Wisconsin Ash Tree Mortality
Written by: Ron Gumz, Certified Arborist MN-0324A
Posted:
2017 | Emerald Ash Borer | Fall | Insect Control | Spring | Summer | Winter
Many of you may be aware of emerald ash borer at this point and the implications of this insect. The Wisconsin ash tree has gained media and others have done a good job of raising our awareness. In the summer of 2008, emerald ash borer was positively identified in Wisconsin for the first time. By the time the insect was noticed in Newburg, the consensus was that it had been in the area for several years already based on the extent of the ash tree damage. Now fast forward, and we see the ash borer in Wisconsin affecting thousands of ash trees in the communities around us.
Dr. Dan Herms of Ohio State University and others have done studies on ash mortality as EAB moved through parts of Michigan and Ohio. His Ash Mortality Curve was partially developed using dendrochronology which is the study of the annual growth rings in trees, especially as a way of dating pest infestations or determining past climatic conditions. This data shows a steep incline of the death rate of the Wisconsin ash trees as the borer overwhelms an area. Ultimately, the graph tells us that after EAB has been in an area for a specific time period, the number of dead ash trees climbs exponentially.
If you have not prepared already, the time to deal with emerald ash borer in Wisconsin has been upon us for years. Yet, there are still too many ash trees that are going untreated. If you have a thriving ash tree, the time to protect it is now. Planting new, diverse species of trees is an option when considering your possibilities for your landscape. If you have been on the fence about what you would like to do about your Wisconsin ash trees, please get in touch with your Wachtel Tree Science Certified Arborist to develop an action plan.
Contact our Certified Arborists today for more information on how you can protect your Ash trees with effective EAB treatment options.
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