How to assess your treatment needs
Photo by David Cappaert
Signs and symptoms of infestation may not occur immediately in some sections of the greater Rochester area, however treatment is most effective in the early stages when it is likely that no signs and symptoms will be present. By the time the signs and symptoms are visible the infestation is well under way. Because EAB has been confirmed in Chili, Scottsville, Henrietta and the City of Rochester, all ash trees in our area are presumed in at least the early stages of infestation. Bottom line: if you have an ash tree, you must have a plan!
How to treat to prevent emerald ash borer infestation: Treat Early!
We must not wait for signs of infestation before treating in the Rochester/Finger Lakes area, as EAB has been discovered in Monroe and Livingston counties and it is certain that every unprotected ash tree in New York State will become infested and die.
A healthy-looking tree may indeed be in the early, undetectable stages of infestation. Treating a tree before, or in the very early stages of infestation, has been shown to be the most effective in terms of success. For more information on signs and symptoms click here to get more information at emeraldashborer.info
Spring and fall are the optimum time to treat ash trees.
The arborists at Summit Tree and Landscape use TREE-äge ®, the most effective treatment on the market today according to university studies. The City of Rochester has treated all it’s ash trees with the same treatment.
This systemic pesticide is injected into the trunk of the tree using surgical plugs. All of the material is taken up by the tree, limiting unwanted environmental side effects. TREE-äge ® kills larvae feeding on the cambium of the tree as well as adults feeding on the leaves. This treatment is effective for 2-3 years. For more information on TREE-äge ®: http://www.arborjet.com/
News Flash: Safari Trunk Spray
Safari, a basal trunk spray, offers an additional tool in the treatment arsenal. Recently approved for local use in New York State, Safari kills adults and larvae and, because it is a bark spray, is faster to apply, making it possible to treat more trees at a given time. While not as effective as TREE-age, Safari does provide some protection and can be a strategy to give a homeowner time to prepare a budget and long-term management plan.
So, what’s it cost?
It is important to remember that the cost of preventing Emerald Ash Borer infestation will greatly outweigh the cost of dead tree removal once the Ash Borer makes a home in your ash tree. It’s important to do what’s right for your home value, your landscape, and the environment. Costs for removal and replacement can average $900 per tree, according to university studies.
The price for residential treatment with injection of TREE-age in the Rochester area is $10-12 per diameter inch of trunk at breast height (DBH. ) Prices for spraying with Safari vary and are assessed on site.
