What is the Emerald Ash Borer?
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a wood-boring beetle from Asia that is eating its way through North American forests. Once infested with this invasive insect, a tree only has a few years to live before it becomes brittle and dies. This invasive bug is now invading several MetroParks, and an action plan is in place to deal with the borer’s effects.
What you can do
You can help limit the damage of emerald ash borer by taking steps to inform yourself about this invasive species and the ash trees it affects. Simple steps to inform others can also be beneficial to your community and the forests within the region that you live.
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Do I have ash in my yard or neighborhood? |
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If I have ash, do they have EAB? |
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If I have ash, what are my options? |
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Know your trees:
Identify the trees on your property. Need help identifying ash? Use this handy guide. |
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Make a plan:
Consult a certified arborist about the health and options of any ash on your property. If you do not have signs of EAB you can make a plan to remove trees over time to make it easier on your budget. |
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Plant native trees and shrubs:
Plant around ash trees you have chosen not to treat, and give new species time to establish before you remove your ash. Native trees and shrubs tend to be more resilient to Ohio’s weather, pests and diseases. Planting native plants also helps support local wildlife. For suggestions, take a peek at a list of Ohio native woody plants. |
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Don’t move firewood:
EAB can survive in cut wood for two years. If ash is removed or falls on your property, don’t allow the the wood to move outside your county. Experts believe that EAB infestation is spreading quickly because of people moving firewood from infested areas to non-infested areas. |
Volunteer Opportunities
MetroParks is introducing the MetroParks Tree Corp. volunteer project. The Tree Corp. will help Miami Valley residents and their families learn about the life cycle of trees while restoring our forests.
This opportunity includes the Forest Foster Family program, Master Silviculturist service learning program, and other reforestation volunteer opportunities.
Would you like to get involved? Opportunities are available now!
MetroParks plan for action
There’s no getting around it: Ash trees in our parks that have been infected by the EAB will die. We essentially have two options:
- Remove the infected trees before they completely die.
- Treat the infected trees and inoculate them, making them more resistant to the insect.
There are pros and cons to both methods and cost factors for each. Removal fees are high, but one-time expenses. Inoculation isn’t as expensive but must be re-applied every two to three years for the next 15-20 years.
Five Rivers MetroParks has identified and is chemically treating 600 native ash species. Many more trees will be removed before they become a hazard. With your help, we can limit the effects of the EAB and still enjoy native ash in our parks for years to come. |