Spotlight shines on emerald ash borer

Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed May 20-26 as Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week. The designation is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the destructive nature of emerald ash borer (EAB) and to share with Minnesotans the three P’s of EAB: Prepare, Protect, and Plant.

During EAB Awareness Week, MDA is urging residents and cities to prepare for their ash trees to be infested with emerald ash borer. Preparation for EAB involves knowing the signs and symptoms, and being ready to act if their trees become infested. Management options for an EAB-infested tree include tree removal, tree treatment, or taking no action. If a property owner choses to take no action for an EAB-infested tree, it should be noted that local government often requires removal of trees deemed hazardous.

MDA is also advising residents to protect areas not yet infested with emerald ash borer by not moving firewood and by being aware of the restrictions associated with the EAB quarantines now in place for Hennepin, Ramsey and Winona Counties. Precautionary insecticide treatments are an option to protect at-risk ash trees, but MDA recommends that consumers only treat trees within 15 miles of a known infestation.

Finally, MDA is advising residents to react to EAB and other invasive tree pests by planting a variety of native trees.

EAB is a tree pest not native to the U.S. Since being discovered in Michigan in 2002, it has been found in 15 states, including Minnesota. The insect attacks and kills ash trees when the larvae tunnel under the tree's bark, cutting off its food supply. EAB has been spread in firewood, nursery stock and possibly other ash materials.

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson says it’s important for all Minnesotans to be aware of this destructive pest and remember the three P’s.

“With nearly one billion ash trees in Minnesota, EAB is a major threat to our tourism and lumber industries, our natural landscapes and our recreational areas” says Frederickson. “It’s important for property owners to know what management options are available, and be prepared to act when EAB attacks their tree.”

For more details on EAB, visit MDA’s website at www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/eab.aspx .

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