Strongsville Trying to Save Ash Trees from Deadly Pest

The city has cut down hundreds of ash trees infested with the Emerald Ash Borer in the last few years, but officials are optimistic some will be saved in the future.

Jennifer Milbrandt, Strongsville's coordinator of natural resources, said Davey Tree is doing a research project on three of the city's streets that seeks to protect young ash trees from the deadly beetle.

The company is applying types of pesticides to ash trees on Waterford, Kylemore and Echo to test whether the various rates of applications will keep ash borers from moving in.

"So far, most of the trees on Waterford are still looking good," Milbrandt said.

The insecticides are being administered through trunk sprays, injections and soil drenches. The treatment must be repeated ever two years.

Davey is performing the work here free of charge.

Beware the Borer

It's among a number of efforts to thwart the ash borer, the tiny beetle that has wreaked havoc on ash trees throughout the state. 

It kills trees because the adults lay their eggs in bark crevices, and when the larvae hatch, they tunnel under the bark, feeding until they emerge as adults in May. 

The tunneling obstructs the vascular system of the tree – so food and water are limited. The tree declines gradually eventually dies.

Earlier this year, Strongsville cut down ashes on tree lawns on North Inlet, Crystal Creek and part of Lexington Lane. Hundreds of trees on other streets have been felled in past years.

It's only a drop in the bucket, though. Milbrandt said she has a list of 645 other ash trees that are infected.

Once an ash is infected, it has been the city's policy — and the policy of most other communities — to cut down the tree. Milbrandt said you have to weigh the cost of treating the tree with the likelihood of saving it.

"It's always a tough call," she said.

Replacing the Ash

If the city cuts down a tree in the right of way, it doesn't cost the homeowner any money. 

But replacing the tree with a new one does.

The city typically charges the resident $100 to plant a new variety on the tree lawn.

Milbrant said, though, that she is applying for a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources that would cover the residents' cost of replacing the tree. 

She will find out later this year if Strongsville is awarded a grant.