Emerald Ash Borer

Pest Alert: There is a new deadly tree pest on the move in the northeast - the emerald ash borer (EAB for short). The question is no longer "if" the borer will arrive, but "when and where" will we find it first. According to recent reports, this "invasive pest increases in population at least tenfold every year." Wildlife agencies have now started a massive monitoring program to try and trap a live ash borer and confirm its presence in NY State. While a live insect has yet to be captured in New York EAB is killing trees in Pennsylvania and Canada- just miles from our border.

There's a lot of misinformation floating around about EAB. According to David Roberts, PhD, the leading expert on EAB, government programs are guilty of publishing false and misleading information. In Dr. Roberts' words, scientific studies have proven"wildly successful results" in treating infected trees – 100% control. While treatments are not available for forest and wooded settings there are plenty of options for residential Ash trees. In fact, according to Dr. Roberts, EAB is more easily treated than many common landscape problems.

The Tree Doctor, with two offices in Western New York, is now offering preventative treatments against EAB infection throughout the State. Feel free to call The Tree Doctor if you would like more information about our treatment program. You may also contact us by clicking on the "SAVE MY TREES" button below.

Find Out more at EmaraldAshBorer

Treatment Methods

• A systemic pesticide is injected into the ground under the tree or directly into the trunk of the tree. The tree then absorbs the chemical and moves it into all parts of the tree. This kills any borers inside the tree and keeps borers from entering healthy trees.
• This chemical is safe and legal throughout New York, except Long Island.
• Some Ash trees in poor health may require fertilization as part of the treatment process.

Is the treatment guaranteed to work? Trees are living organisms and thus many factors come into play such as the health of the tree and the pressure from pest populations. Howeve, 5 year longitudinal studies have shown nearly 100% prevention of infection in trees treated before they were attacked. Trees treated after infection also responded quite positively. The smaller trees showed the greatest ability to recover after infection. Large decayed Ash trees may have difficulty moving the chemical around effectively and are more prone to infection as a result. To guarantee best results all work will be performed by an Internationally Certified Arborist and a Licensed Pesticide Applicator.

Keep in mind…

EAB spread quickly and leaves slowly. In order to protect your trees you must treat them once a year. This could be necessary for 10 years or more. Please consider this when making arrangements to have your trees treated. The average tree will cost $100/year to treat. There is a minimum charge of $150 and discounts may apply to properties with large numbers of Ash trees.