The Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive wood boring beetle, has been in the Madison news a lot recently. While the insect isn’t yet established in Dane County, it is gradually inching its way here and was recently found in Janesville, WI. For more information about EAB, visit our EAB Page.
Here’s what you can do right now…
- Know your ash trees: Are there ash in your yard, community garden, favorite park, or along the street that you value highly? Not sure if you have ash trees? Check out this brochure.
- Spread the Word: Let your friends and neighbors know about the insect. Encourage others to avoid moving firewood and other raw wood products.
- Plant Trees: It is not a question of IF EAB will make it to Madison, but WHEN it will arrive. Planting more trees now and increasing biodiversity will limit canopy loss in the future.
- Identify trees that you will want to treat: Effective insecticides exist to prevent an ash tree from becoming infested with EAB. These chemicals are most effective when injected directly into the tree. Not all trees can or should be treated, so think now about which you want to save. When EAB is found in Dane County, it is time to start treating your trees.