Kansas Ash Trees in Danger!

The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive species of beetle that has begun to spread into Kansas over the last year. It has killed tens of millions of ash trees in other states, and may have the same devastating effect in Kansas. The annual cycle of the beetle dictates that it will begin emerging as early as mid May, and Ash Borer activity will peak in June.

            In order to prevent damage to Ash trees, and to slow the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, many individuals are choosing to preemptively use pesticides on their ash trees. Tree owners are encouraged to inject their trees rather than spray pesticides on ground around the tree because chemicals are very harmful to aquatic ecosystems.   

            The practice of using pesticides or insecticides may be necessary to protect Ash trees, but it is important to do so in the correct and responsible manner. Inject the trees when possible but if you do spray please avoid over saturating the ground, and avoid direct application near water ways or storm drains. If you are treating your trees with pesticides or insecticidesplease make sure to follow all labels. Imidacloprid is one of the more common chemicals used to treat for Emerald Ash Borer and it is designated as highly toxic to aquatic invertebrate populations as well bee populations. Aquatic invertebrates make up many of the keystone species in aquatic ecosystems, and it is crucial that they maintain a healthy population.

            A few easy tips to remember:

♦ When using insecticides to protect from the Emerald Ash Borer; inject whenever possible!

♦ If you have to spray make sure to follow correct application rates.

♦ If you must spray then avoid spraying close to waterways, or storm drains, and avoid spraying prior to rain events.

For more information please visit: Kansas Department of Agriculture -http://www.ksda.gov/plant_protection/content/379 or http://www.emeraldashborer.info/