Treehugger Interviewed about Emerald Ash Borer

"Bracing for an invasion of tree killers, traps have been set up around the city for the arrival of the deadly Asian emerald ash borer. The tunnelling beetle that has destroyed millions of ash trees in eastern Canada and the United States is now in Minneapolis -- a day's drive from Winnipeg. It will arrive here any day now -- on a wooden shipping pallet, in a crate, on firewood or attached to a vehicle..." read the full article here.

Emerald Ash Borer Treatments

Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect native to Asia, it has killed tens of millions of ash trees in urban, rural and forested settings. This beetle was first discovered in 2002 in southeast Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. As of May 2009, emerald ash borer (EAB) infestations were known to be present in 11 states, including several parts of Minnesota. Many homeowners, arborists, and tree care professionals want to protect valuable ash trees from EAB. For up to date information on EAB, check out the MN Department of Agriculture EAB site at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/eab.aspx

What options do I have for treating my ash trees?
If you elect to treat your ash trees, there are several insecticide options available. Research has shown that treatments can be effective. TREE-äge® has the most efficacy, with protection rates up to 99% effective.

Keep in mind, however,that controlling insects that feed under the bark with insecticides has always been difficult. This is especially true with EAB because our native North American ashr trees have little natural resistance to this pest. In university trials, some insecticide treatments were effective in some sites, but the same treatments failed in other sites. Furthermore, in some studies conducted over multiple years, EAB densities continued to increase in individual trees despite annual treatment. To read more about current research, please go to this link at http://www.emeraldashborer.info/ and open the Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees From Emerald Ash Borer

Finding the diameter of your tree:
Treatment costs and insecticide doses are based on the diameter (d) of the tree to be treated. To measure your tree, use a standard tape measure (you may need a helper to hold one end). Set the tape at breast level (about 4 feet above ground). Walk around the tree to find the circumference (c) of the tree and divide that measurement by ∏ (3.14) D= C / ∏

For example, a measurement of 72” inches would be a 23” diameter (dbh) tree. (72” divided by 3.14 is 22.92”, rounded up to 23”)

Treehugger offers two treatment options to control EAB: OPTION ONE: Xytect 2F:

Xytect 2F is a systemic insecticide that is translocated to the canopy from the root system. It is highly effective against a broad range of ornamental pests and is applied in a soil drench manner. Xytect 2F is a liquid formulation of imidacloprid that allows for easy dosing of individual trees. It is great for trees that are 15” dbh or smaller. Large boulevard trees may not be best suited for a soil drench Xytect application.

More Information at: http://www.rainbowscivance.com/xytect/index.asp

Coverage: Xytect 2F is best applied in early spring or late fall and needs to be applied yearly. Uptake by the tree can take 4-6 weeks.

OPTION 2: TREE-AGE

TREE-age is a systemic insecticide that is translocated to the canopy by being injected into the trunk of the tree 6”-18” above ground. It is highly effective against a broad range of ornamental pests and is applied using the Arborjet Tree IV Device. TREE-age is s a liquid formulation of emamectin benzoate that allows for easy dosing of single or multiple trees. It is great for trees that are any size greater than 4” dbh.

Information at: http://www.arborjet.com/products/tree-age.htm
Coverage: TREE-age can be applied at any time of year as long as the ground is not frozen or extremely wet. Uptake by the tree can take 2-4 weeks. TREE-age is the only product on the market that protects the tree for TWO YEARS and can be applied to a tree if EAB is currently present in the tree (up to a 50% canopy decline).

NEIGHBOORHOOD DISCOUNTS:
Talk to your neighbors and organize a treatment day for Treehugger to work and have the opportunity to save many trees and save $$$.

Neighborhoods can receive discounts up to $3.00 per diameter inch to have TREE-age applied to multiple trees in your neighborhood. This is a great way to educate the neighborhood, save money, and do something good for the community. Treehugger will even demonstrate the process to those interested.

Discounts:

100” inches of TREE-age treated trees: $1.00 off per dbh.
200” inches of TREE-age treated trees: $2.00 off per dbh.
300” inches of TREE-age treated trees: $3.00 off per dbh.
400” inches or more, please contact Treehugger with rates.

Xytect discounts can be discounted up to $1.00 per dbh:
100” inches of Xytect treated trees: $0.50 off per dbh.
200” inches of Xytect treated trees: $1.00 off per dbh.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS OR WOULD LIKE TO HAVE JASON INSPECT YOUR TREES PRIOR TO APPLICATION, PLEASE GO TO THE CONTACT PAGE