FACT: Over 20,000,000 ash trees have been killed by the emerald ash borer.
TNS Monona is pleased to partner with Sustainable Atwood in educating our community about the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a deadly invasive species headed for our ash trees! Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Kenosha, Caledonia (northern Racine County), and La Crosse.
Much of our urban forest is made up of private trees—the ones on our properties. The EAB kills ash trees, leaving behind their dead but beautiful and useful trunks.
If your tree needed to be removed, what would you do with it?
Not many people would know where to turn to make the best use of their tree, so high quality wood often ends up as firewood or woodchips. The DNR Urban Forestry Grant awarded to Sustainable Atwood will provide ready access to information for processing wood through a network of local wood related professionals, businesses, artists and organizations. Stay tuned to learn more about the spread of EAB and the world of possibilities for your wood.
What to Look for:
Ash trees have an opposite branching pattern and compound leaves with 5-11 toothed leaflets.
Research has shown that EAB-infested trees may show no symptoms until they have been infested for more than two to three years.
What can you do?
- Don’t move firewood. Emerald Ash Borer larvae can survive in the bark of firewood. A good rule of thumb is buy local, burn local.
- Visually inspect your trees. Early detection is important, so if you see any sign or symptom of an Emerald Ash Borer infestation, contact your State agriculture agency.
- Spread the word. Talk to friends, neighbors and co-workers about Emerald Ash Borer and what they should be aware of on their trees.
- Ask questions. If you receive ash nursery stock or firewood, know its point of origin and your supplier, as larvae could be hiding under the bark.
- Know State and Federal regulations. Make sure you understand regulations that govern your state and those you may visit.
If you want more information on EAB, we have a lot of educational materials that will be on display at all of our upcoming events.
Visit this comprehensive online resource: www.emeraldashborer.wi.gov
View these pictures to help you identify Ash trees: http://datcpservices.wisconsin.gov/eab/articleassets/EABMIextension.pdf
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