May 11, 2011: Ash Street Tree Treatments Start Today

Today we begin treating 74 of our Ash street trees to protect them from the Emerald Ash Borer infestation. This follows an survey of the health of all of our Ash street trees. The 56 City-treated trees weren't included in the survey because they are being attended.As the treatment is a proactive rather than reactive one, only healthy or lightly stressed trees will benefit from the treatment. We found 74 candidates for the treatment, called Xytect.The treatment is simple ... the appropriate amount of Xytext (based on the diameter of the tree trunk) is mixed with a gallon of water and poured around the base of the tree. Then 10 gallons of just plain water is poured around the base of the tree to help the Xytect on its way.Thanks to all Southwood Park residents who are supporting the Board's efforts to preserve our tree canopy. Protecting 74 Ash street trees from the Emerald Ash Borer infestation is a major accomplishment. Unfortunately, there is a downside: all the rest of the Ash street trees we surveyed that are beyond help. We will keep 74 trees but we will also lose that many or more.