs are:
- Epicormic Sprouting
- Woodpecker Damage
- D-Shaped Exit Holes
- S-Shaped Galleries & Splitting Bark
Will the injection treatment plan work?
According to research, if no treatment occurs, the infected tree will die and need to be removed professionally according to your city and state regulations.
The water soaking treatment plan that is available for purchase has a 50% success rate.
The best way to ensure the health of the ash tree is an injection treatment. The process is done by a licensed arborist injecting the tree with a chemical, such as Arbormectin. When properly treated via the injection treatment plan, the success rate increases to 90%-95%.
Read more
Is it more cost-effective to treat or remove my tree?
Overall it is generally more cost-effective to treat your ash tree. On average, a tree that is around 18-22 inches in diameter will cost $130 to $160 per treatment every two years. When removing a tree there is a loss of shade protection, wind protection, privacy, and potential property value. The removal of a tree can cost anywhere between $150 to $1500. This is determined on the trees location, size, type, and state of infestation.
On average, a tree that is around 18-22 inches in diameter will cost $130 to $160 per treatment every two years. When removing a tree there is a loss of shade protection, wind protection, privacy, and potential property value. The removal of a tree can cost anywhere between $150 to $1500. This is determined on the trees location, size, type, and state of infestation.
Clay Agronomics and Arbor Care is equipped to both treat and remove trees.
What is the long term treatment plan for treating the trees?
The recommended long term treatment plan begins with a treatment occurring every two years for the first 6 years of the infestation. At year six, the death curve rate is evaluated to see if the EAB insects are starting to move out of the area. Once this occurs, then a 3-year treatment plan starts for the next 9 years.
Can you guarantee that my tree will not die?
If treated by Clay Agronomics and Arbor Care occurs during the accurate time frame of the trees infestation, we guarantee that your trees will not die from EAB within 2 years of treatment. Of course, we cannot control outside elements such as lightning strikes, ice storms, and wind.