Emerald Ash Borer Update

MDA survey finds 59 St. Paul trees infested with emerald ash borer

A multi-agency survey found 59 trees infested with emerald ash borer in and around the St. Anthony Park neighborhood where the pest was first discovered in May.  All 59 trees are within a half mile of the first infestation site.  Crews have already removed the 59 trees.  Read the recent news release.

Monitoring efforts using purple cardboard traps and “trap trees” is underway.

Homeowners are asked to join the effort by watching their ash trees for signs of infestation. These signs include:

• dieback of leaves in the upper third of the tree’s branches
• heavy woodpecker activity
• D-shaped exit holes in the bark
• S-shaped tunnels under the bark
• water shoots on the trunk

Think you might have it?

If you think you might have Emerald Ash Borer use his checklist(pdf) to determine if you should get in touch with an EAB First Detector.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Quarantine

On May 15th, 2009 the quarantine (previously applied to Houston) added Ramsey and Hennepin counties to prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borer to new areas through the movement of infested wood and tree parts.  Besides applying to all ash tree parts, the regulations apply to all non-coniferous firewood.  Read more about the quarantine(pdf).

Don’t remove your healthy ash trees

MDA reminds homeowners that it is not necessary to remove healthy ash trees. Homeowners with questions about disposing of ash tree material should contact their city forester for guidance. Improper disposal of infested ash material could accelerate the spread of EAB.

What does EAB mean for the woodland owner?

Should you try to harvest your ash as quickly as possible? How should you manage your forest? Should you just let nature take its course? There are no simple answers to such questions, but the Michigan State University Extension put together a helpful publication to help woodland owners prepare for EAB.

For more information

University of Minnesota Emerald Ash Borer Page

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Emerald Ash Borer Site

Information for homeowners from emeraldashborer.info