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The first thing you need to do when considering treating for Emerald Ash Borer is ensure
that you indeed have an ash tree. Wisconsin is home to four species of ash trees - green,
white, black and blue. Most ash trees in yards or on streets are either green or white ash.
You can identify true ash trees by the opposite branching pattern and compound leaves typically
with 5 to 9 leaflets as shown in the diagrams to the right. If you happen to have a Mountain
Ash planted in your yard, you'll be relieved to know that Mountain ash is not a true ash
tree and is not attacked by Emerald Ash Borer. The second step in the process of treating
for Emerald Ash Borer is to measure the circumference of the tree so that you can determine the
amount of product that you need as well as the amount of water that is required. The
next step is to remove the mulch or the bark that is surrounding the base of the tree to
a distance of about 18 to 24 inches so that you create basically an inverted volcano so
that when you apply the material it will stay within the area and it will move or infiltrate
down into the soil and be absorbed by the roots. The next step in the process for treating
Emerald Ash Borer is to select a product. For demonstration purposes only, we have selected
the Bayer Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed which contains two chemicals as well as a
fertilizer. The Bayer advanced label requires one gallon of water for trees 50 inches in
circumference or smaller. And consequently, because our tree is 22 inches in circumference
we will be using one gallon of water to apply our Bayer advanced product which we will measure
out in just one moment. Before we measure out our Bayer advanced product here are a
few quick notes about pesticide safety. Before using any pesticide, read all of the directions
on that product's label, make sure to follow these directions precisely. This includes
wearing adequate personal protective equipment such as gloves and keeping children and pets
away from the treated area. Many products available today for homeowners come with some
type of measuring device, keep in mind that any measuring device, bucket, watering can,
or other container that comes into contact with the pesticide should not be reused for
other purposes around the house. And now we will measure out the appropriate amount of
Bayer advanced product that is applied to the ash tree that we will be treating. Because
the circumference of the tree was 22 inches and the label requires 1 fluid once of product
per inch circumference, we have poured 22 ounces of the Bayer advanced product into
the one gallon of water that we measured out previously. The next step in the process for
treating Emerald Ash Borer is to physically apply the solution of the Bayer advanced product
and the water around the tree in a circular manner in the area where we have pulled the
mulch back. The final step in the process for treating for Emerald Ash Borer, once the
material has had the opportunity to infiltrate into the soil is to replace the mulch back
over the area where you removed it around the base of the tree. When it comes to timing,
spring is the ideal time to treat your trees for Emerald Ash Borer. However, research has
shown that fall applications are also effective. Treating your trees may be most appropriate
if you live in a country currently quarantined for Emerald Ash Borer or if you live within
15 to 20 miles of a known infestation. Insecticide treatments are most effective when applied
to healthy trees. Applications to stressed or injured trees may not be effective. Protecting
your trees early, yields the best results. Lastly, remember that every tree and situation
is unique. Your county extension agents are excellent sources of information for maintaining
the health of your yard trees.