News

Discovery of Highly Invasive EAB in Oregon

Emerald Ash borer (EAB) has recently been discovered in the state of Oregon. Arborjet | Ecologel, a leader in plant health, offers treatment options to help mitigate the spread of EAB, and provides educational opportunities for municipalities and communities to learn about the risks and treatment options to protect and preserve urban tree canopy. Saving mature trees helps to reduce CO2 production, energy costs, and stormwater runoff while also maintaining property values.

“There are many treatment options available for EAB. However, not all chemicals deliver the same results. EAB has been highly researched since its initial detection in 2002. There are over 16 years of research and publications available about treatment and management strategies. Oregon is fortunate in this regard, as we are not starting from scratch. Now is a great time for everyone to familiarize themselves with the pest and the options available,” said Korey Lofy, Rocky Mountain Regional Technical Manager.

Emerald Ash Borer is a bright metallic green beetle originally found in eastern Asia. The tiny beetle feeds and breeds exclusively on ash trees.The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. As of July 2022, EAB is now found in 36 states, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba. Since its discovery, it has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America, and is believed to be the most destructive forest pest in North America.

Signs and symptoms of EAB infested ash trees include:

● Thinning canopy
● Bark splits on limbs in upper canopy
● Epicormic sprouts
● Woodpecker activity
● Small D shaped exit holes
● Serpentine galleries beneath the bark

Five years ago, Arborjet launched a company-wide initiative called “Saving America’s Iconic Trees,” to ensure the health and longevity of the country’s trees. The campaign targets America’s most beloved trees, offering complimentary treatment to prevent insects, disease and poor health. Arborjet has donated high-profile treatments and hosted educational events across the country. They invite homeowners, state, city, town and municipal leaders to nominate iconic trees in their communities for potential recognition and treatment.

For additional information or further inquiries, please contact:

Korey Lofy – Rocky Mountain Regional Technical Manager
Main: 781.935.9070 Ext.200 • Cell: 970.531.7290
E-mail: KLofy@arborjet.com

Media Contact: Kelly Rostad kgrostad7@gmail.com

Browntail Moth

Arborjet | Ecologel, a leader in plant health, offers successful injection treatment for the browntail moth, which has recently made a strong resurgence across the northeast. Experts predict this will be a bad year for the invasive insect, “possibly the worst it’s been in over 100 years.”

The browntail moth was accidentally introduced into Somerville, Massachusetts from Europe in the late 1800’s. By the 20th century, the insect had spread to all of the New England states, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The Maine Forestry Department says that browntail moth populations are again building in Maine and in areas along the coastal northeast.

The larval stage (caterpillar) of this insect feeds on the foliage of hardwood trees and shrubs including: oak, shadbush, apple, cherry, beach plum, and rugosa rose. This causes reduction of growth and occasional mortality of trees and shrubs. Arborjet offers an environmentally responsible tree injection treatment, TREE-äge R10, to control the browntail moth populations for up to two years. Technicians at Arborjet state “ACE-jet is also an important part of spring treatment, providing fast knockdown of the pest.” The effective methods inject and seal the treatments directly into a tree’s vascular system so nothing seeps into the air or soil.

“We have been using TREE-äge® to treat against browntail moths in Maine with great success. Arborjet products and injection methods have combined to make us a business leader in this public health nuisance related to the moths. We can safely treat near the water, playgrounds, parks and other places to protect people and save the trees,” said Morgan Bartlett, Wicked Tick.

While feeding damage causes concern, the browntail moth’s primary impact on people results from contact with poisonous hairs produced by the caterpillars. Microscopic, toxic hairs break off the caterpillars and can be airborne or settle on surfaces. Sensitive individuals who encounter the hairs may develop a skin rash similar to poison ivy and/or have trouble breathing.

“Timely treatment is even more important with the bowntail moth than most other leaf-feeding insects because of the risk to humans posed by contact with their hairs. Treatments can be done in the spring when caterpillar larvae become active, as leaf expansion occurs, beginning in May into June. If infestations persist in your area, then treatment is recommended again in the early fall, when new caterpillars emerge from egg masses. This will significantly reduce the severity of infestation the following season,” said Rob Gorden, Director of Urban Forestry and Business Development for Arborjet.

