Ash tree “inoculation” helps combat infamous Emerald Ash Borer

As the emerald ash borer spreads across North America like a plague, a new treatment option is starting to gain popularity to stop the bug and prevent trees from being removed.

“This trunk injection method to preserve them is another means in our tool belt we can help to try to stagger the effects of the ash bug,” said Adam Kingenberg of Lincoln Parks & Recreation.

The injection is like a vaccine for trees. Special chemicals are injected into the trunk and are then spread throughout the ash’s water vascular system, similar to blood flowing through humans.

An arborist has to first inspect the ash tree to see if it meets the requirements for injections. If it does, the treatment can help prevent the bug from infecting the tree, or, if it’s not already too late for the ash, kill any bugs that are currently living inside it.

“Once you find it it’s probably been there for a couple years already. It’s hard to see as the actual bug is the actual immature larvae that are causing all the damage,” said Tracy McCormick, an arborist for the city.

It’s important to note that the city of Lincoln will not be injecting trees themselves.

“The city’s plan is to do the removal and try to get people to replant. This trunk injection is one of the options we’re allowing the public to do so they have options to not just lose the tree,” said Kingenberg.

There are about 12,000 trees in public right-of-ways that the city is responsible for. It’s estimated that there are around 40,000-50,000 on private land, such as people’s backyards.

The new trunk injection may give some hope of saving one of America’s most popular trees.

Treatment is relatively inexpensive. An average 17-inch diameter ash will have a price of around $100-$150 and you’ll need to re-inject every 2 years.

“It’s kind of changing our minds on how to approach it. We’re still removing any ash tree that’s requested, but we could possibly save the trees now we’re starting to think,” said McCormick.

As a way to combat the ash tree dilemma, Parks & Rec set up the “Adopt-An-Ash” program which allows residents to “adopt” an ash tree in public right-of-way spaces by providing regular treatment. For more information on the “Adopt-an-Ash” program, visit the city’s website at https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/communityforestry/adopt.htm

For more on trunk injections, visit https://www.arborjet.com