EAB Positively Identified in Polk County
On Friday, May 8, the Iowa Department of Agriculture reported that emerald ash borer (EAB) has been positively identified in Polk County. This moves the count up to 22 of Iowa’s 99 counties with a confirmed EAB infestation. With EAB already surrounding Polk’s closest counties, we knew the discovery of EAB in our own backyard was inevitable. The most recent discovery of the pest in Iowa was Dallas County on April 15.
Wright Outdoor Solutions Account Manager and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist Ryan Burlingame identified the borer in a residential tree last week. Unfortunately for ash trees, this discovery is not isolated – another nearby tree was discovered and found to have suffered the same fate.
As the buzz about EAB continues, it is important to know you have several options for your ash tree. Removing an ash tree is an option but not the only option. We have outlined the steps to take here.
If you find yourself still asking questions, we’ve compiled a list of what customers ask us the most about this pest. Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions about EAB.
Please keep in mind: there’s no need to panic – our ISA Certified Arborists are trained and ready to help you make the best decision for your property. We offer complete tree care, and it includes insect and disease control for other pesky buggers like EAB.
One lesson we can learn from the infestation of EAB in central Iowa is the importance of planting diversity. No one can predict the next insect or disease that will harm the trees that color our Iowa landscapes. Therefore, it’s important to plant a variety of trees (and other plants) to avoid significant tree loss. Keep in mind when planting a red oak and a bur oak, they are both oak trees, and tree diversification will help prevent the loss of trees in the future. If you are ready to plant, learn tips and tricks for how to plant a tree.
Call us at 515.987.0800 or request a quote online when you are ready to take the next steps.
Are you new to us? Learn more about EAB:
