City of Edgewater: Emerald Ash Borer Found in Edgewater

From the City of Edgewater:

This week, experts from Colorado State University Extension confirmed that Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been found in Edgewater, Colorado near the intersection of 20th and Benton.

According to the City’s tree inventory, Edgewater has approximately 218 ash trees located in the public right-of-way, on commercial properties, and in front yards of private homes. The City’s tree inventory does not include all ash trees that may be located on private property.

EAB is a beetle from Asia and considered an invasive pest. It attacks and kills ash trees by boring into them. Once a tree is infected, it usually dies within 2 to 4 years. Early EAB detection can be difficult as damage to the trees is hidden under the bark and tree decline is gradual.

The Emerald Ash Borer was first found in Boulder in 2013, and since then it has spread to other Colorado cities including Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Arvada. Although preventative pesticide treatments have been applied to some trees within the City, it is likely that EAB has already spread to other ash trees.

The City of Edgewater is committed to a healthy tree canopy and will continue to monitor the presence of additional EAB and manage its presence in the community.

City staff are currently assessing trees for signs of EAB and will be contacting residents directly who have ash trees (green or white) on their property or adjacent right-of-way. Please look for a postcard in the coming weeks with more information on the next steps that residents should take, as well as the actions that will be taken by City staff.

The City will continue to provide support for resident trees through the Healthy Tree Canopy program which provides rebates for EAB treatment, removal of diseased trees, and plantings.

More information about EAB can be found on the City website: https://www.edgewaterco.gov/living-here/caring-for-your-home/trees-beetles

The website will also be updated with additional resources in the coming weeks.

EAB Tips for Residents

• Find out out if you have ash trees. Ash trees have leaves made up of 5 to 9 smaller leaflets, with branches and buds growing opposite each other. Older trees also have diamond shaped bark. You can find help identifying ash trees on the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) website.
• Make a plan. If you have an ash tree, decide whether to treat it or remove it. If the tree is healthy and valuable, treatment may help. If it’s in poor shape, it may be better to remove it and plant a different type of tree. If you’re unsure, ask a tree expert or arborist for advice. The CSFS website has tips on choosing a tree care company.
• Plant new trees. If you remove an ash tree, replace it with a different kind of tree. You can find nurseries and landscapers through the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
• Watch for signs of EAB. Look for:
  • Leaves thinning at the top of the tree
  • Small D-shaped holes in the bark (about 1/8 inch)
  • Cracks in the bark with winding S-shaped tunnels under it
• Don’t move firewood. EAB spreads through infected wood. Do not take ash firewood or untreated ash wood to other towns. If you need to get rid of ash wood, chip it, compost it, use it for lumber, or take it to a landfill.

For more details on how to spot ash trees, treat for EAB, or safely use ash wood, visit the CSFS website.

Questions regarding this Press Release may be addressed in writing via e-mail to Amber Magee at AMagee@EdgeawaterCO.com.

Editor