Tree Care Blog
Emerald Ash Borer Detected in Larimer County
The emerald ash borer has been found in Larimer County near Berthoud. This is the first time that it has reached Larimer County.
The emerald ash borer has killed tens of millions of ash trees in the US and Canada. 15-20% of urban trees in Colorado are ash trees. These ash trees are vulnerable to the emerald ash borer which can kill a healthy ash tree in 4 years.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Forestry Archive, Bugwood.org
Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
Emerald ash borers have no native predators in the US, but it can be controlled with pesticides and biological controls. Adult emerald ash borers are about 1/2 inch long, with metallic emerald-green head and back, and a coppery reddish-purple abdomen. The larva are cream color. Larva tunnel under the bark, girdling the tree and blocking the flow of water and nutrients, which eventually kills the tree. Adults emerge in the spring from D-shaped holes in the tree trunk.
William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org
William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org
The town of Berthoud recommends that Berthoud residents should figure out if they have any ash trees on their property, and then decide if they want to treat them with pesticide next spring or remove them.
What should I do about the emerald ash borer?
Figure out if you have any ash trees on your property and decide which of your ash trees are worth saving. Treat the ash trees that you want to save. Remove the dying ash trees.
Fort Collins Tree Care has certified licensed professionals that will help you decide which trees should be saved, treat those trees, and remove any dying trees for you.
Additional Resources:
Emerald Ash Borer Detected in Larimer County 10/2/2019 by Larimer County Forester
Quick Guide Series: Emerald Ash Borer by the Colorado State Forest Service
Managing Emerald Ash Borer: Decision Guide by the Colorado Department of Agriculture
| Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money. |
| ~Cree Proverb |
