This article is in response to the Emerald Ash Borer post on August 28

I attended the Chenoa Emerald Ash Borer Field Day on September 4, 2008. Experts on EAB from various State of Illinois Agencies provided the most up to date information available. Here are a couple of important points I wanted to add:
 

1. Contrary to advertisements by some tree services, Ash infected with EAB can be saved. To say, "Once an Ash tree is infested with EAB it is too late" is false information. EAB can be controlled in an ash that has been attacked by EAB, even up to 30% of the tree.
2. They reiterated that EAB moves only about 1/2 mile per year on its own. Therefore, the University of Illinois strongly believes that once the borer is found within 15 miles of your ash, you have a real good cushion of 7 years or more to get the tree treated.
3. Treatments against EAB must be done forever, like over a million years. So you will want to weigh the costs of treatment. Many municipalities are opting to remove ash in public areas rather than treat them, due to the cost.
4. Only Ash in the genus Fraxinus are susceptible. Mountainash, which is in the genus Sorbus, is resistant.
5. Damage most likely starts in the top of the tree. Early, D-shaped exit holes will not be noticeable from the ground. Other ash problems can also cause the top of the tree to thin out.
6. The Illinois Department of Agriculture recommends you contact a local expert to identify an insect that you suspect may be Emerald Ash Borer before calling them. You are welcome to bring your sample to Hoerr Nursery for ID.
7. The big purple traps are still hanging around, so it will be awhile before we hear the results for our area.
8. Most EAB have a one year life cycle. For larvae that hatched late, they will have a 2-year life cycle.

For more information about the Emerald Ash Borer, visit: www.IllinoisEAB.com

-Dave