Community Corner
What You Need to Know About Emerald Ash Borer Insects in Moorestown Trees
Emerald Ash Borer insect is in Moorestown and will kill all ash trees. How to identify and treat your trees.
Moorestown, NJ -- Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a non-native insect pest that infests and kills all species of ash trees.
EAB was first discovered in 2002 and has since been found in 25 states and killed tens of millions of ash trees. EAB has reached us in Moorestown. It is estimated in the next 5-8 years, all ash trees in Moorestown may be dead.
While removing a dead tree in November 2015, a municipal employee discovered the infestation and confirmed it was EAB. According to the Township-wide tree inventory, there are about 300 township-owned ash trees along the streets and in parks (about 4% of our tree population). It is unknown how many ash trees are on private property.
Find out what's happening in Moorestownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The township is closely monitoring its ash trees to determine when and if the trees need to be removed or treated. Township sites where trees are removed will be considered for replanting during the next planting cycle.
The Tree Committee has assembled some information for homeowners which are available on the Township website under the Tree Preservation and Planting page: http://www.moorestown.nj.us/185/Tree-Planting-Preservation-Committee.
Find out what's happening in Moorestownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The “Ash Tree Identification” document will help to determine if you have any ash trees. If you do have any ash trees you can use the “NABB Decision Guide” to help you decide what action to take.
If you decide you want to treat your ash trees, “Insecticide Options for EAB” is a good report on Insecticide Options for Protecting Trees from EAB. There is a table of various insecticide options on page 9 of the report.
Any treatments should occur between April 1 – May 15. We are providing this information now so residents have time to identify and possibly treat their ash trees.
Homeowners are cautioned to beware of unsolicited tree companies wanting to remove your trees, and to use only licensed tree professionals when dealing with protection or removal of ash trees.
To learn more about EAB in NJ you can visit www.emeraldashborer.nj.gov/.
If you have any questions or need help in determining if you have ash trees on your property, you can contact the Tree Committee at moorestowntrees@gmail.com.
