Emerald Ash Borer was discovered in the City of Boulder, by a Boulder City Forester in September of 2013. Since this discovery, the municipalities in Boulder County and all of Colorado have been diligently working to research and educate the public on how we can all assist in controlling the spread of the epidemic set out to kill the city’s ash populations.
We know that no Ash will go unharmed. The unique quality about Emerald Ash Borer is that it is not selective in it’s choice for Ash, as it will infest and kill all species of ash. Green, white, black or blue, it does not matter, the infestation can and will occur if not prevented for all true North American Ash.
As the years have gone by since it’s discovery in Boulder, Emerald Ash Borer has moved its assassinations into neighboring communities such as Gunbarrel, Lyons, Longmont, Lafayette, and Superior where confirmed infestations have been found. EAB is suspected to already be in Louisville, Erie and amongst our other closer neighbors.
As arborists working in the communities we come in contact with the Ash species every day and unfortunately are coming into contact with the EAB infestations on a regular basis. There is estimated to be 78,000 Ash trees in the City of Boulder and another 22,000 in the City of Louisville. Tree care professionals are working alongside municipalities to combat the infestations and educate the public as to why it is so crucial to care for or, if necessary due to severe infestation, remove your Ash tree. Pest pressure is currently high and increasing in Boulder County and with local infestation being certain, treatment is the only way to fend off widespread infestation. Unfortunately, we are seeing some residents decide to do nothing, and leave their infested Ash to decline and create Emerald Ash Borer entry points into neighboring properties. If you are choosing to not treat your Ash tree or it is not a good candidate for treatment, the tree should be removed and the wood properly disposed of, so as to not encourage the spread of the insect.
At Blue River Forestry & Tree Care, our certified arborists are staying on top of the most up to date methods of treatment, and are consistently continuing our education on the research of Emerald Ash Borer in our communities, so that we can share that information with you. Educated and experienced tree care has never been so important. If you believe you have an Ash tree on your property, please call us for a no obligation consultation. We will identify your tree species, and develop a plan with you. As a future-focused tree care company, we are dedicated to preserving Boulder County’s urban forest and we are here for you and your trees.
