You can also contact your local county Extension office to see if EAB has been found in your area. Visit the Wisconsin DATCP EAB Resource Guide website ( /eab/)and view the interactive map. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) keeps track of EAB infestations in Wisconsin. How do I know if there are ash trees in my area that are infested with EAB? EAB was first detected in Wisconsin in 2008 and has since spread around much of the state. An ash tree that is not healthy due to disease or insects, has poor shape or structural damage, is otherwise unattractive, or is in a bad location ( e.g., near a power line) is of lower value. A healthy ash tree that is properly located in the landscape, has a nice shape and good fall color, and provides shade has value. Qualities to consider when assessing value include (but are not limited to) a tree’s overall health, shape, location with respect to landscape design, and appearance through the seasons, as well as whether or not a tree provides shade. Determining tree value can be subjective, but several online calculators exist to estimate tree value ( e.g., Arbor Day Foundation, etc.). A properly cared for ash tree can increase property value, provide environmental benefits such as runoff and erosion mitigation, and reduce electricity costs by shading a home. How do I know if my ash tree has value? Ash trees can be a valuable part of the landscape. Lower value ash trees and trees in poor health are not good candidates for EAB insecticide treatments. Proper use of EAB insecticides can help maintain the health of high value ash trees over time. Due to the expense of insecticide treatments for EAB, consider the value of a particular ash tree in relation to treatment costs before making any treatments. Thus, treatments may be warranted for EAB regardless of location within Wisconsin. However, in 2018 the EAB quarantine was extended over the entire state and most Wisconsin residents now live in counties with known EAB infestations or are close to an infestation.
When should I consider treating my ash tree for EAB? Historically, treatment decisions were based upon being within or near a quarantined county. This factsheet addresses some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the treatment of ash trees for emerald ash borer (EAB), and the removal and disposal of infested trees.
High value ash trees are candidates for treatments for emerald ash borer.Īuthors: PJ Liesch, UW Entomology, Patti Nagai, UW-Extension Racine County and R.