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Emerald Ash Borer Information
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a destructive insect pest from Asia that was first discovered in the US about 15 years ago near Detroit, MI. Since that time it has spread throughout most of the Eastern US including Wisconsin and has resulted in the destruction of millions of Ash trees. On May 26, 2015 City staff responded to a tip from a concerned citizen who suspected a tree might be infected with Emerald Ash Borer. The tree was located on the terrace strip along Wynnwood Drive on the far west side of Verona. After visual inspection a sample of the tree was removed and live larvae were found to be present. Photos were sent to the DNR Urban Forestry coordinator who was able to ID and confirm the presence of Emerald Ash Borer. Based on the condition of the tree the infestation appears to be at least two years old and inspection of other ash trees in the area indicated at least ten additional trees were infected. Verona is now the fourth community within Dane County known to have Ash Borer. Residents who own ash trees should consider treatment options or be prepared to remove their trees as this invasive pest spreads throughout the community.
The decision whether to chemically treat or remove your Ash tree is an individual choice and should depend on a lot of factors including the location, value, and long term cost of treatment. There are a few different treatment options available that vary in cost and effectiveness. Any reputable arborist or tree care company can provide you with information to help make this decision but the key is to be proactive and explore different alternatives before removal is the only option.
The City of Verona has nearly 500 publicly owned Ash trees along our streets and within parks. Our plan is to treat and protect approximately one-half of the larger, higher value trees and remove the other half as they become infected. A replacement fund was established several years ago to prepare for the eventual cost for removal and replacement of infected trees.
The State of Wisconsin has an excellent website concerning EAB and valuable information dealing with the pest.
UPDATE: JANUARY 2016
City staff has now confirmed two additional EAB infestations in the Downtown and Military Ridge neighborhoods. The distribution of all confirmed cases suggests that the insect is now present throughout the community. Homeowners are urged to consider treating or removing their ash trees to minimize the impact of this pest.
The decision whether to chemically treat or remove your Ash tree is an individual choice and should depend on a lot of factors including the location, value, and long term cost of treatment. There are a few different treatment options available that vary in cost and effectiveness. Any reputable arborist or tree care company can provide you with information to help make this decision but the key is to be proactive and explore different alternatives before removal is the only option.
The City of Verona has nearly 500 publicly owned Ash trees along our streets and within parks. Our plan is to treat and protect approximately one-half of the larger, higher value trees and remove the other half as they become infected. A replacement fund was established several years ago to prepare for the eventual cost for removal and replacement of infected trees.
The State of Wisconsin has an excellent website concerning EAB and valuable information dealing with the pest.
UPDATE: JANUARY 2016
City staff has now confirmed two additional EAB infestations in the Downtown and Military Ridge neighborhoods. The distribution of all confirmed cases suggests that the insect is now present throughout the community. Homeowners are urged to consider treating or removing their ash trees to minimize the impact of this pest.
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