EAB discovery in Clinton begs question for other areas

The confirmation last week of an infestation of emerald ash borer, or EAB, in Clinton begs the question of when the ash-killing pest will be found in Moline and the Iowa Quad-Cities.

With the discovery of EAB in Rock Island in late 2013, most people who work with trees assume the pest is already in those other locations,just undetected.

So if you're a homeowner with ash trees, should you treat them? That is a personal decision, but foresters say the only ash trees that will survive once EAB hits an area in full force are those that are treated, something that must be done for the life of the tree.

Some people would rather remove a tree and plant a replacement.

Ash trees within 15 miles of a confirmed EAB site are at risk ofattack, and preventativetreatments are suggested withinthis zone, if an owner so chooses. At present, that includes the entire metro Quad-Cities, plus Muscatine and Clinton.

The next window for preventive treatment measures (trunk injection, soil injection, soil drench or basal trunk sprays) will be from mid-April to mid-May.

Usethe next few weeks to have landscape and tree service companies bid on work so you can review thembefore the recommended treatment time.

The city of Davenport has set up a process for homeowners to treat city trees in the boulevard, the area between the sidewalk and the street. For more information on this, go to cityofdavenportiowa.com. Click on "departments," "public works" and "trees."

Here is more information about treatment from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, as well as some common questions and answers:

Ash trees can be protected with insecticide applied by a commercial pesticide applicator or the homeowner. Trees must be healthy, vigorously growing and valuable to your landscape.

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EAB discovery in Clinton begs question for other areas