Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer has been confirmed to be present in West St. Louis County.  Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan during the summer of 2002.  Since its discovery, EAB has spread quickly and, in a matter of eight years, has established itself throughout Michigan, as well as in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Ontario, Canada.  The beetle kills trees by damaging the sapwood and interrupting the tree’s ability to transport fluids.  Ash trees infested with EAB typically die within five years.

For information about Emerald Ash Borer, including identification, symptoms of infestation, life cycle, location of infestations throughout the US, and ash tree identification, visit
nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/emerald-ash-borer
or
extension.missouri.edu/treepests/emeraldashborer.aspx

REFORESTATION
The scope and impacts of the EAB infestation will be immense, and the removal of these trees will have a dramatic visual impact within many of our neighborhoods.  The Residential Street Tree Program is available to assist residents who wish to replant trees that have been removed due to Emerald Ash Borer.  The program policy and participation materials can be found here.

TREATMENT
There are chemical treatments available to temporarily fend off EAB damage to trees.  This treatment typically provides protection from EAB for up to two years, and must be re-applied biennially.  While such treatments may be desirable for private owners of Ash trees, it is not a realistic option (financially or logistically) for City-maintained street trees.  Estimating an application cost of $200 per City-maintained tree would result in an annual expenditure of $650,000 in perpetuity.  Further, there is no guarantee the treatment will be successful, as the stress caused by the treatment will likely kill the tree over time.

INFORMATION FOR HOMEOWNERS
In an effort to assist and support Chesterfield residents who may choose to treat their private Ash trees, the Department of Public Services has created a list of vendors who have met City qualifications and insurance standards, available here.

Additionally, in order to assist and support Chesterfield residents who have a dead or dying Ash tree on private property that requires removal, the Department of Public Services has created a list of available tree removal services who have met City qualifications and insurance standards, available here. 

If you would like to replant trees on private property, a list of available planting services who have met City qualifications and insurance standards is available here.

If you are a professional tree service and are qualified to perform removals, planting, or preventative treatment, and you would like to be on the City’s list of available vendors, please submit proof of insurance, verification that ISA Certified Arborists are on staff for removals, and verification of chemical applicator’s license if you perform preventative treatments.