Agencies
Services
Treatment
Insecticidal Management for Your Ash Tree (Treatment Information)
Entomologists agree that it is not necessary to begin treating your Ash tree for EAB before it is known to be within 15 miles of your tree. Treatment of a tree should begin once EAB has been confirmed near you. To find out where EAB has been confirmed in Illinois, Click here.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture, and it's Emerald Ash Borer Program, believe systemic insecticidal treatments of Ash trees, in response to or in preparation for Emerald Ash Borer infestation(s), can be a very useful component of a management plan. Insecticidal treatments can be an effective management strategy for high numbers of Ash trees when integrated with the removal of known infested trees and continued monitoring of Ash health, as a measure to potentially preserve and/or prolong the life of apparently yet unaffected Ash trees.
The Department believes that by focusing treatment efforts on Ash trees that are not showing signs and symptoms of EAB infestation, and are in overall good condition, and are desirable trees to preserve, there will be a better chance of successfully preserving those trees through a treatment program. Illinois residents must consult their village public works department to determine any ordinances or policies that may be in place before committing to a treatment plan for ANY tree within the village.
Additionally, residents are urged to consult with a certified arborist to assess the condition of an Ash tree being considered for treatment, to ensure it is a viable candidate. The Illinois Department of Agriculture does not and will not endorse any specific treatment method, insecticide, company, or applicator.
Ash Canopy Thinning and Dieback Photo Illustration
September 2007 - Effectively treating EAB-infested Ash trees can be tricky. Many people are unaware of the degree of infestation their Ash tree(s) may have, so Dave Smitley, Michigan State University entomologist, has created this guide that explains the stages of Ash canopy thinning and dieback. These stages may help the homeowner determine if it is worth the effort to try to save the tree, or if it may be best to take it down.
E-2955 - March 2007 - Treatment recommendations for homeowners
List of EAB Compliant Vendors
Should I Replant or Save My Ash?
Scientists from Purdue University and Michigan State University discuss whether it makes sense to save Ash trees or take them down. (PowerPoint presentation) May 2006.