Emerald Ash Borer

In order to help residents deal with this invasive pest, the Township passed an "Emerald Ash Borer Resolution" in 2003. To review the resolution, click here.

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), the adult beetles are present from mid-May until late July. Larvae, which are a creamy white color, can be found under bark. The larvae feed on the inner bark of white, black & green ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Please download this MDA poster for more information on the life cycle of the EAB.

The distinctive leaves and bark of the ash tree (Fraxinus spp.) can help to identify it from other tree species. Ash trees have five, seven, or nine leaflets per leaf stem. The leaves are located directly across (or opposite) from each other. The bark is light gray and is rough and scaly on older trees. For more information on ash tree identification, please click here for a helpful identification fact sheet.

Evidence of Infestation

Spread of EAB

The EAB presence had gone undetected until 2002 when excessive ash tree deterioration and death were first documented in Michigan. Although it is believed that the EAB entered the U.S. in wood packaging materials from Asia, it’s speculated that the beetles may have been active in the Detroit area for five years or more prior to 2002.

To date, the exotic pest has decimated ash trees in parts of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Windsor, Ontario. In Michigan alone, 15 million trees in 21 counties are estimated to be infested or dead.  Various state and federal agencies are actively working to contain and halt the spread of the EAB in our state.

Quarantine and Ban on Movement of Firewood in Michigan

Although the EAB can fly up to a half mile from where it emerges, the movement of hardwood firewood has proven to be the source of many "outlier" infestations throughout Michigan. Not only does the introduction of EAB infested materials severely impact the beauty of affected landscapes, more stringent fines and penalties make hardwood firewood movement a costly mistake. Help protect Michigan’s natural resources by following these firewood recommendations, BUY IT, BURN IT, LEAVE IT!  Buy firewood when you reach your destination, burn firewood on site, and leave unused firewood behind.

EAB quarantine counties in Michigan include: Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne.

Township Assessment of State Municipal Ash Tree Removal Contract

In fall 2004, Governor Jennifer Granholm called upon various state agencies to identify possible tree removal alternatives to address the Emerald Ash Borer problem in Michigan.  The program the state subsequently developed offers municipal governments a reduced-rate contract for ash tree removal and a list of approved vendors who have agreed to a standardized price for ash tree removal.  After carefully reviewing the state’s plan, we were disappointed to find that participation in it would be neither cost effective nor efficient for our residents or for the Township.  Many of our neighboring communities agree with this assessment and have also chosen not to participate in the program.

The state is offering no funding to support the program; therefore the brunt of the cost falls on the shoulders of the Township and on you, the residents.  The state negotiated price for tree removal does not include grinding or removing stumps.  The state also recommends that municipalities levy a per tree administrative fee on residents to cover the cost of managing this project.

Efficiency was also a factor in making this decision.  Under the state’s plan, it could take as much as a year to solicit resident participation, conduct a census of infected trees, divide the Township into areas with sufficient numbers of participants, and then recruit one of the approved contractors to accept the project.  We believe individual homeowners can accomplish ash tree removal more economically and efficiently without Township intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whose tree is it?

If a dead tree or any part of a tree is within ten feet of a pole-to-pole power line, you can contact DTE Energy at 800.477.4747 to request a ‘Line Clearance Review’ to determine if anything needs to be done by the utility prior to any private work.

What can I do to protect my ash trees?

We advise you to have commercial applicators treat your ash trees, particularly your large trees. However, homeowners can treat small trees very effectively. Be sure to read the label, follow the directions and wear the necessary personal protective gear. Michigan State University Extension of Oakland County has prepared a monthly guide that outlines actions that may be taken throughout the year involving assessment and treatment.  Another valuable tool, Homeowners Guide to EAB Treatment, describes varies products and lists treatment recommendations.

Are there any guidelines I should follow when hiring an arborist or tree care company?

Before you make the decision to hire an arborist, take this quiz. If you plan to remove your tree, be sure to hire a reliable, insured, and licensed arborist/tree care company.  Before work commences, be sure to obtain:

• Estimates from multiple companies.
• Proof of insurance
• Written estimates of cost
• Written agreement of disposal/site cleanup requirements
• References

How can I landscape to avoid further infestation in the future?

How can I report an infested tree?

Additional Information

Emerald Ash Borer Information
Michigan Department of Agriculture
USDA Forest Service
North Central Research Station of the USDA

Photos courtesy of: www.michigan.gov/mda and www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/eab/