fcgov.com/forestry meet the emerald ash borer
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City of Fort Collins Forestry Division413 South Bryan AvenueFort Collins, Colorado 80521
fcgov.com/[email protected]
Please visit EABColorado.com for more information.
Meet the Emerald Ash Borer.
How do I know I have an ash tree?All true ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) have the following characteristics:
• Leaves are compound, which means multiple leaflets occur on a common stalk, and typically have five to nine leaflets. The one exception is single-leaf ash which may have simple or compound leaves, with up to five leaflets.
• Leaflets are smooth or finely toothed along the edges.• Seeds on female trees are paddle-shaped.• Branches and buds grow in pairs, directly opposite from each other.• Mature bark displays diamond-shaped ridges.• The following App is a handy tool to help you identify what type of trees you may have on your property: search for EAB/Ash Tree ID.
Not an App/smart phone user? Send pictures to the City Forestry Division or contact a Licensed Certified Arborist.
Should I treat my ash tree?The City of Fort Collins Forestry Division does not recommend treating your ash trees until EAB is detected within Larimer County. However, it is recommended to start thinking about management options so you are prepared and have a plan for your ash tree(s). The City of Fort Collins Forestry Division recommends that you consider “shadow planting” for ash trees on your property.
What is shadow planting?“Shadow planting” is a great option for planning or planting for the future! Plant a tree near an ash tree that you do not intend to treat. This will ensure that a new tree is well established and growing when it comes time to remove your ash tree.
What can I do about my HOA’s ash trees?The City of Fort Collins Forestry Division will speak to your HOA Board and provide information on how to properly prepare for the Emerald Ash Borer before it arrives in Fort Collins. Please call 970.221.6660 or email [email protected] for more information.
Who can help me with my ash tree?It is important to hire a Licensed, Certified Arborist for all pruning, removal and pesticide treatment work. Please visit fcgov.com/forestry/arborists.php for a current list of certified Arborist in your area. You can also call 970.221.6660 or email [email protected] for more information.
The ArrivalThe larval stage of the EAB feeds under the bark of the ash tree.
The GalleryEAB larvae produce S-shaped tunnels or “galleries” under the bark of the ash tree.
Look for the DOnce the larvae matures it leaves the ash tree through D-shaped exit holes.
Signs of EAB InfestationInfestation signs include the thinning of upper branches and the loss of leaves.
Little Bug. Big problem.What is the Emerald Ash Borer?The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a highly destructive, non-native insect that infests and kills all North American true ash species including green, white, black and blue ash, and their cultivars (including “autumn purple ash,” a popular white ash varietal in Colorado). The larval stage of EAB feeds under the bark of trees, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. Infested trees gradually die over a period of approximately two to four years.
Why is this a problem for Fort Collins?The City of Fort Collins Forestry Division maintains over 52,000 trees located on City property, 8,200 of these trees are ash trees. City-wide (on public and private property), there are approximately 70,000 ash trees which make up 33% of our canopy cover in Fort Collins. EAB has not been confirmed in Fort Collins as of Summer 2017. However, EAB has been confirmed in Boulder County. A quarantine on all hardwood trees is in effect (small trees, firewood, or wood with bark in-tact) and wood should not be transported outside of Boulder County.
How can I spot a tree infested by Emerald Ash Borer?The presence of EAB in a tree typically goes undetected until more than a year after initial infestation. Symptoms of infested trees may include:• Thinning of upper branches and twigs• Loss of leaves• S-shaped tunnels produced by larvae under the bark• D-shaped exit holes about 1/8-inch wide• New sprouts on the lower trunk or lower branches• Vertical splits in the bark• Increased woodpecker activity