Gorden will be hosting a webinar on leaf eating caterpillars on May 11.

For further information,please contact:

Kevin Brewer – Northeast Technical Manager

Cell: 401-222-9341

kevinbrewer@arborjet.com

ISA Board Certified Master Arborist

Media Contact: Kelly Rostad kgrostad7@gmail.com

AzaSol is now available in a new one pound container

Arborjet | Ecologel, a leader in plant health care, announces AzaSol is now available in a new one pound container. The new size is ideal for growers to landscape professional use, including: tree injection, agriculture, and indoor growing facilities especially those that use integrated pest management programs or IPM which “aims to suppress pest populations below the economic injury level.”

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Spongy moth formerly known as Gypsy Moth

Arborjet | Ecologel, a leader in plant health care and water conservation technology, urges residents and municipalities to treat for one of New England’s oldest and most persistent insect pests, the spongy moth, formerly known as Gypsy Moth. Originally introduced to the United States in the 1800s to help manufacture silk, it was accidently released into the wild and has since become established, causing extensive foliar damage to a diverse array of deciduous trees.

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’22 New Hires

Woburn, MA. Mar.31, 2022: Arborjet | Ecologel, a leader in plant health care, is pleased to announce a range of company-wide, new hires. Zachary Peterson has been appointed as Midwest Regional Sales Manager. He will be supporting the commercial turf markets across this region. Peterson comes with a wealth of experience in the green industry, most recently as the Grounds Manager for the Milwaukee Brewers for almost five years. Prior to his time in Milwaukee, Peterson worked at Mariani Landscape in Lake Bluff, IL. He holds a degree in Turfgrass Management from Purdue University.

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Equipment Month

’21 New Hires

Woburn, MA. Nov.1, 2021: As part of its continued expansion, Arborjet | Ecologel, leaders in plant health and water management, announce new hires in both regulatory affairs and in their marketing division.

Nick Millen has been hired as Regulatory Affairs Specialist, and has been in the green industry for most of his life. Immediately prior to Arborjet, Millen was part of the original class of investigators for the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. As a Commission Investigator, he assisted with and led licensing inspections, and helped expand the list of pesticides for which all adult-use and medical-use Cannabis are screened. He also assisted with various investigations, consumer and constituent complaints, and monitored over fifty Commission-licensed adult-use establishments.

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Arborjet | Ecologel Announce Support of Xfinity Birds of Prey Audi FIS Ski World Cup

Arborjet | Ecologel, leaders in plant health and water conservation will once again be sponsors of Xfinity Birds of Prey Audi FIS Ski World Cup races in Beaver Creek Resort, Dec 3–5.

With a focus on environmental responsibility, Arborjet | Ecologel’s mission is to develop the most effective formulations and delivery systems to save trees and save water. They provide innovative technologies that help maintain exceptional quality turf, landscapes, and agriculture while promoting the responsible management of natural resources.

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Newly Released Seeding Study Shows Hydretain® Increases Seed Germination

Ocala, FL. Sept.1, 2021: Arborjet | Ecologel, a leader in plant health and water conservation is pleased to announce the results of a seeding study performed by Dr. Shelby Henning, while at the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois. The purpose of this trial was to determine if a single application of granular or liquid Hydretain® at the time of seeding results in enhanced survival and establishment of newly seeded turfgrass.

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Taking Root 2021 Scholarships Awarded

Woburn, MA. August 24, 2021: Arborjet, a leader in tree and plant health care is pleased to announce that it has awarded the 2021 Taking Root Scholarships to this year’s deserving recipients. Now in its eighth consecutive year, the program offers up to $10,000 in scholarship to students who plan to pursue full-time studies in forestry, plant sciences, horticulture, landscape architecture, entomology or a related major at an accredited two-or four-year college. This year, Arborjet will award scholarships to the following three deserving students:

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