Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is well established and spreading in Central Ohio. 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 Emerald Ash Borer is to asses the value of the trees and determine if preservation 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. 

If 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...

• 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 tree removal will leave.
  
• You can plant a new tree near by and prune the Ash tree 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 tree begins decline.

If the tree is healthy and in a good location perhaps tree preservation is in order. There are 2 main products to use for EAB control. Both are systemic insecticides meaning they are absorbed by the trees tissue and present in the Cambium when the EAB larva begin to feed on the tree.

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 70-80% effective in healthy vigorous trees.

We are state licensed pesticide aplicators with years of experience in controling Emerald Ash Borer. Russell Tree Experts is the tree service athority on EAB in Columbus Ohio.

These tips should be a good guide to starting your EAB management plan. If you have a large project or just need a helping hand be in touch with us, we have the expertise and equipment to make living with EAB manageable.