Emerald Ash Borerin Colorado

Presented to the

Highlands Ranch Metro District Board of Directors

March 19, 2014

EAB Quick Facts:

Invasive wood-boring insect

Native to Asia/China

Found in 22 states and 2 Canadian provinces since 2002

Responsible for death of over 300 million U.S. ash trees

EAB was detected in Boulder, CO in 2013

How does EAB kill ash trees?

The larval stage of the insect tunnels through the vascular system of the tree, cutting off the water and nutrient supply to the tree

Symptoms

May not be evident for 2-3 yearsEarly detection is very difficult

Initially attacks along upper trunk and branches - canopy dies back

Succeeding attacks found on main trunk and root flares (much later)

Trees may lose up to 50% of canopy in first few years, die within 5-7 years

Management

Remove less desirable Ash trees and replace with more diverse species

Treat selective Ash trees with trunk injection, trunk spray or soil applications

If left untreated, all Ash trees will succumb to EAB

HRMD Ash Information

Currently 1,861 Ash trees in our inventory (14%)

Average size – 9” diameter

Average value $1,421

Estimated Ash population value: $2.6 million

Private/commercial property Ash population is unknown

Budget Impact

Increased budget for chemicals, contracted services and temporary staff

Staff labor re-directed toward EAB detection, treatment and tree removal

Summary

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) detected in Colorado

EAB is an invasive pest that will kill all Ash trees if untreated

Treatment and budget plans need to be addressed prior to infestation of EAB

Educating homeowners, HOA’s, HRCA and Shea Homes is important

Questions & Comments