Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Identification and Prevention
One of South Dakota’s most commonly planted trees, our beloved ash tree is in jeopardy. Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic-looking beetle native to Asia responsible for the death of more than 100 million ash trees across the U.S.
Fortunately, Eagle Lawn & Landscape Inc. has been preparing for this disease for several years and offers the best equipment, methods, and products to treat EAB. We are insured, certified, and licensed arborists through the State of South Dakota as well as the city of Sioux Falls for insect and disease control and tree pruning and removal. Our trained and knowledgeable arborists follow the most updated information and take direction from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and the Sioux Falls Forestry Department.
How Does Emerald Ash Borer Affect My Ash Tree?
The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on ash trees’ inner bark, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Once infested, the tree has a 0% survival rate and WILL die within 2-5 years, depending on the infestation level, unless treated. With approximately 85,000 ash trees in Sioux Falls, it is easy for the EAB beetle to move quickly from one ash tree to the next.
How Do I Know if My Sioux Fall Ash Tree Has Emerald Ash Borer?
Symptoms include thinning and dieback of the tree’s upper canopy. Another sign of an infected tree is the presence of a d-shaped exit hole in the bark. This is left by an adult beetle after it chewed its way out of the tree.
Prevention of Emerald Ash Borer is Essential to Your Ash Tree’s Survival
At Eagle Lawn & Landscape Inc., we believe in prevention. Due to the rapid rate at which EAB is infesting Sioux Falls ash trees, we suggest treating your beloved trees now, regardless of symptoms showing. Treatments for EAB have come a long way in the last ten years. Our certified, licensed arborists utilize the most proven and effective product from ARBORJET and inject it directly into the tree’s base every two years. This high-quality product will prevent EAB from damaging your tree and eliminate any EAB larvae that have already infested the tree, pending it has only been lightly infested.
We apply injections for treatment from early May through early September. To be treated, ash trees must be fully leafed out and must be moving food through their vascular system.
Beware of over-the-counter treatments available to homeowners. They are not proven to be as effective. Eagle Lawn & Landscape Inc. does not use soil-applied treatments as they are not allowed in Sioux Falls due to their negative impact on the environment.
Cost of Emerald Ash Borer Treatment
Trees are a valuable investment benefiting us in a variety of ways. They provide oxygen, shade, home to many wildlife, curb appeal, and reduce stress and anxiety. Tree removal ranges from $750 to $4,000 per tree, pending how dangerous it is to remove.
Treatment for the prevention of EAB ranges between $100 – $500 per tree. Treatment cost is based on “the diameter at breast height” (dbh) of a tree. Diameter is the “width” of a tree trunk. Breast height is approx. 4.5 feet above the ground (see photo on the top right). We can quickly provide a price with this information.
Why Trust Eagle Lawn & Landscape With Your Ash Trees?
We have done our homework on this pest and have the resources to provide timely and effective services. In business since 1999, we are trusted by thousands of loyal Eagle Lawn & Landscape Inc. customers! Contact us today and start protecting your valuable lawn ornaments now.
