July 16, 2015
1504
Saugeen Conservation, through the Grey Bruce Forestry Service (a co-operative venture between Saugeen Conservation and Grey Sauble Conservation), is providing inoculation services once again this year to protect highly-valued ash trees against the Emerald Ash Borer.
The Emerald Ash Borer, first made its appearance in the United States and Canada in the 1990s and, to date, has killed between 50 million to 100 million ash trees. The insect was recently found in the Town of Kincardine, and for this watershed, it has now been found in most all locations along the shoreline. It targets all species of ash trees.
“What happens is that the larvae bore under the bark of ash trees and gradually feed their way around the trunk eventually girdling the tree and killing it” says Jim Penner, manager of forestry with Saugeen Conservation. “It’s very destructive, resulting in the death of even large trees within a few years."
The inoculation treatment provides protection of ash trees for up to two years, upon which time application should be repeated, depending on conditions. Donna Lacey, forest technician with Saugeen Conservation, says “the process can take a few minutes or a few hours, depending on weather conditions, wind speed, etc., and costs between $200-$600."
The procedure involves a product called TreeAzin, which degrades naturally within the tree tissues and does not pose health risks to either people or wildlife.
“We have a very narrow window for the treatment of this insect”, says Lacey. “Landowners who may be interested in saving their prized ash trees, should call as soon as possible as the treatment cannot be applied after the end of August."
For more information, contact Lacey at Saugeen Conservation, 519-367-3040, Ext. 231; or Anne Lennox-Brindle at Grey Sauble Conservation, 519-376-3076.
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