Health & Fitness
Emerald Ash Borer Threat Increases with Confirmed Case in Waukesha County
Emerald Ash Borer threat Increases with confirmed case in Waukesha County. Ken Ottman, owner of First Choice Tree Care, provides tips and information about EAB and its threat to Wisconsin trees.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) continues to spread through the state of Wisconsin, leaving millions of ash trees in danger. A case of EAB was confirmed in the village of Mukwonago, in Waukesha County. With this new discovery, a total of 11 Wisconsin counties are now under EAB quarantine to help slow the spread of the borer. The quarantine prohibits movement of materials such as infested firewood, nursery stock and timber that could spread EAB.
Tips to Save Ash Trees
Ash trees are very beautiful, provide significant value to homeowners’ properties and it is important that we preserve them. They help reduce heating and cooling costs, reduce air pollution and storm water runoff and increase property value. Ash trees do not have to die if the necessary precautions are taken.
Some tips for preventing an infestation include:
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- Do not move firewood. Purchase local firewood on trips and use all of it. This will reduce the chance of spreading the disease to new areas.
- Be familiar with the signs of an infestation and contact a professional for assistance if you suspect EAB.
- Before considering removal or replacement, keep in mind that treatments are a more economical approach to EAB management
All About EAB
Emerald Ash Borer is a small metallic green beetle that feeds on the wood tissue just beneath the bark. It is 100 percent fatal to ash trees and has killed tens of millions of them across the United States. Wisconsin forests contain 727 million ash trees, nearly 7 percent of the tree population. In urban areas, there are 5.2 million ash trees.
Trees with EAB may show several signs of infestation. One major sign is death of the foliage at the top or crown of the tree. The tree may also produce numerous trunk sprouts. Another sign is vertical bark splits in the tree. Finally, woodpecker feeding usually indicates the tree is infested with insects.
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EAB was accidentally imported into the United States in the wood of shipping crates from China where the beetle is native. It was found in southeast Wisconsin in August of 2008.
If you suspect EAB or want to learn more about preventative treatments, please contact First Choice Tree Care at 262-242-1274 or visit www.firstchoicetreecare.com.
