Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer Treatments

As you know, the Village has an infestation of Emerald Ash Borer. All ash trees, left untreated, will die within the next five to ten years. The Village has contracted with a company to provide Emerald Ash Borer treatments and will be treating selected trees. Residents may contract with the same company at the Village rates. If you are interested in Emerald Ash Borer treatments and would like more information on the company the Village has contracted with and those rates, please contact Lydia Scott at 847.913.2360 or .

• Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan

• Emerald Ash Borer Identification

Background

The Emerald Ash Borer, (a.k.a. EAB), first became known in the United States in the summer of 2002, when the insect was found to be responsible for killing of Ash trees in Michigan. Since its initial discovery five years ago, more than 16 million Ash trees have been removed in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana as a result of EAB infestations.

The borer is very difficult to detect in newly infested trees because the symptoms are mild and often occur in the upper portions of the tree. Typical signs of EAB infestation include the presence of a small metallic green beetle (shaped like a speedboat), small “D-shaped” holes in Ash tree bark, and dieback in the crown of the tree.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is hard at work, trying to develop a plan that will stop the spread of the EAB. However, since the Emerald Ash Borer has thus far proven difficult to contain, Village residents are asked to be diligent and proactive in preparing for an Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Lincolnshire. Be on the lookout for signs of EAB, and contact the Village Forester if you notice any dying Ash trees.

Preventative treatment options to protect trees from Emerald Ash Borer are now available at garden centers and through tree care companies. The most common active ingredient in products sold to protect against EAB is Imidacloprid (commonly referred to as Merit). Products containing Imidacloprid have been used for many years to control a variety of insects.

While some of these products may successfully fend off Emerald Ash Borer, it is important for Lincolnshire residents to know that treatments are only good for one growing season. This means that once you start treating a tree, you will have to continue treatments annually for the rest of the tree’s life. Such a treatment regiment can get quite costly, and therefore is only recommended for the largest, healthiest, and most valuable Ash trees.

Village residents should be wary of salesmen recommending treatment for Ash trees that are anything less than healthy and irreplaceable. If you are considering treating your Ash trees to prevent EAB infestation, or you simply have tree related questions, please contact Chris Fisher at 847.913.2365.