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Photo of the Friendly Neighborhood City Forester and superhero, The Smart Ash, Discussing Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Option, Removal and Replacement of Ash Trees

Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Option: Remove & Replace Your Ash Tree

Smart Ash’s Note: If it’s detailed information about emerald ash borer trunk injection treatments you want, you’ve come to the right place. If you want higher-level, more actionable information about your options as an ash tree owner, visit our emerald ash borer treatment page.

The EAB has decimated ash tree populations and caused millions of dollars in damage in more than 30 states and parts of Canada, making it the most destructive forest pest in U.S. history. Though EAB is yet to be found in Denver, it has been found in Boulder County, and it’s just a matter of time before it arrives and poses an immediate threat to the Metro area’s 1.45 million ash trees.

While treating your ash tree is an option, it may not be cost-effective, especially for smaller trees. And even with larger trees, it may take up to three years for your tree to shows signs of an EAB infestation. And by then, it’s likely too late to save it by adding, increasing or adjusting your treatment strategy.

Step one is removal, and step two is replacement. While it sounds easy enough, hiring a tree professional will make this process significantly easier. When searching for a tree professional, this list of Certified Smart Ashes approved by the Denver City Forester is a great place to start.

Once you remove your tree, we would recommend replacing it with one of these of street trees sanctioned by the Denver City Forester as being well-suited for Denver’s climate and conditions. These particular trees also will help diversify the city’s tree canopy in a way that can protect it from forest pests in the future.

This treatment method is the only one that is 100 percent effective at combating EAB.

Though it’s possible for homeowners to remove small trees, hiring a certified tree professional is always recommended for this dangerous process. Hiring a professional and acquiring a city permit may even be required for the removal of larger trees. Again, you can find one close to you using this list of Certified Smart Ashes approved by the Denver City Forester.

This information was adapted from a multi-state study on emerald ash borer insecticides performed by Colorado State, Ohio State, Michigan State and Purdue universities. So which EAB treatment method is the best for ash trees in Metro Denver, an area that includes 1.45 million ash trees? Unfortunately, there isn’t one right answer.

The best treatment for your Denver ash depends on a variety of factors, and is ultimately dependent on property owner preference. While some experts might not recommend treating your ash tree before EAB is found in Denver, it is worth noting that it may take three years for your tree to show obvious signs of infestation. And by then, it may be too late to save. Before making any decisions, you should consult multiple sources. This list of Certified Smart Ashes licensed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to apply pesticides is a great place to start.