I live in Oak Park IL, and since 2013 I have been treating a 100″ circumference Ash tree infected with the Emerald Ash Borer. My only regret is that I waited too long to start, since the top of the tree was already dying. Nevertheless, the treatment did stop the progression of the infestation. Last fall I had the tree topped, and this spring all the old limbs as well as new growth shoots had large green leaves which have remained so throughout October. They are only now beginning to yellow which is the normal time of year for this to happen. The tree looks healthy now and over the past two years there have been no signs of additional damage. In contrast, the Ash trees in my neighbors yard (which were not treated) are almost dead. Unfortunately, there is the notion out there that nothing can be done but cut these majestic trees down…that it’s too expensive to treat them. This notion also seems to be accepted by the Town and Villages who take advice from tree cutting companies that have a vested interest taking these trees down, not keeping them alive. If one looks at the overall cost, the estimate to cut down my Ash tree was $2,200. At $50/year for treatment, I can protect the tree for 44 years. So I’m really at a loss to understand why cutting these trees down is the best solution. In fact, treating these trees would seem to be the best solution for two important reasons: 1. it is cost effective; and 2. it actually results in stopping the spread of the local and national infestation. This is because treatment also kills the next generation of Emerald Ash Borers who have laid their eggs in the treated tree. So treating one tree also helps protect neighboring trees. In short, my advice would be if you have a large Ash tree and you want to keep it, begin treatment before it shows signs of infestation. That way you will preserve the tree’s appearance, keep it healthy and don’t have to come up with a big chunk of money several years down the line.UPDATE: It has been a year since I posted the above review and my Ash tree continues to remain healthy with a full canopy of deep green leaves and strong new growth. Only now are the leaves beginning to change to fall colors. The neighbors two Ash trees (which weren’t treated) were cut down last spring which should decrease the EAB assault on my Ash. Remarkably, it is possible that I have the last Ash tree in Oak Park IL which is a sad situation. I will continue to treat this tree and report it’s progress. [...]
