Emerald Ash Borer - What you need to know

EAB Alert

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a destructive pest of all ash trees. EAB is native to many Asian countries such as China and Korea. In 2002 it was discovered in southeast Michigan, likely arriving from Asia in packaging material.

It has since been found in 10 states and Ontario, Canada. On May 14, 2009 it was discovered in St. Paul, Minnesota.

This destructive beetle has killed millions of Ash trees where it has been discovered.

Experts believe Emerald Ash Borer will soon spread throughout Minnesota.

Our own experts at Gertens are recommending that customers with Ash trees up to 12 inch diameter protect them in the following manner:

Each fall, drench the trees with Bonide Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control. This product, when applied correctly following the instructions on the label, will quickly dissolve in water and the insecticide will move through the soil into the root zone. Once in the roots, it will move up through the tree, and protect against and kill EAB. Gertens has this product in stock in both a one gallon and one quart size.

As a preventative measure this treatment should be done now, while the trees are actively growing in May and June, and then repeated each fall.

What you will need:

• Bonide Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control
• a drenching watering can
• chemical resistant gloves

Gertens is also recommending re-planting additional species of trees, other than Ash, in close proximity to your existing Ash trees, in the event your Ash trees become infected. Please visit our tree specialists for good disease resistant trees, such as American Lindens, Hackberry and many varieties of Maple.

If you have large established Ash trees, or are not comfortable treating your own trees, Gertens recommends S&S Tree Specialists (651-451-8907) to treat and diagnose EAB.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) released this press release on Thursday May 14, 2009.

For more information on steps that can be taken to control this invasive tree killer, please review the MDA Emerald Ash Borer Program or the University of Minnesota Extension article.