Laserfiche WebLink
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive insect from Asia <br />that decimates ash trees, was confirmed in Ramsey in <br />December 2019. Only a couple of suspected EAB-infested <br />ash trees were identified two years after the initial discovery <br />(2020-2021). But, beginning in 2022 until now (and <br />presumably into the future), it has been very different, as <br />there is evidence of EAB-infested trees all over the City. <br />A couple of signs can indicate the potential of EAB in ash <br />trees. During the summer, if your ash tree has a thinning <br />canopy and/or epicormic sprouts (new branches off of the <br />trunk), these are potential indicators of EAB. Maybe the <br />best indicator of the possible presence of EAB is excessive <br />woodpecker activity. This is most easily observed when leaves <br />are off the tree. The woodpecker activity is so aggressive that <br />the outer bark sloughs off, exposing the lighter colored inner <br />bark (often referred to as ‘blonding’ or ‘flecking’). <br />These signs can also be caused by native ash borers, <br />construction damage, soil compaction, etc.; these alone do <br />not definitively mean an ash tree is infested with EAB. But, <br />if you see D-shaped exit holes, created when the adult EAB <br />leaves an ash tree, or see S-shaped galleries (tunnels) under <br />the bark (a result of the EAB larvae feeding underneath the <br />bark), then your ash tree has EAB. <br />The City has identified several hundred ash trees in <br />public spaces infested with EAB. These trees have been <br />marked with paint and ribbon and either have been or will <br />be removed, if at all possible before May. Unfortunately, <br />it is anticipated that many more ash trees will be lost to <br />EAB in the coming years. <br />Private property owners are strongly encouraged to <br />inspect their ash trees to assess whether there are any <br />potential indicators of EAB. If you have an ash tree(s) that <br />you want to protect, you need to initiate treatments this <br />spring/early summer (most available therapies must be <br />applied either annually or every other year). An EAB- <br />infested tree should be removed after September but before <br />May, when the adult insects are inactive. The EAB-infested <br />ash wood can be brought to Anoka County’s Bunker Hills <br />Compost Site, where it will be quickly processed. <br />Emerald Ash Borer <br />in the City of Ramsey <br />If you have questions or concerns about your trees, <br />please contact Senior Planner Chris Anderson at <br />763-433-9817 or canderson@cityoframsey.com. <br />What to look for if you suspect your ash <br />tree(s) have Emerald Ash Borer <br />D-shaped exit holes <br />Blonding of tree limbs <br />Adult ash borerLarva under the bark <br />S-shaped galleries under <br />the bark