Whereas, the Charter Township of Bloomfield’s trees, woodlots, landscapes, greenbelts, natural areas and right of ways, represent a valuable and precious asset, necessary to preserve: and
Whereas, various ash (Fraxinus) species and varieties comprise a significant component of this natural and rural forest environment, in some locations as much as 50% of the dominant tree species; and
Whereas, the Charter Township of Bloomfield is concerned that a deadly decline caused by the insect commonly known as the Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis, is a threat to the Township’s Ash Population. Improper practices may contribute to increased insect activity and trees losses, resulting in greater economic losses across established boundaries whether they be from residential, commercial, right of way or public lands. It is therefore both advisable and prudent to attempt to prevent and control the Emerald Ash Borer.
Tree Care Practices: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Preventive & Curative Management
Because the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is established in Bloomfield Township, all ash trees that are to be saved from EAB decline should be managed in one of the following ways, regardless of location (parks, residences, commercial situations, right of ways, etc.).
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For preventative treatments ash trees which exhibit no decline symptoms from EAB infestation and which are to be saved from EAB infestations should receive at least one of the recommended insecticide treatments as outlined on the web site, on a yearly schedule. Treatment information also available at Township offices.
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For curative treatments, ash trees that exhibit no more than 10-20% EAB decline symptoms and which are to be saved should receive similar treatments as described above (i) on a yearly schedule.
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Ash trees that are to be saved by insecticide management procedures should also receive supplemental water during drought periods and other possible procedures such as fertilization or other procedures that may help improve the vigor of ash trees in Bloomfield Township.
More information of the EAB and symptoms associated with decline on ash is available at the web site. Because new information on management is being researched, it is advisable to visit this web site for updates.
Tree Care Practices: Emerald Ash Borer Management by Eradication
- Ash trees that exhibit more than 20% EAB decline symptoms or more should be removed before April 15 each year.
- To prevent buildup of EAB populations which may then affect healthy ash as well as those ash proposed for preventative or curative treatments, it is strongly advised to remove ash trees not receiving maintenance procedures described under Tree Care Practices: Emerald Ash Borer Preventative and Curative Management.
- Wood from removed EAB infested trees will be chipped to one inch or less in size.
- Wood saved for firewood shall be sealed with a (brown or green) plastic tarp from May 1 1through August 30.
- In compliance with Michigan Department of Agriculture’s quarantine of the EAB, it is illegal to move ash trees, branches, lumber, firewood and other materials from within the core EAB infested zone that includes Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne and Genesee, Ingham, Jackson, Lapeer, Lenawee, Shiawassee and St. Clair counties to anywhere else in the quarantined areas.
- No Ash trees shall be planted in Bloomfield Township unless the Township authorizes certain varieties.
- No EAB infested wood or associated products shall be brought into Bloomfield Township.
- Stumps left by removal of ash trees shall be chipped, removed or buried.
- Responsibility for ash trees in this Article will reside with the property owner(s). In right-of-way situations, responsibility will reside with the Road Commission of Oakland County. In utility easement locations, it shall be the responsibility of the utility company to implement the above-described procedures.
Copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to appropriate State and County representatives, utility companies, tree services companies, as well as Township property owners.
WILMA S. COTTON
TOWNSHIP CLERK
March 24, 2003