Last month, Emerald Ash Borer was found in northern Orange County, Vermont. This news was unprecedented because until now, EAB hadn’t made its way to the Green Mountain State. State officials and the community alike are now holding public meetings to discuss next steps.
The most important thing to remember is there is a treatment. The time to treat is now, and we’re here to help save Vermont’s trees from EAB.
Did you know ash trees make up about 5% of Vermont’s forests? They are an important part of the community’s urban settings as well. With the initial find and potential spread of EAB, it is important that ash trees are treated and protected before symptoms are detected.
Our Kevin Brewer recently spoke with NECN, New England’s premier cable news network, about the importance of treating ash trees to protect them from EAB infestation. See the broadcast below for a good look at how Vermont is approaching the situation and working hard to fight back.
EAB will kill every ash that remains unprotected. Attacked trees may be saved if treated early. Treatment is effective and far less costly than removal. Here are some of the steps you can take as both a homeowner and a certified arborist in Vermont going forward.
Common EAB Infestation Symptoms
Homeowners, be sure you’re aware of common EAB infestation symptoms so you can update your certified arborist if need be. However, don’t wait for the symptoms to show up before treating! Independent studies strongly recommend treatments be applied early before extensive disruption occurs for best results. EAB larvae feed on the vascular tissues and create meandering galleries under the bark, effectively girdling the tree. Adults emerge around June, leaving D-shaped exit holes in the bark, briefly feeding in the canopy, causing canopy dieback. The tree responds by sprouting new branches below the disrupted tissues. The bark will split over dead vascular tissues, and trees may die within only two years of the onset of symptoms.
Treatments
For best outcomes, we recommend certified arborists treat trees when EAB is detected in the area (within 30 miles), but trees still appear healthy (<40% dieback). Treat ash with either TREE-äge® G4 (emamectin benzoate) or IMA-jet® (imidacloprid) using the TREE I.V. system for high volume dosages or the QUIK-jet® or QUIK-jet AIR® micro-injector for lower volume applications. TREE-äge G4 and IMA-jet will kill the EAB larvae inside the tree.
Homeowners should begin considering their EAB treatment plan now, and certified arborists are invited to connect with us to learn more about utilizing our formulas and equipment. Find a service provider or a regional tech manager in your area today.