Emerald Ash Borer in Colorado

1. Emerald Ash Borerin Colorado Presented to the Highlands Ranch Metro District Board of Directors March 19, 2014

2. EAB Quick Facts: • Invasive wood-boring insect • Native to Asia/China • Found in 22 states and 2 Canadian provinces since 2002 • Responsible for death of over 300 million U.S. ash trees • EAB was detected in Boulder, CO in 2013

3. How does EAB kill ash trees? The larval stage of the insect tunnels through the vascular system of the tree, cutting off the water and nutrient supply to the tree

4. Symptoms • May not be evident for 2-3 yearsEarly detection is very difficult • Initially attacks along upper trunk and branches - canopy dies back • Succeeding attacks found on main trunk and root flares (much later) • Trees may lose up to 50% of canopy in first few years, die within 5-7 years

5. Management • Remove less desirable Ash trees and replace with more diverse species • Treat selective Ash trees with trunk injection, trunk spray or soil applications • If left untreated, all Ash trees will succumb to EAB

6. HRMD Ash Information • Currently 1,861 Ash trees in our inventory (14%) • Average size – 9” diameter • Average value $1,421 • Estimated Ash population value: $2.6 million • Private/commercial property Ash population is unknown

7. Budget Impact • Increased budget for chemicals, contracted services and temporary staff • Staff labor re-directed toward EAB detection, treatment and tree removal

8. Summary • Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) detected in Colorado • EAB is an invasive pest that will kill all Ash trees if untreated • Treatment and budget plans need to be addressed prior to infestation of EAB • Educating homeowners, HOA’s, HRCA and Shea Homes is important

9. Questions & Comments