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, EAB has killed millions of ash trees in 13 states. The metallic-green adult beetles are a half inch long, and are active from May to September. EAB larvae kill ash trees by tunneling into the wood and feeding inside the tree.
Which trees are at risk from EAB?
Emerald ash borer attack 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.
What are the signs of an EAB infestation?
Potential signs of EAB damage include die-back of leaves in the upper one-third of the ash tree's branches, small "shoots" along the lower trunk, and heavy woodpecker activity. More specific EAB-related signs would include D-shaped exit holes in the bark and S-shaped tunnels under the bark.
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?
As of March 2010, the only area in Minnesota confirmed to be infested with emerald ash borer is the western portion of St. Paul and the extreme eastern portion of Minneapolis – specifically around St. Paul’s St. Anthony Park neighborhood, the University of Minnesota campus in Falcon Heights, and nearby Tower Park in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Minneapolis. However, based on the way emerald ash borer has spread in other states, it is likely that the pest will be found in more locations in the near future.
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. Long term, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will work 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, the City of St. Paul has 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 valuable 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. For valuable ash trees, there is a pesticide treatment that can be applied directly to the tree to save the tree from EAB damage. These treatments, however, must begin before the infestation has reached 40 percent to 50 percent of the tree – otherwise the treatment may be ineffective.
For more detailed information on insecticide recommendations, visit University of Minnesota Extension's EAB webpage. Under "Resources" select "Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer." Also, check out the downloadable bulletin called "Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer." This bulletin covers the various products that can be used effectively in ash trees, and gives guidelines on their use ‑ or even when it may be wise not to use them. The bulletin can be found online.
How does the insecticide treatment work?
There are two basic approaches to EAB control, both of which target the pest while in the larval stage of development. The first is a drench treatment that is taken up by the root system and the second is an injection treatment. The latter approach is considered more effective and less impactful on the environment. However, these treatments do require specialized equipment and training and should be performed by a licensed tree care specialist.
Who can perform the pesticide treatment?
Only someone with a Minnesota commercial pesticide applicator license may apply pesticide for hire. MDA recommends that property owners ask to see an applicator's identification card and verify that the license is current and includes turf and ornamental licensure before allowing any application work on their property. Property owners may also contact the MDA at 651-201-6615 to verify proper licensing.
How much does the pesticide treatment cost?
While the exact amount varies, the cost can range from $50 to $200 per year per tree.
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, double check that any pesticide applicators sent out to your property have a valid commercial applicator license from MDA. 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. The trees found to be infested in the Twin Cities appear to have been infested for between three and five years, so we may never know exactly how the insect arrived.
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.
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 Minneapolis/St. Paul infestation, state quarantines have been issued for hardwood firewood, ash trees, and ash tree products in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. A quarantine also has been issued in Houston County in southeastern Minnesota due to an infestation of EAB across the Mississippi River in Victory, Wisconsin. 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
651-201-6684 - Metro Area
or
1-888-545-6684 - Greater Minnesota
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