Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive insect from Asia that attacks and kills ash trees, was recently confirmed in Fridley. The larvae of EAB tunnel under tree bark, which interrupts the flow of water and food throughout the tree. Once symptoms are present, the ash tree typically dies within one to three years if not properly treated. Symptoms of EAB include:
- Thinning foliage
- Increased woodpecker activity
- Vertical bark cracks
- D- Shaped holes underneath the bark
Ash Trees in Your Yard
If you have an ash tree in your yard, act now. Once an ash tree starts to die, it can quickly become a safety concern. You can decide to remove the tree and replace it with a different species or plan to chemically treat the ash to prevent infection. Ash trees must be treated every 1-3 years. The City of Fridley has partnered with Rainbow Treecare to offer bulk rate pricing on treatment of ash trees. Visit their website to learn more.
Or call a Fridley-licensed tree company Some chemicals used to treat EAB can be harmful to beneficial insects such as pollinators if applied improperly. Systemic injections are the most effective form of treatment and are the least likely to adversely impact pollinators. Avoid using treatments that are applied as soil drenches, which can leach into water or drift to pollinator habitat.
City of Fridley Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Plan
Many ash trees were planted in Fridley following the 1965 tornado and the loss of elm trees to dutch elm disease. Based on a survey of the City's street and park trees, over 30% of Fridley's urban tree canopy is comprised of ash. Losing these ash trees all at once would be devastating to the City's urban forest and removing such a large quantity of trees simultaneously would be prohibitively expensive.
The City is currently managing ash trees on public lands and right-of-ways under the City of Fridley EAB Mitigation Plan. This plan was developed to prevent the spread of EAB, save high value ash trees, diversify the City's urban forest, and reduce the costs of tree removal. The full plan can be viewed here.
Report a Concern
If you think that your tree is already infected, contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at Arrest.the.Pest@state.mn.us or 888-545-6684.
Have you seen an ash tree in a City park or right-of-way that might be infected? Report a Tree Concern
- Has the emerald ash borer (EAB) officially been found in Fridley?
- What symptoms should I be looking for?
- I want to remove my ash tree, what should I do?
- When is the best time to remove ash and dispose of ash tree material?
- Where can I dispose of ash tree material?
- I like my ash tree and am considering treating it. What are my options?