The answer is yes. The Emerald Ash Borer is the single-most destructive pest of urban forests in American History, according to Jim Sudderth, Senior Forestry Inspector for the City of Denver. It has devastated ash trees in eastern states and is marching west. Experts now report that the Emerald Ash Borer was confirmed in Boulder in September 2013, and most recently this August in Broomfield. But the news isn't all bad.
Metro Denver Homeowners Can Take Steps to Prevent Ash Tree Disease
According to Sudderth, the spread is slow in Colorado AND there's hope for saving your treasured ash trees. A treatment can be applied BEFORE the pest attacks a tree, which will prevent infestation and the certain death of the tree. Once infected by Emerald Ash Borer, treatment can prolong tree life, but will not kill eradicate the pest.
Be a Smart Ash
What can you do now to prevent Emerald Ash Borer infestation? Contact a licensed tree care professional to get a plan in place! Ultimately the cost can be minimal compared to the cost of removing dead trees. In fact, you've probably noticed the City of Denver has already been treating trees, marked by the œBe a Smart Ash signs on trees around town. The city won't be treating your private property trees, but will protect trees in parks and rights-of-way that are 12-inches plus in diameter,and in fair or better condition. Property owners still need to treat smaller trees in the right-of-way, and any size trees on their private property.
Denver's Tree Canopy is Worth Saving
A full 25 percent of Denver's Tree Canopy is ash, so the stakes are high to preserve our green and shady spots. If you decide to remove a tree in the right-of-way, the city will provide a free replacement tree with a varietal appropriate to your location. Examples include aok, honey locust, sycamore and various ornamental species such hawthorns or maples.
Protecting Denver's Tree Canopy Protects Your Investment
Ultimately, as trees die from Emerald Ash Borer, property owners will be required by the city to remove them. It won't be long before infested and dying trees will become part of property disclosures and points of negotiations during sales. So save yourself the sadness and expense of removing trees and treat now.
How to Identify if youHave an Ash Tree
Check out the City of Denver's Be a Smart Ash websiteand use theirtools to identify whether you have an Ash tree. And remember, Be a Smart Ash!
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