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Ash borer #815592

Asked October 31, 2022, 10:55 AM EDT

Hello, thank you for,your expertise and time . We have a nice home on 7+ acres -- Lake McDonald --Baytown Township-- near Lake Elmo . My neighbor suggested we cut all the ash trees on our border. No visible issues with any of these trees. One of your colleagues - about 5 years ago --- walked my property --- no issues then. She gave me good education on what to look for with ash. Many blocks away -- neighbor says ash trees have emerald ash borer. So ,,he says we should cut our trees down. I am against this strategy ... If we see it -- then yes .. Are there any strategies that suggest this tactic?? Please advise ... Anyone can visit -- if needed ... Thank you

Washington County Minnesota

Expert Response

This is a good question and the short answer is - It’s really up to you. 

From the photos it looks like you have a nice stand of trees that include ash. Eventually, they will all succumb to Emerald Ash Borer. You are in a location that is under quarantine for the borers. 

The big question for you is do you want to wait until you have to take them all down now and have  some big empty areas? You could make a plan to take down 2 per year or so and begin replanting with other trees so that you are managing the area and keeping your stand healthy. 

I am including a couple links to information that I hope will help you create a plan: a map of EAB in Minnesota and our extension website on EAB management.

https://extension.umn.edu/forest-pests-and-diseases/managing-ash-woodlands

https://mnag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=63ebb977e2924d27b9ef0787ecedf6e9

I hope these help.

Deb Reierson Replied November 01, 2022, 12:26 PM EDT

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