Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect pest that kills ash trees. EAB was first found in Ohio in 2003. Since then, this insect has spread throughout Ohio and has killed millions of ash trees nationwide. EAB continues to be a threat in Ohio today, although populations of the pest are much lower than at the height of its initial invasion. As long as there is a food source, the ash trees, this pest will still be a threat.
For more information about this pest check out these sources:
The City of Dublin has been selectively treating ash street trees since 2008 and has successfully saved more than 1700. A proud example of this achievement can be found along Earlington Parkway as shown in the picture below.
This spring of 2022, during full leaf expansion to the end of June, we will be treating the street trees with a chemical insecticide injected into the lower trunk of the tree. Areas that will receive this treatment include: Amberleigh Way, Ballantrae Loop and Place, Ballybridge Lane, Barronsmore Way, Brand Road, Bristol Parkway, Erin Isles Court, Gillingham Drive, Golden Place, Inistork Court and Drive, Kendall Ridge, Kilbrittan Lane, Parker Hill, Wendy Trail, the Dublin Community Rec Center, the Justice Center, and the Avery Park fence line. For questions about the treatment please contact the City Forester at 614.410.4701.
(Photo credit: Cathy DeRosa)
Ash Trees on Commercial Properties
Because of their tolerance of urban conditions, ash trees were planted on commercial properties to satisfy specific code requirements. Existing ash trees were also preserved in many areas around the development of commercial properties.
Many of the Ash trees that became infested with Emerald Ash Borer were removed.
Dead and dying trees pose a threat to patrons and property and should be removed as soon as possible.
Dublin City Code requires the replacement of dead and dying trees on commercial properties. However, trees do not need to be replaced until the next growing season regardless of when the tree is removed. Arrangements can be made to spread out replacements over several planting seasons if necessary. Some trees may not need to be replaced depending on its location on the property.
If you have ash trees on your property, contact Brian Martin, Zoning Inspector, at 614.410.4660 or bmartin@dublin.oh.us.
What can residents do?
Residents are able to contact and utilize tree care companies that are qualified to perform recommended treatments on ash trees on their own property. The City recommends that the residents utilize International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborists and Ohio Department of Agriculture Licensed Pesticide Applicators to provide treatments.
The decision to treat, remove or retain ash trees on private property belongs to the property owner. When evaluating replacement options, remember to consider the appropriateness of specific species in terms of size, location, access to utilities, and other factors.
Questions?
Contact the City of Dublin Forestry team in the Division of Parks at 614.410.4701.
