Ash trees make up approximately 15-20% of Colorado’s urban forest, meaning there are 1.45 million ash trees at risk from EAB.
Although emerald ash borer (EAB) is still in Boulder County, we believe this destructive pest will begin migrating past Boulder city limits by June of 2016. The EAB population is still building very rapidly in northern Boulder (with no signs of slowing down), and hundreds of trees are dying. Experts agree that EAB has in fact traveled outside of Boulder, but has yet to be detected.
Swingle was recently interviewed by FOX31 on the importance of treating and protecting against emerald ash borer in metro Denver.
The Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) Forestry Division is rolling out a public education campaign about emerald ash borer (EAB). They now understand the severity of the situation and are being proactive in educating the public of the long-term effects of EAB.
“Ash trees in Denver can be found throughout residential properties, public rights-of-way, parks and green spaces. These ash trees perform important functions; including cooling the landscape and mitigating air pollution and storm water runoff. It is critical we activate a public awareness campaign to help stop the infestation of Emerald Ash Borer in our community.” – Rob Davis, Denver City Forester
What does that mean for you? Sooner than later, if you have an ash tree, you need to plan ahead. Waiting to treat until AFTER the borer is discovered on your property or an adjacent property is NOT a good strategy. Remember: once the borers are found it’s likely they’ve already been there for two to three years, causing significant if not irreversible damage.
