EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB)

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The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has devastated the Ash tree population in 35 States and is NOW in Nebraska.  EAB is a beetle native to Asia that was introduced to Detroit, MI in 2002. Unfortunately, you really have 2 main choices regarding your Ash trees: Treating them or removing them (when not good candidates for saving). Whatever you choose to do with your Ash trees, we are here to help you!

What are my treatment options?

We offer two treatment options: Trunk injections and systemic trunk sprays. We will help you determine the best solution based on the size and location of your tree, your budget, and the current season. 

Treatments we recommend:

We will be offering trunk injections using an Emamectin Benzoate 4% solution. We will offer these trunk injections through the summer in order to coincide with the lifecycle of the beetle. We will also offer a trunk spray of dinotefuran for very small trees, or trees that will be treated late in the summer (mid-July through August).

  • The cost of the treatments are determined by the diameter of the tree trunk.

  • Trunk injections are effective for two years.

  • Trunk sprays are effective for one year.

When should I treat my trees?

Treatments must be performed by the end of July in order to be most effective in killing the larvae that feed on your tree. Larvae activity peaks in August, so we must perform the treatment soon so the insecticide has time to be distributed throughout the tree. 

How does the treatment work?

Treatments target EAB in two ways: The adult beetles who eat the leaves, as well as the larvae that feed on the live wood beneath the bark in August. The larvae then die before they are able to eat enough wood to disrupt the flow of water and nutrients up into the canopy.

Which trees should be treated and which should be removed?

Not all ash trees are good candidates for treatment. Consider the factors below before treating, keeping in mind that it may be more wise to plant its replacement now so that by the time you need to remove your ash tree, you've got a sizable stand-in ready to go. Looking for ideas on what to plant? Here is a great list of suggested trees from the Nebraska Forest Service. 

  • Valuable: Is this tree valuable? Does it shade your home? Does it have sentimental value that cannot be replaced? If not, keep reading...

  • Too young: Very young trees should be replaced. A lifetime of treatments is not only a poor investment, it is harmful to the tree itself and potentially harmful to the environment.

  • Too old: Very old trees may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Is your ash tree 40, 50, or 60 years old? Consider treating the tree for a few seasons, but know that it will eventually need to come down. Older trees may not respond well to trunk injection treatment methods.

  • Unhealthy: Trees in decline may not survive. Ash trees that have already lost 50% or more of their canopies do not have a high survival rate. Ash trees can fall victim to other native boring insects. They may already be in bad shape even before an EAB infestation. An already-injured or unhealthy tree is also more quickly targeted by EAB.

  • Bad Location: Poorly placed trees should be removed. Do you have a tree that was planted near power lines? Too close to the house? These trees should be removed and replant a new one in a better location.

I'm still not sure what to do?

Let us come evaluate your tree and help you decide whether your tree is a good one to save with treatments or remove/replace. 

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