Ahlum Arbor, columbus ohio

Tips & FAQs

What is Happening with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)?

Several new infestation sites were discovered in October and additional counties placed under quarantine. ODA surveyors have begun examining the 10,000 detection trees across the state; more infestations are likely to be found. Quarintined areas in central Ohio include Delaware County and the area of Franklin County bounded by I-71, I-70, Licking County line and Delaware County line. Contiguous counties from heavily infested northwest Ohio to Franklin County are now under quarantine. Since there is no restriction on transport of firewood and wood products within the quarantine area, the potential for additional infestation in central Ohio has increased.

How is EAB spreading?

The pattern of infestation sites outside northwest Ohio strongly suggests EAB has been spread primarily by people transporting nursery stock and firewood. Transporting firewood from a quarantined area into a non-quarantined area is illegal and can result in a severe fine. Campers and travelers should use only locally obtained firewood to reduce the spread of EAB, gypsy moth, and other pests.

What should I do about my ash trees?

Since the threat of EAB in central Ohio is increasing and the state, due to lack of funding, has ceased eradication efforts, we are recommending homeowners consider the following:

Remove weak or damaged ash trees as soon as possible.
Treat ash trees important to the landscape to prevent infestation. Note that treatment would need to be done annually and no treatment is 100% effective. Larger trees treated by soil injection or soil drench may not develop a protective level of insecticide until the second year of treatment.

Once attacked by EAB, can my ash tree be saved?

Unfortunately, recent studies indicate that trees infested by EAB can not be rescued by treatment, and will continue to decline.

Should my trees and shrubs be fertilized?

Trees and shrubs benefit from having soil nutrients replenished by fertilization and mulching.

In maintaining our landscapes, we tend to remove the materials - leaves, dead twigs, fruits, etc. - that would be recycled by nature into plant nutrients. Post World War II construction techniques strip away the topsoil and compact the nutrient and oxygen poor subsoil into which landscape trees are planted.

How often?

Well established trees and shrubs should be fertilized every 2 years with a fertilizer containing slow release nitrogen. Plants in a high stress situation or still getting established may need annual fertilization.

Should newly planted trees be staked and wrapped?

In general, no.
Unless in a very windy site, properly planted deciduous trees and small evergreens should not need to be staked. Large dense evergreens may need staking, but for one year only.
Trunk wraps have not been shown to provide significant benefit.
Loose fitting sleeves of plastic of wire mesh can help protect tree trunks from deer and rodent damage.

Do I need to water my trees and shrubs before winter?

Plants - especially evergreens - need adequate soil moisture to help them survive winter conditions. Although plentiful rain in October has reduced the need for watering this fall, special attention should be given to trees and large shrubs planted less then 2 years and to plants in dry areas such as under eaves and dense tree canopies.

Why is proper mulching important?

Organic mulch:

Mediates soil temperature and moisture
Increases beneficial soil microbiotics and invertebrate activity (good bugs and worms)
Releases nutrients into the soil and humic acids that improve soil structure
Reduces competition from turf grass and physical abuse by mowers and string trimmers.

What is proper mulching?

A 2 to 3 inch deep layer of organic mulch, compost, shredded bark, or bark/wood mix, bark nuggets, etc.
Should be loosened in the spring and replenished to maintain proper thickness;
Mulch should not be in contact with trunk bark, stems, or root flare;
Mulch rings around trees in turf areas should be as wide as feasible. A suggested guideline is 1 foot of radius per inch of trunk diameter;
No volcano mulching! (Mulch piled up against the tree trunk)