23 Feb Emerald Ash Borer Detected in Two Areas of North Dakota
This January, the City of Fargo forestry staff confirmed EAB in Fargo; it is now found in two areas of the state.
Emerald ash borer is a wood-boring insect originally from Asia. It can now be found in 37 states. Emerald ash borer can travel as fast as a load of firewood in a pickup truck or camper. It kills ash trees within 3-5 years after infection.
North Dakota has more than 90 million ash trees in native and rural areas. Ash trees make up 38% of Minot’s urban forest, including parks, boulevards, and city trees. If you include trees in private and native areas it’s over 50%. Trees can be treated, but treatment is not recommended until EAB is found within 15 miles. Treatment is not recommended in Minot currently. Things you can do now include: removing ash trees in poor condition and/or planting a replacement tree of a different species.
Our goal is to take a proactive approach to save trees, reduce future costs, and keep our community green. Our forestry team, in preparation for the arrival of EAB in Minot, will assess ash trees throughout our parks and the City of Minot. If a tree on your boulevard is in deteriorating condition, you will be notified, and our team will work with you to develop a solution. If removal of the tree is necessary for the health of the surrounding urban forest, homeowners can have the tree replaced through the boulevard tree-planting program or plant trees themselves. The Minot Park District will replace Emerald Ash Borer Trees at no cost to homeowners while supplies last. A planting permit is required if you plant yourself. An arborist will visit the site and determine the location and acceptable species for the boulevard.
For more information, you can call the Minot Forestry Department at 701-857-4178 or visit the ND Department of Agriculture website. https://www.ndda.nd.gov/eab