Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an insect that kills ash trees.  It is not known to be in Red Wing, but is on its way.  The City values its trees and must prepare for the arrival of this highly destructive insect. Taking action now will better position it to slow the spread and impact of EAB within Red Wing and in neighboring communities.

How soon will EAB get to Red Wing?

Because EAB is hard to detect, it might be here already.  It was identified in 2009 in Saint Paul (35 miles away) and Victory, Wisconsin (95 miles away). EAB beetles can fly, but they travel greater distances in firewood and other wood products. It was originally detected in Michigan in 2002, but it has since spread to much of the United States and Canada, causing the death of millions of trees.

Will it kill all the ash trees?

It might.  All native Minnesota species of ash (Fraxinus sp.) are susceptible to EAB and none have any resistance. There are 2,210 ash trees known to be at risk in City rights-of-way and 234 in developed parks.  Ash represents 25% of the total tree population in these areas.  In addition, ash grow in the bottomlands along the Cannon and Mississippi rivers, on the bluffs and in agricultural areas.

What is the City doing to prepare for EAB?

The City has a plan in place.  It details the City’s authority to act, identifies risks and resources, and makes recommendations that will allow the City to manage EAB proactively and strategically.  Among the strategies for public trees:

• The City no longer plants new ash trees on public property
• A tree inspector monitors ash trees in the business district and in residential neighborhoods
• The City cooperates with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to establish trap trees and set purple traps in the city
• The Public Works Department began removing ash trees, starting with those in poor to fair condition or with major defects, at a rate of up 2½% per year in 2011
• Ash trees that are removed are replaced in accordance with the Urban Forest Asset Management Plan and public works operating procedures.

Can I treat an ash tree to prevent EAB?

There are insecticides on the market that you can use to treat your ash tree and prevent EAB.  Based on the advice of experts, the City recommends that you hold off on treating your tree until EAB is confirmed within 15 miles of Red Wing.  Professional arborists have more treatment choices than homeowners have, including some that last for two years.  Trees in the early stages of EAB infestation can be treated as well.

What if I want to treat the tree on my boulevard with an insecticide?

You can but contact the city Tree Inspector first.  If you have a qualified tree service or person treat an infested boulevard tree with insecticide at your own expense and in accordance with University of Minnesota Extension suggestions, it may remain in the landscape for as long as the treatment is effective and the tree remains healthy.  You must provide evidence, such as an invoice or copy of the product label, to the Tree Inspector.

How do I reach the tree inspector?

The Director of Public Works delegates tree inspector responsibilities to Bill Rooney.  To leave a message for the tree inspector, call the Public Works Department at 385-3674.

What is the most important thing I can do to prevent the spread of EAB around Minnesota?

Don’t move firewood into or out of Red Wing.  Plan to buy it where you use it.  If you bring firewood into Red Wing, be sure it has been seasoned for at least two summers.

What can property owners do about EAB on private property?

• Monitor ash trees for EAB - look for cracks in the bark or woodpecker damage and watch for dying branches near the top of ash trees
• Report suspected cases of EAB to the tree inspector.
• Establish a relationship with a tree service company that has a Certified Arborist and a Minnesota Certified tree Inspector on staff, and carries adequate general liability and worker compensation insurance
• Replace lost ash trees, or to plant new trees in advance of EAB infestation.

What should I do with my ash tree that must be cut down?

To help prevent the spread of EAB, avoid cutting down an unhealthy ash tree May-August unless the wood will be chipped at the site.  Until EAB is found in Red Wing, there are no restrictions on the movement of ash wood in the community.  You can take wood to the compost site on Bench Street during open hours.  Ash trees make good firewood and it’s safe to cut and store uncovered if it came from a healthy tree.  If the tree was sick, plan to cover and seal the pile while it seasons to prevent the spread of emerald ash borer (EAB).

What trees should I plant instead of ash?

Many kinds of trees grow well in Red Wing including varieties of maple, linden, hackberry, honeylocust and others. To learn about trees recommended for southeast Minnesota, visit www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD6574.html

Where can I find out more about EAB?

Look online at www.mda.state.mn.us/eab  or go to www.extension.umn.edu/issues/eab .

Web content produced with support provided from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, a part of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, as appropriated in Minnesota Laws 2009, Chapter 172.