This week's invasive #FridayFeature is the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). In honor of Arbor Day we are not going to highlight this invasive pest that has decimated ash tree populations all over Monroe County though, instead we are going to focus on what you can do to combat the destruction left in the wake of the borers.
By simply planting native trees where ash trees used to stand we can recreate the vital roles that ash trees played in our county protecting streambanks, increasing water quality, providing habitat and food for wildlife, and more. Your local soil and water conservation districts offer bare root seedlings sale each April that are great ways to replant. Otherwise check your local nurseries for native stock that can be planted in place of the ash trees.
If you still have healthy ash trees on your property you should reach out to your local CCE, PRISM, or other agencies that can tell you treatment/prevention measures to combat emerald ash borer.
While the ash borer has already done its damage it is still important to be on the lookout for them. These small insects have a golden-green body and leave a D-shaped exit hole on ash trees they have infested.
If you see emerald ash borer or evidence of them on your property email pictures and location information to foresthealth@dec.ny.gov
Original source can be found here.
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