Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is well established and spreading in Central Ohio Ash trees. Owners and caretakers of Ash trees should be developing a plan to deal with the situation. A good first step toward developing a plan for your trees is to asses the value of the trees and determine if perseveration efforts are worth while or if the tree should be removed. Factors in this important decision should include trees vigor, an evaluation of the root zone, current growth rate, surrounding trees, and other conditions. Our Certified Arborists are a good resource to help make these determinations.

If tree removal is indeed the most appropriate option and if the tree is not yet dead or declining there are some things to consider before the Ash tree is actually cut down...

(1) You can prune the Ash tree away from neighboring non-Ash trees to allow the trees that will remain to begin to fill in the void the removal will leave.

(2) You can plant a new tree near by and prune the Ash to reduce it from the new tree’s site so in the years to come you’ll have a more established replacement once the Ash trees begin decline.

There are 3 main products to use for Emerald Ash Borer control:

All of them are systemic insecticides meaning they are absorbed by the trees tissue and present in the cambium when the Emerald Ash Borer larva begin to feed. The best choice depends on the time of year, condition of the tree and the population level of EAB in the area.

(1) Emamectin Benzoate (TREE-age)- is injected directly into the trunk of the tree and provides about 80-90% protection for most healthy Ash trees.

(2 Imidacloprid (Merit)-Is applied as a soil injection and absorbed by the roots of the tree then moved through the tissue in much the same fashion as TREE-age. It is about 80% effective in healthy vigorous trees. It however must be repeated annually.

(3) Dinotefuran (Safari)-Is applied by spraying the bark of the tree. The insecticide moves through the bark and into the sap, then on to the wood of the tree.

If you have questions about the Ash trees in your yard or if you need help identifying the tree species in your yard call or click the 'GET AN ESTIMATE' button now to set up a free consultation with one of our Certified Arborists today!

Your trees and shrubs are a valuable asset to your property. Unfortunately many trees and shrubs face adverse growing conditions in the urban landscape. Stress from soil compaction, turf competition, invasive insects, nutrient deficiencies and other factors lead to plants that are stressed.

Remember, the key to preserving mature trees and cultivating a thriving landscape is recognizing and reducing environmental stress on your plants. Be sure to keep an eye out for the following...

Look at the base of your trees for definition of the buttress roots. If the tree grows straight into the ground without any flare at the base it is likely planted too deep or has had soil piled up around it. This is corrected with Root Collar Excavation. Keep an eye on the foliage of your trees and shrubs throughout the growing season. If they are yellowish with green veins they likely have a nutrient deficiency. Should you notice defoliation or wilting of the leaves they likely have a destructive insect population or vascular wilt slowing the flow of sap.

At Russell Tree Experts we have a passion for plants and continually educate ourselves on plant biology and the environmental stress factors that affect your landscape so we’re ready to help solve problems anytime they arise.

Call us or click 'GET AN ESTIMATE' link above to set up a free consultation with one of our Certified Arborists.