Ash trees are common in Beaumont-Wilshire. Ash makes a beautiful and hardy shade tree; unfortunately, invasive emerald ash borers have arrived in our area. Information about the arrival of ash borers in Oregon can be found at extension.oregonstate.edu/eab.
The emerald ash borer kills ash trees and has been described as the most destructive invasive forest pest ever to arrive in North America. A quick check for ash trees is to look at the leaf. Ash trees have a feather-like leaf with five or more leaflets on a single stock. Except for the end leaflet, leaflets are directly opposite.
The emerald ash borer prefers trees that are stressed. Lack of water and pruning can stress a tree. The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has a list of approved products for licensed and DIY treatment applicators. If you are unsure, contact a commercial tree service. The ODF list includes systemic treatments that can be applied before infestation. For more information visit oregon.gov/oda/shared/Documents/Publications/IPPM/PesticideProductsEAB.pdf.
From the OSU Extension Service: What you can do to help
- Be alert: it is important to stop new outbreaks before they start. Early detection, coupled with rapid response, can stop the spread of new and emerging invasive species before they become established.
- Learn to recognize ash trees.
- Know how to identify the emerald ash borer.
- Report sightings of this insect online at the Oregon Invasive Species Council hotline at oregoninvasiveshotline.org/.
- Share information about emerald ash borers with others, including neighbors, fellow gardeners, hikers, mushroom hunters, and campers.
- Do not move or transport ash wood: even after a tree has died or has been cut down, the emerald ash borer can be present in the wood. Keeping the wood on the same site as the infected tree can help to slow the spread of the insect.
Matthew Carter’s family history runs deep in B-W: his parents graduated from Grant High School, as did his children. Now retired, he’s been a BWNA newsletter delivery person for over 30 years!