4 days ago
Missouri ash tree owners face choice: Treatment or removal
John Skinner, community forester, joined us to talk about the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) that kills ash trees. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the larvae feed under the bark of ash trees, leaving S-shaped trails (below).
The species was first discovered in 2002 in Michigan, and was later found in the southeastern part of Missouri in 2008.
The dead trees they leave behind become dangerously brittle.
Skinner says if about 30% of the tree is already dead, chemicals will not help, and the tree will need to be removed. He urges homeowners to either treat or remove infected ash trees to prevent hazards, since they can be a dangerous plant to keep around.
Lastly, Skinner says it's important to distinguish ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) from other species with similar-looking leaves. MDC says all ash trees are susceptible to the nonnative emerald ash borer; the Green ash (F. pennsylvanica), a common species found across the state, is particularly vulnerable to borers.
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