On Nov. 11th 2009- A Hoppe Tree Service crew found the first confirmed case of Emerald ash borer in Oak Creek.  The 4 man crew was performing tree and shrub removal and noticed a suspicious tree.  The crew took a closer look at the tree and saw tell tale signs of Emerald ash borer.  The crew contacted the WI Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, and the infestation was confirmed.  In all, about 20 trees in the vicinity have now been identified as EAB infested.  

Emerald Ash Borer Identified in Southeastern WI-Know the facts.

The emerald ash borer, an invasive, wood-boring beetle that attacks ash trees, has recently been positively identified in two communities in Milwaukee County, Oak Creek and Franklin.  The ash tree killing pest has now been located in 7 Wisconsin counties- Brown, Crawford, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Vernon, and Washington counties.  

Management of the Pest

Ash trees are very numerous in southern Wisconsin, and widespread on many public and private properties.  It is important to decide if and how you want to manage the ash trees on your property.  Hoppe Tree Service can help you develop an informed strategy that fits with your goals.  Each client and each property is different, and a variety of techniques can be used. Treatment options are available and include two different types of methods.  Soil injected systemic insecticide, or trunk injected insecticide.  Each option has its merits.

Soil systemic insecticide- Treatment generally takes place in the spring and fall.  Insecticide is pumped into the ground to the root zone of the ash tree using a soil probe and a pressurized tank.  Treatments are persistent in the tree for about 1 year.  

Trunk injection- This relatively new treatment is called Tree-age.  Holes are drilled into the trunk of the tree and the insecticide treatment is pumped into the tree and acts systemically thru the vascular system of the tree.  Treatments are persistent for 2 years.  

Removal/replanting- This option can be used to remove trees that are of poor quality.  Or on properties with numerous ash trees, it may be smart idea to remove some of the ash trees and replant with different trees, to create a more diversified forest. A healthy landscape contains trees of a variety of species and ages.   

Long term planning should be incorporated into all landscape settings.  In some cases treatments may perhaps only be temporary while new younger non-ash trees are given a chance to grow.  Larger properties may want to incorporate a diversified management plan that utilizes all three methods.  

Hoppe Tree Service arborists can help you decide a management strategy  to decide if your trees should be treated.  We recommend treating high value trees that have importance in the landscape.  When you work with Hoppe Tree Service, you benefit from having trained, educated and certified professional caring for your trees and helping you make decisions about your trees.  Our staff includes, certified Arborists and licensed pesticide applicators  trained in the progressive technologies and techniques that can spot potential  tree health issues early. 

Prevention is the key– Hoppe Tree Service can develop a strategy to keep your trees healthy, safe and happy. 

  D-shaped exit hole made by adult emerald ash borer as it emerges from the ash tree

The S-shaped galleries or tunnels are made by EAB larvae feeding under the bark of the ash tree. Their feeding cuts off the flow of water and nutrients within the tree.  The tree gradually dies within 2-4 years.

 
EAB larva feeding under the bark of the ash tree.

Different life stages of emerald ash borer – larva, pupa, early adult, mature adult.

EAB larva feeding under the bark of the ash tree.