As you may know, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has arrived in Central Kentucky. This invasive pest has already devastated millons of Ash trees in Michigan and Ohio. Without treatment, millions more in Kentucky will fall prey to this destructive pest. Below you will find answers to some common questions regarding Emerald Ash Borers and treatments.
How to treat for EAB?
There are several options for treating the Emerald Ash Borer, such as soil injections or drenches, trunk injections, & systemic bark sprays. However, not all treatment options are as safe or as effective. That is why we have chosen to provide not only the safest, but most effective method – trunk injections. Another advantage of trunk injections is that they can be used on sites where soil treatments may not be practical or effective, including trees growing on excessively wet, compacted or restricted soil environments.
The specific system we are using is called the Arbor Jet System. It is environmentally friendly, is highly effective (a single treatment often lasts several years), and is the safest option for keeping your property free of chemical residues. Unlike the traditional approaches of spraying and soil application, the Arborjet system keeps the treatment inside the tree, eliminating chemical exposure of the air, soil or groundwater. It is healthy for your trees and healthy for you, your family and your pets.
How does the treatment work?
The actual process is very similar to getting a shot from a doctor or a hospital intravenous. Using either a “Tree I.V.” or a syringe-like injector called a “QUIK-jet”, small amounts of concentrated treatment formula are injected into the “veins” of the tree. Once inside the tree, the tree’s natural processes distribute and diffuse the medicament throughout the tissues where insects and diseases typically try to invade or feed, stopping the destructive pest before it can do any damage. The injection is performed through a special insert called an Arborplug which facilitates the injection, prevents leakage or infection, and speeds the development of new woody tissue to “heal” over the site.
How effective is the treatment & how long does it last?
Our system uses emamectin benzoate, also known as Tree-Age. In several intensive studies conducted by MSU and OSU researchers, a single injection of emamectin benzoate in mid-May or early June provided excellent control of EAB for at least two years, even under high pest pressure. To date, this is the only product that controls EAB for more than one year with a single application. We recommend a two year treatment cycle. In addition, in side-by-side comparisons with other systemic products (neonicotinoids), emamectin benzoate was more effective.
When to treat for Emerald Ash Borer?
We will begin treating for the Emerald Ash Borer in early May and continue through June. That is the most effective time for treatment using our system. CALL NOW to schedule your treatment.
How much does treatment cost?
Cost will vary depending upon the size of the tree, location, and a few other factors. However, on average, treatments will cost between $10 and $16 per trunk diameter inch.
So for example, you have a 10″ trunk diameter tree, the cost could range from $100 – $160.
Please note that it is usually far less expensive to treat the tree to keep it alive than to pay to have it removed when it dies. Also please note, our system only requires treatment every 2 years and is the MOST EFFECTIVE option available.
For trees smaller than 8 inches trunk diameter homeowners may treat them theirselves with a soil drench. The product we recommend is called Bayer Advance Tree & Shrub Insect Control. This product is to be applied mid-fall or mid to late spring.
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