The Emerald Ash Borer, a non-native beetle, began its spread to the United States in 2002. Since that time, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has contributed to the decline and death of millions of trees across the US. With no natural predators here, the EAB continues to spread and kill ash trees. This costs landowners and the government billions of dollars to treat, remove and replace infested trees. Is the Emerald Ash Borer in Longmont CO now?
Found in the City of Boulder in 2013, a quarantine was placed in Colorado in hopes to prevent the accidental spread of this pest via human transport of firewood. Experts have anticipated its spread across Colorado. Last week our fears were realized. On July 7, 2016, experts confirmed the emerald ash borer in Longmont CO.
How did the EAB show up in Longmont?
How did the EAB enter the City of Longmont? Experts are unclear whether the pest naturally migrated to Longmont or if it was accidental transport. For example, there is a quarantine to not move ash tree firewood from the Boulder area. People are urged to consider preventative chemical treatments for ash trees. ArborScape, an experienced and licensed tree service, has agreed to provide its services within the quarantine area. It has pledged to abide by EAB regulations of the quarantine. Get a free quote to confirm Emerald Ash Borer’s presence or treat/remove infested ash trees.
The cost of the EAB in the US is mounting. According to the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, “Responses to the infestation include treatment, removal, and replacement of more than 17 million ash trees at an estimated cost of $10.7 billion.”
Do you have an EAB infestation? You may not be able to tell from the outward appearance of an ash tree for a few years after infestation. Read about how to look for the signs of the EAB here.