What is EAB and why is it a problem for my trees?
Emerald ash borer is a destructive tree pest that attacks and kills ash trees. Since its accidental introduction into North America in 2002, EAB has killed millions of ash trees in 15 states. The metallic-green adult beetles are a half inch long, and are active from May to September. EAB larvae kill ash trees by feeding on tree just under the bark.
Which trees are at risk from EAB?
Emerald ash borer attacks only ash trees. In Minnesota, there are three common varieties of ash tree – black ash, white ash and green ash. All three are susceptible to EAB infestation. Mounty ash is not susceptible to EAB.
What are the signs of an EAB infestation?
Potential signs of EAB damage include woodpecker damage, especially at the top of the tree, bark cracks or splits, s-shaped galleries under the bark, and die-back of leaves in the upper one-third of the tree branches.
Who should I call if I think my tree may be infested with EAB?
In urban and suburban communities around Minnesota, you may contact your city forester for guidance. You may visit your city's website for contact information. Another option is to contact the University of Minnesota Extension offices. Finally, you may consider contacting a local tree care company with a certified arborist on staff. These arborists can come out to inspect your tree and help you determine the cause of the problem as well as potential solutions.
What areas are now considered infested with EAB?
See map. Click the map for an interactive and live update on where emerald ash borer is located.
What is the typical strategy for dealing with an infestation?
Working in close collaboration with local foresters, efforts are typically made to remove and destroy all infested ash trees. Injection type treatments of remaining ash trees and those within close proximity are additional management options.
If the EAB infestation proves to be more widespread, the management strategy often will focus on slowing the spread and containing the infestation as much as possible. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is working with the DNR, cities and municipalities and the nursery industry to promote and encourage tree diversity in our urban forests.
Who is responsible for removing trees infested with EAB?
The owner of the property with the EAB-infested tree(s) bears primary responsibility for removing the trees. In cities such as St. Paul, the city bears responsibility for removing trees along boulevards and in public spaces. In state or county parks, the state or county would bear responsibility. For privately owned land, the individual property owner bears responsibility.
Who will pay for tree removal?
While state officials are seeking federal funding to help with tree removal and disposal costs, there is limited funding available at the state level and much of this funding will be directed toward monitoring and enforcement of quarantines. Local units of government and individual property owners need to prepare for the possibility that they will need to cover a substantial portion of these costs.
Will homeowners be charged for removal of trees along boulevards?
While each city has its own policy, some cities have indicated that its tree maintenance along boulevards will not be funded through special assessments to individual property owners.
How much does it typically cost to remove a mature ash tree?
The average cost to remove a medium-sized tree and grind out the stump is about $750 per tree. However, the cost can vary due to factors such a size, difficulty of access, and hazards such as closeness to houses or power lines.
Who is responsible for trees in public parks or along streets and alleys?
The landowner bears ultimate responsibility for tree care and tree removal. On public lands, this means the city, county or other responsible unit of government bears responsibility. On private property, the responsibility rests with the owner of the land.
What can I do to protect my ash trees?
First, keep your trees healthy by properly watering and pruning them. Second, watch your ash trees for signs of infestation (see above). If you notice these signs, contact your city forester or a tree care company with a certified arborist on staff. Ash trees can be protected with insecticide treatments, but before using an insecticide some considerations should be made. For further information on insecticide treatment options, refer to MDA’s "Emerald Ash Borer: Homeowner Guide to Insecticide Selection, Use, and Environmental Protection (PDF: 783 KB / 4 pages).”
What insecticides options are available to protect ash trees?
There are three insecticide active ingredients that are widely used for EAB control: dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and emamectin benzoate. Products containing dinotefuran can be applied to ash trees by basal bark spray, soil injection or soil drench. Insecticides containing imidacloprid can be applied by a soil injection, soil drench, or a trunk injection, and products containing emamectin benzoate are applied by a trunk injection.
Who can apply these insecticides?
Homeowners have access to products containing dinotefuran and imidacloprid, and emamectin benzoate must be applied by a professional. Emamectin benzoate is a restricted use pesticide, which means that any person using this product is required to be a licensed or certified pesticide applicator. It is always important to remember if using an insecticide always read, understand, and follow all current label directions for the specific insecticide product being used.
How much does the pesticide treatment cost?
The cost of a pesticide treatment will vary depending on multiple factors including: application method, insecticide used and tree size. Contact a certified arborist for an accurate estimation of treatment costs.
How can I select a good tree care company?
Avoid door-to-door salesman and stick with reputable, established firms. One indication of a reputable tree care company is that they have a certified arborist on staff. A list of certified professional arborists is available through the International Society of Arboriculture.
Also, when hiring a tree care company, ask to see their licensure as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator. A list of persons licensed by the MDA is available on the MDA web site.
How did EAB get here?
While adult emerald ash borers can fly a few miles on their own, they typically spread to new areas when people move infested firewood or ash wood materials such as live ash trees, or ash lumber.
How should I dispose of tree limbs and other ash products from my property?
Chipping and burning are accepted disposal methods. Chips must be less then 1 inch in diameter. City and county foresters and other officials can also provide information on approved drop off sites. For counties inseade the quarantine, visit MDA's list of waste site drops inside Minnesota EAB quarantines.
Can we burn our ash litter?
Burning ash litter is an acceptable EAB disposal method, but keep in mind that city and county ordinances may not allow open burning in some circumstances. Check with your local government authorities to get more information about what is allowed in your area.
What does it mean to be under quarantine for EAB infestation?
Due to the EAB infestation, state quarantines have been issued for hardwood firewood, ash trees, and ash tree products in Hennepin, Houston, Ramsey, and Winona counties. The measures are designed to slow the spread of EAB to other parts of the state. The quarantines prohibit the movement of the following items out of affected counties:
- Firewood from hardwood (non-coniferous) species;
- Entire ash trees;
- Ash limbs and branches;
- Ash logs or untreated ash lumber with bark attached; and
- Uncomposted ash chips and uncomposted ash bark chips larger than 1 inch in diameter.
MDA Contact
"Arrest the Pest" Hotline
1-888-545-6684
or
Arrest.The.Pest@state.mn.us
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